News>F-22 Raptors integrate operations with Kadena aircraft
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An F-22 Raptor from the 27th Fighter Squadron based out of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., sits on the flight line at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 4, 2012. The F-22 deployment to Kadena is in support of the U.S. Pacific Command’s security obligations in the Western Pacific. The 27th Fighter Squadron's presence here also offers a unique training opportunity for Kadena aircraft to integrate operations with the stealth aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins)
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle taxis on a runway on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle taxis out to the runway on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
Three visiting U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extenders stand ready to conduct air-to-air refueling missions on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The KC-10 Extender's six fuel tanks carry more than 356,000 pounds of fuel - almost twice as much as KC-135 Stratotankers, like the ones assigned to Kadena's 909th Air Refueling Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Allison, 67th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, and Airman 1st Class Eric Gandall, 67th AMU aircraft armament technician, salute Capt. Dustin Johnson, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle pilot on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The 67th FS is one of the two F-15 Eagle squadrons in the Asia-Western Pacific area of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Dustin Johnson, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle pilot, prepares to enter the cockpit of an F-15 Eagle on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability, acceleration, range, weapons and avionics. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
U.S. Air Force Capt. Dustin Johnson, 67th Fighter Squadron F-15 Eagle pilot, puts on his helmet during a preflight check on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 10, 2012. The F-15's superior maneuverability and acceleration are achieved through high engine thrust-to-weight ratio and low wing loading. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
(Front to back) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Donald Ransey, Staff Sgt. Brian McClellan and Airman 1st Class Jacob Yarber, 27th Fighter Squadron weapons load crew members and team chief, inspect an AIM-9 missile on prior to a F-22 Raptor training mission on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 4, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Malia Jenkins)
by Airman 1st Class Brooke P. Beers
18th Wing Public Affairs
10/10/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- For more than two months, the 27th Fighter Squadron from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., has been deployed to Kadena Air Base, training alongside Kadena's F-15 Eagles from the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons.
"We loved the opportunity to work with the F-15s," said Lt. Col. Cavan Craddock. "It's valid training that we wouldn't get at home."
Although the F-15 Eagle and F-22 Raptor fighter jets have the same type of weapons and play similar roles, the Raptor uses stealth technology to clear enemy airspace other aircraft.
F-22 Raptors, which are capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, are a critical component to the Air Force's arsenal. The aircraft combines stealth, precision, super cruise and maneuverability to gain advantage over other aircraft.
"We're here as part of the Pacific theater command's security obligation," said Craddock, 27th Fighter Squadron commander.
Under the direction of the 18th Wing, the 27th FS has integrated its operations alongside Kadena's two F-15 Eagle squadrons as well as the KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Sentry units here.
"The F-22 Raptor deployment was important for signifying our continued commitment to regional partners," said Col. Pete Milohnic, 18th Operations Group commander. "It sends a clear message that the U.S. is serious about maintaining security and stability in the region and it provided our Airmen outstanding fourth and fifth generation fighter integration training. The deployment has been a complete success."
