Airshow Update: F-22 Flight Demo Team Frequency

One of the more well-known airshow related frequencies that I have documented in my annual airshow guides is 384.550 MHz. Users of this frequency include:

USAF F-15 Flight Demo Team (West), USAF F-16 Flight Demo Team, the USAF Heritage Flight, USAF A-10 Thunderbolt Demonstration Teams, and USAF Combat Search and Rescue (SAR) Demonstrations.

I can now add the USAF F-22 Flight Demo Team (Raptor c/s) to this list. You do not even have to be near an airshow to hear activity on this frequency. These teams also use it for air-air comms as they transit x-country to and from airshows.

Be sure to add 384.550 MHz to your Milcom scanner loadout.

Air Force F-22s and B-2 bombers are prowling the Pacific to send a message

The B-2 Spirit, a heavy bomber, and the F-22 Raptor, an unmatched air-superiority fighter, are stealth aircraft capable of slipping past enemy defenses to unleash a significant amount of firepower on enemy targets.

These two hard-hitting aircraft are training together in the Pacific, where China has sought to bolster its anti-access, area-denial capabilities to deter the US military.

The deployment to Hawaii is intended to reassure America's international partners while sending a warning to adversaries that "the B-2 is on watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week ready to protect our country and its allies."

Fascinating article on US Air Force B2A bombers and F-22 Fighters sending a message to the Chinese Military.

https://www.businessinsider.com/awesome-photos-of-b-2s-f-22s-training-in-the-pacific-2019-1?utm_content=buffer8db18&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer-defense

F-22 Raptors conduct show of force over South Korea

Four U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Kadena Air Base, Japan, fly over the skies of South Korea, in response to recent provocative action by North Korea Feb. 17, 2016. The Raptors were joined by South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons. The F-22 is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances and currently cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman)

By 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea (AFNS) -- Four U.S. F-22 Raptors conducted a combined formation flight alongside South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons here to demonstrate the capabilities of both nations Feb. 17, in response to recent provocative actions by North Korea.

“The F-22 Raptor is the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and it represents one of many capabilities available for the defense of this great nation. The U.S. maintains an ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea,” Lt. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, the United Nations Command Korea and U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander and U.S. 7th Air Force commander, told reporters.

Lt. Gen. Lee Wang-keon, the South Korea Air Force Operations Command commander, spoke about the strength of the alliance’s air combat capabilities during his brief remarks.

“The ROK and U.S. combined air forces remain ready to deter North Korean threats, and are postured to defeat them with the strength of our combined air combat capability,” Lee said.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Evans, the 36th Fighter Squadron commander, flew alongside the formation, showcasing Osan Air Base’s readiness mission.

“The combined nature of this flyover highlighted the high level of integration and interoperability between our two air forces, developed through decades of combined training,” Evans said.

“Furthermore, the inclusion of F-22s, and a B-52 in January, demonstrated the firm resolve of all (U.S.) forces as we stand united with our counterparts from the ROK air force,” he added.

The mission demonstrated the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and the resolve of both nations to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

USAF F-22/F-16 NYC Flyover

STUNNING VIDEO: A F-22 Raptor and F-16 Viper did a flyover New York City Thursday. They flew by One World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and several other landmarks. http://7ny.tv/1hj6RBs. The planes were making their way to the New York Air Show.

Innovation advances F-22 as strategic force in the Pacific

A fuels specialist awaits the arrival of 3rd Wing F-22s to begin refueling. The newest strategy in fighter employment will enable combat-ready F-22’s to rapidly refuel, rearm, and redeploy in record time and was demonstrated here during joint exercises in August. The new concept was developed by Lt. Col. Kevin Sutterfield, a Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 477th Fighter Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso

by Capt. Ashley Conner  477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- The newest strategy in fighter employment will enable combat-ready F-22's to rapidly refuel, rearm, and redeploy. The new concept was demonstrated here during joint exercises in August.

The usual method of deploying fighters is structured around large footprint packages to a select few operating bases. The new rapid response force concept was developed by Lt. Col. Kevin Sutterfield, a Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 477th Fighter Group.

"This concept emphasizes the fundamental tenants of airpower: speed, flexibility, and surprise by pairing smaller formations of fighters and airlift that can move quickly together and operate from unexpected locations," said Sutterfield.

