KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea –
Making their way from Aurora, Colo., more than 200 Airmen and F-16 Fighting
Falcons from the 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard touched down at Kunsan
AB in February as part of a rotational Theater Security Package.
For many
of the Colorado Airmen, this is their first visit to the ROK as they take part
in the routine deployment of fighter squadrons, fuel tankers, support personnel
and equipment meant to augment U.S. forces stationed across the Asia-Pacific
region, also referred to as a TSP.
"Over the past 12 years, our wing has
deployed to the Middle East routinely, however, this time the 120th
Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and 120th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit
have deployed as part of a TSP to South Korea," said Lt. Col. Mitchell Neff,
120th EFS commander. "We are here to integrate with the 8th Fighter Wing as part
of Armistice operations on the peninsula."
For three to four months, the
"Redeyes" will be integrating their operations with those of the 8th FW's Wolf
Pack and the Republic of Korea Air Force 38th Fighter Group.
Since March
2004, deployments mirroring the Redeyes' have been an integral part of U.S.
Pacific Command's combat capable air forces, which are postured for averting
threats to regional security and stability.
"We are here to deter, but if
called upon, we will defend South Korea," added Neff.
With units
deploying to Guam, Japan, and South Korea, these movements underscore the U.S.
commitment to regional partners and U.S. security obligations.
"The tempo
is fairly rapid here as personnel rotate in and out of the peninsula daily,"
said Neff. "It requires everyone to hit the ground running to be ready to 'fight
tonight.'"
As the only base in the ROK that houses U.S. and ROKAF flying
squadrons, the deployment of rotational fighters to Kunsan AB also provides
unique possibilities to integrate various forces into combined bilateral
training.
"There are many training opportunities we can capitalize on
while deployed to Kunsan," said Neff. "We've been able to integrate with the 8th
FW in their operational readiness exercises and understand how we would take
part in combat operations. In addition to that, we have successfully flown with
the 38th Fighter Group's 111th Fighter Squadron in a large force employment
exercise."
With the completion of Exercise Beverly Midnight 15-2,
Kunsan's first of multiple OREs this year, the Redeyes have already received
invaluable training to impart on their fellow Buckley Airmen.
"Our
exercises back home are a bit different from the ones here at Kunsan, mostly due
to time constraints," said Senior Airman Dusty Alynn, 120th Aircraft Maintenance
Unit crew chief. "At home our exercises last four days and we only do them once
every couple of years. There is a lot thrown at us in a short amount of time,
which is why it's good to see how other units conduct their training and base
operations."
In addition to maintaining readiness, base operations at
Kunsan include the acceptance of follow-on forces, with the guardsmen being a
welcomed addition to the Wolf Pack family.
"I cannot even put into words
how thrilled I am with the people that I have met here," said Alynn. "Every
single individual that I have come across is so overwhelmingly helpful, kind,
friendly and greets us with open arms. The family that has been created here is
so amazing."
For both the Redeyes and the Wolf Pack, living, training and
flying together has been beneficial as they aid one another in deterring
aggression on the Korean Peninsula.
"The experience is not over yet, but
so far it has been a very good one," added Neff. "For our young, inexperienced
Airmen, this deployment is great because they can get the experience they need
for future deployments and exercises, while also interacting with another
culture. We can train like we fight as we maintain stability in the region."