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Birds of prey: Raptors return to Hill AFB
May 25, 2006 (by
Hilltop Times) -
Nearly 250 personnel from the 1st Fighter Wing from Langley Air Force Base, Va., deployed to Hill AFB for nearly six weeks while Langley's runway is closed for repairs.
The various deployed Airmen include F-22A Raptor pilots, maintenance, intelligence as well as communication personnel among others.
This trip will provide the Airmen on each level of flight operations a thorough opportunity to practice their wartime capabilities in a different environment.
Langley's last deployment to Hill Air Force Base in October, 2005, was a huge success with the logistical, maintenance and infrastructure that already exists here.
At Hill, F-22A pilots can practice their unique flight tactics and drop inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions (JDAMs) at the Utah Test and Training Range.
"The trip will provide a unique training experience for the Airmen working with, and in support of, this dominant aircraft," said Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, 94th Fighter Squadron commander. Taking the operational practice to a base other than Langley will give each person involved a chance to perform in a deployed mode, since the comforts of home -- to include back-up plane parts or communication assets -- are not available. "We are excited about this deployment and I have no doubt that the realistic training and experience we receive at Hill will be invaluable," Colonel Smith said. "When we return home, we will be better prepared to approach a wartime mission."
An F-22A Raptor from Langley Air Force Base, Va., refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker from McConnell AFB, Kan., during the Raptor's first operational mission Jan. 21. The mission was flown in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The KC-135 was flown by the 18th Air Refueling Squadron. The F-22A was with the 27th Fighter Squadron. [U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Maurice Hessel]
This trip will provide the Airmen on each level of flight operations a thorough opportunity to practice their wartime capabilities in a different environment.
Langley's last deployment to Hill Air Force Base in October, 2005, was a huge success with the logistical, maintenance and infrastructure that already exists here.
At Hill, F-22A pilots can practice their unique flight tactics and drop inert Joint Directed Attack Munitions (JDAMs) at the Utah Test and Training Range.
"The trip will provide a unique training experience for the Airmen working with, and in support of, this dominant aircraft," said Lt. Col. Dirk Smith, 94th Fighter Squadron commander. Taking the operational practice to a base other than Langley will give each person involved a chance to perform in a deployed mode, since the comforts of home -- to include back-up plane parts or communication assets -- are not available. "We are excited about this deployment and I have no doubt that the realistic training and experience we receive at Hill will be invaluable," Colonel Smith said. "When we return home, we will be better prepared to approach a wartime mission."
Republished with kind permission of Hilltop Times.
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- F-22 visits Hill for modifications ( 2006-04-06)
- Media greets the F/A-22 ( 2005-10-26)
- First F/A-22 deployment is for training ( 2005-10-17)
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