Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing to deploy F-16s, Airmen to South Korea

The week of April 10th, the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing will be deploying twelve F-16s and 300 Airmen to Osan Air Base, about 40 miles south of Seoul, South Korea.

According to a Minnesota National Guard news release, the deployment has been ordered  to provide U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces with Theater Security Packages, which help maintain a deterrent against threats to regional security and stability.

According to Col. Jon Safstrom, 148th Fighter Wing Commander, the Airmen of the 148th are ready and well-trained for this deployment. "The Bulldogs are both prepared and excited to help America fulfill its charge in the Asia-Pacific Theater of operations. Movement of U.S. Air Force Theater Support Packages into the region has been a routine and integral part of U.S. Pacific Command's force posture since March 2004."  There is no timeline listed for the length of the deployment.

We are very proud of the brave men and women in the Northland who serve our country, and also their families who support them every single day.  We have know doubt you are more than prepared for this deployment and we eagerly await your safe return.