Forum: F-16 News

You really think the US military is going to do that again? Especially if your looking at US and Allied Forces are being on the defensive in an invasion?

What this defensive business? I thought the Pentagon established long ago as policy that the best defense is a strong offense. I highly doubt, no matter how the war starts, or in what manner the North Koreans proceed, that their military HVT's would not be reduced to flames within a short time span.

About the Pentagon's plan--no battle plan ever survives first contact with the enemy....best laid plans can be easily blown away.

We overestimated the Iraqi's in ODS, both in hardware, proficiency and devotion.

F-16s to Arrive Seoul to Replace Apaches

By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter

A total of 16 F-16 fighter jets of the U.S. Air Force will arrive at an air base in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, this weekend, to replace a departing Apache battalion, officials of the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) said Thursday.

The F-16s will be deployed there until September, they said.

Last November, the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) announced one of the two Apache battalions here was being relocated to Fort Carson, Colorado, until March, in order to make the unit available for rotational deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan this fall.

The U.S. Air Force initially planned to temporarily deploy A-10 "tank killer'' jets to replace the departing Apaches but withdrew the plan as requirements for inspections and repairs to the A-10 fleet have increased.

"F-16s will deploy to the Korean Peninsula before the AH-64s depart to ensure there are no gaps in Korean defense. Therefore, the agreement between the ROK and the U.S. to maintain USFK force levels at 28,500 is complied with,'' the CFC said in a news release.

source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/na ... 39919.html

Misawa's 13th Fighter Squadron deploys to S. Korea

by Master Sgt. Allison Day
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2009 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The pilots of the 13th Fighter Squadron deployed, Feb. 23, to the Republic of Korea with the main body following early this week.

More than 300 Airmen will support the 13th FS in an effort to balance assets to support regional stability in the Asia-Pacific theater and meet the needs of the ongoing Global War on Terrorism.

"The Panthers are deploying within the Pacific Command theater consistent with our efforts to maintain stability for our allies," said Lt. Col. Jay Aanrud, 13th FS commander prior to his squadron's deployment. "As always we are trained, equipped and ready to fulfill our mission regardless of the location. It will be a difficult set of challenges, but the mission set is aligned with our primary role in the Pacific. We look forward to providing air power to the combatant commander."

Although the Panthers were expecting to deploy to the Middle East, their mission in Korea is no less important, according to Colonel Aanrud. By supporting the Pacific Command and U.S. Forces Korea, the 13th FS offers significant air power on demand.

This deployment marks Colonel Aanrud's fifth deployment; however, it marks the first for several individuals within the squadron.

"It will be my first deployment," said 1st Lt. Cory Farrer, 13th FS pilot. "It is difficult to leave my wife and children. Despite the difficulties of separation, I am looking forward to experiencing my first deployment."

Even though the deployment is not far from Misawa, the distance does not lessen the sacrifices of servicemembers and their families.

"Regardless of the location, a deployment implies separation from our families and this deployment will be for an extended period of time," said Colonel Aanrud. "It's always a challenge when we are separated from friends and loved ones, but it's also a part of the Air Force that makes it unique and rewarding."

However, according to Colonel Aanrud, they can leave knowing the support their families receive here at Misawa is exceptional.

"I am grateful for a strong church and military family that I know will provide any help for my family while gone," said Lieutenant Farrer, a Brigham City, Utah, native.

Regardless of rank and experience, families provide essential emotional support, giving every mission greater purpose and meaning, according to Colonel Aanrud.

"I'm encouraged by the efforts of my wife, Janet, and our daughter, Jordan, and all the spouses and families who support each other," said Colonel Aanrud. "They impress me with their fortitude and ability to overcome the challenges of living overseas together, and I have no doubt they'll rise to the occasion this time as well."

The Panthers have received accolades for their performance, said Colonel Aanrud. Being named the top small unit on Misawa Air Base last year illustrates the level of performance they bring to the fight.

"I am extremely proud of the 13th FS as well as our sortie generation team throughout the maintenance group," said Colonel Aanrud. "We have an opportunity to deploy, generate air power and execute our tactics as a team. We will strive to excel in 2009 as much as we did in 2008."

source: http://www.misawa.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123136402