USAF Units and Aircraft of the Korean War

The Korean War (25 Jun 1950 - 27 Jul 1953) was the first shooting war for the newly independent United States Air Force.

It was the first time U.S. jet aircraft entered into battle. Air Force F-86 Sabre jets took control of the skies, as American fighter pilots bested Soviet-built MiG-15 fighters in combat against aircraft, Soviet tactics, and, on some occasions, Soviet pilots. [Zaloga, Steven J. "The Russians in MiG Alley: The nationality of the "honcho" pilots is no longer a mystery. The Soviets now admit their part in the Korean War" "Air Force Magazine, volume 74, issue 2, February 1991". [http://www.afa.org/magazine/1991/0291russian.asp] ] World War II-era prop-driven F-51D Mustangs were pressed into the ground-air support role, and large formations of B-29 Superfortresses flew for the last time on strategic bombardment missions. The Korean War also saw the first large-scale use of rotary-wing helicopters

The USAF suffered 1,841 battle casualties, of which 1,180 were killed in action. It lost 1,466 aircraft to hostile action or other causes.

Overview

Shaped in World War II by an increasing concentration on the strategic role of attacking an enemy's homeland, the Air Force now faced a conflict almost entirely tactical in character and limited as to how and where airpower could be applied. The Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force was the command and control organization for USAF forces engaged in combat. Its units were located in Korea and Japan. Fighter and troop carrier wings from Tactical Air Command and federalized Air National Guard units from the United States deployed to the Far East and reinforced FEAF units engaged in combat. These tactical units conducted interdiction strikes on supply lines, attacked dams that irrigated North Korea's rice crops and flew missions in close support of United Nations ground forces. AT-6 Mosquitoes, trainers used as airborne controllers, provided communication links between ground troops and supporting aircraft.

Although President Truman wasn't willing to risk extensive use of the U.S. bomber force, which was being used as a deterrent for possible Soviet aggression in Europe, a few groups of Strategic Air Command aging B-29 Superfortress bombers that were not part of the nuclear strike force were released for combat over the skies of Korea. Many of these B-29s were war-weary and brought out of five years of storage. These bombers wreaked havoc on North Korean military installations, government centers and transportation networks.

Like the rest of the American military establishment, the Air Force was in no way prepared for battle at the western rim of the Pacific. Yet despite these limitations, the Air Force responded quickly and effectively, proving in many ways the utility of airpower in modern war. With virtually no warning, the Air Force injected itself into the war in the first critical week. It transported troops and equipment from Japan to Korea, evacuated American nationals, provided significant intelligence through aerial reconnaissance, and most importantly helped to slow the North Korean advance so that the United Nations forces could construct a defensive position on the peninsula.

Effects

The Korean War was the last (and only) time large numbers of piston-engine and jet-engine aircraft shared the wartime skies. Also, it was the last US major war without at least some space support.

Korea marked the end of the line for major use of prop-driven combat aircraft of the active-duty USAF and brought the in jet age in real terms. All F-82 Twin Mustangs had been removed from the theater by 1952 and F-51D Mustang strength had been cut in Korea from 190 to 65. First generation straight-winged F-80C Shooting Star and F-84E/G Thunderjet jet aircraft were shown inadequate against the Soviet MiG-15s. However, the swept-wing F-86 Sabre took control of the skies, bringing an entire new generation of swept-wing aircraft into the USAF arsenal in the 1950s.

The exception to the jet revolution was the specialized use of various counterinsurgency aircraft (A-1 Skyraider, A-26A Invader) by the 56th Special Operations Wing which were flown over Laos during the Vietnam War. (The F-51D/H Mustang was used by some ANG units in the Air Defense role, but by 1957 it was out of the inventory).

With the end of fighting in Korea, President Eisenhower, who had taken office in January 1953, called for a "new look" at national defense. The result: a greater reliance on nuclear weapons and air power to deter war. His administration chose to invest in the Air Force, especially Strategic Air Command. The nuclear arms race shifted into high gear. The Air Force retired nearly all of its propeller-driven B-29/B-50s and they were replaced by new Boeing B-47 Stratojet aircraft. By 1955 the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress would be entering the inventory in substantial numbers, as the prop-driven B-36s were phased out of heavy bombardment units rapidly.

Aircraft of the Korean War

Fighters

Types Employed

* North American F-51D Mustang
F-51Ds, though obsolete as fighters, were better suited to the small airstrips of Korea than were the F-80s and F-82s based in Japan. Japan-based F-51Ds were immediately transferred to Korea and pressed into service in an attempt to halt the rapid North Korean advance. They were called on to carry the brunt of air support missions during these difficult early days of the war, since the jet aircraft of the day did not have enough range to permit sufficient loiter time over the target. Although their primary mission was close support, USAF Mustangs did manage to shoot down a few North Korean Yaks when these aircraft made their infrequent appearances. When Mustangs were jumped by Chinese-piloted MiG-15 jet fighters, however, they were faced with an opponent with a far superior performance. When this happened, there was little the Mustangs could do save to try to turn inside the MiGs, hit the deck, and run for home. When the Mustangs were used for ground attack, their performance was less of a concern than their ability to carry a load. A substantial number were fitted with rockets and bombs. The Mustangs were instrumental in halting the North Korean advance, giving United Nations forces enough time to build up sufficient strength to be able to go over onto the offensive. RF-51s were used for reconnaissance [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2214 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (P-51 Mustang)] ] [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p51.html American Military Aircraft (North American P-51D/K Mustang)] ]

* Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star
The Shooting Star was operated extensively in Korea with the F-80C being instrumental in quickly gaining and maintaining air superiority over the Korean battlefield, rapidly clearing the skies of any North Korean aircraft that dared to venture into the air. The first jet versus jet aircraft battle took place on 8 November 1950 in which an F-80 shot down a MiG-15. However, the straight-wing F-80s were inferior in performance to the MiGs and were soon replaced in the air superiority role by the swept-wing F-86 Sabre. When sufficient Sabres were in operation, the Shooting Star was assigned to ground attack missions, primarily for low-level rocket, bomb, and napalm attacks on fixed targets. The Shooting Stars were superseded by later types as the Korean War proceeded. By the time of the armistice agreement of July 27, 1953, the only Shooting Stars still flying combat missions in Korea were RF-80As being used for reconnaissance. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=290 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (F-80C Shooting Star)] ] [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p80_12.html American Military Aircraft (F-80 Shooting Star Service History)] ]

* Lockheed F-94B Starfire
Because it carried a highly secret airborne radar system, the F-94s were at first not permitted to fly deep into enemy territory. Ironically, the F-94 radar was not very effective on night missions against MiGs. However, mounting losses of B-29 bombers following the Chinese and North Korean development of night interception tactics finally led to the lifting of this restriction in January 1953. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=277 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (F-94B Starfire)] ] [ [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/f94_2.html American Military Aircraft (F-94B Service History)] ]

* North American F-82F/G Twin Mustang
Based in Japan, the F-82s were among the first USAF aircraft to operate over Korea. They were the only fighter aircraft available with the range to cover the entire Korean peninsula from bases in Japan. The first three North Korean airplanes destroyed by US forces were shot down by F-82s on June 27, 1950. However, the F-82 played a secondary role in Korea as compared with its distinguished predecessor, the single-engined F-51. The Twin Mustang saw extensive service in Korea initially for counterair and ground attack work, but their importance as night fighters caused them to be used mostly for defense purposes. 1951 was the last full year of F-82 operations in Korea, as a shortage of spare parts limited their operations along with them being replaced by the jet-powered F-94 Starfire. Twin Mustangs destroyed 20 enemy aircraft, four in the air and 16 on the ground during the conflict. By summer 1952, the last surviving Korean War veteran F-82s were withdrawn from combat. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2293 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (F-82 Twin Mustang)] ] [ [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p82_10.html American Military Aircraft (Service Record of the North American P/F-82 Twin Mustang)] ]

* Republic F-84E Thunderjet
The F-84 arrived in Korea in December 1950. Initially assigned to B-29 escort duties, however, the straight-winged F-84E was much too slow to match the swept-wing MiG-15, and MiGs were often able to slip through the escort screen and make successful attacks on B-29s. The F-84s soon gained fame in ground attack operations. F-84s were used to attack enemy airfields and even large targets like irrigation dams. The F-84 gained renown for daily attacks with bombs, rockets, and napalm on enemy railroads, bridges, supply depots, and troop concentrations. Perhaps the two most spectacular Thunderjet operations of the Korean War were the attacks on Toksan Dam about 20 miles north of Pyongyang, and the Chasan Dam, a few miles to the east. The resulting floods extensively damaged rice fields, buildings, bridges, and roads. Most importantly, 2 main rail lines were disabled for several days. While unable to cope with the MiG-15 at high altitude, they were more effective at medium or low altitudes and scored several kills. RF-84s were used for reconnaissance. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2294 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (F-84E Thunderjet)] ] [ [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p84_6.html American Military Aircraft (Republic F-84E Thunderjet)] ]

* North American F-86A/E/F Sabre
The F-86 Sabre survived many initial teething problems to become the premier USAF fighter of the Korean War. By the end of hostilities, it had shot down 792 MiGs, with a loss of only 76 Sabres-a victory ratio of 10-to-1. Later models of the F-86 were more powerful and used both for air-to-air and ground support. The RF-86 was used for reconnaissance. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2297 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (F-86A/E/F Sabre)] ] [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p86_9.html American Military Aircraft (F-86 in Korea)] ]

Fighter Units

* 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (Deployed) (F-86 Sabre): Attached to Fifth Air Force, 28 Nov 1950-7 Mar 1955:: Further attached to 314th Air Division 22 Dec 1950-7 May 1951:: Further attached to 39th Air Division, 1-7 Mar 1955: Stationed at: Johnson AB, Japan, 28 Nov 1950; Suwon AB, South Korea, 7 May 1951; Kimpo AB, South Korea, 23 Aug 1951 -1 Oct 1954

* 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing (F-80 Shooting Star, F-82 Twin Mustang): Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1950-1 Mar 1955:: Attached to 6131 Fighter [later, 6131 Tactical Support] Wing, 14 Aug-1 Dec 1950: Stationed at: Itazuke Air Field, Japan, 1 Mar 1950; Pyongyang, North Korea, 1 Dec 1950; Seoul AB, South Korea, 9 Dec 1950; Itazuke AB, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Kimpo AB, South Korea, 25 Jun 1951; Suwon AB, South Korea, 23 Aug 1951-10 Oct 1954

