F-16 Fighting Falcon news

First to Fly 2,000 Hours in F-22 Raptor

Sun, 08 Aug 2021 00:00:00 EST

August 8, 2021 (by 2nd Lt. Kaitlyn Lawton) - Lt. Col. Ryan Pelkola, 302d Fighter Squadron director of operations, became the first pilot to reach the 2,000 flight hour achievement in the F-22 Raptor, August 7, 2021.

Eli Clark, Lockheed Martin F-22 strategic mission planner and Victor Sanchez Jr., Lockheed Martin F-22 field support engineer, present Lt. Col. Ryan Pelkola, 302d FS director of operations, with a plaque on August 7th, 2021 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Pelkola is the first F-22 Raptor pilot to accomplish 2,000 flight hours. [USAF photo by SSgt. Melissa Estevez]

This is accomplished when a pilot has reached 2,000 hours flying an F-22. For Col. Pelkola this task took 14 years and 1,323 sorties to achieve. Average sortie times for F-22 pilots are one hour and 15 minutes.

The 302d FS is assigned to the 477th Fighter Group. This is now the second time the 477th FG has achieved such an accomplishment. On November 4, 2011, Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, at that time the 302d FS commander, became the first F-22 pilot to hit the 1,000 flight hour marker.

“I would argue this is the most experienced fighter squadron in the Air Force. Just with the time, it has spent flying various aircraft from F-15 and F-16s and now a majority of the time in the F-22,” said Pelkola. “We have the ability to continually train and help upgrade active-duty pilots and get them to a combat-ready status”.

The 302d is part of the U.S. Air Force’s Total Force Enterprise and is integrated with the 3d Wing active duty host unit. This integration allows reservists to share knowledge with the ever-revolving active-duty pilots.

“Our fighter pilots in the 302d have on averages have three to four times more hours in the F-22 than the average active duty,” said Col. Jonathan Gration, 477th FG commander. “In the 302d we are 100 percent instructor pilots. So, on any given day we are instructing, whether formal instruction or informal instruction.”

While this is a monumental milestone in F-22 history, Pelkola is extremely proud to be a reservist in the 302d FS and have the chance to mark this milestone. “The Air Force Reserve has made it possible to keep doing what I love and live in a place that I especially love.”

“It’s nothing special that I did. It really just means that I’m getting old,” said Pelkola. “Hundreds of people are involved with making these jets fly and I’m humbled to be part of that team.”

Courtesy of 477th Fighter Group

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F-22 Crashed at Eglin AFB, Florida

Fri, 15 May 2020 00:00:00 EST

May 15, 2020 (by Jon Sommerville) - An F-22 of the 43rd Fighter Squadron from Eglin AFB, Florida was lost on Friday, May 15, 2020 at about 9:15 am local time. Pilot reported to have ejected safely.

43rd Fighter Squadron F-22

Reported to have been lost 12 miles northeast of Eglin at the test and training range. The 43rd Fighter Squadron is part of the 325th Fighter Wing based at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

Pilot's name and serial of aircraft have not been released. Accident is being investigated.

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F-22A no. 02-4036 from the 43rd FS lands at Sheppard AFB on October 20th, 2007. [Photo by Curt Jans]

43rd FS F-22 Patch [gliderplt collection]

F-22 Raptor makes historic flight with Blue Angels

Fri, 03 May 2019 00:00:00 EST

May 3, 2019 (by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm) - In a historic moment for aviation, the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team flew alongside the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in a rare formation over the skies of Beaufort, South Carolina, April 25.

Maj. Paul 'Loco' Lopez, F-22 Demo Team commander/pilot, flies above the US Navy Blue Angels during an iconic formation in Beaufort on April 25th, 2019. This hour-long historic flight featured two of the world's premier aerial demonstration teams. [USAF photo by 2nd Lt. Samuel Eckholm]

The two aerial demonstration teams joined together during the Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort air show to showcase never-before-seen images of both the F-22 Raptor and F/A-18 Hornet.

