Elmendorf stands up second Raptor squadron

Elmendorf stands up second Raptor squadron
Staff report
Posted : Saturday Nov 3, 2007 9:06:38 EDT

ELEMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska — The Air Force further fortified its Pacific defenses Monday by adding another squadron of F-22 Raptors, the military’s most sophisticated aircraft.

Elmendorf’s 3rd Wing, which debuted its first active-duty Raptor squadron earlier this year, activated its second fighter squadron, the 525th, at a ceremony on base. Its initial cadre includes five pilots and four support personnel.

Air Force officials tout Alaska as prime real estate with easy access to both Asia and Europe. Elmendorf, near Anchorage, is expected to ultimately maintain 40 Raptors.

The Air Force has said it would like a total of 381 Raptors forcewide, but cost estimates suggest it may be limited to 183. The Air Force Reserve stood up a unit of F-22s in early October.

“Our job is to clear the skies of enemy aircraft, as well as take out any surface-to-air missiles that would deny us access to enemy airspace,” said Lt. Col. Chuck Corcoran, commander of the new Raptor squadron, in a statement. “The overarching reason for that is to gain control of the skies. That’s what the F-22 was built to do and it’s our mission here at Elmendorf.”


Article at: http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/11/airforce_F22_elmendorf_071103/