Plans call for him to begin flying with the squadron as early as November. After a short time to settle in, he'll travel to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., for two months of more formal training in U.S. tactics and procedures. David Murphy, Ryu's sponsor at the 18th FS and a fellow F-16 pilot. He'll be learning American flight techniques, tactics and culture. Murphy explained that by training together, if the need ever arose for the United States and Korea to fight together, both sides would better understand what their teammates plan to do in the air.
Plans call for an American pilot to serve with a Korean unit within the next year.
The Military Personnel Exchange Program seeks to give Korean and American pilots a chance to immerse themselves in the tactics and techniques of their counterparts. Ryu was selected for his flying and English skills. In Korea, he served as an instructor pilot and the 3rd Flight commander for safety with the 20th Fighter Wing's 120th Fighter Squadron at Seosan Air Base, about 50 miles southwest of Osan Air Base. Ryu was selected for the program in May. But he's already learning to think like a well-traveled American military member.