Approximately 200 Vermont Air National Guard (ANG) airmen have escaped New England's January arctic blast and will experience Okinawa's far more mild weather. The personnel, along with equipment and notably an undisclosed number of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs began to arrive at Kadena Air Base, Japan on Monday.

The personnel from the 158th Fighter Wing's 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (134th EFS) will be deployed to the base, known as "The Keystone of the Pacific" due to its strategic significance, for at least "several months," the ANG announced. During the deployment, the unit will take part in exercises in Japan, including the multilateral Cope North joint exercise.

"We are there to support operations and train in the Indo-Pacific region," said U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Blair, 158th Operations Group commander. "Operating out of Kadena provides our Airmen the opportunity to execute missions in a sustained deployed environment, sharpening their skills and bolstering readiness."

Blair added that Exercise Cope North will provide "a unique opportunity" for the Vermont ANG "to work closely without our allied partners. The level of interoperability required during this exercise demonstrates our collective ability to respond to emerging threats and ensure regional stability."

F-15 Eagles Out, F-35s In

The deployment is in support of Kadena Air Base's modernization plans, which involve the retirement of the U.S. Air Force's fleet of aging F-15C/D Eagle fighters. With many of the aircraft in service for more than 40 years, the Eagles have reached the end of their service lives.

While the current plans call for the F-15C/D fighters to be replaced by Boeing's modernized F-15EX Eagle II aircraft, the Keystone of the Pacific has seen a steady rotation of fourth-generation and fifth-generation fighters to maintain an ongoing presence.

The newly arrived F-35As from the Vermont ANG's 134th EFS will integrate with the 525th EFS's F-22 Raptors and 77th EFS's F-16C Fighting Falcons. The Lightning IIs will further join the F-35s that were deployed from Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, last November.

"Our squadron eagerly anticipates the chance to elevate our training by testing ACE concepts during this deployment," said Lt. Col. Trevor Callen, 134th EFS commander. "We are committed to leveraging our experiences and techniques alongside our bilateral partners and Kadena flying units, which will significantly enhance our operational versatility in the Indo-Pacific."

The F-35s will further allow Kadena to remain a "pivotal hub" for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific region.

"Kadena's commitment to regional deterrence is ironclad," added Col. David Deptula, 18th Wing Operations Group commander. "Rotational aircraft are a normal part of Kadena's operations, and their presence ensures the continuation of our long-standing mission to defend Japan and maintain an open and free Indo-Pacific."

Recent Mishaps at Kadena

The arrival of the F-35s at Kadena, came just a day after one of the F-22 Raptors deployed to the base was forced to make an emergency landing. As previously reported, the fifth-generation air superiority fighter was taking part in "routine training" when it made the emergency landing at the airbase. It is unclear if it suffered any damage, but the pilot is not believed to have suffered any injuries.

It was also reported on Tuesday that an F-16 was forced to make another emergency landing on Monday.

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

Image: Wikimedia Commons.