SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - Approximately 240 Shaw airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft deployed to Kunsan Air Base, Korea, for a scheduled three-month deployment beginning Jan. 15.

The 55th Fighter Squadron, activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, departed Jan. 10 and will work alongside ROK-US alliance partners to maintain peace and stability to the region.

"The 55th Fighter Squadron 'Shooters' have deployed in support of the United States' long-standing commitment to work with our great friends and partners, the Republic of Korea," said Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "We always stand ready to deploy combat airpower and Airmen to support our National Defense Strategy."

Another 200 airmen and 12 F-16Cs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently deployed to Kunsan as the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Their scheduled deployment began Dec. 3, 2011, and is scheduled to last approximately three months.

"The ROK-US Alliance has never been stronger," said Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander Pacific Air Forces, Osan Air Base, South Korea. "These deployments reaffirm our commitment to providing the right combat air power and capabilities in defense of the Republic of Korea."

(7th Air Forces Public Affairs contributed to this article.)

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