F/A-22 squadron makes first deployment

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By Laura M. Colarusso
Times staff writer

The Air Force’s first F/A-22 Raptor squadron has made its first deployment — a mission to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, that officials say will allow the aircraft’s pilots and maintainers to practice going to war.

Six Raptors of the 27th Fighter Squadron arrived at Hill from Langley Air Force Base, Va., on Saturday, and two more were scheduled to arrive today.

Lt. Col. James Hecker, commander of the 27th FS, said one of the goals of the mission is to figure out the logistics of a Raptor squadron deployment. He said squadron officials will be looking at the number of spare parts they need to take with them, as well as what it takes to get the planes, equipment and people in place. Pilots also are going to be testing their bomb-dropping skills.

“This is a huge deployment for us,” said Hecker, who was an F-15C pilot. “We’ll take the lessons learned and apply them so we’re better next time.”

The deployment will last for two weeks. During that time, the pilots will fly more than 100 sorties.

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MikeIvy sent me these photos to post here........enjoy!!!!!!!!

[Curt]

Great aircraft