* 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing (F-80 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre): Thirteenth Air Force, 1 Jun 1950:: Attached to: Fifth Air Force, 28 Jul-3 Aug 1950:: Attached to: 6002 Fighter [later, 6002 Tactical Support] Wing, 4 Aug-30 Nov 1950:: Attached to: Fifth Air Force, 1 Dec 1950-31 Oct 1954: Stationed at: Pusan AB, South Korea, 1 Dec 1950; Pyongyang East, North Korea, 1 Dec 1950; Suwon AB, South Korea, 4 Dec 1950; Chinhae, South Korea, 10 Dec 1950; Osan-ni, South Korea, 26 Dec 1952 - 1 Nov 1954

* 27th Fighter-Escort Wing (Deployed) (F-84 Thunderjet): Attached to Far East Air Forces, 19 Nov-29 Nov 1950: Attached to Fifth Air Force, 30 Nov 1950-15 Jul 1951: 42d Air Division, 6 Aug 1951:: Attached to Far East Air Forces, 6-13 Oct 1952:: Attached to 39th Air Division [Defense] , 13 Oct 1952-c. 13 Feb 1953: Stationed at: Taegu AB, South Korea, 5 Dec 1950; Itazuke AB, Japan, 31 Jan-2 Jul 1951; Bergstrom AFB, TX, 6 Jul 1951-16 Jun 1952. Misawa AB, Japan during 6 Oct 1952 - 13 Feb 1953

* 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing (F-82 Twin Mustang, F-94 Starfire, F-86 Sabre): Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1950: 314th Air Division, 25 May 1951: Japan Air Defense Force, 1 Mar 1952: Fifth Air Force, 1 Sep 1954: Stationed at: Yokota AB, Japan, 1 Apr 1950; Johnson AB, Japan, 14 Aug 1950; Yonpo, North Korea, 1 Dec 1950; Pusan AB, South Korea, c. 7 Dec 1950; Johnson AB, Japan, 25 May 1951 - 1 Oct 1954

* 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing (F-80 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre): Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1950:: Attached to 58 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 16-31 Mar 1953: Japan Air Defense Force, 1 Apr 1953:: Attached to Fifth Air Force, 1 Apr-7 Nov 1953: Stationed at: Misawa AB, Japan, 18 Aug 1948; Taegu AB, South Korea, 1 Dec 1950; Tsuki AB, Japan, 26 Jan 1951; Taegu AB, South Korea, 24 Feb 1951; Kunsan AB, South Korea, 1 Apr 1953 -7 Nov 1953

* 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing (F-80 Shooting Star, F-82 Twin Mustang, F-86 Sabre): Twentieth Air Force, 16 May 1949:: Attached to Fifth Air Force, 25 Sep 1950-1 Aug 1954::: Further attached to 8 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 25 Sep-12 Oct 1950: Stationed at: Naha Afld (later, AB), Okinawa, 18 Aug 1948; Itazuke AB, Japan, 22 Sep 1950; Kimpo AB, South Korea, 10 Oct 1950; Itazuke AB, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Tsuiki AB, Japan, 15 Jan 1951; Suwon AB, South Korea, 1 Oct 1951- 26 Jul 1954

* 58th Fighter-Bomber Wing (Deployed) (F-84 Thunderjet): Tactical Air Command, 10 Jul 1952:: Attached to Fifth Air Force, 10 Jul 1952-28 Feb 1955: Stationed at: Itazuke AB, Japan, 10 Jul 1952; Taegu AB, South Korea, Aug 1952- 15 Mar 1955

* 116th Fighter-Bomber Wing (Deployed) (F-84 Thunderjet):: Fedearlized Georgia Air National Guard: Assigned to Tactical Air Command, Oct 1950: Attached to Far East Air Forces, Jul 1951:: Further Attached to Fifth Air Force, Jul 1951 - 10 Jul 1952: Released from Active Service 10 Jul 1952: Stationed at: Itazuke AB, Japan

* 136th Fighter-Bomber Wing (Deployed) (F-84 Thunderjet): Federalized Texas Air National Guard: Consisted of::: 111th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Ellington Field, Houston):: 182nd Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Brooks Air Force Base):: 154th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (Little Rock Airport): Assigned to Tactical Air Command 27 Jun 1950: Attached to Far East Air Forces, 1951:: Further Attached to Fifth Air Force, 1951 - 1952: Released from Active Service 1952: Stationed at: Itazuke AB, Japan

* 474th Fighter-Bomber Wing (Deployed) (F-84 Thunderjet): Activated 10 Jul 1952, assigned to Tactical Air Command: Attached to Far East Air Forces, :: Further Attached to Fifth Air Force, Aug 1952 - Nov 1954: Stationed at: Misawa, Japan, 10 Jul 1952; Kunsan, Korea, 10 Jul 1952; Taegu, Korea, 1 Apr 1953-22 Nov 1954

* 319th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (Deployed) (F-94 Starfire): Assigned to Strategic Air Command, 90th Bombardment Wing: Attached to Far East Air Forces, :: Further Attached to Fifth Air Force, Feb 1952 - Jun 1953: Stationed at: Suwon AB, South Korea, (March 1952 - June 1953)Source for unit history: Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.] Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Bombers

