Langley's Raptors deployed to the WestPac

On 4 and 5 November 2020, seven USAF Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptors from the 94th Fighter Squadron, part of the 1st Fighter Wing, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (VA), deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Strikingly, the 94th FS Hat in the Ring and nicknamed "SPADs", is the first Raptor unit to conduct operations in the western Pacific (WestPac) since the days of Theater Security Packages (TSP).

The purpose of WestPac deployment is to integrate 4th and 5th generation fighters with allied and joint partner air forces, giving all parties the opportunity to build experience and competence in Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) processes and concepts.

These fighter operations will provide opportunities for Pacific Air Forces’ innovative Airmen to showcase their abilities to make disciplined decisions at the lowest levels, ensuring the air component commander’s intent is met and the initiative is taken in a highly contested environment.

It was stated that even with a pool of ready, capable Airmen, the global strategic environment continues to demand flexibility and freedom of action. The DFE concept will change the way the Department of Defence uses the joint force with its focus on strategic predictability and operational unpredictability.

On 18 November 2020, two F-22As had arrived from Andersen AFB at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in the Yamaguchi Prefecture (Japan). At this time it is not known how long the WestPac F-22A deployment will take. More Raptors are expected to be seen at various air bases in the region.

Photos: USAF and @Chr0102 (Twitter)