LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- An F-22A Raptor takes off from Langley Air Force Base Jan. 21 during an Operation Noble Eagle mission. This historical event marks the first time the F-22A Raptor is participating in the joint services operation to protect American soil. The Raptor is piloted by Lt. Col. James Hecker, the 27th Fighter Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)