Types Employed

* Boeing B-29 Superfortress
By 1950, the B-29s had been reclassified as "medium" bombers, their long-range strategic mission having been taken over by the B-36 and B-50. Many aircraft were retrieved from postwar storage and refurbished. At least 16 B-29s were shot down over North Korea, and as many as 48 were lost in crash landings or written off because of heavy damage after returning to base. When the Korean War ended on July 27, 1953, the B-29s had flown over 21,000 sorties, nearly 167,000 tons of bombs had been dropped, and 34 B-29s had been lost in combat (16 to fighters, four to flak, and fourteen to other causes). B-29 gunners had accounted for 34 Communist fighters (16 of these being MiG-15s) probably destroyed another 17 (all MiG-15s) and damaged 11 (all MiG-15s). Losses were less than 1 per 1000 sorties. The bombers were also used as reconnaissance (RB-29), weather (WB-29), and rescue aircraft (SB-29). [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=527 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (B-29 Superfortress)] ] [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b29_12.html American Military Aircraft (B-29 in Korean War)] ]

* Douglas B-26 Invader
When the North Korean army invaded the South on June 25, 1950, the USAF was critically short of light bombers. The B-26 Invaders in Japan proved to be invaluable in the night interdiction role, and it fell to the B-26 to fly the first and the last bombing missions of the Korean War. Their first mission was on June 28, 1950 when they attacked railroads supplying enemy forces. Their first attack against North Korea was on June 29, when they bombed the main airfield in Pyongyang. The Invaders flew some 60,000 sorties and were credited with the destruction of 38,500 vehicles, 3,700 railway cars, and 406 locomotives. The B-26 had the honor of flying the last combat sortie of the Korean War, when, 24 minutes before the cease fire went into effect on July 27, 1953 a B-26 of the 3rd BW dropped the last bombs of the Korean war. The bombers were also used for reconnaissance, as RB-26s. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=301 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (B-26K (A-26) Counter Invader)] ] [ [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher4/a26_12.html American Military Aircraft (A-26/B-26 Invader in USAAF/USAF Service)] ]

Bombardment Units

* 19th Bombardment Wing, Medium (B-29 Superfortress): Twentieth Air Force:: Attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command:: Provisional 1 Jun 1953-c. 28 May 1954: Stationed At: North Guam (later, Andersen) AFB, Guam: 17 Aug 1948 - 1 Jun 1953

* 22d Bombardment Group, Medium (Deployed) (B-29 Superfortress): Strategic Air Command: Fifteenth Air Force:: Attached to Far East Air Forces :: Further attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command:: Provisional 13 Jul - 27 Oct 1950: Stationed At: Kadena AB, Okinawa, 13 Jul - 27 Oct 1950

* 92d Bombardment Wing, Medium (Deployed) (B-29 Superfortress): Strategic Air Command: Fifteenth Air Force:: Attached to Far East Air Forces :: Further attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command:: Provisional 13 Jul - 27 Oct 1950: Stationed At: Yokota AB, Japan, 13 Jul - 27 Oct 1950

* 98th Bombardment Wing, Medium (Deployed) (B-29 Superfortress): Strategic Air Command: Fifteenth Air Force:: Attached to Far East Air Forces :: Further attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command:: Provisional 7 Aug 1950-31 Mar 1951: Stationed At: Yokota AB, Japan, 7 Aug 1950-31 Mar 1951

* 307th Bombardment Wing, Medium (Deployed) (B-29 Superfortress): Second Air Force, 1 Apr 1950:: Attached to Far East Air Forces ::: Further attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, 13 Jul 1950 - 10 Feb 1951:: Attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, 10 Feb-11 Aug 1951:: Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, ADVON, 12 Aug-11 Sep 1951:: Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, 12 Sep 1951-17 Jun 1954 : Stationed At: Kadena AB, Okinawa, 13 Jul - 17 Jun 1954

* 3d Bombardment Wing (Light) (B-26 Invader) : Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1950 - 1 Mar 1955: Stationed At: Johnson AB, Japan, 1 Apr 1950; Yokota AB, Japan, 14 Aug 1950; Iwakuni AB, Japan, 1 Dec 1950; Kunsan AB, South Korea, 22 Aug 1951 - 1 Oct 1954

* 17th Bombardment Wing (Light) (B-26 Invader) : Fifth Air Force, 10 May 1952 - 16 Mar 1955: Stationed At: Pusan-East AB, South Korea, 10 May 1952 - 10 Oct 1954

* 452d Bombardment Wing (Light) (B-26 Invader): Fifth Air Force, 15 Nov 1950-10 May 1952:: Attached to: 8 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 15-30 Nov 1950:: Attached to: 314th Air Division, 1 Dec 1950-10 May 1952: Stationed At: Itazuke AB, Japan, 26 Oct 1950; Miho AB, Japan, c. 10 Dec 1950 ;Pusan-East AB, South Korea, 23 May 1951-10 May 1952 Source for unit history: Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.] Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Reconnaissance

