The 8th Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, N.M., has taken delivery of the first of its 20 planned F-22 fighters. This aircraft, the unit’s new flagship, arrived Dec. 21. It was formerly assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va. Holloman’s 49th FW is scheduled to receive 40 F-22s. Its 7th FS, sister unit to the 8th FS, is nearing its full complement of 20. The 8th FS, known as the “Black Sheep,” should have its 20 F-22s in place in about one year, 49th FW spokeswoman SrA. Rachel Kocin told the Daily Report Dec. 23. The unit had been without aircraft since April 2008, when it retired its F-117s. Holloman is also under consideration to host F-35 strike fighters. Air Force officials have said if F-35s end up there, they might relocate the F-22s. (Holloman report by SSgt. Sanjay Allen)
Since President Donald Trump first unveiled his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative in late January, much of the focus for it has been focused on space—how the Pentagon may deploy dozens, if not hundreds, of sensors and interceptors into orbit to protect the continental U.S. from missile barrages. But the Air…