MADISON, Wis. - Airmen from the 115th Fighter Wing in Madison, Wisconsin, are scheduled to deploy this month in support of the Pacific Command (PACOM) Theater Security Package (TSP).
Approximately 250 personnel and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons will fall under the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. The TSP deployment is designed to provide the PACOM region with forces capable of a variety of operations, including disaster relief, global situational awareness, combating piracy, active defense and power projection.
According to Lt. Col. Jon Kalberer, 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander and the TSP deployment commander, the primary mission of this deployment is to solidify relationships with international partners and deepen ties with our allies. This deployment also provides the 176th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron an opportunity to train and work in a variety of diverse environments which increases the Airmen's combat capability and readiness.
"The deployment gives our pilots opportunities to integrate with other USAF assets as well as joint and international partners," Kalberer said. "The relationships we form during this deployment enhance our warfighter integration among the different military services and our allies."
The moment the Airmen arrive at Kadena Air Base, their training begins.
The Airmen who remain in Madison will continue their mission execution as well, according to Lt. Col. Matthew Peltier, 115th Fighter Wing Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) commander. Homeland defense remains the nation's number one priority.
"Maintaining Aerospace Control Alert mission readiness requirements during the PACOM deployment is extremely important to the 115th Fighter Wing and is a vital part of our national security," he said.
Several planning meetings and training missions have taken place to prepare the Airmen.
"Prior to deploying, we have taken steps to ensure that we can simultaneously execute both PACOM and ACA mission taskings," Peltier said. "ACA is a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days a year mission that requires very experienced Airmen who are dedicated to the mission regardless of additional deployments or taskings. It is a no-fail mission requiring specific personnel and equipment; the proper amount is essential to our success."
According to Peltier, it is important to note key ACA personnel will not deploy.
"Key personnel will remain here executing our primary mission, ACA," Peltier said. "We have augmented primary alert positions with ‘guest help' from other ACA-tasked Air National Guard units to prevent any shortfalls in personnel. We also have additional aircraft that will remain here in Madison to provide the necessary mission coverage and ensure alert pilots maintain mission readiness.
"Few will notice any changes as the 115th Fighter Wing continues to fulfill its commitments, tasking and mission requirements with ACA Homeland Defense while executing mission tasks during the PACOM deployment, Peltier said.