**Warning, many photos of airplanes and our smiling faces ahead!**
Osan Air Base, the military installation where Ethan is stationed as a crew chief on the A-10 Thunderbolt II, hosted a free public event on September 24th and 25th for Americans and Koreans alike. There were many booths and static jets to see, as well as performances by experienced pilots demonstrating the incredible abilities of the joint USAF and ROKAF.
Luckily, Ethan and I were able to enjoy the show together, as he has been off a total of four days since my arrival at the beginning of the month. There’s a lot of work to do in Korea.
We really had fun together photographing each other, watching the shows, and holding hands. The little things really count when you don’t get a lot of time with your other half.
I could not believe how many people were at the show! Ethan said they’d estimated a total of about 70,000 spectators over the weekend. I didn’t believe it when he told me, but after seeing the crowd on Saturday, I believe 70,000 is a likely number.
What was really interesting, as an American and a foreigner here, is how seriously the Koreans take sun exposure, much more so than we do in the states. Under every structure were Korean nationals sitting in the shade, and by every structure, that’s including the static jets and helicopters. It was quite the site and was certainly not something you’d see people doing at an air show in the states. Koreans also use umbrellas often and the air show was no exception, if they didn’t have an umbrella, they wore a hat or people would cover their faces with newspaper or fabric. I’ll admit, the sun was extremely intense and toward the end, I was feeling a little sick from being in it so much. I did walk away with a nice red spot on my chest, so I’m sure I’ll enjoy that in the coming day or two.
Of course, we had to take a photo or two by the F-4, the airframe that Ethan's dad worked on in the Marines. It's cool to see that and imagine him working on it like Ethan does the A-10.
At Osan, there are American and Korean pilots and military members working together. It's so interesting to be right in the middle of a real life military alliance.
The Black Eagles performed at the finale of the show. They were in the air for almost an entire half hour and their aerial acrobatics are astonishing. I could not believe just how fast and extreme some of the maneuvers were.
Thank you, dear husband, for this wonderful portrait of me.
Of course, we couldn't go to the air show without getting photos of our favorite aircraft, the one and only A-10 Thunderbolt II. As we were standing near it, I looked at Ethan, pointed at the A-10 and said "That is the whole reason we're here." And for some reason, I can't help but love that bulky hunk of metal.
During the air show, the A-10 participated in a search and rescue mission demonstration, teaming up with two army helicopters during which they located, identified, and rescued a downed pilot. The A-10s provided cover and overwatch for the pilot, as well as an escort for the helicopters to ensure the enemy on the ground would not have the chance to attack or capture the downed pilot.
The A-10 has many awesome capabilities and CSAR isn't always in that spotlight, so it was cool to see another side of what this airframe can do. Despite the mock environment, there was something so reassuring about watching those two A-10s "Sandy One" and "Sandy Two" circling above us, providing overwatch during the "mission". I can only imagine the comfort that sight brings a soldier on the ground in enemy territory.
Overall, we had a great day and made good memories here in South Korea. I still can't believe we have an address here, not on American soil. It's weird and exciting and a little bit scary, all at the same time. Please continue to pray for us, for direction during our time here, for safety, and for us to find a place to fellowship and build relationships.
I still desire to make the most of our time here, I hope we can do that.
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