Four F-22s have arrived at Spangdahlem AB, Germany, for the first European training deployment of Raptors, US European Command announced Aug. 28. The F-22s and 60 airmen from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Fla., and a C-17 from the 60th Airlift Wing at Travis AFB, Calif., will be in Europe through mid-September. During that time, they will do air training with other aircraft based in Europe, and deploy from Germany to other areas for training and to demonstrate the US commitment to NATO and European security, according to EUCOM. “It’s important we test our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and the talented airmen and allies who will host fifth generation aircraft in Europe,” Gen. Frank Gorenc, commander of US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, said in an Air Force news release. “This deployment advances our airpower evolution and demonstrates our resolve and commitment to European safety and security.” The deployment, which Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James officially announced this week, is funded by the European Reassurance Initiative.
Lawmakers are growing impatient for an overdue fighter recapitalization study from the Air Force, and members say they'll demand more detailed justifications for future aircraft retirements.