News

Beyond the Cockpit: Inside the 1st FW's Aerospace Physiology Mission
May 15, 2025 — The 1st Fighter Wing's Aerospace Physiology team conducts a chamber training at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 7, 2025. This program equips all aircrew members across the service branches, with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely operate in flight environments. (U.S. Air Force video by Senior Airman Mikaela Smith)... MORE

F-22 Raptor Marks 20 Years of Operational Service
May 14, 2025 — The F-22 Raptor hit a milestone of operational service at Langley Air Force Base on May 12, 2025. It has been two decades since the arrival of the Air Force’s first combat-ready, fifth-generation aircraft to the 1st Fighter Wing on May 12, 2005. The first operational F-22 Raptor delivery to the 1st Fighter Wing on this day signaled the beginning of a new phase in the U.S. Air Force’s combat capability. Then-Lt. Col. James Hecker, commander of the 27th Fighter Squadron at the time, flew the first operational aircraft designated as ‘AF042’ from the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Georgia, to Langley AFB. “Timing is everything. I wasn’t supposed to be the first F-22 operational commander. It was going to be a guy by the name of Lt. Col. Scott ‘Papa’ Maw, but then the airplane delivery date slipped a little to the right, another squadron became available with the F-15 Eagle, so he took that command,” recounted Gen. James Hecker, who ultimately went on to serve as the commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa. ... MORE

OVER VIRGINIA -- Lt. Col. James Hecker flies over Fort Monroe before delivering the first operational F-22A Raptor to its permanent home at Langley Air Force Base, Va., on May 12. This is the first of 26 Raptors to be delivered to the 27th Fighter Squadron. The Raptor program is managed by the F-22A System Program Office at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Colonel Hecker is the squadron's commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)

Team JBLE Welcomes New Mayor
March 27, 2025 — U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Altman, Joint Base Langley-Eustis installation commander, speaks with Jimmy Gray, City of Hampton mayor, and other city officials during a visit to JBLE, Virginia, March 20, 2025. The discussion focused on projects such as expanding Airmen dormitories, which support service members and boost the local economy through construction and infrastructure investments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Skylar Ellis)... MORE

Four military members in the foreground wearing OCPs and helmets while 4 city officials stand behind watching as they work on a fake patient on the ground.

1st Fighter Wing Homecoming
November 14, 2024 — Members of the 1st Fighter Wing are reunited with their families at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 26, 2024. Members of the 1st Fighter Wing returned home after their long deployment at Kadena Air Force Base, Japan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Donnell Ramsey)... MORE

Airman hugs family member. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Donnell Ramsey)

WWI Ace Capt. Hamilton Coolidge is reinterred in Chevières After 106 Years
September 19, 2024 — Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a World War I flying ace from the 94th Aero Squadron and the third great-grandson of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, was reinterred in the village of Chevières, France, on Sept. 15, 2024, where he was shot down during an aerial engagement 106 years ago. The reinterment was organized to ensure the protection of his remains, which were at risk due to erosion from the Aire River near his original burial site... MORE

U.S. Air Force Airmen pay their respects during the reinterment of Capt. Hamilton Coolidge in Chevières, France.

AF Chief Scientist engages with the 1st FW
July 31, 2023 — Dr. Victoria Coleman, chief scientist of the Air Force, tours the 1st Fighter Wing at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 27, 2023. Coleman spoke with 1st FW’s senior leaders and had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational challenges JBLE faces, with the intention to accelerate relevant solutions for warfighters. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mikaela Smith)... MORE

The Chief Scientist of the Air Force visits the 1st Fighter Wing, talks with leaders, and views and F-22 Raptor.

1st MXS metal techs on deck to problem solve
July 11, 2023 — U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Steven Lynch, 1st Maintenance Squadron metal technician, uses a mill to retrieve a broken screw in a LAU-142 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 6, 2023. The LAU-142 is a piece of machinery within the F-22 Raptor that extends and retracts AIM-120 missiles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mikaela Smith)... MORE

Metal Techs use a mill to repair F-22 machinery at JBLE

F-22 Safely Shoots Down Chinese Spy Balloon Off South Carolina Coast
February 4, 2023 — A U.S. Air Force fighter safely shot down a Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said in a written statement. ... MORE

1st Fighter Wing Load Crew of the Year Competition
January 23, 2023 — The 1st Maintenance Group hosted the 2022 Weapons Loading Competition of the Year at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 13, 2023. The competition tests Airmen’s ability to rapidly and efficiently load munitions onto an aircraft before takeoff. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Olivia Bithell)... MORE

Demonstrating Air Power around the clock
January 18, 2023 — U.S. Air Force Capt. Samuel “RaZZ” Larson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander and pilot, practices different maneuvers while training for the upcoming 2023 airshow season, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Jan. 6, 2023. In addition to showcasing elite skills, airshows are put on in hopes to excite and engage the local community... MORE

F-22 Raptor Demo team pilot flies during a practice flight

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