55th EFS aircrews heading to Korea for 3 month deployment

Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 240 airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on Sunday for a scheduled three-month deployment. The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron departed January 10 and will work alongside ROK-US alliance partners to maintain peace and stability to the region.

"The 55th Fighter Squadron 'Shooters' have deployed in support of the United States' long-standing commitment to work with our great friends and partners, the Republic of Korea," said Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "We always stand ready to deploy combat airpower and Airmen to support our National Defense Strategy."

Another 200 airmen and 12 F-16Cs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently deployed to Kunsan as the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Their scheduled deployment began Dec. 3, 2011, and is scheduled to last approximately three months.

"The ROK-US Alliance has never been stronger," said Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, according to a statement released by the military. "These deployments reaffirm our commitment to providing the right combat air power and capabilities in defense of the Republic of Korea."


Source: By 20 FW/PA, 12 January 2012- Courtesy of 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs (www.f-16.net)

Photo: Nine USAF F-16C block 50s sit stacked up on the ramp before taking off from Shaw AFB on January 10, 2012. Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 250 Airmen deployed to Kunsan AB for a three-month deployment.  (USAF photo by SrA Kenny Holston)

(12.01.2012)