Approximately 250 Airmen and six F-16 Fighting Falcons with the Colorado Air National Guard 140th Wing have deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora.

The Airmen and fighter aircraft deployed with six F-16s and associated personnel with the Wisconsin Air National Guard, forming a Theater Security Package (TSP) to demonstrate the United States' continuing commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"Our Citizen-Warriors are all volunteers, and we're indebted to their dedication in being always ready, always there to provide operational and support capabilities to our military around the world," said the adjutant general of Colorado, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael A. Loh.

The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys fighter aircraft to the region to provide U.S. Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces with Theater Security Packages, which help maintain a deterrent against threats.

Photo: An F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft from the 120th Fighter Squadron, 140th Wing, takes off at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado on its way to Kadena Air Base, Japan for a deployment in support of the Theater Security Package. Courtesy Colorado Air National Guard – Senior Master Sgt. John Rohrer