Historic milestone - 71st Fighter Squadron receives first fifth-generation F-22 Raptor aircraft

The 1st Fighter Air Regiment celebrates a historic milestone. The 71st Fighter Squadron has received two fifth-generation F-22 Raptor aircraft.

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The fighters are designated AF040 and AF042. They were previously stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base (Tyndall) in Florida. A new home for the fifth generation planes is Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Lt. Col. Andrew Gray, 71st Regiment commander, and Lt. Col. Matthew Evers, director of operations, will train and educate pilots as part of the F-22 Formal Training Unit (FTU) mission. Training was previously held at Tyndall, but part of the infrastructure was destroyed by Hurricane Michael in 2018. In 2021 it was decided to hold the FTU at Langsley-Justice.

Captain Trent Amerson described the arrival of the first two aircraft as the beginning of a new era, but said there was still a tough road ahead. The 71st Fighter Squadron will receive a total of 30 F-22 Raptor units.

Source: DVIDS