Raptors head out for first real-world deployment

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chase S. DeMayo
  • 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. --  Twelve Raptors left here Feb. 7 for a 22-hour flight across the Pacific Ocean - the final phase of the F-22A's first real-world deployment.

Along with the Air Force's newest weapon system, more than 250 Airmen left Feb. 6, as part of the regularly scheduled Air Expeditionary Force deployment. The deployment has been planned since the Raptor achieved initial operational capability in December 2005.

While deployed, pilots and maintainers will work with other Air Force and Navy squadrons from the Pacific region.

"We learn more about what we can bring to the fight by working with other squadrons and branches," said Col. Wade Tolliver, 27th Fighter Squadron commander.

While deployed, 27th FS members plan to maintain a standard flying schedule much like the schedule here. The goal for pilots and maintainers is to make this transition from home to overseas as seamless as possible.

"We're going to keep our normal lives and shifts like we do back home," said Staff Sgt. John Laurence, a 27th FS crew chief. "The only difference is we're on the other side of the world."

In Japan, the 27th FS will fall under Kadena Air Base's 18th Wing, and will use the base's hangars and support throughout the 120-day temporary duty assignment. Along with the Raptors and personnel, the 27th FS will also take two-thirds of the equipment needed to maintain the jets.

The F-22A currently takes the same amount of personnel and equipment needed for an F-15 TDY. However, as the plane becomes older and Airmen gain experience working on the plane, manning demands will decrease, allowing fewer Airmen to spend less time on maintenance.

"We are still young at flying this airplane," said Colonel Tolliver. "As this plane matures, we will be better at maintaining the aircraft by knowing what spare parts and tools we need."

Deploying to Japan is also a chance to prove the plane's combat readiness and capabilities.

"We are deploying and employing a brand new jet to an area that isn't set up for (the) F-22," said Sergeant Laurence.

For most who haven't been, Japan will be a new environment and a chance to learn more about their jobs.

"We have been waiting for this all year," said Sergeant Laurence.