F-22s deploy with active-duty, reserve airmen

[unhappycamper]

F-22s deploy with active-duty, reserve airmen
By Erik Holmes - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Feb 22, 2008 17:03:10 EST

The Air Force put its total force concept to the test with its most sophisticated fighter jet earlier this month in a deployment of eight F-22s from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, that was staffed by 132 active-duty and reserve airmen.

The deployment to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for the Combat Archer exercise Feb. 2-17 was the first time Raptors have deployed with a mixed crew from active-duty and reserve units, according to a Pacific Air Forces press release.

The deployment featured airmen from the 3rd Wing, an active-duty unit, and the 477th Fighter Group, a reserve associate unit that activated in October 2007 to support the 3rd Wing, according to the press release.

This was just the second deployment for the F-22 Raptor; the first was a deployment last year of 12 Raptors from Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena Air Base, Japan.

Combat Archer is an assessment of operational fighter squadrons’ readiness for combat operations. It evaluates all phases of combat operations from weapons loading to aircraft and aircrew performance.


Rest of article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/02/airforce_f22_...