The Pentagon just released to us two photos from the Nov. 22, 2007, intercept of two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H bombers by two F-22A Raptors from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. These are from different angles than the two we posted above, which have made the rounds of various Web sites. Alaskan NORAD Region scrambled the two F-22s to monitor the flights 
of the Bears off the coast of Alaska. It was the first operational use of Elmendorf’s fledgling Raptor unit. The photos were taken by the F-22 pilots, as confirmed last week by a DOD spokesman in response to query.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
