Twelve F-16s and 300 airmen from Duluth ANGB, Minn., arrived at Osan AB, South Korea, on April 20. The Fighting Falcons and airmen from the 148th Fighter Wing deployed as part of a Pacific theater security package to increase security and show commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula. US Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces have routinely used TSPs in the region since 2004, according to a press release. In January, a B-52 Stratofortress from Andersen AFB, Guam, flew over South Korea as a show of force, and F-22s flew over the country in February as another North Korean deterrence measure. (See also: Pacific Partnerships)
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…