Reserve, active duty support Pacific theater deployment

  • Published
  • By Maj. Lisa reaver
  • 477th Fighter Group PA
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --   Reservists assigned to the 477th Fighter Group deployed this week to support the U.S. Pacific Command commander's Theater Security Package program in the Western Pacific.

The 20 maintainers and eight pilots along with the 3rd Wing's 525th Fighter Squadron will be deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan for three months.

"The 477th Fighter Group reservists operate and maintain 3rd Wing aircraft under the Classic Associate Unit Construct, integrating with the 525th Fighter Squadron and 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit," said Air Force Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, 302nd Fighter Squadron commander.

"During normal training there is seamless integration with the active-duty squadrons, this deployment is no different."

The 477th FG's Arctic Reservists are part of the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 total force integration unit and have participated in normal flying operations and every major exercise and deployment since the activation of the 477th FG in 2007.

This is the 477th FG's fourth theater security deployment.

"Our involvement is important because Total Force Enterprise is the future of the Air Force," Piffarerio said.

The integration of active duty and reserve personnel will prove necessary should a large scale combat operation dictate the need of the F-22's.

"(Working together) we learn what each other can bring to the fight. Whether it's tactical ability in flying an aircraft, fixing an engine, or basic deployment experiences, through effective communication and the compilation of lessons learned we make ourselves better.

Deployments provide an unparalleled environment for this," Piffarerio said.

Deploying to Kadena allows the active-duty and Reserve pilots and maintainers to generate sorties without having to fight the harsh Alaska winter weather and train with other types of aircraft, Piffarerio said.

"While deployed, we will train with our joint forces on a daily basis. This includes Air Force F-15's, F-16's, E-3 AWACS and Navy F-18's, E-2's, and EA-6Bs," Piffarerio said.

"We will fly basic fighter maneuvers and progress all the way up to joint large force exercises.

The training our pilots, intel, maintenance and aircrew flight equipment personnel receive while deployed is invaluable and we will serve the 477th and 3rd Wing proudly."

This deployment to Kadena Air Base is not a response to any specific situation but is a part of the PACOM commander's continuing force posture to address worldwide requirements.

The F-22 Raptor is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft.

The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.