An F-22 Raptor receives fuel from a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over Iwo Jima Feb. 18, 2007 while en route to Kadena Air Base, Japan. Twelve Raptors and about 250 people from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. will be deploying back to Kadena in January for a three-month rotation as part of a U.S. Pacific Command theater security package (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jeremy McGuffin).

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
An F-22 Raptor lands at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 18, 2007 marking the aircraft's first overseas deployment. Twelve Raptors and about 250 people from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. will be deploying back to Kadena in January for a three-month rotation as part of a U.S. Pacific Command theater security package (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kelly Timney).

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Two F-22A Raptors taxi after landing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 18, 2007 marking the aircraft's first overseas deployment. Twelve Raptors and about 250 people from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. will be deploying back to Kadena in January for a three-month rotation as part of a U.S. Pacific Command theater security package (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Sheila deVera)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
An F-22A Raptor trains with U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet April 26, 2007, over the waters of Okinawa. Twelve Raptors and about 250 people from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. will be deploying back to Kadena in January for a three-month rotation as part of a U.S. Pacific Command theater security package (U.S. Navy courtesy photo).

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

F-22As scheduled to deploy to Kadena

Published Dec. 16, 2008
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to deploy 12 F-22A Raptors to Kadena Air Base in January 2009 for approximately three months in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific.

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.

The aircraft, along with about 250 personnel, will deploy from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia and are part of the 27th Fighter Squadron. This is the second deployment of Langley-based F-22s to Kadena, the first one occurring in February 2007.

The F-22A is a transformational combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruise at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable, and provides the joint force an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, the United States continues to deploy additional forces throughout the Western Pacific. In addition to the F-22As deploying to Kadena, another 12 will deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.

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