Types Employed

* RF-51D Mustang
The RF-51D was the photo-reconnaissance version of the P-51D, known as the F-6A in World War II. During the advance and later the retreat of U.N. forces into and out of North Korea that fall and winter of 1950, the RF-51 performed many deep penetrations for armed reconnaissance far north of the battle zone into what would become known as "MiG Alley." They were among the first Mustangs to be hunted by MiG-15s; it was only the fact that the unit pilots were experienced Second World War combat veterans that they were able to avoid losses in those combats. The Air Force began exchanging their RF-51Ds for RF-80As in the fall of 1952. By the end of the Korean War all had been taken out of the inventory. [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p51.html American Military Aircraft (North American P-51D/K Mustang)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* RF-80 Shooting Star
66 production P-80A fighters were converted by Lockheed into reconnaissance aircraft and given the designation RF-80A-15-LO. The RF-80A proved itself in combat during the Korean War and took part in numerous sorties over North Korea as well as sorties along the border with North Korea and China, near the Yalu River. [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p80_12.html American Military Aircraft (F-80 Shooting Star Service History)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* RF-86 Sabre
In 1953, several F-86Fs were fitted a suite of photo-reconnaissance cameras at the Tsuiki REMCO facility in Japan, in a project code-named *Haymaker*. All armament, radars, and gunsights were removed, and a camera suite fitted. In spite of the success of the RF-86 in combat, the USAF opted for the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash as its next-generation tactical reconnaissance aircraft. [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher1/p86_9.html American Military Aircraft (F-86 in Korea)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* Boeing RB/SB-17G Flying Fortress
The Boeing B-17 was adapted for photographic mapping by having its bombing equipment deleted and replaced by photographic equipment. Some cameras were installed in the nose and in the aft fuselage as well. The RB-17G was operated in the Korean theater by the 6204th Photo Mapping Flight for three months in 1950 before being replaced. The 3rd Air Rescue Group used the SB-17G which was a B-17 modified to carry a lifeboat under the fuselage for air/sea rescue. SB-17s operating in Korean waters were refitted with cheek, waist, and tail guns for defensive purposes. [Final Cut: The Postwar B-17 Flying Fortress: The Survivors, Scott A. Thompson, Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, 1993.]

* RB-29 Superfortress
Nearly 120 B-29s were converted to the reconnaissance configuration and redesignated as RB-29s. The RB-29s were assigned to the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, which like other SAC units played a crucial role during the Korean conflict. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2557 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (RB-29J Superfortress)] ] [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher2/b29_12.html American Military Aircraft (B-29 in Korean War)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* Boeing RB-50A Superfortress
In November 1950, MiG-15s jumped a flak-damaged 91st SRS RB-29 near the Yalu river. In the ensuing aerial battle, the RB-29 rear gunner shot down one of the MiGs — the first MiG-15 shot down by a B-29 gunner. The RB-29 limped back to Johnson AB, Japan and five crewmen were killed when it crashed during landing. The immediate answer to the vulnerabilities of the RB-29’s was the modified RB-50A, being an uprated version of the B-29. The RB-50As operated out of Yokota AB, Japan, and was assigned to USAF's [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] . [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* North American RB-45 Tornado
The Tornado was the first USAF four-jet bomber, and although the B-45 was available for combat in Korea, it was the RB-45 reconnaissance version that was used. First flown in April 1950, the Tornados managed to outrun and outmaneuver MiG’s on numerous occasions, however they too eventually became targets. Many of these early missions were escorted by fighter aircraft and an eventual shift was made to night operations. The RB-45 operated out of Yokota AB Japan with the [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] along with the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing in Korea. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=288 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (RB-45C Tornado)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

* Convair RB-36D Peacemaker
The Peacemaker was used for strategic reconnaissance. In late 1952, six RB-36’s were sent to Yokota Air Base, Japan with the [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] to fly high altitude reconnaissance over Manchuria. In addition to bomb damage assessment, targeting and aerial photography for Far East Air Forces, the 91st conducted ELINT (Electronic Signals Intelligence) and “ferret” missions to probe Soviet air defenses in theater and give an indication of just where the holes were in Soviet radar coverage. The 91st SRS conducted the first ferret missions ever conducted by the USAF. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=2258 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (RB-36 Peacemaker)] ] [http://www.rb-29.net/HTML/06CWMConn/LinksPgs/02.Hist91stSRS.htm History of the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron] ]

Reconnaissance Units

* 543d Tactical Support Group (RB-26 Invader, RF-80A Shooting Star, RF-51D Mustang): Fifth Air Force : Temporary Wartime Unit Consisted of::: 8th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Photographic :: 45th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron :: 162nd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, Night Photographic :: 6166th Air Weather Reconnaissance Flight: Stationed At: Itazuke AB, Japan, Sep - Oct 1950; Taegu AB, South Korea (K-37), Oct 1950 - Jan 1951; Komaki AB, Japan, Jan - 25 Feb 1951: Unit inactivated 25 Feb 1951 - replaced by 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing

* 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (RB-26 Invader, RF-80A Shooting Star, RF-51D Mustang, RF-86A/F Sabre): Fifth Air Force, 25 Feb 1951 - 6 Dec 1954: Stationed At: Komaki AB, Japan Feb-Mar 1951; Taegu AB, South Korea Mar-Aug 1951; Kimpo AB, South Korea Aug 1951 - Dec 1954

* 31st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (RB-29 Superfortress): Far East Air Forces 29 Jun - 15 Nov 1950, : Reassigned to Japan from Kadena AB, Okinawa : Stationed At: Johnson AB, Japan 29 Jun - 15 Nov 1950 : Unit reassigned to 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Beale AFB, California. Replaced by 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron

