B-2s, F22s conduct historic overseas deployment to the Pacific

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Andrew Hoskinson
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Twelve F-22 Raptors departed here recently following a historic deployment marking the first time, B-2 Spirits and F-22 Raptors, the key national strategic stealth assets in the Air Force inventory, deployed together outside the continental United States.

The B-2s arrived i February joining the Raptors that arrived  amonth before as part of a regularly scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotational assignment of aircraft to the Pacific. The aircraft and more than 400 Airmen, from the 13th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Whiteman AFB, Mo. and the 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska participated in joint training with a variety of Air Force, Marine and Navy units.

"The F-22 and B-2 deployment is a phenomenal success," said Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander. "The Raptors and Sprits bring a phenomenal and exceptionally versatile capability to Pacific Command. This strategic deployment to Andersen shrinks the tyranny of distance across the Pacific by forward-basing an unmatched combat capability."

In addition to the squadron flying more than 750 sorties, the Raptors further demonstrated their capacity to project air dominance by operating concurrently from a forward-deployed overseas location for the first time with the B-2 stealth bombers.

"The highlight for us was the integration with the B-2s," said Lt. Col. Orlando Sanchez, 90th EFS commander. "We spent every day working with our B-2 squadron, providing the Airmen opportunities to learn from a more senior and experienced stealth unit and helping our maintenance personnel share lessons associated with a low-observable stealth platform."

During their time together on Guam, members of the deployed squadrons interacted daily and successfully launched hundreds of sorties honing their combat capabilities.

"Having the F-22 and B-2 here at Andersen AFB deters and dissuades potential adversaries and assures our regional partners and allies within the region," said General Ruhlman. "The F-22 Raptor and B-2 Spirit represent a key element of the Air Force's enduring contribution to joint military operations with unquestionable world class air dominance upon which all joint forces rely."