The 12 F-22 Raptors deployed from Langley AFB, Va., to Kadena AB, Japan, on the island of Okinawa, for the new stealth fighter’s first overseas excursion will be leaving Okinawa today, according to various news reports. A minor software glitch delayed the fighter deployment for a few days in February, but all 12 arrived at Kadena in mid-February for training exercises with Japanese forces.
The Air Force's new Aircraft Readiness Unit will maintain and provide Collaborative Combat Aircraft for operations, but won’t serve as a “schoolhouse” teaching fighter pilots how to manage these escort drones.