After penning a white paper that circulated through the Pentagon and Combatant Command staffs, Sutterfield partnered with active duty and Reserve experts around the combat Air Force to further flush out the details.

"Pilots from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, the USAF Weapons School, and the CSAF's Strategic Studies Group played important roles in making this a reality," he said. "We determined we needed to find a way to quickly generate and move small cells of 5th generation jets ... keep them moving, refueling, and rearming for a 72-hour cycle".

To test these theories, experienced pilots and maintainers from the 3rd Wing and 477th Fighter Group developed exercises in 2009, 2010, and 2012.

The events enabled line pilots and maintainers to develop innovative tactics and practice under realistic combat stresses. In one example, F-22's from JBER executed a practice strike on targets in the Atlantic Ocean by flying very nearly over the North Pole. It demonstrated the strategic location of Alaska and the ability for airpower to hold targets at risk from great distances.

"This concept decreases the logistical burden of deploying a Fighter Squadron and Aircraft Maintenance Unit and instead uses a flexible combination of four F-22s, one C-17, a tailored maintenance package and trained personnel to quickly project airpower anywhere on the globe," said Lt. Col. Robert Davis, former JBER 525th Fighter Squadron commander and current Air War College student, who played an integral role in making this concept a reality for the F-22s.

After several successful exercises the concept is now an operational reality.

"The concept of this rapid fighter response and its successful demonstration are the result of the synergies available when the active and reserve components work together in leveraging their corresponding strengths," said Col. Tyler Otten, 477th FG commander. "Lt. Col. Sutterfield's experience, longevity as a Reservist and innovative thought were the genesis of this idea that we were able to execute as reserve and active mission partners. This is the total force in action."

Although it was the concept of one pilot, the entire Total Force Enterprise at JBER from the maintainers, weapons loaders, fuels specialists, loadmasters of the active duty and Reserve pilots can be credited with successful demonstration of this concept.

"This rapid response force is a direct result of Airmen empowered to innovate," said Col. David Nahom, 3rd Wing commander. "There is no greater site to watch the professionalism, pride, and teamwork of our young operators and maintainers who collaborated to prove their pioneering capability."

Fuels Specialist refuel F-22 Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing here recently. The newest strategy in fighter employment will enable combat-ready F-22’s to rapidly refuel, rearm, and redeploy in record time was demonstrated here during joint exercises in August. The new concept was developed by Lt. Col. Kevin Sutterfield, a Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 477th Fighter Group. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso) 
 

RED FLAG: Refueling the Raptor

Two U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, fly behind a KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base, Japan, over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex during RED FLAG-Alaska 13-3 Aug. 14, 2013. The F-22 is a twin-engine fighter aircraft designed primarily for air superiority, but also has ground attack and electronic warfare capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Perras/Released)

Who will blink first?

Reuters is reporting that the United States has sent F-22 stealth fighter jets to South Korea on Sunday to join military drills aimed at underscoring the U.S. commitment to defend Seoul in the face of an intensifying campaign of threats from North Korea.

The advanced, radar-evading F-22 Raptors were deployed to Osan Air Base, the main U.S. Air Force base in South Korea, from Japan to support ongoing bilateral exercises, the U.S. military command in South Korea said in a statement that urged North Korea to restrain itself.

For shortwave broadcast enthusiasts, Gayle Van Horn, the MT Frequency Manager has just posted the latest shortwave broadcast schedule in an exclusive on her Shortwave Central blog at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2013/04/north-korea-a13-summer-schedules.html.

For my East Asia overseas readers, below is a listing of local ATC aero freqs for some of the bases and airports in South Korea.

Osan AB (K-55) RKSO
If you have internet access you can monitor Osan AB via the LiveATC website at http://www.liveatc.net/search/?icao=rkso

Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 127.900 306.300
ATIS 132.125 272.700
Clearance Delivery 127.300 343.000
Consolidated Command Post 276.200 277.200 227.525 (Have Quick) Callsign Roundup
Departure Control 127.900 234.300
Ground Control 132.450 253.700
Pilot-to-Dispatcher (PTD)  120.700 232.900
PMSV Metro 346.500
Rescue Coordination Center 282.800 381.000
Tower 122.100 308.800

