The 411th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., played an instrumental role in the Air Force-wide efforts to get the F-22 fleet cleared to fly after a grounding went into effect over pilot safety concerns. “Basically we turned over every single rock we thought to turn over; we wanted to take a real broad-brush approach to ensure we answered all questions,” said Maj. Chris Keithley, 411th FLTS F-22 test pilot. Air Combat Command stood down the F-22 fleet on May 3, following 12 reported incidents in which pilots experienced hypoxia-like symptoms—as if they were receiving an inadequate oxygen supply. The squadron spent 12 weeks evaluating the issue, designing a series of tests, and modifying F-22 test aircraft in order to support the Air Force’s safety investigation board and the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. The squadron then flew 15 F-22 sorties in four weeks in order to collect real-time oxygen data. Information that the squadron provided to the SIB and AFSAB helped Air Combat Command authorize the fleet’s return to flight on Sept.19. (Edwards report by Kenji Thuloweit)
Space Force’s Top Guardians Share Their Stories
Feb. 27, 2026
Winners of the Space Force’s fourth annual, service-wide Polaris Awards had the chance to discuss the actions that led to their awards from the main stage here at AFA’s Warfare Symposium on Feb. 24, in a panel discussion moderated by Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John Bentivegna.