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)
Air Force F-16 pilot Lt. Col. Eric R. Emerson, who commanded a small quick reaction force of fighters responding to Iranian-backed militia groups in 2024, became the first Air National Guardsman presented with the Anthony C. Shine Award on Feb. 10.
