COMACC lifts F-22 stand down Published Sept. 19, 2011 Air Combat Command Public Affairs LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE Va., (ACCNS) -- The commander of Air Combat Command today lifted the F-22 stand down enabling wing commanders to implement their reconstitution plans and return their crews to flying as soon as possible. General Mike Hostage made the decision following approval by the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff of ACC's return-to-fly implementation plan. "We've been working hard to get our F-22 crews back in the air as safely and as soon as possible," said General Hostage. "I'm confident we've reached the point to begin a measured and incremental return to flying. "The stand down we implemented in May was a prudent decision. We're using insight from recent studies and investigations to manage the risks with our crews," said General Hostage. "It's important we safely return the F-22 to flight and provide the Raptor's dominant combat airpower for combatant commanders." The return to fly process will begin with instructor pilots and flight leads regaining their necessary proficiency, which will be followed by other F-22 wingmen. For more information, contact Air Combat Command Public Affairs at (757) 764-5007 or email accpa.operations@langley.af.mil.