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MARIETTA, Ga: Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to accept Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb. 12 at Marietta, Ga.
This latest F-22 will be among 36 others that will make up the first F-22s assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens said the F-22 will play a key role is guaranteeing American superiority of the sky over the Pacific.
“General Billy Mitchell once observed this: Alaska is the most strategic place in the world … whoever holds Alaska will hold the world,” Senator Stevens said.
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Representatives from the Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 Raptor Feb 12 at Marietta, Ga. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. The F-22 aerodesign, advanced flight controls, thrust vectoring, and high thrust-to-weight ratio provide the capability to outmaneuver all current and projected aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Angela Tyson)
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The F-22 is the Air Force's newest fighter aircraft. Its combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities. The F-22 performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.
Gen. Paul V. Hester, the PACAF commander, said the F-22 will show America's continued commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific.
“An important part of this business is to know and show the foes of America … who stand against our allies and friends … that you have the capacity, the capability, as well as the will to use that power,” General Hester said.