Seoul AB (K-16) RKSM
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach/Departure Control 123.800 363.800
ATIS 126.475 225.775
Ground Control 121.850 275.800
PMSV and Dragon Ops 62.450
PMSV Metro Backup Camp Humphreys FM 37.300 or UHF 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 292.850

Daegu AB (K-2) (RKTN)
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 135.900 346.300
ATIS 127.650 240.600 Digital ATIS svc avbl
Clearance Delivery/Ground Control 118.200 275.800
Departure Control 120.250 135.900 230.300
Kunsan Metro 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 365.000

Desiderio AAF (A-511) RKSG
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 108.200
Desiderio Ops 37.950 294.100
GCA 127.000 226.800 255.800
Ground Control 119.500 229.700
Osan Approach/Departure Control 127.900 306.300
PMSV Metro 37.300 118.425 346.500
Tower 34.950 122.500 257.800

Jungwon AB (K-75) RKTI
Approach Control 132.550 306.700
ATIS 135.600 234.950
Departure Control 132.550 363.700
Ground Control/Clearance Delivery 275.800
Tower 126.200 230.150 236.600

Kunsan AB (K-8) RKJK
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 124.100 292.650
ATIS 120.225 304.800
Clearance Delivery 133.750 287.700
Command Post 245.1 Callsign Wolf Pack
Departure Control 124.100 293.525
Ground Control 123.500 273.525
PMSV Metro 346.500
PTD 132.250 247.100
Tower 126.500 292.300

Seosan AB (K-76) RKTP/RK6U
ATIS 130.300 318.100
Clearance Delivery 275.800
Departure Control 124.600 276.500
Ground Control 275.800
Haemi Approach Control 124.600 229.250 253.950
Haemi Tower 126.200 136.775 236.600 258.300

Cheongju International (RKTU)
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 128.850 305.500
Ground Control 121.875 275.800
Jungwon Approach/Departure Control 134.000 134.100 134.400 265.750 292.900
Tower 118.700 126.200 236.600 249.600
Gangneung (K-18) RKNN
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 132.050 226.175
Approach/Departure Control 124.600 304.000 253.400 310.700
Tower 126.200 236.600 238.000
Ground Control/Clearance Delivery 275.800

Gimhae Intrnational (K-1) RKPK
Approach Control 125.500 225.100 VFR 230.100 250.400
Arrival 119.200 134.400 230.100 253.800
ATIS 126.600 235.100
Clearance Deliivery 121.800 229.525
Cowboy Ops 133.825 250.250
Departure Control 125.500 363.800
Ground Control 121.900 275.800
Ramp 121.650 317.450 121.725
Tower 118.100 118.450 233.300 236.600

Gimpo International (K-14) RKSS
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 126.400 317.800
Clearance Delivery 125.850
Ground Control 121.900 121.950
Seoul Approach Control 119.750 119.100 119.900 120.800 121.350 121.400 123.250 123.800 124.200 293.300 305.700 363.800
Seoul Departure 119.050 121.400 124.800 125.150 353.200
Tower 118.100 118.050 240.900
Gwangju (K57) RKJJ
Approach Control 130.000 228.900 319.200
Arrival 132.250 132.500 268.000 331.400 379.800 366.500
ATIS 128.875 234.700
Departure Control 124.000 347.200
Ground Control 121.800 275.800
Tower 118.050 236.600 254.600

Jeju International (K-40) RKPC
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 121.200 124.050 119.000 279.800 317.700
ATIS 126.800 239.500
Clearance Delivery 126.200
Departure Control 119.225 317.700
Ground Control 121.650
Tower 118.100 118.125 236.600

Jeongseok RKPD
ATIS 128.250
Ground Control 121.950
Jeju Approach Control 119.000 121.200 124.050 279.800 317.700
Jeju Departure 119.225 317.700
Tower 124.350 239.100

Seongmu (K-60) RKTE
Ground Control 134.550
Tower 131.300 126.200 236.600 363.900
Suwon (K-13) RKSW
25th TFS 229.000 266.100
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 126.425 225.675
Ground Control 275.800
Osan Approach/Departure Control 127.900 234.300 306.300 Inbound VFR aircraft call 232.400
PMSV Metro 346.500
Tower 126.200 236.600 244.400
USAF Suwon Command Post 229.000 266.100 (Monitors 123.45)
Wonju (K-46) RKNW
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
Approach Control 141.200 130.200 292.600 255.000
ATIS 128.600 225.575
Departure Control 130.200 134.100 268.500
Ground Control 275.800
Tower 126.200 118.325 236.600 265.500

