US Air National Guard deploys 10 additional F-16 fighter aircraft in Japan

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World Defense & Security News - United States
 
 
 
US Air National Guard deploys 10 additional F-16 fighter aircraft in Japan
 
Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing, US Air National Guard, in Burlington, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command Theater Security Package (TSP). Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons are set to deploy to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, the 18th Wing Public Affairs office announced Tuesday June 9, 2015.
     
Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing, US Air National Guard, in Burlington, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command Theater Security Package (TSP). Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons are set to deploy to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, the 18th Wing Public Affairs office announced Tuesday June 9, 2015. Two F-16C Fighting Falcon fighters from the 134th Fighter Squadron, 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard
     
The TSP deployment is designed to provide the PACOM region with forces capable of a variety of operations, including disaster relief, global situational awareness, combating piracy, active defense and power projection.

Air Combat Command routinely deploys fighter aircraft to the region to provide U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces with Theater Security Packages, which help maintain a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability.

Movement of U.S. Air Force TSPs into the region has been a routine and integral part of U.S. Pacific Command's force posture since March 2004.

This TSP demonstrates the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region and shows our commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance and the defense of Japan.

According to Col. Patrick Guinee, 158th Fighter Wing commander, the Airmen of the 158th are ready and well-trained for this deployment.

"The Green Mountain Boys are both prepared and excited to help America fulfill its charge in the Asia-Pacific theater of operations," Guinee said. "Our Airmen are always ready and well-trained to engage in any state or federal mission when called."

Lt. Col. Daniel Finnegan, 134th Fighter Squadron commander, will lead the deployed members of the 158th.

"I am proud to lead this incredible team of Airmen on a mission that gives us the opportunity to integrate with joint and international forces," Finnegan said. "I have great confidence in the capabilities of the men and women of the Vermont National Guard in completing another successful mission."