According to a Nov. 9 announcement from the Hawaii National Guard, the F-22 Raptor force comprising the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron and Active Duty 19th FS at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam achieved initial operational capability last week. A Hickam photo release notes that the Hawaii-based Raptors are expected to reach full operational capability in December. Brig. Gen. Braden Sakai, commander of the Hawaii ANG’s 154th Wing, said, “This is a huge milestone for our combined 154th and 15th Wings. IOC means we are able to deploy a portion of our F-22 Raptors, anytime, anywhere, in support of theater operations.”
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.