U.S. Stealth Fighters Arrive in Gunsan

A squadron of U.S. Stealth fighter jets and airmen arrived at the U.S. Forces Korea air base in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province Thursday. The USFK command said Thursday that it completed the deployment of F-117A Nighthawk jets along with some 300 airmen to Gunsan Air Base. Part of the 49th Fighter Wing, the aircrew and jets flew from New Mexico's Holloman Air Force Base. The USFK would not confirm the exact number of jets in the squadron, but reports number them at some 15 to 20 aircraft. F-117A Nighthawk fighter jets parked at Gunsan Air Base on Thursday. The deployment comes amidst the on-going North Korean nuclear crisis. The Stealth fighters will participate in a joint drill between Korean and U.S. forces scheduled for March. The USFK command dismissed speculations that the deployment was related to the North Korean nuclear standoff, saying it is part of the normal rotation schedule for the Air Expeditionary Forces. The command said that the newly deployed fighters and airmen will carry out operations under various weather conditions for a four-month stay. (englishnews@chosun.com )