Shaw F-16s headed to Kunsan next week

[unhappycamper]

Shaw F-16s headed to Kunsan next week
The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 11, 2008 10:38:56 EST

SEOUL, South Korea — A squadron of about 20 U.S. fighter jets will arrive in South Korea next week for a four-month deployment aimed at evaluating American forces’ readiness in the region, the military said Friday.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, together with 300 airmen, will be arriving at the U.S. air base in Kunsan, 167 miles south of Seoul, from Shaw Air Force Base in S.C., the 8th Fighter Wing said in a statement.

The deployment “signifies the U.S.’s continued commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the release said.

The U.S. stations 28,000 troops in South Korea to deter aggression from North Korea, but plans are in place to reduce the number to 25,000 by December as part of a global troop realignment program. The U.S. has said reduced boots on the ground would be offset by the introduction of sophisticated weapons systems.


Article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_shawfighters_080111/

[PDittie]

1. Lockheed Martin is

working on a rather large sale to the South Koreans of additional F-16s. This is probably a test-drive to help seal the deal.