KADENA AIR BASE, Japan –
More than 30 Virginia Air National Guardsmen from the 192nd Fighter Wing deployed with the 94th Fighter Squadron to the Western Pacific as part of a theater security package May 26.
The 94th FS deployed with volunteers from the 192nd FW for the squadron's first deployment since receiving the F-22A Raptors.
"Kadena is a new experience for our Guardsmen," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Orzolek, 192nd FW production superintendent. "But it's been a seamless transition from Langley to here.
Obviously you are thousands of miles away from home but everyone works together really well. The guys lean on one another when the times are good and when they are bad."
This deployment is giving the Air Guardsmen an opportunity to operate in a new environment.
"I never expected being a Guardsman to travel as much as I have because the [traditional members of the] Guard normally only operate one weekend a month, two weeks a year," said Staff Sgt. Stephanie Johnson, 192nd FW aircrew flight equipment technician. "But it's a good experience because you get to learn a different culture and yet participate in the mission."
This historical deployment also enhances the working relationship between active duty Air Guardsmen.
"We already work as a family at Langley," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Rogers, 192nd crew chief.
This deployment shows the 1st Fighter Wing and 192nd Fighter Wing can work as a family anywhere in the world.
Editor's note: Traditional guardsmen in any guard unit, including the 192nd Fighter Wing, typically work one weekend a month and two weeks a year, volunteering for deployments as needed. However, of the 1,100 total members in the 192nd FW, there are more than 250 full time Airmen working next to active duty Airmen here at Langley every day.