News>Largest deployment of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific is underway
Photos
Maintenance personnel prepare for the arrival of F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. Andersen received 12 of the $140 million dollar aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen have already arrived at the base to begin a three month deployment as the Pacific?s Theater Security Package. The stealth-fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, are deployed as the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will participate in various exercises that provide routine training in an environment different from their home station. Members of the 477th Fighter Group, an Air Force Reserve unit are included in the deployment from Elmendorf AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald) released
Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez,90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander removes his helmet after arriving at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam Jan. 18. The Raptors are deployed out of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacifics Theater Security Package.(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
An F-22 Raptor lands at Kadena Air Base, Japan Jan. 10, 2009. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chad Warren)
An F-22 Raptor cools down after a 10 hour flight from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii to Kadena Air Force Base, Japan Jan 10. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Amanda Grabiec)
1/22/2009 - HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii -- The U.S. Air Force has deployed two squadrons of F-22 Raptors to the Pacific as part of on-going rotations of forces to ensure security and stability throughout the region.
Twelve Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. The week prior, twelve Raptors from Langley Air Force Base, Va., began arriving at Kadena Air Base, Japan.
Both squadrons will be deployed to the Pacific for three months and will spend that time conducting air combat training with Air Force and other U.S. military assets in the region.
F-22s are the Air Force's newest and most advanced fighter, combining stealth, maneuverability, supercruise capability and superior avionics to provide the U.S. with unmatched air dominance.
