F-16s defend Guam airspace

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Art Webb
  • 36th Operations Group Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Airmen from the 522nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, assigned here, recently took part in a quick-reaction exercise requiring them to respond to potential threats and provide assistance to the Federal Aviation Administration if called on to do to.

Operation Jungle Shield allowed for jets to scramble, coordinate procedures with civilian authorities and defend Guam's airspace. 

"The purpose of Operation Jungle Shield was to help familiarize F-16 pilots, crew chiefs and ground controller interceptors with alert scramble operations and procedures," said Capt. Wyckliffe Furcron, 522nd EFS project officer for this exercise. "The F-16 was used as the interceptor in this exercise." 

As U.S. forces continue to transform in order to meet emerging security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region, exercises like Jungle Shield ensure unit readiness to confidently secure peace and stability in the region. 

The exercise was designed to demonstrate U.S. Pacific Command's ability to intercept, identify, defend, and if necessary, eliminate threats within its area of responsibility.
"We need to be able to quickly deploy our weapons system and defend our nation's interest," said Captain Furcron. 

Two KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 173rd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron also participated in the exercise by simulating threats to Guam's airspace, causing alert F-16s crews to scramble, get airborne, and assess the threat. 

According to USPACOM, the surveillance and control of U.S. airspace in its area of responsibility remains a prime mission. 

"This exercise helped to keep personnel in a ready mindset and also kept them current and in practice with alert scramble procedures," Captain Furcron said. 

As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, additional forces are regularly deployed throughout the Western Pacific and are integrated into various joint, coalition, and bilateral training from forward operating bases in order to preserve peace and stability in the region. 

"In order to stay proficient in our capabilities, we have to train for each possible situation that we may encounter. Conducting exercises like Jungle Shield help us to be prepared to fly, fight and win in any combat scenario," said Captain Furcron. 

While not directly related to deployments of Western Pacific forces, this exercise was an example of the flexibility that U.S. forces have to meet ongoing commitments throughout the Asia-Pacific region. These deployments and exercises send a clear message to any potential adversary that the United States is serious about security and stability in the region.