Yecheon (K-59) RKTY
Air Mobility Control Center (AMCC) 120.000 349.400 Callsign Brickwall
ATIS 136.800 226.075
Approach Control 134.500 229.350
Departure Control 134.500 266.350
Ground Control 275.800
Tower 126.200 236.600 269.500
While you won' hear fighter communications activity on HF frequencies (VHF/UHF only), you will hear transport, logistics and other long haul military aircraft coming into and out of the Korean theater on the Major MWARA frequencies listed below. Mode is USB. * indicates station active on frequency indicated.

CENTRAL WEST PACIFIC (CWP)

Family Freqs: 2998* 3455* 4666* 5652* 5661 6532* 6562 8903* 10081 (HFDL) 11384* 13300* 17904*

BEIJING (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
DAEGU (125.700) 6425 6665 6675
HONG KONG (127.100) 6532 8903 13300
MANILA (124.900) 2998* 6532 6562 8903* 13300* 17904
NAHA (126.900) 2998 3455 4666 6532 8903 11384 13300 17904
PORT MORESBY (RDARA) (120.900) 3419 3425 5565 6622 8837 8861 11393
SAN FRANCISCO (ARINC) (131.950) 2998 3455* 4666* 5652* 6532* 8903* 11384* 13300 17904* 21985
SEOUL (127.100) 3004 6532 8903* 13300 13303 17904
SHANGHAI  (East Asia MWARA)  3016 6571 8897
TAIPEI (127.300) 6532 8903 13300
TOKYO (127.300/127.400) 2998 3455 4666* 5652* 6532 8903* 11384* 13300* 17904

NORTH PACIFIC (NP)

Family Freqs: 2932 5628* 6655* 6661 10048* 11330 13300* 17904*

BEIJING (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
SAN FRANCISCO (ARINC) (131.950) 2932 5628* 5667 6655* 8915 8951 10048* 11330 13273 13339 17946 21925
SHANGHAI  (East Asia MWARA) 3016 6571 8897
TOKYO (126.700) 2932 5628* 6655 8951 10048 11330 13273 17904

More information as it becomes available. Field reports are certainly appreciated and can be sent to the email address in the masthead.

Fifth-generation formation

An F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and an F-22A Raptor from the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., soar over the Emerald Coast Sept. 19, 2012. This was the first time the two fifth-generation fighters have flown together for the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock)

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) -- An F-35A Lightning II joint strike fighter and an F-22A Raptor flew together for the Air Force for the first time Sept. 19 over Florida's Emerald Coast.

The two fifth-generation fighters took off from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where the F-35A is stationed with the 33rd Fighter Wing. The F-22 is with the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

Air Force accepts final F-22 Raptor

A crowd that included Air Force leadership, senators and congressional representatives, executives and plant personnel from the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Corporation attended a ceremony dedicating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor in Marietta, Ga., May 2, 2012. (U.S. Air Force photo/Don Peek)

by Airman 1st Class Elizabeth Gaston, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MARIETTA, Ga. (AFNS) -- Senior Air Force officials attended a ceremony here May 2 commemorating the delivery of the final F-22 Raptor to the service.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz was joined by Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and other industry, Air Force and civilian leaders as they were welcomed to Dobbins Air Reserve Base and the Lockheed Martin Marietta plant for the event.

The final delivery completes the Air Force's fleet of 195 F-22s. The Raptor is a key component of the Global Strike Task Force and is unmatched by any fighter aircraft due to its speed, stealth and maneuverability, according to Air Force officials.

During his remarks at the ceremony, Schwartz said the delivery represents an important element in the Air Force's overall modernization effort.

"Thank you to all of the partners in industry and government that made this occasion a reality," the general said. "I especially want to pay tribute to the line workers and engineers whose technical expertise, attention to detail and commitment to our nation's defense transformed an innovative notion into America's first 5th generation fighter aircraft."

When it was time to unveil the final F-22, the hangar doors rose and cheers from the assembled guests and workers erupted.

Robert Stevens, Lockheed Martin chairman and chief executive officer, said the very existence of the F-22 has altered the strategic landscape forever.

