The 18th Wing mobilized and launched more than three dozen aircraft during its first large-scale show of force since rotational F-22 Raptors arrived to replace the base’s aging fleet of F-15s.
The Air Force move to replace F-15 Eagle fighters with rotating units of more advanced fighters signals awareness that Okinawan bases won’t survive a conflict with China, according to a former Marine fighter pilot and diplomat.
Chinese threat to Japan and Okinawa bases behind F-15 phaseout, expert says stripes.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stripes.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Caitlin Russell spent the past six years working on public affairs in the Air Force, flying in Black Hawks and documenting military training exercises. Now she's in Chapel Hill gaining new skills to take her career to the next level.