"This formation represents more than just the seven jets captured on camera," said Maj. Paul Lopez, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander. "It is a representation of the professionalism and excellence that every service member portrays in the United States military."

The concept for this unique formation began as an idea between two former squadron-mates who both share a passion for aviation. Douglas Glover, 3G Aviation Media co-founder and the mastermind behind coordinating this dissimilar formation, reached out to U.S. Navy Maj. Jeff Mullins, Blue Angels #4, about the possibility of getting the two teams together.

"What started as a ‘what if’ between myself and Blue Angels #4, took months and months of back and forth, matching aircraft capabilities to the images requested by both teams," Glover said. "All of the hard work, the late nights and the elevated levels of stress briefing a room full of top-tier pilots was worth it when the ramp dropped behind the photoship, followed closely by the F-22 and the Blue Angels’ diamond."

Seeing the world’s premier fifth-generation fighter alongside the iconic blue and gold of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels is a sight many wanted to see but never thought would happen. The end result, seven fighter jets from two separate services flying over the skies of South Carolina, involved a joint effort that will be cherished for years to come.

"I would like to thank the maintainers that fix, service and maintain the aircraft. They are vital to our mission and making a flight like this happen," Lopez said. "Flying alongside the Blue Angels was an incredible experience and seeing it all from the cockpit of the F-22 is something I will never forget."

Courtesy of 633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

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F-22 Raptors return to Kadena Air Base

Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 EST

May 30, 2018 (by PAF/PA) - F-22A Raptors, aircrew and support personnel, assigned to the 525th Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Elemendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska, deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan under U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's theater security package (TSP) program, May 29, 2018.

USAF F-22A's assigned to the 525th FS taxi at Kadena AB on May 29th, 2018. The F-22's are part of the Indo-Pacific Command’s theater security package (TSP) deployment. [USAF photo by SSgt. Matthew B. Fredericks]

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) TSP deployments to the Indo-Pacific region signify a continued commitment to regional stability and security and have served as a routine and integral part of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's force posture since March 2004.

F-22s are a familiar sight over the skies of Okinawa; the jets have based at Kadena AB routinely over the past 10 years, with the last deployment occurring there in 2014. Earlier this year, F-35As re-deployed to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, from Kadena AB after a six month rotation in-theater. Combined, these deployments re-enforce PACAF's commitment to the employment of fifth-generation fighter technology within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

The United States routinely evaluates readiness and repositions forces as needed to ensure the capabilities necessary to meet obligations in the Indo-Pacific region. These deployments demonstrate the continued U.S. commitment to fulfil security responsibilities throughout the Western Pacific and to maintain peace and stability throughout the region.

Courtesy of Pacific Air Forces public Affairs

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World travel nothing new for Misawa F-16 demo team (2014-02-20)
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F-22 Raptors to deploy to RAAF Base Tindal

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 00:00:00 EST

February 9, 2017 (by PACAF) - At the direction of Adm. Harry Harris Jr., U.S. PACAF commander, Pacific Air Forces will send 12 F-22 Raptor aircraft and approximately 190 Airmen to RAAF Base Tindal in early February to conduct combined exercises and training missions with the Royal Australian Air Forces as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation Initiative under the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia.

Two USAF F-22's arrive at RAAF Base Tindal under grey skies and rain in the Northern Territory on February 10th, 2017 ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity in Australia. [USAF photo]

The rotation of the aircraft is designed to modernize and strengthen our already firm mil-to-mil relationship, facilitate interoperability, exercise combined capabilities and increase regional engagement.

While at RAAF Base Tindal, the F-22 detachment, alongside their RAAF counterparts, will provide credible forces able to support a wide range of exercises or training activities. Through this initiative and the continued enhancement of the RAAF facilities, Pacific Air Forces and the RAAF will build upon their individual and combined capabilities, advancing interoperability between the nations. This interoperability will extend to regional partners as the initiative progresses. The enhanced, combined operational capability and interoperability are integral to regional security, stability and combined readiness.

