Shaw F-16s depart for PACAF deployment

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kevin Williams
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (ACCNS) --  Nearly 300 Airmen and about 20 F-16s from the 20th Fighter Wing deployed Jan. 12 to the Pacific Air Forces theater of operations as part a four-month Air Expeditionary Force rotation.

This deployment is different from those in the past because the F-16s left at the same time as the support personnel. They will be deployed for approximately four months.

Airmen gathered early in the morning at the Chandler Deployment Processing Center before stepping onto a DC-10 and off to their destination. The pilots stepped to their F-16s from the 79th FS and took off prior to the DC-10.

The U.S. routinely evaluates its readiness and repositions forces under the Theater Security Package maintaining the capabilities necessary to meet military obligations in the PACAF theater of operations.

"This deployment into PACAF signifies the U.S. commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region," said Lt. Col. Don Butler, 79th FS commander.

This deployment is even more significant because the 20th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. James Post, is also deploying.

"This is a proud moment for me as the wing commander," said Colonel Post. "To deploy with the Airmen under my command is one of the highlights of my career. Every Shaw Airman is ready to answer any challenge from anywhere in the world, and the American people can rest assured we have the greatest Air Force in the world."