F/A-22 squadron deploys to Hill

by 1st Lt. Genieve David & 1st Class Stefanie Torres
75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs and 388th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force's newest fighter aircraft, along with more than 150 Airmen, will begin arriving Saturday for the first-ever deployment of the world's first operational F/A-22 Raptor squadron, from Langley AFB, Va.

The 27th Fighter Squadron, of the 1st Fighter Wing, is deploying here as part of the Air Force's effort to achieve Initial Operational Capability with the aircraft by December. The first deployment of the F/A-22 marks a significant point in the history of the development of their aircraft as well as acts as a test of its deployed capabilities and maintainability.

This is the squadron's first attempt in showcasing they are capable of a deployment from home station, can travel to unfamiliar territory and effectively fly missions in a different environment than they are used to, said Lt. Col Bill Fisher, commander of Hill's 86th Fighter Weapons Squadron, Detachment 1.

The F/A-22 is designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances, and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation's military forces. The F/A-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.

"The F/A-22 is significantly larger than the F-16, so they take up more concrete (on the flightline)," Colonel Fisher said. "The Raptor deployment footprint is also larger than the typical fighter squadron, with flightline maintenance facilities, stand-alone electric generators, a deployable debriefing facility and communications equipment, including a satellite dish, which all needs to be placed near the aircraft."

Organizations throughout Hill have contributed to ensure this first deployment here is a success, Colonel Fisher said. This includes providing airfield waivers, communication networks, logistical support, and lodging and food.

"The 86th Fighter Wing Squadron Detachment 1, 388th Fighter Wing and the 75th Air Base Wing have all been working hard to accommodate the deployed aircraft and personnel," said Col. Robert Beletic, 388th Fighter Wing commander.

The 388th Operations Support Squadron has provided training schedules that lets all 388th Fighter Squadrons have dissimilar training opportunities with the Raptor pilots. "The schedule will help the aircrew of both the F-16s and F/A-22s prepare for upcoming combat deployments," said Colonel Fisher.
The 388th Range Squadron is scheduled to provide needed support on the Utah Test and Training Range for the first-ever weapons employment by operational F/A-22s to targets on the range on Tuesday.

"As a part of their hospitality, the 388th Range Squadron is providing work areas for the aircrew in the Deployed Unit Facility, and maintenance bays are being provided as well," Colonel Fisher said.

"I am very proud of our people for the outstanding job they are doing to host the F/A-22," said Colonel Beletic. "The support from the men and women of Team Hill is especially impressive given that everyone is also busy preparing for the Operational Readiness Inspection."

so that left one of theirs vs 8 16's.....but you can guess the outcome.

yeah we just got back from TDY at Tyndall flying against them and now there up here with us. once they fix the bugs these jets aint to bad. they look cool but they break way to often. they had 5 start taxing. 3 didnt make it to EOR 2 got off the ground, one air aborted. so that left one of theirs vs 8 16's.....but you can guess the outcome.

They would have definately seen the raptor or atleast 2 of them that could have only fallen to Aim-9 missiles did.