Fighter Jet News
F-22 Raptor News
F-22 inaugural deployment to Europe
August 28, 2015 (by
Asif Shamim) -
Four F-22 Raptors, one C-17 Globemaster III, and approximately 60 Airmen arrived at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, to train with allied air forces and U.S. services through mid-September.
This first-ever F-22 training deployment to Europe is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative, and provides support to bolster the security of our NATO Allies and partners in Europe.
The F-22s and Airmen are from the 95th Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Fla. The C-17 is from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
"This inaugural Raptor training deployment is the perfect opportunity for these advanced aircraft to train alongside other U.S. Air Force aircraft, joint partners, and NATO allies," said General Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander.
The training will prove that 5th generation fighters can deploy successfully to European bases and other NATO installations while also affording the chance for familiarization flight training within the European theater. It will also give them the chance to conduct combat air training with different aircraft like U.S. F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons.
"It's important we test our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and the talented Airmen and allies who will host 5th generation aircraft in Europe," said Gorenc. "This deployment advances our airpower evolution and demonstrates our resolve and commitment to European safety and security."
An F-22 Raptor lands at Spangdahlem AB on August 28th, 2015 as part of the inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th FS at Tyndall AFB as part of the European Reassurance Initiative. [USAF photo by SSgt. Chad Warren]
The F-22s and Airmen are from the 95th Fighter Squadron, Tyndall AFB, Fla. The C-17 is from the 437th Airlift Wing, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C.
"This inaugural Raptor training deployment is the perfect opportunity for these advanced aircraft to train alongside other U.S. Air Force aircraft, joint partners, and NATO allies," said General Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander.
The training will prove that 5th generation fighters can deploy successfully to European bases and other NATO installations while also affording the chance for familiarization flight training within the European theater. It will also give them the chance to conduct combat air training with different aircraft like U.S. F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons.
"It's important we test our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and the talented Airmen and allies who will host 5th generation aircraft in Europe," said Gorenc. "This deployment advances our airpower evolution and demonstrates our resolve and commitment to European safety and security."
Courtesy of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
Additional images:
An F-22 Raptor lands at Spangdahlem AB on August 28th, 2015 as part of the inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th FS at Tyndall AFB as part of the European Reassurance Initiative. [USAF photo by SSgt. Chad Warren]
Four F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft taxi after landing at Spangdahlem AB on August 28th, 2015 as part of the inaugural F-22 training deployment to Europe. The F-22s are deployed from the 95th FS at Tyndall AFB as part of the European Reassurance Initiative and will conduct air training with other Europe-based aircraft. [USAF photo by SSgt. Chad Warren]
An F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft pilot assigned to the 95th FS at Tyndall AFB exits an F-22 at Spangdahlem AB on August 28th, 2015. [USAF photo by A1C. Luke Kitterman]