Soon after the 27th FS completes its first Northern Edge exercise deployment, Gen. Ronald Keys says he plans to “swing” the squadron through the Pacific theater, because the F-22As will have to clear out of Langley anyway, due to runway repairs. Possible deployment sites on the road trip include Hickam AFB, Hawaii, and Andersen AFB, Guam. Keys didn’t rule out sending them to non-US locations, though, since he wants to “showcase their capabilities” in the region.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.