F-22 crews from JB Langley-Eustis, Va., are taking advantage of their deployment to the western Pacific to conduct integrated training with F-15s based at Kadena AB, Japan, according to Kadena officials. The Raptor deployment enables “outstanding fourth and fifth generation fighter integration training,” said Col. Pete Milohnic, Kadena’s 18th Operations Group commander, in the base’s Oct. 11 release. F-22s assigned to Langley’s 27th Fighter Squadron deployed to Kadena in late July as part of a routine rotation of US combat forces to the region. “We loved the opportunity to work with the F-15s,” stressed Lt. Col. Cavan Craddock, 27th FS commander. “It’s valid training that we wouldn’t get at home,” he added. In addition, “it sends a clear message that the US is serious about maintaining security and stability in the region,” he noted. A contingent of F-22s from JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, is also currently deployed to the western Pacific at Andersen AFB, Guam. (Kadena report by A1C Brooke Beers)
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.