Raptors from Va., Alaska deploy to Pacific

Raptors from Va., Alaska deploy to Pacific
By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Jan 9, 2009 10:51:36 EST

Two detachments of F-22 Raptors are heading from their home bases to three-month deployments in the Pacific.

Twelve F-22 Raptors and crews from Langley Air Force Base, Va., are deploying to Kadena Air Base, Japan, and 14 are deploying from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Six of the Raptors from Langley’s 27th Fighter Squadron departed Wednesday, and another six left Thursday. After a brief stop-off at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, the Raptors will arrive at Kadena on Saturday and Sunday.

The Alaska Raptors, from the 90th Fighter Squadron, are leaving later: 12 will deploy in mid-January, and two head to Guam in early February.

About 275 airmen are deploying with each group of aircraft, according to a 13th Air Force spokesman.


Article about the $355 million F-22 at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/01/airforce_raptor_japan_010909/%2e