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F-22 Raptor News
27th FS Raptors complete historic exercise in southwest Asia
December 16, 2009 (by
A1C Jason J. Brown) -
After completing another first for the F-22A Raptor, 27th Fighter Squadron pilots and aircraft returned from 40-day deployment to South-West Asia December 16.
"Our participation in Iron Falcon is another milestone in the rich history of the Fightin' Eagles," said Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, 27th FS commander. "The F-22 Raptor is fully mission-capable, and this exercise was another opportunity to employ the U.S. Air Force's newest fighter aircraft in a different environment."
Iron Falcon is a recurring training exercise designed to strengthen military relationships abroad, with such countries as France, England and Pakistan. Training missions include defensive and offensive counter-air, tactical air-to-surface maritime operations and combat search and rescue sorties. Despite sandstorms and extreme heat, the six Raptors flew undefeated, primarily against foreign F-16s and Mirage 2000s.
The multi-national exercise is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center and brings together Gulf Cooperation Council nations and other countries to provide integration and interoperability of air power vision, doctrine and purpose.
"We are proud of our relationship with members of the GCC and will continue to build and enhance those relationships," said Colonel Pilch. "Members of the GCC are valued partners in the region, and this training enhanced their ability to ensure security of the region."
A USAF F-22 Raptor conducts a training mission during a multinational exercise on December 9th, 2009, in Southwest Asia. The F-22 fighters and crews are deployed from the 27th FS at Langley AFB. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael B. Keller]
Iron Falcon is a recurring training exercise designed to strengthen military relationships abroad, with such countries as France, England and Pakistan. Training missions include defensive and offensive counter-air, tactical air-to-surface maritime operations and combat search and rescue sorties. Despite sandstorms and extreme heat, the six Raptors flew undefeated, primarily against foreign F-16s and Mirage 2000s.
The multi-national exercise is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center and brings together Gulf Cooperation Council nations and other countries to provide integration and interoperability of air power vision, doctrine and purpose.
"We are proud of our relationship with members of the GCC and will continue to build and enhance those relationships," said Colonel Pilch. "Members of the GCC are valued partners in the region, and this training enhanced their ability to ensure security of the region."
Courtesy of 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
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Additional images:
USAF F-22 Raptor aircraft fly in formation during a multinational exercise on December 9th, 2009, in Southwest Asia. The F-22 fighters are from Langley AFB. In shot can be seen F-22A block 20 no. 04-4071 from the 94th FS. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael B. Keller]
USAF F-22 Raptor aircraft fly in formation during a multinational exercise on December 9th, 2009, in Southwest Asia. The F-22 fighters are from Langley AFB. In shot can be seen F-22A block 20 no. 04-4071 from the 94th FS. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael B. Keller]
USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4051 from the 27th FS conducts a training mission during a multinational exercise on December 9th, 2009, in Southwest Asia. [USAF photo by SSgt. Michael B. Keller]