LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
More than 200 personnel and 12 F-22A Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron departed for Japan Jan. 6 and 7 for their Air Expeditionary Force deployment.
An additional 12 F-22A Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deploying to Guam. These deployments demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to fulfill its security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific.
While at Kadena Air Base the 27th FS will support the Pacific combatant commanders' objectives and support both joint coalition and bilateral operations.
"We are ready to go," said Lt. Col. Thomas Shank, 27th FS director of operations. "Our mission is our number our priority."
This is the second deployment to the Western Pacific for the 27th FS. Some 1st and 192nd Fighter Wing Airmen are excited about their second trip to Japan.
"I'm looking forward to a positive experience and to make the most of this deployment," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan King, 192nd Fighter Wing aircraft armament weapons technician. "Last time I was in Japan, I had a really positive experience interacting with the local people."