Elmendorf Airmen deploy to Kadena, test capabilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  A group of pilots and maintainers from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, deployed here earlier in 2011, along with their F-22 Raptors, to test their capabilities in a new environment, setting records in the process.

During their stay here, they reached unprecedented heights for a single fighter squadron, all while adapting from the climate of Alaska to the tropical environment of Okinawa.

"It's all about showcasing the capabilities of Pacific Air Forces," said Capt. Devin Hartman, the 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "Our mission is to employ the F-22s and train in a different setting, all the while adding to the Pacific presence. Just being on Okinawa helps both maintenance and operations personnel, because of the unique challenges the environment presents."

Members of the 525th EFS flew 30 sorties, or complete flight cycles, in a single day. 

They said this is an achievement unreached by other fighter squadrons in the Air Force.

"The fact that we could pull off such a feat is a big deal, because no other single fighter squadron has ever done it," Captain Hartman said. "We've surpassed what people are used to, and performing how we have really makes an impression on a lot of people."

While on Okinawa, Airmen from the 525th EFS have worked with Kadena's Airmen and aircraft, as well as with Marines and their aircraft from Marine Corps bases on-island.

"We have F-22s, F-15s, (E-3 Sentries) and other aircraft that in a contingency would be fighting together, and by them coming down here, it's a chance for us all to train together as well," said Col. David Nahom, the 18th Operations Group commander. "Any (time) you get a fifth-generation aircraft like the F-22 training alongside the other fourth-generation aircraft, like the F-15, as well as our AWACS controllers and our Marine partners that are always here, it's a good thing."

Colonel Nahom said that by the 525th EFS Airmen coming to Kadena AB, Airmen from the 18th Wing have developed a better relationship with their PACAF sister base.

"The Airmen who have been training alongside the F-22 crews have done a fantastic job," Colonel Nahom said. "We are an expeditionary Air Force, and very often we like to pick up other units and move them around, not only for the training value of it, but for the security it brings by showcasing the ability to move assets around. Having the Raptors here is part of the theater security package, but the added benefit of the training is fantastic. I think we showed that we can move forces around the Pacific theater, even given the vast distances between the bases.

"Having the F-22s in town to fight and train with us has been a fantastic opportunity, and I hope it presents itself again soon," he added.