The last F-22 built for the Air Force arrived at JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, completing the beddown of the Raptor fleet. Lt. Col. Paul Moga, commander of Elmendorf-Richardson’s 525th Fighter Squadron, piloted the jet on its eight-hour, non-stop flight from Lockheed Martin’s production facility in Marietta, Ga., on May 5. “It’s good to have this jet where it belongs,” said Moga, who will fly this aircraft as the squadron’s flagship. The Air Force accepted Raptor 4195 on May 2 during a ceremony in Marietta. (Elmendorf-Richardson release)
Seven F-22 Raptor pilots have recently been awarded one of the military’s highest decorations for their actions during operations in the Middle East. Six of the pilots were decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross for their role in Operation Midnight Hammer, the June 2025 strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.