Hawaiian Raptors fly with RAAF for exercise Pacific Edge 21

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail, operated by No. 2 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown, Australia, flies with a Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor April 21, 2021, near Oahu, Hawaii. The command-and-control aircraft, traveled to Hawaii to participate in exercise Pacific Edge 21 and provide airborne early warning support to airborne participants. The exercise was held to enhance air-combat proficiencies through the integration of allied units and further the interoperability between the two countries’ aircraft. In a unique association, the F-22s and the air defense mission at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam are assigned to the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard. The 199th Fighter Squadron and the 19th Fighter Squadron serve together under the Air National Guard-led active-associate construct to accomplish their assigned mission.