F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on July 28, 2012. The F-22's deployment is in support of the U.S. Pacific Commander's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The deployed unit will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)
F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on July 28, 2012. The F-22's deployment is in support of the U.S. Pacific Commander's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The deployed unit will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)
F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on July 28, 2012. The F-22's deployment is in support of the U.S. Pacific Commander's security obligations in the Western Pacific. The deployed unit will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Darnell T. Cannady)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Matt Molloy, 18th Wing commander, welcomes more than 230 Airmen deployed from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., supporting the F-22A Raptor on Kadena Air Base, Japan, July 31, 2012. The general discussed the mission of the Air Force’s largest combat wing and stressed the importance of good ambassadorship during their stay here in Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Justin Veazie)
7/30/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- F-22A Raptors from the 1st Fighter Wing, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and arrived July 28 local time.
Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package deployments to the Asia-Pacific region signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security, while allowing units to train in the Pacific theater. F-22's routinely deploy throughout the PACOM AOR.
The F-22 deployment to Kadena is in support of U.S. Pacific Command's security obligations in the Western Pacific, and the deployed unit will perform training under the direction of the 18th Wing.
The United States routinely evaluates readiness and repositions forces as needed to ensure capabilities necessary to meet obligations in the Asia-Pacific region. These deployments demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to fulfill security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific and to maintain peace in the region.
Comments
8/2/2012 4:15:22 AM ET Actually you should know your facts before you comment. The deployed tasking for the Langley home station unit was to Kadena originally and had nothing to do with the Alaska mission your unit is backfilling. The unit assigned to deploy to Alaska was from another base entirely. That is why the F-22's from Langley are at Kadena and not in Alaska. Not diverting isn't wasting taxpayer money since regardless the same amount of airmen would be there. If anything F-15's probably save money as their parts are less money than the F-22.
CP, Kadena AFB
8/1/2012 11:21:58 PM ET Key word is Pacific Air Forces Theater Security Package. There is a pieces of puzzle that you guy are missing. Capabilities within a package package needed our worldwide requirements and rotations. No one should be attacked leaders judgements without the facts.
FACT, KAB
8/1/2012 6:54:44 PM ET There are crazy things going on in this part of the world it makes sense to have our biggest stick nearby to dissuade any rash actions... this is standard SOP when you are dealing with unstable groups.
Globally Aware Airmen, KAB Japan
8/1/2012 7:19:54 AM ET To the previous posters - It might look like a waste of money but I'm sure you're not high enough in the chain to have the big picture. Here are some things I see from my point of view...1. We have an obligation to Japan to provide security. 2. The Raptors are a show of force to unfriendly Asian nations. 3. These Raptors are from Virginia not Alaska so they are not the ones causing 18th WG F15s to be deployed. 4. The restrictions for the F22 in Alaska do not keep them from flying lower altitudes around Okinawa.
CT, KAB
7/31/2012 9:20:05 PM ET This is absolutely ridiculous. Kadena airmen maintainers pilots and support are deployed to Alaska to sit an alert mission that is tasked to F22s as well as F15s backfilling missions at Hickam and who knows where else.. and the F22s can come here all the way out to Kadena to blow millions of TDY dollars while their home station mission is backfilled Someone please explain to me how an F22 is mission capable to deploy to play around on the beaches of Okinawa for 6 months yet not complete their homestation obligations.
AJ USAF AD, KAB
7/31/2012 4:03:10 PM ET Agreed with AJ. Everyone should be calling their congressman and screaming Fraud Waste and Abuse. You should not be allowed to go TDY anywhere when you cannot even support your home station commitments. This garbage is costing the taxpayers millions not to mention separating families again to pickup YOUR workload. Unacceptable.
