Hawaii-based F-22 Raptors deploy to Malaysia for training exercise
A formation of U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian air force aircraft, including an F-15 Eagle from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts; an RMAF SU-30MKM Flanker; a USAF F-22 Raptor from the 154th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; an RMAF MIG-29N Fulcrum; an BAE Hawk; and an RMAF F/A-18 Hornet, fly over Georgetown, Malaysia, during Cope Taufan 14 on June 18. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)
Six Hawaii-based F-22 Raptor fighters and more than 100 airmen participating in an exercise in Malaysia are making history as part of the first Raptor deployment to Southeast Asia, officials said.
Exercise Cope Taufan also represents the first foreign deployment for the Hawaii Raptors, which received fully operational status in April of 2013.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam is home to 20 of the stealth jets.
Guardsmen and women from Hawaii’s 154th Wing’s 199th Fighter Squadron and 204th Airlift Squadron, as well as the active duty 19th Fighter Squadron, are participating.
"This is a historical event for us and we’re very honored and excited to be here," said Lt. Col. James Sage of the 199th Fighter Squadron.
F-15 fighters from Massachusetts also are part of the exercise, which is in its final stages.
Both aircraft were to engage with Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKMs, IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly reported.
