Two Hawaii-based fighter squadrons that fly F-22 Raptor fighter jets are combat capable and able to deploy all of their aircraft in any contingency, Hawaii Air National Guard officials announced Sunday.
The Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron under the 154th Wing and the Air Force’s 19th Fighter Squadron under the 15th Wing have achieved what is called full operational capability status.
"We can now unequivocally state that the 19th and 199th Fighter Squadrons are fully trained, equipped and prepared to defend America’s interests whenever and wherever they may be called upon to do so," Col. Johnny Roscoe, 15th Wing commander, said in a news release.
The F-22 Raptor, touted as the world’s most advanced fighter, is capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. It is the Air Force’s primary fighter and can outmaneuver any other, according to the Hawaii Air Guard.
On Saturday the roar of the jets could be heard over downtown Honolulu.
"We launched and recovered 46 F-22 Raptor sorties in very quick succession using 14 of our available aircraft," said Brig. Gen. Braden Sakai, 154th Wing commander, in a news release. That high rate demonstrates the squadrons’ ability to deploy at any time to meet U.S. Pacific Command objectives, Sakai said.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to 20 F-22 Raptors, and the Hawaii Air National Guard began the transition from F-15 Eagle aircraft to the F-22s in July 2010.
Last November the two fighter squadrons attained initial operational capability status, meaning only some of the warplanes could be deployed.
The Hawaii Air National Guard and Air Force share responsibility for flying and maintaining the F-22 aircraft.
An F-22 was on prominent display at Hangar 19 on Sunday as the Hawaii Air Guard held a ceremony to recognize its outstanding personnel.
Receiving awards were Senior Airman Tara Broad and Airman 1st Class Kyle Brislan, airmen of the year; Tech. Sgt. Jason Labra and Staff Sgt. Christopher Ulu, noncommissioned officers of the year; Master Sgts. Sandra Serrano and Clifford Ramson, senior noncommissioned officers of the year; Senior Master Sgt. Anthony Colon, first sergeant of the year; Capt. Larin Wong and 1st Lt. Jonathan Laurion, company grade officers of the year; and Maj. Cyrus Lung and Maj. James Lowe, field grade officers of the year.