F-22A Raptors heading to Europe

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, April 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Air Force commanders are sending several F-22A Raptor fighter jets and their aircrews to Europe, to take part in large-scale military drills in the region.

The Raptor and their aircrews from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., will be based at the Royal Air Force airbase in Lakenheath, England during the exercises, according to a U.S. Air Force statement.

"This F-22 training deployment is the perfect opportunity for these advanced aircraft to train alongside other U.S. Air Force aircraft, joint partners, and NATO allies," said General Frank Gorenc, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, said in the statement.

Gorenc noted the F-22A fighters based at Lakenheath will "forward deploy" to other British and NATO-run installations across Europe as part of the exercise. It is the second time Air Force officials have deployed the Raptor to the region.

"It's important we test our infrastructure, aircraft capabilities, and the talented Airmen and allies who will hostthese aircraft in Europe," said Gorenc.

"This deployment advances our airpower evolution and demonstrates our resolve and commitment to European safety and security," he added.