Osan Air Base Air Power Days 2025: A Community Celebration of Joint Airpower

A Triumphant Return to the Skies

The 51st Fighter Wing, commanded by Colonel William McKibban and his Mustangs, hosted Osan Air Base’s first air show in six years, Osan Air Base Air Power Days 2025. Under the theme of “Respect the Past and Forge the Future,” the airshow showcased the U.S.-Korean Alliance and demonstrated their readiness to fight. The airshow was held on May 10-11  and highlights included aerial demonstrations by the ROKAF Black Eagles and U.S. F-16, F-35, and A-10 aircraft. A-10 weapons load demonstration teams, musical entertainment, and many static aircraft rounded out the festivities. The rain was a minor inconvenience on Saturday, then the sun came out, and Sunday was a full house!

Precision and Power in the Air at Osan Air Base Air Power Days 2025

The ROK Black Eagles, known as “The Pride of the Korean Air Force,” were the star of the aerial show as well as a performance by a U.S. Pacific Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, both displaying exciting aerial maneuverability. The Black Eagles are Korea’s premier aerial performance team and consist of eight KAI T-50B aircraft. Their precision comes from hundreds of hours of training from December through March, the four months leading up to the air show season, followed by about 50 air show performances annually. The Pacific Air Force’s F-16 demonstration team has an equally rigorous training and airshow schedule, and its mission is to inspire goodwill and promote positive relations between the U.S. and partner nations across the western Pacific. The F-35 and A-10 also put on stellar aerial performances. 

Behind the Scenes: Crews in Action

In between aerial performances, there were many things to see on the ground. The A-10 weapons load demonstration team did not disappoint with four demonstrations. The demonstration illustrated the two distinct processes required to properly get a weapon off the shelf to the wing of the aircraft. Munitions specialists prepared the weapon to be ready to load onto the A-10 aircraft. Their work is very meticulous and critical to ensure the weapon is fully functional. The Aircraft Armament Specialists then delivered and loaded the weapon onto the aircraft. In addition to loading weapons, these specialists in their field are responsible for maintaining all the aircraft’s weapons systems, such as the weapons attachment racks, gun systems, and other related equipment.

Exploring the Machines of Airpower

There were several static display aircraft to see, and some spectators could even go inside, offering a rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of military aviation. From modern fighter jets to transport planes and helicopters, attendees had the rare chance to walk right up to the aircraft, go through the inside of cargo planes and helicopters, and engage with aircrew to gain firsthand insight into what it's like to serve in the aviation field. 

Entertainment Takes the Stage

The entertainment was not to be missed! Saturday’s performances included the Autumn Kings and Chapel Hart thanks to the Armed Forces Entertainment. Sunday’s entertainment included the Korean pop group Clover, and singer Olivia Marsh wrapped up the event with a memorable performance.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the roar of the engines and aerial displays, there was a quieter but equally powerful dynamic unfolding on the ground. It was interesting to see the curious spectators, especially the children, watching not only the pilots but also the ground operators. Observing, I wondered what they were thinking. It is easy to overlook the subtle inspiration a maintainer or members of our security forces might give to a young observer, but they too are a powerful source of inspiration. All the participants in Osan’s Air Power Days may well have planted the seed in the minds of the children attending. The weapons demonstrations, a crew chief preparing the cockpit for flight, or security forces simply standing guard may have been that spark for a child to envision themselves in a similar role. Air shows are more for the community than the military, and everyone participating leaves an impression in one way or another. 

A Look to the Future of Airpower at Osan

Osan Air Base was established in June 1952 and the 51st Fighter Wing is the most forward-deployed permanent wing in the Air Force. The aircraft stationed at Osan Air Base have evolved over the decades to reflect changes in strategy, aging aircraft, and modern technology. This air show may be the A-10’s final farewell since the Air Force’s latest decision to divest all A-10s from Osan not later than the end of September this year. A-10s have been flying the skies over South Korea since 1982, and Osan Air Base is the aircraft’s last overseas location. 

The vacancy will be filled with the rebasing of 31 F-16s and about 1,000 Airmen from Kunsan Air Base arriving over the summer. At this point, the move is temporary and is the second phase of an operational test and evaluation examining the effectiveness and suitability of consolidating aircraft into a “Super Squadron” to see if combat force generation can still be delivered effectively and more efficiently. The first phase of the test was successful enough to lead to this next phase, which will conclude sometime in the summer of 2026.

A Resounding Success and Community Engagement

The 2025 Osan Air Power Days were not just about the display of skilled pilots and technicians, but moreover to forge stronger bonds between the joint forces and the community. The crowds were fascinated by the acrobatics of the Black Eagles and F-16 demonstration, and the precision of the weapons load demonstration. The static displays, bands, food, and tents selling military swag contributed to the lively atmosphere. This event gave the community a chance to gain a deeper understanding, and hopefully, a lasting appreciation for the vital role Osan Air Base plays in defending the 51 million people on the peninsula. The resounding success of this year's show sets a high bar for future Air Power Days, promising even greater opportunities for connection and engagement.