"It is also fair to say that, along the way, the F-22 has had a fair number of challenges and a fair number of critics," Stevens said. "But let's not fail to take note today of the number of nations, who rank among either competitors or adversaries, who are frantically trying to replicate what you have done."

The final F-22, tail number 4195, will be flown to its new unit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson near Anchorage, Alaska.

Fifth generation fighters crucial to air superiority

by Tech. Sgt. Jess Harvey, Air Force Public Affairs Agency

WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force is the world's most advanced air and space force and, with the integration of fifth generation aircraft, is gaining new tactical advantages that transcend beyond just stealth into areas such as enhanced maneuverability, multi-role capabilities and fused sensor and avionics systems that can communicate with other weapons systems.

That's why it is imperative that U.S. forces continue to develop and begin to use fifth-generation fighters as they transition to the new Pacific-based strategy, according to Lt. Gen. Herbert J. "Hawk" Carlisle, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

During the Air Force Association monthly breakfast here Feb. 28, he said fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor, are critical to maintaining air superiority and global precision attack core competencies.

"The threat environment is continuing to grow, so as we look at how we're going to maintain those competencies in the future, that's where fifth generation fighters come in," he said. "It's not just about stealth."

"The F-22 is better than any other aircraft in the world at air-to-ground except for the F-35, and the F-35 is better than any other aircraft in the world at air-to-air except for the F-22," said Carlisle.

The general said the Air Force can continue to maintain the most elite fourth generation aircraft in the world, but that won't prepare the U.S. to handle threats in the future.
"Our Air Force has got to keep evolving to meet these new challenges as we move forward into the future," said Carlisle.

To illustrate this evolution and fifth generation fighter jet technology, the general shared a scenario in which an F-22 data-links coordinates to a Navy submarine-launched tomahawk missile onto a target.

"Now you have two stealth platforms, a submarine and an F-22, communicating with naval ordnance," he said.

That level of interoperability is a large part of what makes the fifth generation aircraft so vital to the Air Force and U.S. military in general, he added. Aircraft must not only be stealth, but also be highly maneuverable, be able to conduct multiple roles, and these aircraft must also be able to handle sensor and avionics information in a network integrated way not only for the pilot, but for the entire joint force.

"We have to have a fused system capability and have them networked and integrated across the force," he said. "To me, that's as important on a fifth-generation fighter as anything."

Lockheed Martin rolls-out final F-22 Raptor

The final F-22 Raptor fighter jet to be produced for the Air Force is displayed before being rolled off the Lockheed Martin assembly line during a ceremony Dec. 13, 2011, in Marietta, Ga. The jet is the last of 187 F-22s produced for the Air Force completing its operational fleet. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Danielle Purnell)

by Senior Airman Danielle Purnell, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

MARIETTA, Ga. (AFNS) -- The final F-22 Raptor to be built for the U.S. Air Force, tail number 4195, rolled off the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics assembly line during a ceremony Dec. 13 at the company's Marietta plant.

The fighter jet is the last of 187 F-22s produced, marking a bittersweet moment for members of the F-22 team.

It has been a memorable journey, said Shan Cooper, the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics company vice president and Marietta site general manager. The first part was created here in 1994. The jet was placed on the assembly line in 1995 and then first rolled out in 1997. Today we mark a graduation of sorts as we roll the last F-22 off this assembly line and get it ready to go out and defend America.

"While the Raptor itself is eye-watering, the people on Team Raptor have made the F-22 what it is today," Cooper said.

Lockheed Martin's Aeronautics division employs about 2,000 people for the F-22 program at its Marietta facility. Together, the team built the first 5th generation fighter with world-class results.

"You reduced the labor hours by 300 percent," said Jeff Babione, Lockheed Martin's F-22 program manager. "You've delivered 55 zero-defect jets to date, and you have had more than five years of on-time deliveries."

Tail No. 4195 is the culmination of all those successes. It is the 195th F-22 to roll off the line and into the Air Force fleet. Eight of those jets were built for developmental purposes.

The F-22 combines stealth, advanced sensors and advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons that makes it possible for the aircraft to cruise faster than the speed of sound without being detected.

However, the $143 million price tag per aircraft, along with the current state of the economy and changes in the military requirements for post Cold-War challenges, lead government officials to the decision to officially cease production of the F-22 in 2009.

