F-22s scheduled to deploy to Japan & Guam

Air Force sending 2 dozen F-22s to bases in Pacific
By David Allen, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Friday, December 19, 2008

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa — A different kind of fighter jet will be flying over Okinawa and Guam in January.

The Air Force will deploy 12 F-22 Raptors to Kadena Air Base for three months, according to an 18th Wing news release. About 250 personnel from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia will be accompanying the aircraft to Okinawa.

Another dozen F-22s will deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

The F-22 is a "transformational combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruise at supersonic speeds, and provides the joint force an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness," according to the release. "These deployments underscore the U.S. commitment to Japan as a vital regional partner and signal U.S. resolve to ensure stability and security throughout the Pacific region."

It is the second deployment of Langley-based F-22s to Kadena. The first was in February 2007.

"As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces throughout the Western Pacific," the release said.

Along with stepped-up operations because of the presence of the F-22s, Kadena base officials are bracing for protests by Okinawa anti-base groups that follow such increased activity.

"While training at Kadena, the F-22As will fully observe all 18th Wing noise abatement measures, including established quiet hours," the release said. "For operational security reasons, the exact scheduled arrival dates will not be announced until next month."

source: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?sect ... icle=59491

12 Raptors deploy from Langley to Kadena

By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 18:47:33 EST

Twelve F-22 Raptors and crews from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are heading to Japan for the aircraft’s second overseas deployment.

Six of the Raptors from Langley’s 27th Fighter Squadron departed Wednesday, with another six set to leaveThursday. After a brief stop-off at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, the Raptors will arrive at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Saturday and Sunday.

[...]

Source: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/ ... nt_010709/

My brother said they are now at Hickam. I told him to send pics asap, but he said during the day, there are alot of people around them, so he may not have a chance. He also said Al Pacino is supposed to be there today to view them as well.

Uploaded the story Raptors return to the Pacific showin the first 6 F-22s arriving at Kadena. Primary identified as a 27 FS deployment, seems like the Sqn have borrowed some jets from 94 FS to make up the numbers.

Noted so far:

03-4061 27 FS
03-4042 27 FS
04-4083 94 FS

Any updates on serials of the 3 remaining please post

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4061 from 27 FS cools down after a 10 hour flight from Hickam AFB to Kadena AFB on January 10th, 2009. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley AFB as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. Note now carrying '1 OG' markings. [USAF photo by A1C. Amanda Grabiec]

NOTE: 03-4061 has changed Unit Markings from '1 FW' to '1 OG'. Can anyone confirm this and know the date?

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 04-4083 from 94 FS taxis down the runway of Kadena AB on January 10th, 2009. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley AFB as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. [USAF photo by A1C. Amanda Grabiec]

Can anyone confirm if 04-4071 is also one of the 12 deployed?. Asking as the following photo was released on departure day at Langley. The IPTC caption as follows:

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- Senior Airman Daniel Glabinski, 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-22A Raptor crew chief, prepares to signal a pilot from the 192nd Fighter Wing just before take-off on a deployment to Kadena Air Base Jan. 6. More than 200 personnel and 12 F-22A Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron departed for Japan for their Air Expeditionary Force deployment in support of both joint coalition and bilateral operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Vernon Young)

SrA. Daniel Glabinski, 27th AMU F-22A Raptor crew chief, prepares to signal a pilot in F-22A block 20 no. 04-4071 from 94th FS on January 7th, 2009. [USAF photo by SrA. Vernon Young]

03-4055 + 1 still at Hickam

Via the Kadena AB website some further photographic updates of the arrivals on the 10th & 12th.

Noted so far:

03-4051 27 FS
03-4058 27 FS
04-4082 94 FS

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4051 from 27 FS lands at Kadena AB January 12th, 2009 following a 10-hour flight from Hickam AFB. One of 12 Raptors deployed from Langley AFB, the aircraft is part of an air expeditionary force rotation. [USAF photo by TSgt. Rey Ramon]

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4058 from 27 FS manuevers down the taxiway after landing at Kadena AB on January 12th, 2008. The aircraft is one of 12 deployed from Langley AFB. as part of an air expeditionary force rotation. [USAF photo by SSgt. Christopher Hummel]

Two USAF F-22 Raptor seen after landing at Kadena AB after 10-hour flight from Hickam AFB. Nearside is F-22A block 20 no. 04-4082 from 94 FS, marked as '192 FW'. [USAF photo by TSgt. Rey Ramon]

03-4055 + 1 still at Hickam

The +1 is 066. And they are both STILL there. They must have some serious issues.

