F-22 Raptor News

January 12, 2009 (by SrA Ryan Whitney) - The first wave of F-22 Raptors deploying from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, are scheduled to arrive on Thursday.
The F-22 is a highly maneurverable combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruise at supersonic speeds, and provide the joint force commander an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

Andersen is slated to receive approximately 12 of the $140 million aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen during their three month deployment to the Pacific theater.

The stealth-fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, are deployed as 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will participate in exercises such as Cope Thaw and Jungle Shield that provide routine training in an environment different from their home station.

As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces like the F-22 throughout the Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region.