USAF to Deploy 15 F-22 Raptors in Guam

The USAF will deploy 15 fifth-generation F-22 Raptor aircraft to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, in January 2010, in support of the US Pacific Command's theatre security packages in the Western Pacific.

Following the announcement, fighters and associated personnel from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska will be deployed for nearly three months at the Guam base.

The transformational combat aircraft can avoid enemy detection and can cruise at supersonic speeds.

The highly manoeuvrable F-22 aircraft will enhance the joint force's level of integrated situational awareness.

The recent deployment of the F-22 aircraft has taken place, following the departure of two deployed squadrons of F-22s from the theatre that were also supporting the US Pacific Command's (PACOM) TSP.

Established as an unified command on 1 January 1947, the PACOM is the oldest and largest of the US's unified commands.