LANGLEY AFB, Va –
Twelve F-22A Raptors and more than 250 people from the 27th Fighter Squadron
here are preparing for a deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in February.
While this will be the first overseas deployment for the Air Force's newest fighter, which was declared "combat ready" in December 2005, it is not the squadron's first deployment from Langley.
In October 2005, the squadron deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, where F-22 pilots practiced their unique flight tactics and dropped inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions, or JDAMs.
The squadron deployed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, when Langley's runway closed last May, where they underwent joint training while participating in Northern Edge 2006.
During this first operational exercise for the F-22, members of the 27th and more than 5,000 U.S. active duty and reserve component military members worked together, enhancing their ability to respond rapidly to any regional contingency.
"We had phenomenal successes during these deployments and exercises,"
said Brig. Gen. Burt Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander. "We've taken the lessons we've learned and applied them back here, and we've continued to develop the weapons system every day."
While deployed to Kadena, members of the 27th will showcase the capabilities of the Raptor as they train with Japan's air force, U.S. F-15s and the U.S. Navy.
This is part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, and 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.
"We're eager to assist U.S. Pacific Command, helping to ensure an environment
of security and stability to support and foster freedom and prosperity throughout the Asia-Pacific Region," said General Field. "This is what we train for, and we're ready."