The F-22 Raptor aircraft will be a frequent guest at Anderson AFB, Guam, beginning in mid-2008, Gen. Paul V. Hester, commander of US Pacific Air Forces, told reporters at an unveiling ceremony for PACAF’s first F-22, currently under production at Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Ga., plant. Hester said that PACAF would be sending a cadre of the new fighters to Guam after the crews familiarize themselves with the Alaska environment. The first squadron of 18 Raptors slated for Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, should arrive at the base beginning in January 2008. After that, the Raptors will settle into the Air Force’s now regular rotation of fighters and bombers into Anderson.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…