LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Virginia –
Although a marriage can be legal with a small ceremony and a justice of the peace, most people who think of marriage envision the big ceremony -- a celebration with all the family and friends who supported the couple along the way.
In the same way, Air Force officials declared Initial Operatinal Capability of Langley’s F-22A program Dec. 15, but the 1st Fighter Wing held a big IOC ceremony last week -- a celebration with all of the Langley Airmen and civilian employees and everyone who helped the Raptor on its road to operational capability.
The 1st Fighter Wing held the IOC Ceremony for the F-22A Raptor in the 27th Fighter Squadron hangar Jan. 13.
The 27th FS, the oldest fighter squadron in the Air Force, is now the first operational squadron to fly the newest fighter aircraft in the Air Force inventory.
The IOC declaration proves that the F-22A is mission ready.
“This next generation fighter can now be employed by combatant commanders and the National Command Authority for various missions both at home and in other areas of responsibility,” said Brig. Gen. Burton Field, 1st Fighter Wing commander.
General John Corley, Air Force Vice Chief, was a speaker at the event also attended by Dr. James Roche, former Secretary of the Air Force; Gen. (ret.) John Jumper, former Air Force Chief of Staff; members of the 1st Fighter Wing; and many other friends and members of the Raptor community.
“I can’t thank each of you enough. You all played a critical role,” General Corley said. “Your children and children’s children will reap the benefits of the technology (of this aircraft).”
On huge screens, three videos were played during the ceremony. The first highlighted the history of aviation and development. The second video showed the evolution of the Raptor from the first prototype to current model, and the third video showed military and civilian members of the Raptor community and what the F-22A means to them.
Engineers have dedicated the better part of their lives to the creation of the Raptor. Air Force senior leaders have been advocating this new fighter for years. And well before the first F-22A ever arrived here, many men and women helped to pave the way for Langley to be Raptor ready. General Field praised the cooperative efforts of the many people and years it took to see the F-22A reach this milestone.
“This aircraft, and more importantly the people who have brought it to the realm of operational flying, deserve to celebrate and be celebrated,” said General Field. “My final words of thanks go out to each and every member of the Raptor team who made IOC possible. Your efforts have helped to guarantee the safety, security, freedom and liberty that the American people deserve.”