U.S. Air Force F-22A "Raptors" Deploy to Pacific

Twenty four U.S. Air Force F-22A “Raptors,” with approximately 500 people, began an approximately three-month deployment to the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) area of responsibility this week. Twelve aircraft from the 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deploying to Andersen AFB, Guam. The remaining 12 aircraft, assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, Virginia, are deploying to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan.

The deployment of the Raptors support PACOM’s commitment to maintaining a robust forward deployed military presence ready to contribute to stability in the region.

During a brief stopover at Hickam Air Force Base (AFB) yesterday, Hawaii-based media received a first-hand look at the Japan-bound “Raptors.” See the coverage of KHON-2 and the Honolulu Advertiser, and video of the arrival below, courtesy of Pacific Air Forces.

The F-22A is a transformational combat aircraft that is capable of avoiding enemy detection, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable, and provides the joint force an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.