LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- –
More than 200 Langley Airmen and six F-22 Raptors assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron returned this week from a 120-day theater security deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan.
The first group of Airmen arrived April 18 and the first jets arrived April 22. The deployment, which began Jan. 6, was the squadron's second trip to the Pacific theater.
"The 27th's deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan was a tremendous success," said Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, 27th Fighter Squadron commander. "The jets performed tremendously for the entire deployment, which is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the deployed Airmen."
As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the U.S. Air Force continues to deploy additional forces throughout the Western Pacific region.
This deployment is another example of how the Air Force is meeting its ongoing commitments and security obligation by maintaining a flexible and credible presence.
"Training with the Japanese Air Defense Force was the highlight of the deployment," said Colonel Pilch. "The 27th Fighter Squadron and the JASDF taught each other a great deal and because of the training, we are a more effective joint fighting force."