ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam: Twelve F-22 Raptors departed here recently following a deployment marking the first time F-22 Raptors and B-2 Spirits, the key national strategic stealth assets in the Air Force inventory, deployed together outside the continental United States.
The Raptors arrived in January and were joined by the B-2s in February as part of a regularly scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotational assignment of aircraft to the Pacific. The aircraft and more than 400 Airmen, from the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Whiteman AFB, Mo., participated in joint training with a variety of Air Force, Marine and Navy units.
“The F-22 and B-2 deployment is a phenomenal success,” said Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander. “The Raptors and Sprits bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command. This strategic deployment to Andersen shrinks the tyranny of distance across the Pacific by forward-basing an unmatched combat capability.”
In addition to the squadron flying more than 750 sorties, the Raptors further demonstrated their capacity to project air dominance by operating concurrently from a forward-deployed overseas location for the first time with the B-2 stealth bombers.
“The highlight for us was the integration with the B-2s,” said Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez, 90th EFS commander. “We spent every day working with our B-2 squadron, providing the Airmen opportunities to learn from a more senior and experienced stealth unit and helping our maintenance personnel share lessons associated with a low-observable stealth platform.”
During their time together on Guam, members of the deployed squadrons interacted daily, successfully launching hundreds of sorties and honing their combat capabilities.
“Having the F-22 and B-2 here at Andersen deters and dissuades potential adversaries and assures our regional partners and allies within the region,” said General Ruhlman. “The F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit represent a key element of the Air Force’s enduring contribution to joint military operations with unquestionable world class air dominance upon which all joint forces rely.”
While deployed, aircrews with the 90th EFS participated in numerous joint training missions, ranging from aerial intercept sorties to flying global power missions. In addition to supporting the successful operations of the Raptors, members of the 90th EFS participated in numerous community service projects across the island to include Habitat for Humanity, elementary schools and the Special Olympics.