This is why we must create a more economical fighter aircraft, said Col. Sean Frisbee, the F-22 system program manager at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

While the ceremony marked the end of an era for the F-22, the shutdown of the production line also signified the beginning of a new chapter of sustaining and upgrading the Raptor.

"This is only the beginning," Frisbee said. "The next phase will include greater capability to an already incredible aircraft."

The final Raptor will enter a series of company and government flight tests, according to Lockheed Martin officials. Tail No. 4195 will then be delivered in May to the 3rd Wing's 525th Fighter Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. Paul Moga, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

F-22s back in the air after grounding

F-22 Raptor air superiority fighters at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., returned to flight earlier today after a weeklong grounding according to an online article at AirForce Times.

“The 1st Fighter Wing has resumed flying operations at Langley AFB as of 0800 this morning,” said Air Combat Command spokesman Miles Brown.

Wing commander Col. Kevin Robbins had ordered the grounding on Oct. 20 after one of the unit’s pilots suffered from an in-flight incident with symptoms resembling hypoxia.

On Monday, 3rd Wing commander Col. Dirk Smith, who also had grounded his two squadrons of F-22s at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska following the incident at Langley, lifted a flight ban on his aircraft. The first Raptors took off at the Alaska base Monday morning.

F-22 pilots at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, flew their regular schedule throughout the grounding at Langley, as did aviators at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.; Nellis AFB, Nevada; and Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

T-38 arrives to supplement F-22 training

by Airman 1st Class Jason J. Brown, 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFNS) -- Following a successful test run in March 2010 and approval by Air Combat Command officials, the first of several T-38 Talons from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., arrived here April 1 for the beginning of the 1st Operations Group's T-38 Adversary Air Program.

Col. Matt Molloy, the 1st Fighter Wing's commander, and Col. Kevin Mastin, the 1st FW's vice commander, escorted the aircraft to here to bolster F-22 Raptor training using cost-effective training exercises and supplementing flight training for future pilots.

Following the completion of an environmental survey in the fall, the planes will be reassigned permanently to the 1st FW. Wing officials expect to receive the remaining six T-38s gradually over the coming months.

According to Lt. Col. Derek Wyler, the 1st OG Adversary Air Program lead, the program provides adversary support for training scenarios. The T-38s will serve in a "red air," or enemy capacity, while F-22s will fly as "blue air," or friendly forces. Each T-38 can be flown as often as three times daily to provide adversary support at a fraction of the cost of launching a Raptor.

The reduction of flying time on the Raptor combined with the lower operating cost of the T-38s will save the wing considerable money, officials said.

"The reduction in the Air Force's inventory of fourth-generation fighters (F-15s) placed an increased emphasis on finding a suitable, yet cost-effective platform to keep F-22 pilots current with combat readiness training," Colonel Wyler explained. "This T-38 program is a very economical solution to a difficult problem."

In addition, the T-38s serve as proficiency trainers for F-22 pilots as the aircraft is difficult to detect when airborne.

"This will sharpen the talons of the Raptor pilots," Colonel Molloy said. "The T-38 is small, nimble and difficult to find in the air. Combine that with a low radar cross-section and low electromagnetic emissions, and this plane will punish a Raptor pilot's mistakes if they make them."

These processes will take time to build and perfect, but the arrival of the T-38 is the first step in bringing the project to fruition.

"This is the culmination of a long road," Colonel Wyler said. "It took a lot of work by a whole lot of people to bring these planes here. Finally getting an airplane on the ramp at Langley is a big event."

90th FS tests newest F-22s and live-firing of missiles

Courtesy of the F-16.net website

November 4, 2010 (by SrA Cynthia Spalding) - The 90th Fighter Squadron, 3rd Wing, deployed F-22s and personnel to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 30, to participate in exercise Combat Archer, the air-to-air evaluation portion of the United States Air Force's Weapons Systems Evaluation Program.

The 90th FS is training and being evaluated with the maintainers of the 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and their reserve counterparts from the 302nd Fighter Squadron, 477th Fight Group, for this temporary duty assignment.

During this three-week deployment, pilots and maintainers are working together to validate the air-to-air combat capability of the newest F-22 Raptors in the Air Force inventory.

The jets assigned to the 90th FS have never fired live air-to-air missiles before and this deployment will ensure the squadron is ready for any contingency operation, leaders said.

