LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (AFPN) -- Col. Thomas Bergeson and Lt. Col. James Hecker prepare to take flight in their respective F-22A Raptors 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. Colonel Bergeson is the 1st Operations Group commander. Colonel Hecker is the 27th Fighter Squadron commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Rogers)