Misawa Airmen deploy to South Korea

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MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  The pilots and maintainers of the 14th Fighter Squadron and the 14th Aircraft Maintenance Unit here deployed to South Korea this week.

Airmen of the 14th FS combined with 35th Maintenance Group members in an effort to maintain regional stability in the Asia-Pacific theater and promote stronger relations with U.S. allies.

"We are always trained, equipped and ready to employ airpower and to execute our mission regardless of the theater or location," said Lt. Col. Aaron Steffens, the 14th FS commander. "Like any deployment, this one offers a unique set of challenges; our Airmen are versatile and innovative, though, and we look forward to the opportunity to train ... while working closely with our U.S. Forces in (South) Korea and (our South Korean) Air Force counterparts. Our relationship with (our South Korean counterparts) is important, and we are excited about further strengthening that alliance."

Even though the deployment is not far from Misawa Air Base, the sacrifices and demands placed on the Airmen and their families are no less, Colonel Steffens said.

"Being separated from families is never easy, and our Airmen and their loved ones have sacrificed a great deal already in order to ensure the success of the 35th Fighter Wing mission," Colonel Steffens said. "But we have a phenomenal family support network within our squadrons and across Misawa AB at large. Ensuring your spouse and children have that support in place is a critical piece of any deployment, and we are thankful for all the help we've received from this base."

Although Colonel Steffens joined the 14th FS just last month, he is proud to be part of a standing tradition of excellence.

"This is a world-class team; from our sortie-generation Airmen, to our back-shop personnel to the pilots who fly the machines, I am impressed every day with the excellence I see," Colonel Steffens said. "This deployment is a terrific opportunity to test our mettle as we generate airpower and execute our ... mission abroad. The (Airmen) will strive to excel in (South) Korea just as we have done at Misawa."