Vermont Business Magazine Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing in Burlington, Vermont, have changed locations supporting the Pacific Command Theater Security Package, moving from Japan, where they were deployed in June, to South Korea.Approximately 150 personnel and 10 F-16 Fighting Falcons have deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. 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.
"The Vermont Air National Guard is very proud of their contribution to regional security and stability in the Pacific," said Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the adjutant general. "The versatility of our Airmen to shift quickly between domestic and overseas mission sets is a testament to the strength, professionalism and readiness of our National Guard as an asset to the Total Force."
Air Combat Command routinely deploys fighter aircraft to the region to provide USPacific 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 The US's 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."
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FILE PHOTO: U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 158th Fighter Wing, board a KC-135 refueling tanker at the Burlington International Airport, South Burlington, Vt., April 17, 2015. Fifty Airmen traveled to Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., for professional development. (U.S. Air National Photo by Airmen 1st Class Jeffrey Tatro)