Reserve, active duty support Pacific theater deployment

USAF ^ | 2/236/2010 | by Maj. Lisa Reaver

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Reservists assigned to the 477th Fighter Group deployed this week to support the U.S. Pacific Command commander's Theater Security Package program in the Western Pacific.

The 20 maintainers and eight pilots along with the 3rd Wing's 525th Fighter Squadron will be deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan for three months.

"The 477th Fighter Group reservists operate and maintain 3rd Wing aircraft under the Classic Associate Unit Construct, integrating with the 525th Fighter Squadron and 525th Aircraft Maintenance Unit," said Air Force Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, 302nd Fighter Squadron commander.

"During normal training there is seamless integration with the active-duty squadrons, this deployment is no different."

The 477th FG's Arctic Reservists are part of the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 total force integration unit and have participated in normal flying operations and every major exercise and deployment since the activation of the 477th FG in 2007.

This is the 477th FG's fourth theater security deployment.

"Our involvement is important because Total Force Enterprise is the future of the Air Force," Piffarerio said.

The integration of active duty and reserve personnel will prove necessary should a large scale combat operation dictate the need of the F-22's.

"(Working together) we learn what each other can bring to the fight. Whether it's tactical ability in flying an aircraft, fixing an engine, or basic deployment experiences, through effective communication and the compilation of lessons learned we make ourselves better.