“This F-22 Raptor deployment represents a key milestone for U.S. and Australian Airmen as together we build a robust fifth generation fighter presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific,” said Gen. Terrence O’Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. “Our steadfast relationship with Australia, deeply rooted in our common principles and shared values, stems from working together day in and day out across the full spectrum of operations and will continue to prosper as we further integrate our efforts through this initiative.”

This rotation of F-22 Raptors to RAAF Base Tindal marks the initial fifth generation asset deployment of this duration and scope within Australia, and will be the first time the F-22 has conducted combined training to this extent in the country. While there, they will conduct integrated training opportunities with Royal Australian Air Force’s 75 Squadron F/A-18A/B Hornets along with ground assets and personnel. This activity will vastly enhance RAAF and USAF fourth to fifth generation integration, while introducing fifth generation operations and requirements to RAAF Base Tindal.

“Australia is a critical partner in the F-35 program and playing a key role in helping PACAF lead fifth generation aircraft integration into the region,” said O’Shaughnessy.

We greatly value the enduring relationship with our Australian allies across the globe from the Indo-Asia-Pacific to the Middle East. Through deployments like these, we can better leverage the increased survivability, lethality and situational awareness that the F-22 and F-35, along with our fourth generation fighters, bring to this theater to ensure allied air superiority for years to come."

The additional capability of conducting joint and combined exercises from northern Australia is an integral part of the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia.

Courtesy of Headquarters Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

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A USAF F-22 arrives at RAAF Base Tindal under grey skies and rain in the Northern Territory on February 10th, 2017 ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity in Australia. [USAF photos]

Lt. Col. Dave Stralicky, Commander of the USAF 90th FS, arrives at RAAF Base Tindal in an F-22, ahead of the first Enhanced Air Cooperation activity in Australia. [USAF photo]

Raptors converge on F-22 CTF as it prepares to move

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:00:00 EST

September 14, 2016 (by Kenji Thuloweit) - Just after the turn of the century, it wasn’t unusual to see seven F-22A Raptors parked around the 411th Flight Test Squadron compound during the fighter’s early developmental test and evaluation days.

Seven F-22A Raptors sit outside the 411th FLTS on August 10th, 2016. Four operational jets from three different bases are at Edwards AFB for testing to help improve the long-term combat capability of the F-22 Raptor. [USAF photo by Christian Turner]

Today, the 411th and F-22 Combined Test Force has just four of the fifth-generation fighters left – including one in the hangar undergoing maintenance – to conduct testing to continually improve the Raptor fleet’s combat and long-term capabilities.

For the past few weeks, however, Edwards AFB’s Raptors have been joined by four operational F-22s for testing. The jets are from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia; Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada; and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The planes are accompanied by pilots and maintenance crews from their respective bases.

Lt. Col. Randel Gordon, F-22 CTF director and 411th FLTS commander, said operational F-22s from the Air Force come to Edwards for testing occasionally, but it is “highly unusual” to have eight total Raptors here, including the one being serviced in the 411th FLTS hangar.

The visit by the four operational jets prompted a unique photo opportunity for squadron workers, who were given the chance to take photos with seven planes in the background. The event marks a bittersweet occasion.

“This will be the last time we have this many jets ever in this compound,” said Gordon.

In four months, the F-22 CTF is scheduled to move out of the facilities it has occupied since the 1990s. The squadron will move to another location on base as part of a reorganization to prepare for upcoming test programs.

Eight test planes were built with most being assigned to Edwards for developmental test and evaluation throughout the years. The F-22A Raptor reached initial operational capability in 2005 and the Air Force currently has 183 in its total force.

