US Air Force F-22 Raptors Deploy to Guam

F-22 Raptors, like those shown here flying over New Mexico, in support of Operation Noble Eagle, were deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Russell Scalf.)

Focus on Defense:

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam, July 24, 2008 -- Approximately 130 Airmen and five F-22 Raptors from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are deployed to Guam for two weeks to fulfill security requirements in the Asia Pacific region.

During the deployment, the Airmen will participate in exercises Jungle Shield and Cope Thaw.

Exercise Jungle Shield enhances the 13th Air Force's air defense mission in Guam and ensures the ability to fulfill Operation Noble Eagle responsibilities. F-22 pilots will also take part in Cope Thaw, providing them an opportunity to conduct routine training in an environment different from their home station.

F-22 pilots will fly three primary missions here: defensive counterair, offensive counterair escort, and offensive counterair suppression of enemy air defenses, said Capt. William Creeden, the 90th Fighter Squadron project officer from Elmendorf AFB.

He said the defensive-counterair missions showcase the F-22's aerial combat capabilities, using the aircraft to defend a geographic point, area, or high-value airborne asset against any air threat. When conducting offensive-counterair-escort missions, F-22s fly in front of a strike package and clear the airspace of any air threats, allowing a strike package an unimpeded attack on selected targets of interest.

While flying offensive counterair suppression of enemy air defenses missions, the F-22s become a strike platform, targeting advanced surface-to-air missile threats by using the fighter' s key advantages of stealth, super cruise and advanced integrated avionics.

"The Raptor is able to penetrate enemy air defenses and strike a number of SAMs with extreme accuracy, while maintaining a high level of survivability," Captain Creeden said. "The squadron's two-week deployment to Andersen (Air Force Base) will be full of activity."

"We will be busy with our primary missions and the exercises," he said. "At the same time, we'll be demonstrating that (Pacific Air Forces') first F-22 squadron is ready and able to deploy while meeting component commanders' requests for air dominance in any area of responsibility."

He said the members of the 90th FS will be integrating with the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, deployed here from Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, and the 20th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Barksdale AFB, La., to showcase composite force tactics.

The U.S. Pacific Command and 13th AF are committed to routinely deploying forces in and out of the Western Pacific region to maintain a credible deterrent posture and presence in one of the world's most rapidly changing areas.

(Story by Staff Sgt. Steve Teel, 36th Wing Public Affairs.)

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