As scheduled, a force of airmen and 15 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, has deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, as part of the now-normal Pacific Region rotation to support the US Pacific Command theater security package. The 90th FS contingent arrived on Guam Jan. 13. (Photo release by A1C Julian North)
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.