The F-22 Raptor’s combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and integrated avionics, coupled with improved supportability, represents an exponential leap in warfighting capabilities from previous generations of fighters. The Raptor performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions allowing full realization of operational concepts vital to the 21st century Air Force.

The F-22, a critical component of the Global Strike Task Force, is designed to project air dominance rapidly and at great distances, and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation's Air Force, Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The Air Force says the F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft.

Courtesy of 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

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Largest class of F-22 pilots graduates Tyndall’s B-Course

Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 EST

August 23, 2016 (by SSgt. Alex Fox Echols III) - The largest class of F-22 Raptor student pilots graduated from Tyndall’s Basic Course Aug. 19, 2016. Twelve students completed the seven-month-long course, doubling the amount students in previous classes.

Tyndall’s F-22 Raptor Basic Course graduating class 16-ABR gathers in Hangar 5 after their graduation on August 19th, 2016. Twelve students completed the seven-month-long course, making it the largest F-22 B-Course class in history. [USAF photo by SSgt. Alex Fox Echols III]

“This F-22 B-Course is the largest we have ever graduated,” said Col. Joseph Kunkle, 325th Fighter Wing vice commander. “That really represents the maturation of the F-22 as a weapons system. We are finally getting to the point where the only way to get into the F-22 is through pilot training. We’re putting our youngest pilots through this course, and they are doing extremely well.”

The B-Course training consists of approximately 400 hours of academics, more than 45 hours of simulator flying and on average, 45 hours of actual flight time in the F-22 Raptor.

“A lot of these officers show up out of their Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals course knowing the very basics about flying an airplane,” said Capt. Troy Pierce, 43rd Fighter Squadron A-Flight commander. “We take them from that level of knowledge to being a combat ready wingman within six months.”

The training culminates in Savannah, Georgia, during an exercise called Sentry Savannah, the Air National Guard’s largest fighter integration, air-to-air training exercise. The exercise focuses on dissimilar air combat training and gives the B-Course students the opportunity to fly with and against multiple unique airframes, each with its own challenges.

“The Savannah exercise is like the capstone to their graduation,” said Pierce. “All the training that we give them culminates to determine if they can perform in a dynamic and stressful environment and if they have what it takes to be combat ready wingmen.”

One student from each B-Course class is awarded the Top Gun award for being the most proficient pilot during Sentry Savannah by producing the most valid kills and least simulated deaths during the exercise. This class, Capt. Michael Koslow, 43rd Fighter Squadron F-22 student pilot, earned the prestigious award.

“It’s quite an honor to come into the Raptor community,” Koslow said. “I know there is a lot more ahead of me. I’m excited to graduate the B-Course, and I’m excited to keep learning and see what is next to come.”

After graduating from the B-Course, the pilots go on to operational F-22 units around the Air Force. Koslow will join Tyndall’s 95th Fighter Squadron Boneheads.

The F-22 pilots who graduated in class 16-ABR are:

1st Lt. James Agee
1st Lt. Patrick Bowlds
Capt. Madison Burgess
1st Lt. Cody Deacon
1st Lt. Josiah Franklin
1st Lt. Philip Hawkins
Capt. Michael Koslow
1st Lt. Ryan Kunce
1st Lt. Kyle Nazarek
1st Lt. Robert Pupilis
Capt. Sean Schiess
Capt. Dustin Woodside

Courtesy of 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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F-22s train at RAF Lakenheath

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 00:00:00 EST

April 13, 2016 (by A1C Erin R. Babis) - F-22 Raptors from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., arrived at the 48th Fighter Wing, April 11, to train alongside F-15 Eagles and Royal Air Force aircraft in a realistic training environment.

