News United States Air Force
 5th-gen fighters debut in Philippines during bilateral integrationPublished March 18, 2023
                        
                        By Senior Airman Jessi Roth, 18th Wing Public Affairs
                **KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --**
                U.S. Air Force**F-22A Raptors**from the 525th Fighter Squadron at**Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson**, Alaska, with support from a**KC-135Stratotanker**from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron at**KadenaAir Base**, Japan, traveled to Clark Air Base, Philippines, to integrate and train with Philippineair force 5th Fighter Wing counterparts, March 13-14. 
 “This was the first time that F-22s, or any fifth-generation aircraft, have landed on and operated out of the Philippines,” said Capt. Karl Schroeder,525th Fighter Squadron Raptor pilot. “This milestone with a regional ally aids in providing stability and security to the Indo-Pacific.” 
 The trip to Clark AB was accomplished with support from a small team of Airmen and a minimal footprint, exercising another primary focus of theU.S. Air Force — Agile Combat Employment. 
 Day one kicked off with a luncheon where Philippine air force members introduced U.S. Air Force personnel to a spread of various traditional Filipino dishes. The cultural meal was followed by subject matter expert exchanges detailing the capabilities of each nation's respective fighter aircraft, a static tour of the F-22s, the KC-135 Stratotanker and the Philippine FA-50PH multi-role fighter aircraft. 
 The next morning, the F-22s and two FA-50s took off to engage in coordinated in-flight integration and show off eachaircrafts respective capabilities. 
 U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe Baumann, 525th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor pilot, and Senior Airman Randy Siri, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, pose for a photo prior to departure from Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 14, 2023. Bilateral training and cooperation with our Philippine Air Force counterparts enhances the mutual readiness required to defend security, prosperity, and peace throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe Baumann, 525th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor pilot, and Senior Airman Randy Siri, 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, pose for a photo prior to departure from Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 14, 2023. Bilateral training and cooperation with our Philippine Air Force counterparts enhances the mutual readiness required to defend security, prosperity, and peace throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
            
            
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    Philippine Air Force pilots pose for a photo in front of an F-22A Raptor in honor of Women's History Month during a static aircraft tour at Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 13, 2023. Integrating and training alongside the Philippine Air Force promotes interoperability, builds upon our strong alliance, and reaffirms the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)Philippine air force pilots pose for a photo in front of an F-22A Raptor in honor of Women's History Month during a static aircraft tour at Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 13, 2023. Integrating and training alongside the Philippine Air Force promotes interoperability, builds upon the strong U.S.-Philippine alliance, and reaffirms the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
            
            
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    A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor and a Philippine Air Force FA-50PH are parked on the flightline during a static aircraft display at Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 13, 2023. Integrating and training alongside the Philippine Air Force promotes interoperability, builds upon our strong alliance, and reaffirms the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor and a Philippine air force FA-50PH are parked on the flightline during a static aircraft display at Clark Air Base, Philippines, March 13, 2023. Integrating and training alongside the Philippine Air Force promotes interoperability, builds upon the strong U.S.-Philippine alliance, and reaffirms the commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jessi Roth)
            
            
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The F-22 is a highly maneuverable5th generation stealth aircraft possessing advanced features including supercruise, or the ability to sustain flight at supersonic speeds without the use of afterburner. The FA-50 is a light combat fighter known for its speed and agility. 
 “With any operation there are always multiple roles and responsibilities to make the mission happen,” said Air Force Capt. Joe Baumann, araptor pilot assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron. “With the FA-50’s capability for precision strike and the raptor’s ability to establish air dominance, we make a lethal combo to support one-another on multiple mission sets.” 
 The first phase of flight was a low flyover tour. Theraptor pilots were able to get a layout of the land, as well as the different Philippine air bases. Being familiar with the airspace and the territory below will allow for increased capability and integration in the future. 
 During the second phase of the flight, the Raptors engaged in air combat maneuvering, or dogfighting, while the FA-50s observed. The aircraft then transitioned into formation work and a demonstration of air to air refueling with the KC-135 over the South China Sea. 
 “This was a unique opportunity to demonstrate the power and importance of being able to refuel in the air to extend the combat capabilities of our airframe and to show just how capable and maneuverable theraptor is in a basic fighter maneuver engagement,” Schroeder explained. 
 Theraptor pilots said their whole experience at Clark was top notch, from the hospitality immediately after landing, to the professional briefs, planning and integration. Baumann said he left the exchange with a valuable sentiment in his mind. 
 “It doesn't matter where you go, a fighter pilot is a fighter pilot. There is always the hunger to continue to learn and improve, which is what makes us lethal operators in the air,” Baumann said. 
 **Pacific Air Forces**and the Philippine Air Force work together through bilateral training and subject matter expert exchanges to promote interoperability, thus strengthening the countries’ alliance with the **Mutual Defense Treaty**and enhancing stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region. 
 “This opportunity demonstrated the commitment to our partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Baumann said. “It is important for us to integrate with our allies to show that we have the capability to conduct safe and effective operations anywhere in the world while supporting multinational objectives.”LR 



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