115th FW ANG wrap-up Kunsan AB Rotational Deployment

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Victoria H. Taylor
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The U.S. Air Force Wisconsin Air National Guard 115th Fighter Wing completed their Rotational Deployment to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, November 8, 2017.

The Rotational Deployment was part of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Theater Security Package, which routinely deploys fighter aircraft to U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces to provide a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability.

More than 180 Airmen from the 115th FW, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, better known as the Badgers deployed to Kunsan in early August 2017 to begin their support of the mission.

The routine movement of U.S. Air Force TSPs into the region since March 2004 is an integral part of U.S. Pacific Command’s force posture, visibly assuring US Allies and interests in the region.

“The TSP is part the Air Force’s long-term initiatives to provide extra security in places that we need it,” said Lt. Col. Bart Van Roo, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander. “One of our biggest goals coming in was making the 8th FW and 7th Air Force commanders feel like we are just an additive squadron just like one of the active duty squadrons. It just so happened that this was a time of heightened tensions here that we were able to come train as well and then help provide for the 7th AF or really the 8th FW.”

During their three-month deployment, the Badgers took part in two large-scale exercises and worked alongside the 80th Fighter Squadron, Juvats, and the 35th Fighter Squadron, Pantons. Kunsan’s active duty fighter squadrons.

“It’s one team, one fight,” said Van Roo. “Although National Guard, Reserve, and active duty units differ in operations tempo, basing, etc., we all bring unique advantages to the table. For the 176th, our advantage happens to be experienced instructor pilots.”

Tech Sgt. Dennis Lochner, 115th FW egress technician, mentioned that many of the Airmen within his host shop came to Kunsan straight from technical training school so his experience came in handy during the high-tempo moments due to mission requirements.

“Our guard unit has a lot of knowledge,” said Tech Sgt. Brett Sabin, 115th FW electrical warfare technician. “Most of us have 20 to 30 years’ experience under our belt and the 8th FW has a lot of young eager [Airmen] willing to learn so this deployment was a good teaching opportunity.”

These TSP’s demonstrate the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security while simultaneously demonstrating the U.S. military’s commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific by bolstering training and operational readiness which ensure that the Wolf Pack remains ready to “Fight Tonight.”

During their time at Kunsan, the Badgers participated in two wing-level Beverly Pack operational readiness exercises, integrated into the combat training and upgrade programs with the wing and provided self-sufficient and supplemental flight-line and maintenance support for the flying operations on Kunsan.

The 34th Fighter Squadron from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, began deployed operations with approximately 300 Airmen and 12 F-35A Lightning IIs at Kadena Air Base, Japan, effectively serving as the rotational replacement for the Badgers.