Raptors at the ready

A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor assigned to the 3rd Wing, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, taxis for takeoff on Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. Kadena routinely conducts training as it is critical to deterring aggression and being ready to fight and win to protect the vital interests of the U.S. and Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Raptors at the ready

A pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, climbs into the cockpit of a U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor on Kadena Air Base, Dec. 16, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the Department of Defense's continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of the alliance with Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Raptors at the ready

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Arjay Gaerlan, 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, begins preflight inspections at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. Crew chiefs work to ensure that the aircraft in their care are ready to fly at a moment’s notice so pilots can safely and effectively complete their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)

Raptors at the ready

A weapons load crew member assigned to the 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, communicates to a 525th Fighter Squadron pilot before a takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Dec. 16, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the Department of Defense's continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of the alliance with Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Raptors at the ready

Crew chiefs from the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, check their tool box and technical orders while preparing an aircraft to take off at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. Prior to an aircraft departing and when it returns, Airmen work together, round-the-clock, performing a variety of maintenance checks and repairs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker)

Raptors at the ready

Airman 1st Class Kevin Vazquez, 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, conducts pre-flight checks on a U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor before taking off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. The deployment of newer and more advanced aircraft at Kadena exemplifies the Department of Defense's continued commitment to enhancing posture while building on the strong foundation of the alliance with Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Raptors at the ready

Airman 1st Class Kevin Vazquez, 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief assigned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, salutes a 525th Fighter Squadron pilot as he taxis a F-22A Raptor for takeoff from Kadena Air Base, Japan, Dec. 16, 2022. For decades, Kadena Air Base has served as the keystone of the Pacific. The base's strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac)

Raptors at the ready

Published Dec. 22, 2022
By Senior Airman Cedrique Oldaker and Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac
18th Wing Public Affairs

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --