U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alvin Salguero, 94th Air Maintenance Unit F-22 crew chief, and Lt. Col. Darren Gray, 192nd Fighter Wing pilot, prepares an F-22 Raptor takeoff at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2013. F-22 Raptors and approximately 300 Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd Fighter Wing deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Newman/Released)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alvin Salguero, 94th Air Maintenance Unit F-22 crew chief, performs a preflight check on an F-22 Raptor prior to departure at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2013. The F-22 deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, is in support of security obligations of the U.S. Pacific Command’s in the Western Pacific, under the direction of the 18th Wing at Kadena AB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Newman/Released)
An F-22 Raptor prepares for takeoff at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2013. The F-22 will deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan, to demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to fulfill security responsibilities to maintain peace throughout the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kayla Newman/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 94th Air Maintenance Unit prepare to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan Jan. 8, 2013 at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The United States regularly evaluates readiness and repositions forces to ensure security requirements are met in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Taylor/Released)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Bret Barlow, 1st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron unit deployment manager, hands a folder to Airman 1st Class Timothy Back, 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit aircraft systems apprentice, in preparation for deployment at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 8, 2013. The deployed units will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Taylor/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 94th Air Maintenance Unit prepare to depart on a deployment at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 8, 2013. Roughly 300 Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd fighter wing are schedule to deploy to Kadena Air Base, Japan in support of Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Taylor/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 94th Air Maintenance Unit wait to depart on a deployment at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 8, 2013. The deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan is in support of the U.S. Pacific Command’s security obligations in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Victoria Taylor/Released)
Airmen assigned to the 192nd Fighter Wing prepares for a deployment Jan. 8, 2013, at Langley Air Force Base, Va. The Airmen will support Kadena Air Base, Japan as part of a Theater Security Package (TSP). (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs/Released)
Airmen wait to load luggage into a truck prior to departure for a deployment at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 8, 2013. The Airmen are assigned to the 192nd Fighter Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs/Released)
Col. Korvin Auch, 633rd Wing commander, speaks with Airmen prior to departure for a deployment at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 8, 2013. Auch came out to visit with the Airmen before their departure to Kadena Air Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs/Released)
U.S. Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd FW board a plane bound for Kadena Air Base, Japan, on a deployment. Airmen from both units will be training under the leadership of the 18th Wing at Kadena while providing stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teresa Aber/Released)
U.S. Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd FW prepare to head to Kadena Air Base, Japan as part of a Pacific Air Command Theater Security Package deployment. These deployments display the United States’ continued commitment to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific region.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Teresa Aber/Released)
U.S. Air Force Capt. George Cannon, 94 th Fighter Squadron F-22 pilot, prepares for departure from Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2013. F-22A Raptors and about 300 Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and the 192nd FW, Va. Air National Guard, deployed to Kadena Air Base, japan, on a rotation to evaluate the readiness in the Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Antoinette Gibson/Released)
F-22 Raptors deploy from Langley Air Force Base, Va., Jan. 11, 2013, for deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan. F-22s routinely deploy throughout the Pacific as part of the Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package, signifying a continued commitment to regional stability and security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Antoinette Gibson/Released)
by Airman 1st Class Teresa Aber
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
1/24/2013 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. -- F-22A Raptors and approximately 300 Airmen from the 1st Fighter Wing and the 192nd FW, Va. Air National Guard, deployed recently to Kadena Air Base, Japan, as part of the Pacific Command's Theater Security Package rotation.
"These deployments display the United States' continued commitment to maintain peace in the Asia-Pacific region," said Lt. Col Jason Hinds, 94th Fighter Squadron commander and deployed commander.
Pacific Air Forces TSP deployments provide stability and security while allowing units to train with the Japanese air force.
"We have a unique opportunity to fly with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force and build a stronger rapport with the people," Hinds said. "We are grateful to have the opportunity to learn about their culture while refining the integrated tactics utilized in air combat."
A unique aspect of this TSP deployment is the opportunity for 1st FW Airmen to deploy alongside their 192nd FW Air National Guard counterparts in a total force integration construct.
Both units will become even more integrated on this TSP deployment, according to Hinds.
"When you are on the road you have to integrate even more than at home," Hinds said. "It is a different environment and we have to be able to operate as a cohesive and efficient team."
Hinds believes that training under the leadership of the 18th Wing at Kadena AB will continue to reinforce the relationship between the U.S. and Japan.
