[ProudVet77]

Not trying to disagree with what you said, in fact I agree with most of it, but the next F-22 squadron is being deployed to Elmendorf. (later this year)
We don't know yet if they are removing an F-15 squadron to be replaced by the F-22s. It might be that in the long run Elmendorf might even grow. From what I can tell the numbers reported are based on current assignments. The F-22 is a future assignment up there. I would also not be surprised to see UAVs getting located up there as well. The USAF has 12 new squadrons it will be deploying.

[Red6]

Good,

I just read that article and thought they were considering shutting down Eielson. That would have been nuts!

Even security is a non-sense issue in AK. If you want to park a F22 at Eielson, it's hard to collect intel on (Both hardware and it's movement in and out of theater) and the forces are safe. Who's going to mess with you? No one. An Alaskan terrorist? That’s funny. Alaskan terrorism consists of our version of a Bubba accidentally shooting a whole in the Pipeline or driving his pickup into it. Unlike in some places where Slobodan or Vladimir stand outside our base counting our planes, calling on a cell as soon as wheels lift off, we have some resemblance of OPSEC in AK.

Good that we're getting the F22. I left in early 2001 and then it was just talk.

THX

Red6