Squadron deployment tests Kunsan's readiness

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFPN) --  A South Carolina-based unit began arriving here Jan. 15 as part of an air and space expeditionary force deployment as a measure to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in the Pacific region.

The 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, one of three flying squadrons of the 20th Fighter Wing from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., deployed 24 F-16 Fighting Falcons and more than 300 Airmen to support the deployed mission here.

"The 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron will be fully integrated into all aspects of our missions, to include training with the (South Korea air force)," said Col. CQ Brown, the 8th Fighter Wing commander. "We look forward to working with them over the coming months."

The deployment of the 79th EFS comes during an operational readiness exercise for the wing. Colonel Brown said this week's arrival is a good test of how effective the wing can accept follow-on forces.

"This deployment gives Kunsan the opportunity to practice our capability of accepting follow-on forces and gives Airmen the continued confidence that they can accomplish that part our mission if called upon," he said.

The colonel said it takes the entire wing to accept follow-on forces. Examples include security forces ensuring the base is secure enough for aircraft landing, airfield management and civil engineers ensuring the runway is free of battle damage, and services and mission support Airmen routing the new arrivals quickly to get them housed and in-processed to start working.

Lt. Col. Don Butler, the 79th EFS commander leading the Airmen deployed from Shaw AFB, arrived via an F-16 Jan. 15. The colonel said he was looking forward to integrating with 8th FW and South Korean forces on the base as quickly as possible to accomplish the mission.

"We are deployed here to support peace and stability to the region," Colonel Butler said. "We are also here to interact with our fellow Air Force (Airmen) and have a chance to fly with South Korean air force pilots, building experience in the region that we can take back for possible follow-on contingency operations."

It is a great opportunity personally and professionally to deploy the squadron to Kunsan AB to prove the might of the unit, Colonel Butler said. 

"This deployment is proof the unit is combat ready to execute anywhere, anytime throughout the world. We train hard for a 20-month cycle and this is just a culmination of all that hard training," he said.

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