Allison Farabaugh

The Air Force hopes to begin an environmental assessment study next month on moving the planes to Hickam Air Force Base, said Capt. Allison Farabaugh, a spokeswoman for the Pacific Air Forces.It aims to finish the report late next year.

Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, said in March that the Air Force planned to bring the planes to the islands, but he didn't say when or provide a timeframe for the environmental impact survey.

About 17,000 troops from across all branches of the military are participating globally, said Capt. Allison Farabaugh.Some 10,000 traveled to Korea, she added.

Photo by: Capt. Allison Farabaugh

The Air Force next month will begin an environmental assessment process about basing 18 of the $135 million fighters at Hickam Air Force Base, said Capt. Allison Farabaugh, a spokeswoman for the Pacific Air Command.

"They are moving in the direction to bring the F-22s here.Everything supports that they will come here," Farabaugh said.

The environmental assessment process, expected to be completed in late 2007, is a crucial step in moving forward with the plans, she said.
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The Air National Guard will be augmented by the active-duty 531st Fighter Squadron, Farabaugh said.
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While no date has been set for the arrival of the first F-22A in Hawai'i, preparations are continuing, Farabaugh said.

Among the work being done is an environmental assessment of the Raptors' impact and consideration of the infrastructure necessary to support them here, Farabaugh said.