Raptor Makes Noble Eagle Debut

The 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., employed its new F-22As in their first real-world application, flying Operation Noble Eagle missions on Jan. 21 and 22. The sorties also were the first in which the Raptors carried live ordnance, said Lt. Col. James Hecker, 27th FS commander. He added, “Most of our pilots have done this before, but not with the Raptor. It’s a big step for us and a big step for the Raptor program.”