USAF F-22A block 30 #05-4107 from the 95th FS lands at RAF Lakenheath on April 12th, 2016. The aircraft arrival marks the second time the U.S. European Command has hosted a deployment of F-22 aircraft in the EUCOM Area of Responsibility. [USAF photo by A1C. Erin R. Babis]

"Air dominance is something that the U.S. Air Force holds at a premium," said Capt Andrew Gray, 95th FS pilot. "Anytime we fight any of our threats down the road, specifically as a NATO alliance or as a joint partnership with the U.K., one of the first things we need to achieve is air dominance over the battle field, so we're going to train specifically to that mission set."

As Gray explained, RAF Lakenheath is a launching platform for operations throughout the European continent. As a result, training here allows the Raptor pilots to perfect their skills while learning to seamlessly work with NATO allies and U.K. partners.
"Coming here and working with the 48th [Fighter Wing] allows us to train with the Strike Eagles, F-15Cs and U.K. assets to refine our mission set with theirs; and get our integration standards and tactics, techniques and procedures squared away, so we can train to the reality of what we will use when we go into combat zones and work as an integrated force," Gray explained.

The F-22 training deployment is part of the European Reassurance Initiative, which provides support to bolster the security of NATO allies and partners in Europe. It also proves the capability of 5th-generation fighters to deploy successfully to European bases, while affording the pilots the opportunity to familiarize themselves on training and flying within Europe.

Courtesy of 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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USAF F-22A #04-4081 from the 95th FS seen at RAF Lakenheath on April 11th, 2016. The aircraft arrival marks the second time the U.S. European Command has hosted a deployment of F-22 aircraft in the EUCOM Area of Responsibility. [USAF photo by TSgt. Matthew Plew]

F-22 Raptors arrive at Osan AB

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 EST

February 17, 2016 (by Asif Shamim) - Four U.S. F-22 Raptor fighter aircraft conducted a combined formation flight alongside Republic of Korea F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft and U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft to demonstrate the capabilities of the ROK-U.S. Alliance February 17th.

A USAF F-22 'Raptor' from Kadena AB is flanked by an F-16 and a RoKAF F-15 Slam Eagle at Osan AB on February 17th, 2016. The Raptor was part of a flyover formation of 12 aircraft demonstrating the strength of the ROK/U.S. alliance in response to recent provocative actions by North Korea. [USAF photo by SSgt. Amber Grimm]

The F-22 Raptor is the most capable air superiority fighter in the world, and it represents one of many capabilities available for the defense of this great nation. The U.S. maintains an ironclad commitment to the defense of the Republic of Korea,” said United Nations Command, U.S. Forces Korea deputy commander and U.S. 7th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy, during a combined press engagement with media.

Republic of Korea Air Force Lt. Gen. Lee Wang-keon, ROK Air Force Operations Command commander, spoke about the strength of the ROK-U.S. Alliance’s air combat capabilities during his brief remarks.

“The ROK and U.S. combined Air Forces remain ready to deter North Korean threats, and are postured to defeat them with the strength of our combined air combat capability,” Lt. Gen. Lee said.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Evans, 36th Fighter Squadron commander, flew alongside the formation, showcasing Osan’s readiness mission.

“The combined nature of this flyover highlighted the high level of integration and interoperability between our two Air Forces, developed through decades of combined training,” said Evans.

“Furthermore, the inclusion of F-22s, and a B-52 in January, demonstrated the firm resolve of all [United States] forces as we stand united with our counterparts from the ROK Air Force,” he added.

The mission demonstrated the strength of the Alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea and the resolve of both nations to maintain stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Courtesy of 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

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First combat Raptor, Maloney's Pony, rides into Edwards

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:00:00 EST

January 13, 2016 (by Rebecca Amber ) - The 411th Flight Test Squadron got a first-hand look at a legend in June and November of 2015 when F-22 tail number #09-4174 "Maloney's Pony" landed at Edwards AFB.

