The 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., has received its last new F-22A stealth fighter, bringing the wing’s total to 40 Raptors and fully equipping both operational F-22 squadrons. Next month, the 27th Fighter Squadron embarks on its first overseas deployment with the new fighter, taking 12 to Kadena AB, Japan. And, the wing has sent another 14 to Nellis AFB, Nev., for the Raptor’s first participation in Red Flag. Langley still will see some additional new F-22s as the Air Force funnels fighters and pilots and maintainers destined for Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, through the Virginia base for indoctrination.
Earlier this spring, the 388th Fighter Wing proved just 12 Airmen can operate an F-35 contingency location, refueling and rearming the fighters at spots across Georgia and South Carolina. The demonstration, part of exercise Agile Flag 23-1, marks yet another proof of concept for the Air Force’s plan to send…