Munitions load crews at Langley AFB, Va., recently loaded the new GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb onto an operational F-22A Raptor—marking another first for the new stealth fighter. The fit test, conducted by members of the 27th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and observed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing contractors, as well as Air Force test officials from Edwards AFB, Calif., was the first time the weapon had been loaded into a combat-ready Raptor. The new weapon increases the target capabilities of the F-22 by 400 percent, since the fighter will carry eight SDBs instead of two JDAMS.
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.
