F-22A Raptors from Langley AFB, Va., have made the 3,200-mile trip to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, to take part in the exercise called Northern Edge. It was the first trip for the new stealth fighters outside the continental US. “This is the longest continuous trip we’ve flown in this bird, so that gives us a great start to this entire visit,” said Lt. Col. Wade Tolliver, commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley, the first operational Raptor unit. Elmendorf is slated to follow as the second operational home for a Raptor unit.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.