Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Lt. Col. David Abba, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot, embraces his wife Carla after returning from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six F-22 Raptors in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Three F-22A Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron taxi in after returning from a deployment here Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six aircraft in support of a 40 day training exercise in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, 27th Fighter Squadron commander, is interviewed by local media after returning from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six F-22 Raptors in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.-- Capt. Matthew Howard, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot, and his wife Candie hold their daughter Trinity, 2, after Captain Howard returns from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six aircraft in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez) (RELEASED)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Lt. Col. David Abba waits for the signal to exit his aircraft after returning from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six F-22 Raptors in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Candie Howard, wife of Capt. Matthew Howard, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot, and their children Mikaela, Chance, and Trinity, watch as Captain Howard returns from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six aircraft in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Capt. Matthew Howard, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot, hugs his son Chance, 4, after returning from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six aircraft in support of a 40-day training exercise in southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
Raptors Return from southwest Asia
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Airman 1st Class Jacob Lerma, 27th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, marshals in Capt. Matthew Howard, 27th Fighter Squadron pilot, after his return from a deployment Dec. 16. The 27th FS deployed six F-22 Raptors in support of a 40 day training exercise in Southwest Asia. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Rebecca Montez)
By Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown / Published Dec. 16, 2009
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.,
After completing another first for the F-22A Raptor, 27th Fighter Squadron pilots and aircraft returned from 40-day deployment to southwest Asia Dec. 16.
"Our participation in Iron Falcon is another milestone in the rich history of the Fightin' Eagles," said Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, 27th FS commander. "The F-22 Raptor is fully mission-capable, and this exercise was another opportunity to employ the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter aircraft in a different environment."
Iron Falcon is a recurring training exercise designed to strengthen military relationships abroad, with such countries as France, England and Pakistan. Training missions include defensive and offensive counter-air, tactical air-to-surface maritime operations and combat search and rescue sorties. Despite sandstorms and extreme heat, the six Raptors flew undefeated, primarily against foreign F-16s and Mirage 2000s.
The multi-national exercise is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center and brings together Gulf Cooperation Council nations and other countries to provide integration and interoperability of air power vision, doctrine and purpose.
"We are proud of our relationship with members of the GCC and will continue to build and enhance those relationships," said Colonel Pilch. "Members of the GCC are valued partners in the region, and this training enhanced their ability to ensure security of the region."