* 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (RB-29/RB-50 Superfortress, RB-45 Tornado, WB-26 Invader, KB-29 Superfortress (Tanker) and RB-36 Peacekeeper): Far East Air Forces 15 Nov 1950 - 1954: Activated in Japan: Stationed At: Johnson AB, Japan Nov 1950, Yokota AB, Japan Nov 1950 - 1954

* 512th Reconnaissance Squadron (RB/WB–29 Superfortress): Far East Air Forces 27 Jan 1950 - 20 Feb 1951: Performed weather reconnaissance : Stationed At: Yokota AB, Japan, 27 Jan 1950; Misawa AB, Japan, 11 Aug 1950–20 Feb 1951.: Replaced by 56th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron

* 56th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (RB/WB–29 Superfortress): Far East Air Forces 20 Feb 1951 - Jun 1952: Performed weather reconnaissance : Stationed At: Misawa AB, Japan, 20 Feb-Sep 1951; Yokota AB, Japan, Sep 1951 - Jun 1952

* 6204th Photo Mapping Flight Detachment 1 (RB-17G Flying Fortress): Far East Air Forces : Stationed At: Johnson AB, Japan Jul - Nov 1950Source for unit history: Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.] Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Transport

Types Employed

* Douglas C-47/C-53 Skytrain
Officially known as Skytrain but affectionately referred to as "Gooney Bird," the C-47 served in Korea as it had during World War II. During the Korean War, the C-47s hauled supplies, dropped paratroopers, evacuated the wounded, and pumped out flares to light the way for night bombing attacks. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=502 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (C-47/C-53 Skytrain)] ] Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

* Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar
The C-119 Flying Boxcar (officially called C-119 Packet) was used extensively in the Korean War. Despite logistics problems that kept monthly flying time averages low, the C-119 worked well in Korea, In addition to airlifting supplies, the C-119s performed other tasks. For example, during Operation SNOWBALL in the fall of 1951, the 315th Air Division used the aircraft to drop napalm-filled 55-gallon drums on enemy troops. The C-119’s greatest feat during the Korean War, however, was a mission to aid the retreat of United States Marine Corps and Army troops from Chosin in December 1950. Air Force C-119 “Flying Boxcars” dropped supplies to the US Marines, but on 7 and 8 December the Chinese closed the sack by blowing the bridge across an otherwise impassible 1,500-foot-wide gorge south of Koto-ri. Without help, the Marines would be forced to leave behind their heavy equipment and make it out on foot, a trek many of the wounded and frostbitten would not survive. Air Force C-119s again answered the call and dropped eight two-ton spans of a treadway bridge for Marine engineers, who kept the column moving by bridging the gap under intense fire.Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

* Douglas C-54 Skymaster
A C-54 was the first USAF aircraft destroyed in the Korean War; one of the transports on the ground at Kimpo Airfield was strafed by North Korean aircraft on June 25, 1950. It was a Military Air Transport Service workhorse throughout the war.Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

* Curtiss C-46 Commando
The World War II C-46 saw additional service during the Korean War being designed to carry troops or equipment and filled an airlift role in Korea, supplying everything from aircraft engines, ammunition, medical supplies, rations, and fresh fruit. The outbreak of the Korean War caught the US unprepared and scrambling for resources. C-46s were pulled out of mothballs or even bought back from commercial operators, and put into round-the-clock use with the USAF Combat Cargo Command. The C-46 was also used to spray insecticide over some parts of South Korea and to drop psychological warfare leaflets over North Korea. [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3339 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (C-46 Commando)] ] Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

* Douglas C-124 Globemaster II
Performed heavy lift cargo operations to and from Korea. On 27 September 1951, a C-124A began FEAF-hosted service tests labeled Operation PELICAN. In a little over one month, the aircraft flew 26 missions between Japan and Korea, carrying an average load of 34,000 pounds, double the amount carried on the C-54. In one mission in 1951, a C-124 airlifted a record 167 patients from Pusan in South Korea. Unfortunately, because of the weight of the aircraft, it was limited to only four airstrips in Korea. A heavy-duty runway was constructed at Seoul Municipal Airport in October 1952, but logistical difficulties kept the C-124 from fulfilling its airlift potential. C-124s were used by the 374th Troop Carrier Wing and the 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron . [ [http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=289 National Museum of the USAF - Fact Sheet Media (C-124 Globemaster)] ] Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

Transport Units

* 1st Troop Carrier Group (Provisional) (C-46 Commando, C-47 Skytrain): Temporary unit assembled from:: 46th Troop Carrier Squadron (P):: 47th Troop Carrier Squadron (P):: 48th Troop Carrier Squadron (P): Stationed at: Ashiya AB, Japan, August 1950 - January 1951

* 61st Troop Carrier Group, Heavy (C-54 Skymaster): Far East Air Force Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, 10 Dec 1950-1 Jan 1951): 1705 Air Transport Wing, 1 Jan 1951:: Attached to: Far East Air Forces Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, 1-25 Jan 1951:: Attached to: 315th Air Division, 25 Jan-1 Oct 1951: Eighteenth Air Force, 1 Oct 1951:: Attached to: 315th Air Division, 1 Oct-5 Nov 1951:: Attached to: 6122 Air Base Wing, 5 Nov 1951-26 Mar 1952:: Attached to: 374th Troop Carrier Wing, 26 Mar-21 Nov 1952: Stationed at: Ashiya AB, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Tachikawa AB, Japan, 26 Mar-15 Nov 1952

