Software Problems Led To Hawaiian Stopover
Ten F-22 Raptors arrived at Japan's Kadena Air Force Base this
weekend, for the first overseas deployment of the Air Force's
newest air supremacy aircraft.
The aircraft, assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley
Air Force Base, VA started their deployment to Kadena almost 10
days previously with a stop at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. While en route,
a software issue affecting the aircraft's navigation system was
discovered -- causing the aircraft to return to Hickam.
The issue was corrected with a software upgrade -- and the
aircraft continued on to Kadena. According the 27th FS commander,
Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, the unit is excited about the opportunity
to work with the 18th Wing and other services while in the
Pacific.
"Every time we fly this jet we learn something new, and to have
to opportunity to fly it here in the Pacific with the F-15s
(Eagles) and other aircraft is something we are looking forward
to," said Colonel Tolliver.
The deployment is part of an air expeditionary force rotation.
While the first deployment overseas as part of the AEF, it is not
the first time the unit has sent its aircraft to other locations.
Most recently the aircraft deployed to
Alaska.
"This deployment is a great opportunity for the squadron. We are
8,000 miles away from our support system and home base," the
colonel said. "Not only will we be learning about operating from an
overseas operation, we will get the opportunity to educate the Air
Force and our sister services on the capabilities the jet brings to
the fight."
The colonel emphasized that the F-22 was not necessarily created
to replace any one airframe in the Air Force.
"The F-22 brings an enormous capability to the Air Force,"
Tolliver said. "It is not about what aircraft it is replacing but
about how to integrate this new aircraft into the fleet and what
advantages it brings to the force."
Colonel Tolliver said the squadron will use this deployment to
not only educate but to learn more innovative and advanced tactics
to enhance the warfighting capability.
"This is history in the making," said Brig. Gen. Punch Moulton,
the 18th WG commander. "This deployment definitely brings unmatched
combat airpower to the Pacific highlighting the importance of the
bilateral alliance of promoting peace and stability in the
region."
The 27th FS deployed more than 250 Airmen to Kadena for the
90-120 day deployment, which is part of a regularly-scheduled US
Pacific Command rotational assignment of aircraft to the
Pacific.
(ANN salutes Maj. Dani Johnson, 18th Wing Public
Affairs)