News>First F-22 Raptor bound for Pacific finishes construction
Photos
MARIETTA, Ga -- Pacific Air Forces commnader, Gen. Paul V. Hester, speaks during the acceptance ceremony for PACAF's first F-22, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (photo by John Rossino)
MARIETTA, Ga -- Pacific Air Forces first F-22 makes a pass over guests at the Lockheed Martin plant, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (photo by John Rossino)
MARIETTA, Ga -- Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 makes a pass over guests at the Lockheed Martin plant, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (photo by John Rossino)
MARIETTA, Ga -- Pacific Air Forces' first F-22 makes a pass over guests at the Lockheed Martin plant, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (photo by John Rossino)
MARIETTA, Ga -- Pacific Air Forces receives its first F-22 as the key was passed at the Lockheed Martin plant, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (photo by John Rossino)
MARIETTA, Ga -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin get first glimps at Pacific Air Forces' first F-22, Feb 12, 2007. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
MARIETTA, Ga -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
MARIETTA, Ga -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
MARIETTA, Ga -- The U.S. Air Force Color Guard and representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
MARIETTA, Ga -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
MARIETTA, Ga -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see the roll-out of Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This F-22 is the first of several that will be assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
2/13/2007 - MARIETTA, Ga. -- Representatives from the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin gathered, Feb 12, 2007, to see and accept the Pacific Air Forces' first F-22. This latest F-22 will be among 36 others who will make up the first Raptors in the Pacific Theater assigned to PACAF at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens said that the Raptor will play a key role is guaranteeing American superiority of the skies in the Pacific.
"General Billy Mitchell once observed this: Alaska is the most strategic place in the world... whoever holds Alaska will hold the world." Senator Stevens said.
The F-22's advanced avionics, super sonic speed, and stealth capabilities will help to dissuade any enemy in the region, according to Air Force officials.
General Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces, said the F-22 Raptor will show America's continued commitment to maintain peace and stability in the Pacific.
"An important part of this business is to know and show the foes of America... who stand against our allies and friends...that you have the capacity, the capability, as well as the will to use that power."
The F-22's stationed in PACAF will continue to demonstrate America's commitment to the region by securing safety for our nation and allies.
