The F-22 Raptor has deployed to the Pacific as part of a theatre security mission, swapping in for the Air Force's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-22s will align under the newly renamed U.S. Indo-Pacific Command while in the region.

F-35As recently returned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, from Kadena after a six-month rotation in theatre. The mission marked the first operational deployment overseas for the Air Force's version of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Defence Secretary Jim Mattis announced Wednesday that the U.S. military's largest command would change its name from U.S. Pacific Command to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.