The Air Force plans to bring airmen from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to Langley AFB, Va., in early 2007 to begin F-22A training under an initiative dubbed the “Ready Elmendorf” program. Elmendorf is slated to become the second base—after Langley—to stand up an operational F-22 Raptor unit. Langley personnel will train pilots, crew chiefs, and maintainers before they head to Alaska. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley said he wants to ensure a “ready capability” is sent to the base for initial bed down. The Elmendorf-bound pilots will get their initial training at the F-22 schoolhouse at Tyndall AFB, Fla., and then move to Langley for follow-on training. Once several aircrews and maintainers have completed Langley training, they will depart for Elmendorf, where the 3rd Fighter Wing eventually will host two Raptor squadrons. Moseley said he wants to expand the initiative for F-22 beddown at Holloman AFB, N.M. and Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.