Combat Archer provides a unique opportunity for our fighter pilots to experience firing a live air-to-air missile prior to combat, said Lt. Col. Joseph Kunkel, 90th FS commander.

"Particularly because these jets are brand new, this program allows first-time jets and pilots to experience what it feels like to fire a missile while in flight," Kunkel said.

WSEP creates an opportunity for pilot-maintainer interaction, he said. The full mission includes loading missiles, flying with and firing missiles and hitting targets.

This means that pilots, crew chiefs, armament systems specialists and avionics specialists are all working together to complete the mission, Colonel Kunkel said.

The squadron will be flying more than 10 sorties per day; shooting air-to-air missiles, 20-mm Vulcan cannon rounds, and dropping GBU-32 GPS guided bombs during the deployment, Colonel Kunkel said.

All of the weapons evaluations will be conducted over water in the warning areas of the Gulf of Mexico range complex, he added.

To prepare for this deployment, the 90th FS conducted a number of simulator programs as well as academic programs.

"Being one of the pilots in this training mission, the experience is what I gain. When it comes time to fight in flight, I will be comfortable using this aircraft for what it was made for," Colonel Kunkel said.

Eagles soar for last time at Hickam

by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young, Defense Media Activity-Hawaii

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR - HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Pilots from the 199th Fighter Squadron, Hawaii Air National Guard, completed their last training mission with the F-15 Eagle from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii Aug 25.

The HIANG is upgrading to the F-22 Raptor, a fifth generation fighter, and received their first two Raptors in July.

The ANG is the lead in a total force concept that already exists at JB Hickam with the C-17 Globemaster III. The 199th FS will fly and help maintain the 20 F-22 Raptors that bring another capability to the HIANG.

Many of the current F-15 pilots of the HIANG are eager to start training and flying the Raptor, but will still sorely miss the Eagle aircraft, which the unit has flown since 1987, said Lt. Col. James Sage, a pilot with the 199th FS.

"It's like saying goodbye to a good friend," said Colonel Sage said. "It was exciting flying it for the last time, and especially against a F-22, but at the same time the F-15 has always brought me home safely and been an outstanding aircraft."

The three remaining F-15s will depart JB Hickam Sept. 1, and with that, two of the fighters will move onto the 56th Aggressors Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nev., while the other will move onto the 120th Fighter Wing of the Montana Air National Guard. The Montana unit has assumed the HIANG's air-defense mission for the next year as the HIANG transitions to the F-22 said 199th pilot Lt. Col. Mark Ladtkow.

"It's somewhat a bittersweet feeling flying the last training mission of the F-15 with our unit," Colonel Ladtkow said. "I'm blessed to have the upcoming opportunity to fly the F-22, but the F-15, which I've flown for 17 years, is a friend of mine and will be missed."

Colonel Ladtkow is a 20-year veteran of the military, with the last six being part of the ANG. He is slated to deliver his jet to the Montana ANG in September.

"The 199th (FS) proves that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active-duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The F-22, a single-seat, twin-engine aircraft, which utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed as an air-superiority fighter.

"These F-22 Raptors are the state-of-the-art, air-superiority fighters, and couldn't be located at a better place," said General McKinley.

Air Force Announces F-22 Fleet Consolidation

The Department of the Air Force announced today its actions to consolidate the F-22 fleet. The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force determined the most effective basing for the F-22. This requires redistributing aircraft from one F-22 squadron to units at four F-22 bases. A second squadron will be relocated to an existing F-22 base.

The affected bases are:

Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.: Deactivate one squadron of F-22s and disperse that squadron's aircraft to other F-22 units. Relocate the remaining squadron to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska - receive six additional aircraft

Langley Air Force Base, Va. - receive six additional aircraft

Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. - receive two additional aircraft

Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. - receive one additional squadron

"This plan maximizes combat aircraft and squadrons available for contingencies," said Kathleen Ferguson, deputy assistant secretary for installations. "By consolidating aircraft at existing bases, F-22 operational flexibility is enhanced."

Teams surveyed four F-22 bases, evaluating them for feasibility, timing, cost, and planning purposes to accept additional F-22 aircraft. The secretary of the Air Force and the chief of staff of the Air Force carefully considered the site survey results and military judgment factors in making these basing determinations. These actions will be finalized subject to completion of appropriate environmental analysis.

The F-22 Raptor combines stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, and represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities.

F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

by Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young, Defense Media Activity - Hawaii News Bureau

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth generation fighter, which replaces the F-15 Eagle that the squadron has flown since 1987. The 199th FS is the first guard unit to receive the F-22.

"The 199th (FS members prove) that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The F-22, a single-seat, twin engine aircraft that utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed primarily as an air superiority fighter.

"These F-22 Raptors are the state of the art air superiority fighter and couldn't be located at a better place," General McKinley said.

Many of the guard members will serve as the lead in a "total force" concept that is already in use at JB Hickam. The 199th FS, 15th Air Wing will fly and help maintain the F-22s that bring a new capability to the HIANG, as well as the Air Force.

"The Air Force is a seamless total force. Along with our Air Force Reserve and civilians, the National Guard and our active duty component form a very severe fighting force that can get the job done," General McKinley said.

Raptors to deploy to Guam

Fifteen F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, are slated to deploy to Andersen AFB, Guam, in January. The deployment supports U.S. Pacific Command's theater security packages in the Western Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Cynthia Spalding)

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Fifteen F-22 Raptors are scheduled to deploy to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in January 2010 for approximately three months.

The fighters and associated personnel will deploy from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska.

The deployment supports U.S. Pacific Command's theater security packages in the Western Pacific and follows the recent departure from the theater of two deployed squadrons of F-22s that also were supporting U.S. PACOM's TSP. The fighters and personnel deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, and Kadena Air Base, Japan, completed their redeployment in October 2009.

The F-22 is a transformational combat aircraft that can avoid enemy detection, cruises at supersonic speeds, is highly maneuverable, and provides the joint force an unprecedented level of integrated situational awareness.

As part of continuing force posture adjustments to address worldwide requirements, U.S. officials continue to deploy additional forces throughout the Western Pacific. This is the latest example of the flexibility U.S. forces have to meet their ongoing commitments and security obligations throughout the Pacific region.

8th Fighter Squadron flagship arrives

by Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen, 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) -- The 8th Fighter Squadron received its first of 20 F-22 Raptors Dec. 21 here.

The arrival of 8th FS flagship, a Langley Air Force Base Raptor, which came from maintenance in Palmdale, Calif., starts the next chapter of the "Black Sheep's" storied history that started in 1941 when the squadron was assigned to the 49th Pursuit Group, and during World War II, their pilots amassed 207 aerial victories.

"Air dominance," said Lt. Col. Craig Baker, 8th FS commander, relating how the F-22 fits into Holloman's history. "The F-22 builds on what previous generations of air superiority fighters have established in the 8th -- a positive kill ratio. The fifth generation F-22 is far superior to any enemy aircraft today. U.S. Air Force pilots, the F-22 and its psychological effects all contribute to maintain that positive kill ratio [which is] a must to gaining and maintaining air superiority."

Colonel Baker assumed command of the squadron Sept. 25 after a brief period of inactivity. The 8th has not had any aircraft assigned to it since the F-117 retired in April 2008. The pilots and maintainers will work hand-in-hand with the 7th Fighter Squadron as a "super squadron" until the unit deploys next summer. When that happens, the squadrons' roles will reverse.

Working together with Lt. Col. Mike Hernandez, 7th FS commander, as a super squadron has ran like a well-oiled machine since the two commanders have a history of working together.

"Pigpen (Colonel Hernandez) and I have worked together since 1999 ... so luckily our policies, our thoughts, our tactics and opinions generally fall in-line together," Colonel Baker said. "His opinions for the squadron are the ones that I share, so it makes it relatively easy."

The 7th FS and 8th FS have been working together since 1941.

The nickname, the Black Sheep, dates back to 1943, when the 49th Fighter Group was transitioning from the P-47 Thunderbolt to the P-38 Lightning. The 8th FS was the last of the three squadrons to receive the P-38 aircraft and pilots began calling them the Black Sheep. The name has remained through various conflicts, base changes and airframe changes.

Previously, 8th FS pilots have flown the F-117, F-15, F-4, F-80, P-51 and P-38.

F-22 Versus F-35 by Sec Def

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the increased production of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters will have a positive impact on jobs in the aerospace industry over the next several years.