JPAC Team Dedicated to Fullest Possible Accounting in Republic of Korea

A team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) is in the third week of an investigative mission in the Republic of Korea.

A Stars and Stripes reporter recently spent time with the team and the newspaper published a feature story on the team’s efforts.

The mission of the approximately 400 men and women of JPAC, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this past October, is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation’s past conflicts.

In those five years, JPAC teams have spanned the globe, operating in over thirty countries. Last year, teams deployed to 12 countries on 69 recovery and investigative missions, and completed 75 identifications. Also in the past year, the Central Identification Laboratory (CIL) became the third Federal Laboratory to pass the International American Society of Crime Laboratory Assessment, and the CIL opened the Forensic Science Academy, an advanced forensic anthropology program consisting of five courses, taught under the auspices of the Department of Defense.

JPAC continues to build strong and expanding relationships within the countries it operates, many of which are located in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations.

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F-16 Rotation to Replace Departing Apache Helicopters in Korea

Twelve U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft will replace a unit of U.S. Army Apache helicopters deployed to the Republic of Korea beginning this March. See the Associated Press report and U.S. Forces Korea press release.

The F-16s will be deployed on a rotational basis and in place before the Apaches of the 1-2 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion depart Korea, ensuring no gap in capability occurs.

U.S. Pacific Command routinely deploys military forces throughout the Asia-Pacific region as part of longstanding U.S. support to its allies and partners and to fulfill its security responsibilities.

U.S. Air Force A-10 aircraft were orginally identified as the replacement for the Apache helicopters. However, due to increased requirements for inspections and repairs to the A-10 aircraft fleet, the decision was made to deploy the F-16s instead. The F-16 is a multi-role fighter capable of conducting a broad range of missions, including close air support, precision strike and counter-air. It provides added capability in targeting, precision munitions, detection, and defensive measures

The U.S. remains committed to the defense of the Republic of Korea and will ensure the right mix of capabilities are deployed on and around the Korean Peninsula to support key Alliance missions and deter aggression.

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