ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - This weekend personnel from the 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, based at the Atlantic City International Airport will begin an Aerospace Expeditionary Force (AEF) deployment to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH.   The wing will deploy over 150 members during the period from November 4 through December 15. 

Operation SOUTHERN WATCH enforces the United Nations Security Council southern no-fly zone over Iraq.   The US air component of operation SOUTHERN WATCH is comprised of active-duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve aircraft and personnel under the operational command of Joint Task Force -- Southwest Asia.  Since December 1998, there have been over 700 incidents of Iraqi surface-to-air missile firings, anti-aircraft artillery firings and Iraqi aircraft violations of the southern no-fly-zone. No allied aircraft have been shot down and no American personnel have been wounded or killed while enforcing the no-fly zone. 
   
Recent Events.  On October 31, the Pentagon announced increased security measures in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.  Threat Condition Delta, the highest threat condition rating, was declared in response to "credible threat information involving unspecified targets" in the region. Previously Bahrain and Qatar were put into Threat Condition Delta.  
 
The wing's AEF deployment in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH was previously scheduled under the Air Force's Expeditionary Air Force concept and not as a response to recent events.  The Air Force launched the Expeditionary Air Force concept on October 1, 1999.  The operational elements of the Expeditionary Air Force are known as Aerospace Expeditionary Forces.   Individual units are assigned to a specific numbered AEF (e.g. AEF 9) and given a particular deployment period to cover during their rotation into area of responsibility.   This concept was designed to bring about predictability and stability for deploying Air Force members.   The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve have been full partners in supporting this Total Force effort.   

Over the past year, the 177th Fighter Wing has deployed more than 30 people to provide expeditionary combat support for Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and Operation NORTHERN WATCH.  Operation NORTHERN WATCH is based in Turkey and enforces the United Nations Security Council northern no-fly zone over Iraq.   

About the 177th Fighter Wing.  The 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, is a “community-based” force based at the Atlantic City International Airport.  The wing also maintains a detachment of personnel at the Warren Grove Range, Warren Grove, N.J.  The 177th’s federal mission is to provide combat ready personnel, aircraft and equipment for worldwide deployment in support US Air Force objectives.  The mission aircraft is the F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft -- a compact, high performance multi-role fighter.  The wing’s state mission is to protect life and property, provide disaster relief, and ensure public safety when called upon by the governor. The wing continually looks for opportunities to participate in events that add value to the community.