Rick Maloney, son of World War II ace Maj. Thomas E. Maloney, and Lt. Col. Jason Hinds, 27th FS director of operations, unveil the 'Maloney's Pony' graphic displayed on the body of an F-22 Raptor at Langley AFB on June 24th, 2011. The artwork is a recreation of the nose art from Maloney's P-38 Lightning, and is displayed in honor of Maloney, the squadron's highest scoring Ace of World War II. [USAF photo by by A1C. Teresa Cleveland]

The F-22 visited Edwards from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, as part of the Signature Management Program, which is to maintain its stealth characteristics.

The story that accompanies the jet dates back to WWII and reflects the heroism of one pilot, Maj. Thomas E. Maloney, who flew with the 27th Fighter Squadron over 60 years ago.

Maj. David Schmitt, 411th Flight Test Squadron assistant director of operations, remembers the story of Maloney's Pony well. From 2010 to 2014 he was assigned to the 27th Fighter Squadron, one of the oldest squadron's in the Air Force.

"Tom Maloney was their leading ace of WWII so his story is something every wingman learns in the 27th," recalled Schmitt. "If you were the leading ace, that really meant something - that you were really held in high esteem by everybody."

It was August of 1944 and Maloney was flying a P-38 Lightening that he named
"Maloney's Pony" in France with others in his squadron. They were on their way back from a strike mission when they noticed a poorly-defended German train and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

After several runs, Maloney hit a flatbed car that was loaded with military supplies including ammunition causing an explosion. The shrapnel that hit his aircraft caused engine damage and he crash-landed in the Mediterranean Sea. When the rescue efforts did not recover him, Maloney was presumed dead or captured.

But he was very much alive.

He floated to shore in the middle of the night and knew he would need to try to find the French Resistance to help him get back across the line. This became immensely challenging when he stepped on a landmine leaving him with massive injures.

"He treats his wounds as much as he can with his first aid kit. He can't use his legs so he starts to crab walk up the beach to try to find somebody," said Schmitt. "He knows he's going to die if he just stays on the beach. He crawls for over a week, basically dragging himself on his back."

For 10 days he lay helpless, crawling a little, eating a little, drinking from his canteen until the water was gone. Finally a French farmer found him.

After days of uncertainty, listening to languages he did not understand, he was greeted by an American doctor who reassured him that he would make it home safely.

Once he was stable enough to be transported, his squadron commander sent 12 P-38s to escort his C-54 flight home.

Maloney's P-38 was the 23rd in the fleet. To honor him, then-Col. R.S. Richard, commander of the 1st Pursuit Group, ordered from that point forward any 27th FS aircraft bearing the number 23 would be known as Maloney's Pony. According to Schmitt, as the system for numbering the fleet has changed, the insignia has been worn by others, such as the director of operations' aircraft.

"When the squadron became a Raptor squadron, they did away with [Maloney's Pony] because it's a stealth aircraft, they didn't want anything on the side of it so that tradition stopped," Schmitt said.

The tradition of Maloney's Pony proved to be as resilient as the man himself finding its way back to the squadron in 2011. Then-Lt. Col. Pete Fesler, 27th FS commander, reinstated the tradition and a mock-up of the nose art used in the World War II-era P-38 Lightning was applied to F-22 Raptor number 09-4174.

Following the legacy of the original Maloney's Pony, F-22 number 174, was the flight lead for the first group of Raptors crossing the border into Syria in 2014.

"Maloney's Pony was the first Raptor over the line in Syria, the first Raptor to ever go into combat," said Schmitt.

"I'm a big supporter of keeping those traditions alive. There's a lot of great history that sometimes gets lost in the wash...those types of oral traditions get lost if you don't talk about them. We owe it to those guys who laid the path before us to make sure we're remembering what they did."

Courtesy of Edwards AFB

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The Maloney’s Pony artwork is displayed on the body of an F-22 Raptor #09-0174 from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The artwork was painted on the Raptor in honor of Maj. Thomas E. Maloney, the 27th FS’s highest scoring Ace of World War II. [USAF photo by A1C. Teresa Cleveland]