ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- An F-22 Raptor pilot from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, climbs out of the jet at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. Twelve of the $140 million aircraft and more than 250 Airmen arrived at the base to begin a three month deployment as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airman 1st Class Holden Coladonato (left) and Staff Sgt. James Fleming, crew chiefs with the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, conduct post flight checks on an F-22 after its arrival at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacific’s Theater Security Package for three months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, removes his helmet after arriving at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. The Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, with more than 250 Airmen in support of the Pacific’s Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan Whitney)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, prepare to land at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. Andersen received 12 of the $140 million aircraft along with more than 250 Airmen to begin a three month deployment as part of the Pacific's Theater Security Package. The stealth-fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, are deployed as the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will participate in various exercises that provide training in an environment different from their home station. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airman 1st Class Bryon Harrington reviews aircraft data as F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrive at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. Deployed to Andersen, Airman Blahut, an avionics specialist, is assigned to 90th Fighter Expeditionary Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Maintenance personnel make preparations as F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrive at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Jan. 18. Andersen received 12 of the $140 million aircraft, and more than 250 Airmen have already arrived at the base to begin a three month deployment as the Pacific's Theater Security Package. The stealth fighters, along with associated maintenance and support personnel, are deployed as the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will participate in various exercises that provide routine training in an environment different from their home station. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- An F-22 Raptor pilot from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrives at Andersen Air Force, Guam, Jan. 18. As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional assets 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. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Tech. Sgt. Bryce Kelsey, a crew chief from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, marshals in an F-22 Raptor after its arrival here Jan. 18. Twelve F-22s deployed to Andersen for three months as part of the Pacific Air Force’s Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen of the 90th Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, prepare for post flight maintenance on F-22 Raptors Jan. 18 following their flight to Andersen Air Force, Guam. While deployed to Andersen, the Airmen and Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron are assigned to the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and will operate under the Pacific Air Force’s Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)
by Senior Airman Ryan Whitney
36th Wing Public Affairs
1/19/2009 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Twelve F-22 Raptors deployed from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, arrived here Jan. 18, for a three month deployment in support of the Pacific Air Forces' Global Deterrence mission.
As part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, additional forces like the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron continue to deploy throughout the Western Pacific. More than 270 Airmen deployed with the unit.
"The F-22s from the PACAF base at Elmendorf, Alaska, bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command," said Brig. Gen. Philip Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander. "This strategic deployment to Andersen shrinks the tyranny of distance across the Pacific by forward-basing an unmatched multi-role fifth-generation combat capability."
While deployed here, the Airmen of the 90th EFS will fly alongside those of the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, in support of numerous exercises and missions, showcasing the U.S. commitment to security and stability throughout the Pacific.
"Having the F-22 here deters and dissuades potential adversaries and assures our regional partners and allies within the region," said General Ruhlman. "The F-22 Raptor represents a key element of the Air Force's contribution to joint military operations with unquestionable world class air dominance upon which all joint forces rely."
Being deployed to Andersen provides Airmen with the 90th EFS many unique opportunities.
"Many of our younger pilots don't get the opportunity to drop many live weapons during training in Alaska, and with the ranges and opportunities they have here at Andersen, many of them will get the valuable experience required to truly be air dominant," said Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez, 90th EFS commander. "We will also get the chance to participate in many of the joint exercises, and get that experience to see how other services operate."
F-22s are the Air Forces newest and most advanced fighter, combining stealth, maneuverability, supercruise capability and superior avionics to provide the U.S. with unmatched air dominance.
"These aircraft take the air superiority of the F-15 (Eagle) to the next level, ensuring that the U.S. maintains air dominance," said Maj. Chad Newkirk, an Air Force Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 90th EFS.
One of the biggest challenges the aircraft face while deployed here is the climate, according to the squadron commander.
"These jets are still young, and it will be interesting to see how they react to the dramatic climate differences between Alaska and Guam." Colonel Sanchez said. "Our maintainers are the best, and they know what it takes to keep these birds in the air."
In addition to the Andersen deployment, Kadena Air Base, Japan, also received 12 F-22s deployed from Langley AFB, Va., as part of the continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements.