* 314th Troop Carrier Group, Medium (C-82/C-119 Flying Boxcar): Attached to: Far East Air Forces [FEAF] , 7-9 Sep 1950: Attached to: FEAF Combat Cargo Command, 10 Sep-30 Nov 1950: Attached to: 314th Air Division, 1 Dec 1950-25 Jan 1951: Attached to: 315th Air Division [Combat Cargo] , 25 Jan 1951-c. 1 Nov 1952: Attached to: 483rd Troop Carrier Wing, 1 Jan 1953-15 Nov 1954.: Stationed at: Ashiya AB, Japan, 7 Sep 1950-15 Nov 1954

* 315th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium (C-46 Commando): 315th Air Division, 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955. : Stationed at: Brady AB, Japan, 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955

* 374th Troop Carrier Wing, Heavy (C-54 Skymaster): Fifth Air Force, 5 Mar 1949:: Attached to: 1 Troop Carrier Task Force [Provisional] , 5-9 Sep 1950:: Attached to: Far East Air Forces Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, 10 Sep 1950-1 Dec 1950: 314th Air Division, 1 Dec 1950:: Remained attached to Far East Air Forces Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, to 25 Jan 1951:: 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), 25 Jan 1951-1 Jul 1957.: Stationed at: Tachikawa (later, Tachikawa AB), Japan, 5 Mar 1949-1 Jul 1957

* 403d Troop Carrier Wing, Medium (C-54 Skymaster, C-46 Commando): Eighteenth Air Force, 1 Jun 1951-1 Jan 1953:: Attached to 315th Air Division, 14 Apr 1952-1 Jan 1953: Stationed at: Ashiya AB, Japan, 14 Apr 1952-1 Jan 1953

* 437th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium (C-46 Commando): Fifth Air Force, 8 Nov 1950:: Attached to FEAF Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, 8 Nov 1950-1 Dec 1950: 314th Air Division, 1 Dec 1950 :: Remained attached to FEAF Combat Cargo Command, Provisional, through 24 Jan 1951: 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), 25 Jan 1951-10 Jun 1952 : Stationed at: Brady Field, Japan, 8 Nov 1950-10 Jun 1952

* 483d Troop Carrier Wing, Medium (C-119 Flying Boxcar): Tactical Air Command, 1 Jan 1953:: Attached to 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), 1 Jan 1953 - 30 Jun 1954: Stationed at: Ashiya AB, Japan, 1 Jan 1953 - 30 Jun 1954Source for unit history: Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.] Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Tactical Air Control Units

* North American AT-6 Texan
The Texan trainer found a new life in Korea as a forward air control aircraft. To meet an urgent operational need for close air support of ground forces, the Texans flew "mosquito" missions, spotting enemy troops and guns and marking them with smoke rockets for USAF fighter attack. The T-6s of the 6147th Tactical Control Group performed invaluable work.Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]

Units that flew the AT-6 in Korea were:

* 502nd Tactical Control Group: Temporary unit composed of::: 605th Tactical Control Squadron: duration.:: 606th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron: duration.:: 607th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron: duration.:: 608th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron: November 2, 1951-.:: 6132d Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron: October 9, 1950-November 2, 1951.:: 1st Shoran Beacon Unit (later, Squadron): attached September 27-December 1, 1950 and September 6, 1952-.: Stationed at: Pusan, South Korea, Sep - Oct 1950; Taegu, South Korea, Oct 1950; Seoul, South Korea, Oct 1950 - Jul 1953
* 6147th Tactical Control Group : Temporary unit composed of: :: 942nd Forward Air Control Squadron :: 6148th Tactical Control Squadron :: 6149th Tactical Control Squadron :: 6150th Tactical Control Squadron : Stationed at: Taegu AB, South Korea, Aug - Oct 1950; Kimpo AB, South Korea Oct 1950; Seoul Afld, South Korea, Oct 1950; Pyongyang East Adrm, North Korea, Oct - Nov 1950; Taegu AB, South Korea, Nov 1950 - Mar 1951; Pyongtaek Adrm, South Korea, Mar 1951 - Apr 1952; Chunchon, South Korea, Apr 1952 - Jul 1953

Source for unit history: Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.] Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings Lineage and Honors Histories 1947-1977. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0912799129.] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Other Units

* 3rd Air Rescue Group
* 1st Shoran Beacon Squadron
* 5th Communications Group
* 10th Liaison Squadron
* 20th Weather Squadron Detachments
* 30th Weather Squadron
* 75th Air Depot Wing
* 417th Engineer Aviation Brigade
* 581st Air Resupply and Communications Wing
* 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron
* 3903rd Radar Bomb Scoring Group Detachments C (11), K (5), and N (22)
* 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron Detachments 1, 2, 3, and 5
* 6146th Air Force Advisory Group
* 6167th Air Base Group
* 6405th Korea Air Material UnitSource for unit history: Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Temporary Tactical Support Wings

In July 1950 Allied planners did not foresee that the Korean campaign would be of long duration. Consequently, the Fifth Air Force modified its command structure only to meet immediate needs. When the time came to move tactical air units to Korean airfields, Fifth Air Force did not deploy its permanent wings because they were heavily committed to the air defense of Japan. Instead, it utilized temporary air base squadrons and air base units to support tactical units in Korea. By August, the situation called for larger organizations with greater allotments of personnel and equipment, and Fifth Air Force set up five temporary tactical support wings to support the combat groups.

