US Air Force F-22 Raptors are back at Kadena for the first time since 2014

F-22A Raptors this week returned to Kadena Air Base in Japan for the first time in more than three years, the Air Force said.
In a release, Pacific Air Forces said that the fifth-generation fighters, aircrew and support personnel were from the 525th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska.
They are taking part in the theater security package program under the recently-renamed U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which is intended to “signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security.”
In a follow-up email, the 18th Wing at Kadena said that fourteen Raptors are deploying there. They will also train with local assigned units, the 18th said.
airforcetimes

U.S. to deploy 12 F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets to Japan

The U.S. Air Force has announced it is about to deploy 12 F-22 Raptors and about 300 personnel from Langley to Kadena airbase, in Japan.
The deployment is expected in the next few days and its purpose is demonstrate Washington’s commitment to stability and security in the Asia-Pacific Region.
The aircraft will operate with the Kadena’s resident 18th Wing, which hosts the largest combat wing in the U.S. Air Force composed by F-15s, E-3s AWACS, KC-135s and HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters.
U.S. continues to provide a Theater Security Package in the region by routinely deploying aircraft to the Pacific, a theater characterized by regional disputes and China’s growing naval ambitions.
theaviationist

USAF to announce F-35 candidate bases in the Pacific

The USAF in November is expected to announce which bases it is considering to be the home of the first F-35A squadron outside of the continental United States.
Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, has been the front-runner for the assignment and is easily accessible by Korean and Japanese crews. And on Oct. 15, the Alaska congressional delegation sent a letter to Air Force leaders highlighting Eielson’s capability.
Other Pacific Air Forces bases considered possible contenders are Osan Air Base, South Korea, and Kadena and Misawa air bases, Japan.
airforcetimes