F-22 Raptor News

May 21, 2010 (by 49th FW) - The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to deploy F-22A Raptors to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, in late May for approximately four months.Twelve F-22As will deploy from HollomanAFB to Kadena AB and another 12 will deploy from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., to Andersen AFB. Approximately 250 Airmen will accompany the Raptors to each location.

"This is a tremendous milestone for the 49th Fighter Wing and members of Team Holloman. This will mark the first time F-22s from Holloman have deployed to the Western Pacific to train in a forward location, while maintaining a credible deterrent posture and presence in the region," said Col. David Sullivan, 49th Fighter Wing vice commander. "I want to let everyone in the Tularosa Basin know this deployment would not be possible if it were not for the remarkable support of the residents of Alamogordo and the surrounding areas. Your continued encouragement and support are reasons our Airmen are able to be successful in today's constantly changing threat environments."

The F-22A is a transformational combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly manoeuvrable, and provides the joint forces an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces throughout the Western Pacific as part of U.S. Pacific Command's Theater Security Package. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region.