Formed to assist in the projection of force to Korea, these temporary wings provided facilities, administration, services, and operational control for assigned and attached combat units. The task was formidable, for the installations the wings controlled were usually "bare base" operations with no amenities and only marginally serviceable airfields.

Logistically, poor roads and rail lines, limited port facilities, and overextended airlift hampered the wings. Organizationally, they were without regular status, such as authorization for personnel and equipment or for promotions. Even with these handicaps and hardships, the tactical support wings performed valiantly. They worked hard to make combat airfields operable and to provide the support and control combat units needed. They struggled to keep pace with the dynamically changing battle lines, opening new bases and forward operating locations as needed.

Their success bought time for the Fifth Air Force to reorganize, and on December 1, 1950, regular wings replaced them.

* 6002d Tactical Support Wing
Organized effective August 1, 1950, at Taegu AB, to support the 18th Fighter-Bomber Group. Forced to withdraw with its tactical units to Ashiya AB, Japan, on August 8, it returned to Korea on September 5 and advanced to Pyongyang on November 22. It retreated to Suwon AB (K-13) on November 30, where it was replaced on December 1, 1950, by the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing.
* 6131st Tactical Support Wing
Organized effective August 8, 1950, at Pohang AB (K-3), to support the 8th Fighter-Bomber Group, the wing moved to Suwon on October 7 and to Kimpo AB (K-14) on October 28. On November 25, it advanced to Pyongyang AB (K-23), where it was replaced by the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing effective December 1, 1950.

* 6133d Tactical Support Wing
This wing organized August 12, 1950 at Iwakuni AB, Japan, to support the 3d Bombardment Group and was replaced by the 3d Bombardment Wing on December 1.

* 6149th Tactical Support Wing
Organized September 5, 1950 at Taegu AB (K-37) to support the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group, this wing was replaced by the 49th Fighter-Bomber Wing effective December 1.

* 6150th Tactical Support Wing
Organized September 5, 1950 at Tsuiki AB, Japan, to support the 35th Fighter-Interceptor Group, the wing moved to Pohang AB (K-3) on October 5 and to Yonpo AB (K-27) on November 27, where it was replaced by the 35th Fighter-Interceptor Wing on December 1.

Source for unit history: Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714] [http://afhra.maxwell.af.mil/korean_war/usaf_organizations_korea/usaf_organizations_korea_introduction.html USAF Organizations in Korea 1950-1953] United States Air Force Office of Historical Research, Maxwell AFB, Alabama]

Far East Air Force Korean Airfields (K-Sites)

During the Korean War, the large number of locations used for bases and the similarity of some geographical names prompted the Air Force to use alphanumeric identifiers for bases in addition to their proper designations. Under this system, each base in Korea received a "K number," simplifying positive identification when referring to the various bases.Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714] These are the known bases that the U.S. Far East Air Forces operated during the Korean War. The place name spellings used are those found in Fifth Air Force general orders designating the K-Sites and other official Fifth Air Force documents.Futrell, Robert Frank (1983) The United States Air Force In Korea, 1950-1953, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Office of Air Force History, ISBN 0912799714]
* K-1 Pusan-West
* K-2 Taegu (Taegu #1)
* K-3 Pohang
* K-4 Sachon
* K-5 Taejon
* K-6 Pyongtaek
* K-7 Kwangju
* K-8 Kunsan
* K-9 Pusan-East
* K-10 Chinhae
* K-11 Urusan (Ulsan)
* K-12 Mangun
* K-13 Suwon
* K-14 Kimpo
* K-15 Mokpo
* K-16 Seoul
* K-17 Ongjin (Oshin)
* K-18 Kangnung (Koryo)
* K-19 Haeju (Kaishu) col-break|width=33%* K-20 Sinmak
* K-21 Pyonggang
* K-22 Onjong-ni
* K-23 Pyongyang
* K-24 Pyongyang East
* K-25 Wonsan
* K-26 Sondok
* K-27 Yonpo
* K-28 Hamhung West
* K-29 Sinanju
* K-30 Sinuiju
* K-31 Kilchu (Kisshu)
* K-32 Oesichon-dong
* K-33 Hoemun (Kaibun)
* K-34 Chongjin (Seishin)
* K-35 Hoeryong (Kainsei)
* K-36 Kanggye
* K-37 Taegu #2
* K-38 Wonju
* K-39 Cheju-do #1
* K-40 Cheju-do #2
* K-41 Chungju
* K-42 Andong #2
* K-43 Kyongju
* K-44 Changhowon-ni
* K-45 Yoju
* K-46 Hoengsong
* K-47 Chunchon
* K-48 Iri
* K-49 Yangsu-ri
* K-50 Sokcho-ri
* K-51 Inje
* K-52 Yanggu
* K-53 Paengyong-do
* K-54 Cho-do
* K-55 Osan-ni

References

* [http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/usafserials.html USAAS-USAAC-USAAF-USAF Aircraft Serial Numbers--1908 to present]

External links