The “Dicemen” of the 90th FS (Fighter Squadron) have returned to JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson) from a Rapid Deployment to the Middle East.
Airmen from the 3rd Wing and 477th Fighter Group, which the 90th Fighter Squadron is part of, have returned from the Middle East after their rapid deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The dozen F-22s were deployed “to address threats posed by Iran and Iranian-backed groups” against Israel and American troops in the region, and arrived in the AOR on Aug. 8, 2024, transitioning through RAF Lakenheath in the UK on Aug. 6.
Dec. 17 — US Air Force F-22 Raptors have returned to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska from Central Command’s area of responsibility following a rapid deployment since Aug. 8.
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— Ryan Chan 陳家翹 (@kakiuchan.bsky.social) December 18, 2024 at 10:44 AM
Alongside the F-22s, a dozen of U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets from VFA-25 (Strike Fighter Squadron 25) and an E-2D were also temporarily transferred from the USS Theodore Roosevelt to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, and managed by the USAF 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing.
The deployment was also a demonstration of the US military’s capability to project power and respond swiftly to any threats that may arise, and reinforce its commitment to security in the Middle East.
In fact, this was the fastest ever F-22 deployment for combat sorties: the fighters arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility within 72 hours of leaving JBER, their home base, in CONUS (CONtinental US).
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Lt. Col. Dustin Johnson, the commander of the 90th FS, said:
“I’m extremely proud of what our team was able to accomplish during this deployment, especially considering the rapid timeline and dynamic strategic situation we arrived in,” and that his squadron “clearly demonstrated the capability of the F-22 to deploy anywhere in the world on short notice and provide immediate combat capability to the combatant commander.”
During the deployment, the aircraft conducted a range of missions, including counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and counter cruise missile patrols. The squadron also utilised ACE (Agile Combat Employment) tactics extensively to quickly forward-deploy a number of F-22s alongside some personnel and equipment to different locations across the region. In fact, according to JBER’s official statement on their website, the F-22s’ operations spanned “five operational locations across the theater”.
Col. Charles Schuck, the 3rd Wing’s commander, also said that he is “incredibly proud of the team’s swift and effective response during this deployment,” and that “The successful execution of our mission with the F-22s demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safeguarding U.S. and allied interests in the region. This rapid deployment showcases the exceptional capabilities of our personnel and aircraft, reinforcing the United States’ presence and deterrence in a volatile environment.”
Alongside the F-22s, on Dec. 17 and 19, 2024, a total of 12 F-15E Strike Eagles with the 492nd Fighter Squadron belonging to the 48th Fighter Wing, returned to their home base of RAF Lakenheath, UK, after a short deployment to the Middle East. Their deployment had begun on Nov. 7, 2024. As we have reported, the Strike Eagles returned sporting interesting nose-art alongside combat markings, which you can read about here and here.
The ACE concept
The ACE is a strategic concept which increases the resiliency, flexibility, and operational effectiveness of an air force, especially in contested environments.
Its main idea is to disperse forces and reduce vulnerabilities, while allowing for quick, unpredictable deployments in a certain threat area. It shifts away from operating in large centralized air bases, and instead puts the focus on smaller, dispersed locations which will make it harder for the adversary to target effectively. It is especially relevant in modern conflict scenarios, where adversaries possess sophisticated capabilities that allow it to strike large, fixed installations.
One of the most key components of ACE, as emphasized, is the dispersed operations. Since aircraft and personnel operate from a network of small, austere locations, it makes it challenging for adversaries to concentrate attacks or predict movements. Its networking ability, and the quick, almost constant movement of aircraft, equipment and personnel between locations ensure strategic unpredictability. Supplies, equipment and aircraft fuel are also strategically stored in dispersed locations, to support sustained operations without relying on traditional supply lines.
MCA (Multi-Capable Airmen) amplify this. MCA refers to personnel who are trained to perform multiple roles beyond their primary one, allowing for a smaller team. This allows operation centers to be quickly set up with a smaller number of personnel at each location.
ACE allows to counter advanced threats since assets are distributed across a number of bases, making it harder for the enemy to wipe out the entire force in a small number of strikes. It also ensures that air operations can continue even under attack. Furthermore, its mobility and unpredictability makes it harder for the potential enemy to plan or react effectively in advance.
The 3rd Wing’s pioneering efforts with the Rapid Raptor package concept on 2013, laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the current ACE framework. By demonstrating the ability to rapidly deploy a small package of F-22s and essential support within 24 hours, the 3rd Wing showcased the value of agility, scalability, and a minimal logistics footprint, principles that remain at the heart of ACE today. Through their innovative approach to forward-deploying advanced airpower while denying adversaries predictable targeting opportunities, the 3rd Wing helped shape the modern doctrine of dispersing and sustaining combat capabilities in dynamic environments.