Another couple of F-22 identified from new pictures posted as part of Raptors begin training with 18th Wing

Noted so far:

03-4049 27 FS
03-4052 27 FS

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4049 shoots out a flare during an air combat training mission on January 15th, 2009. The F-22A is deployed to Kadena AB, Japan from the 27th FS Langley AFB in support of U.S. Pacific Command. [USAF photo by SrA. Clay Lancaster]

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4049 awaits to refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker on January 15th, 2009. The F-22A is deployed to Kadena AB from the 27th FS Langley AFB in support of U.S. Pacific Command. [USAF photo SrA. Clay Lancaster]

Lt. Col. James Croxton, 27th FS pilot, taxis an F-22A block 20 no. 03-4052 down the ramp for another local mission on January 15th, 2009 at Kadena AB. The F-22's are deployed from the 27th FS Langley AFB in support of U.S. Pacific Command. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andy Dunaway]

Is it just me or is anybody else uncomfortable seeing the air dominance machine using a flare?

regards, OL

That's because there is a VIPER at his six!!

From 13th AF an update to the Kadena story already posted to this site.

Raptors return to the Pacific

by Maj. John S. Hutcheson
18th Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2009 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Six F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base Jan. 10 and another four arrived Jan. 12 as part of a three-month deployment in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific.

The planes landed each day after a 10-hour flight from Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.

The F-22s, part of the 27th Fighter Squadron, are deployed from Langley Air Force Base, Va. This is the second deployment of Langley-based Raptors to Kadena; the first occurred in February 2007. About 250 maintenance and combat support personnel arrived here earlier in the week in preparation for the arrival of the Raptors.

Bringing the F-22 back to the Far East is both a reflection of the U.S.'s commitment to the region as well as an opportunity to demonstrate the plane's expeditionary capability.

"First and foremost, it's only our second deployment overseas, so it's a chance to exercise in that capacity to meet the U.S. Air Force's worldwide obligations," said Lt. Col. David Nardi, a pilot with the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. "We're extremely excited to be here supporting the U.S.-Japan security alliance, and we look forward to strengthening that relationship during this deployment."

Colonel Nardi is one of 59 Air National Guard members on this deployment who fly and support the F-22 at Langley Air Force Base, making this a unique Total Force effort.

"This is a great opportunity for us to train with other U.S. units in the region and help carry out their mission of maintaining security in the Pacific," added Colonel Nardi.

For the Kadena Air Base, the Raptor deployment allows it a unique opportunity to integrate its operations with the Air Force's newest air superiority fighter and to exercise one of its core missions - to receive and bed down additional forces.

"The 18th Wing is extremely proud to host the 27th Fighter Squadron and the F-22 Raptor at Kadena Air Base," said Colonel Lenny Richoux, 18th Wing vice commander. "This deployment demonstrates the mutual importance of both the Raptor's unmatched combat power and Kadena Air Base as a forward power projection platform."

Colonel Richoux and Colonel Ronald Banks, 18th Operations Group Commander, were on hand to greet the first six Raptor pilots as they arrived at Kadena today.

"This deployment of F-22s to Kadena is a key force projection event and signifies the importance the U.S. gives to our alliance with Japan," said Colonel Banks. "Additionally, the presence of the Raptor is a major flexible deterrent option that 13th Air Force has to show "would-be" adversaries that the U.S. is committed to ensuring peace and stability in this region."

The F-22 is the United States Air Force's most advanced air superiority fighter. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capability.

"The airplane truly is a game changer," said Colonel Nardi. "It brings capabilities to the fight that no other airplane has, and it's exciting to have a chance to bring this capability to the Pacific theater."

As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States regularly deploys additional forces throughout the Western Pacific. In addition to the Kadena deployment, 12 Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska-based Raptors will deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Two more F-22s will arrive at Kadena soon.

source: http://www.13af.pacaf.af.mil/news/story ... =123131562

Some confirmation of cbrjames info on serials in the above story.

03-4055 + 1 still at Hickam

The +1 is 066. And they are both STILL there. They must have some serious issues.

F-22's from 90th EFS have finally have arrived at Andersen AFB. As reported as Deployed F-22 Raptors arrive at Andersen.

Noted so far for serials:

05-4104 90 FS

Hi guys,

Question about these 3 birds =>

03 4042 : 27th or 43rd fs ? (according to scramble : 43rd)
03 4044 : 27th or 43rd fs ? (same)
04 4064 : 27th ou 94th fs ? (27th)

thanks for updates !!

More photos from MSgt. Andy Dunaway of the Raptors at Kadena

03-4049

USAF F-22A block 20 no. 03-4049 taxies at Kadena AB on January 14th, 2009. The aircraft is deployed from the 27th FS out of Langley AFB. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andy Dunaway]

03-4052

USAF F-22 block 20 no. 03-4052 parks at the end of the runway before takeoff on January 16th, 2009 at Kadena AB. The Raptor is deployed from the 27th FS, based at Langley AFB. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andy Dunaway]

Lt. Col. James Croxton prepares to board F-22 block 20 no. 03-4052 at Kadena AFB on January 15th, 2009 to conduct a local mission. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andy Dunaway]

03-4058

USAF F-22 block 20 no. 03-4058 returns from a mission on January 16th, 2009 at Kadena AB. The Raptor is deployed from the 27th FS based at Langley AFB. [USAF photo by MSgt. Andy Dunaway]

I will be in Guam (on vacation) around Feb 14. Does anyone know if there is a good spot near the base for civilians to watch take-offs and landings and get some good Raptor shots?