F-22A begins first overseas deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Charles Ramey
  • 13th Air Force Public Affairs
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii --  The U.S. Air Force is deploying 12 F-22A Raptors and more than 250 personnel from the 27th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena Air Base, Japan. The mission, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package in the Western Pacific, is the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest fighter.

A transformational combat aircraft, the F-22 is effectively invisible to threats, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable and provides an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

Thirteenth Air Force is responsible for F-22 operations while they are in theater. Lt. Gen. Chip Utterback, 13th Air Force commander, stressed that the deployment is not in response to any specific situation in the region.

"The United States routinely evaluates its readiness and repositions forces throughout the Western Pacific to meet its security obligations. The F-22A deployment is the latest example of the flexibility that U.S. forces have to meet ongoing commitments within the region," he said.

In addition to the Raptor, other U.S. Air Force aircraft, including B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers and F-15, F-16 and F-117 fighters, have also temporarily deployed to the Pacific recently.

"Versatile mission platforms give Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines the ability to operate in today's constantly changing threat environments," said General Utterback. "Forward basing aircraft such as the F-22 and other air assets gives commanders the capability to respond to any contingency, anywhere in the theater in minimal time."

As the Air Force works to transform its air, space and cyberspace operations across the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations, the upcoming deployment of the F-22A into the theater and eventual permanent beddown of the Air Force's newest fighter in Alaska and Hawaii are the latest examples of the United States' continuing commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

"The F-22 will lead and enable the joint force to operate at will without interference from an opposing force in the Pacific and throughout the rest of the world for years to come," General Utterback said.

The 27th Fighter Squadron, the U.S. Air Force's first frontline F-22A fighter squadron, reached initial operational capability in December 2005. Although this is the first overseas deployment for the aircraft, it is not the squadron's first deployment from Langley.

In October 2005, the squadron deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where F-22 pilots practiced their unique flight tactics and dropped inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions, or JDAMs.

The squadron deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, in May and participated in joint training during Northern Edge 2006.

During this first operational exercise for the F-22, members of the 27th and more than 5,000 U.S. active duty and reserve component military members worked together, enhancing their ability to respond rapidly to any regional contingency.

"We had phenomenal successes during these deployments and exercises," said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander. "We've taken the lessons we've learned and applied them back here, and we've continued to develop the weapons system every day."

While deployed to Kadena, members of the 27th will showcase the capabilities of the Raptor as they train with U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps units.

"We're eager to assist U.S. Pacific Command, helping to ensure an environment of security and stability to support and foster freedom and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific Region," said General Field. "This is what we train for, and we're ready."

(1st Lt. Rachel Sherburne 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs contributed to this story)