F-16 Fighting Falcon News

May 3, 2017 (by PAF-PA) - Approximately 250 Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 120th Fighter Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard, are deploying in May to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as the 120th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of the U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.
The term “Theater Security Package,” or “TSP,” refers to the routine deployment of additional fighter squadrons and supporting personnel and equipment that bolster U.S. forces across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region on a rotating basis. TSPs are one of Pacific Air Forces’ contributions to Theater Security Cooperation as the U.S. air component in the region.

While deployed these squadrons execute a variety of missions, including ensuring access to the global commons, disaster relief, global situational awareness, combating piracy, active defense and power projection. Movement of theater security packages into the region have been a routine and integral part of U.S. Pacific Command’s force posture since March 2004. Since 2010, we’ve sent 10 TSPs to Kadena AB, Japan.

The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys fighter aircraft to the region to provide U.S. PACOM and Pacific Air Forces with Theater Security Packages, which help maintain a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability. TSP deployments – typically 3-4 months in duration- continually operate on a rotational basis, providing the U.S. PACOM commander, and other regional commanders, unique air capabilities necessary to maintain regional security and support U.S. interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Movement of U.S. Air Force TSPs into the region has been a routine and integral part of U.S. PACOM’s force posture since March 2004.

These theater security packages demonstrate the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.