1st FW celebrates IOC on F-22A

  • Published
  • By By 2nd Lt. Rachel Sherburne
  • 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. (ACCNS) --  The 1st Fighter Wing hosted a ceremony Jan. 13 to celebrate Initial Operational Capability for the F-22A Raptor.

The event comes after the 27th Fighter Squadron was officially declared IOC on Dec. 15 by Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command.

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 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.

Guest speaker for the event was Gen. John Corley, Air Force vice chief of staff. Dr. James Roche, former Air Force secretary, and Gen. (ret.) John Jumper, former Air Force chief of staff were also in attendance.

“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).”

General Field praised the cooperative efforts of the many people 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,” General Field said.

There are currently 19 F-22A Raptors stationed at Langley.