The Raptor Maintenance Training Facility at Sheppard AFB, Tex., has taken in its first class of novice F-22A Raptor crew chiefs. The first class comprises seven new enlistees and one Air National Guardsman cross-training into the program. Construction for the $21 million state-of-the-art facility began in 2005 and concluded with its formal opening last fall. Col. Steven Morani, 82nd Training Group commander, says the new facility “is the model for the future of training in the Air Force.” It consolidates all Raptor maintenance training, such as crew chief, avionics, munitions, and fuels, in one airframe-specific facility. (Sheppard report by A1CV Jacob Corbin)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
