The first operational F-22A Raptor #01-4018 cruises over Florida on its delivery flight to Tyndall, home of the world's first Raptor squadron. [USAF photo by Tech. Sgt. Mike Ammons]

The 325th Fighter Wing's first permanently-assigned F/A-22 Raptor lands at Tyndall AFB on Sept. 26th. Tyndall, an Air Education and Training Command installation, was selected to serve as the Air Force's primary F/A-22 training base. The aircraft was piloted by Lt. Col. Jeff...

Employees at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company assembly plant at Marietta, Georgia, paint the first operational F-22 Raptor #01-4018 to be delivered to the Air Force. The jet, Raptor 18, will be used to train pilots in the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall AFB, Florida....

John Fotey (left) and Andrew Velasko paint the 325th Fighter Wing designation on the tail of a F-22A Raptor #01-4018 at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company assembly plant at Marietta. The jet, will be used to train pilots in the 43rd FS at Tyndall AFB, Florida. One...

Four F/A-22 Raptors fly over the Mojave Desert during a landmark test mission. A record number of seven Raptors were airborne simultaneously during several test missions Aug. 29. [U.S. Air Force photo by Kevin Robertson]

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Harrigian lifts off from Nellis AFB during his first flight in an F/A-22 Raptor. He commands the 43rd Fighter Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The 43rd FS will be the Air Force's first F/A-22 squadron. [U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenny...

The F/A-22 Raptor is the replacement for the F-15 Eagle. The Raptor is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. The F/A-22's integrated avionics gives...

An F/A-22 Raptor makes a pass over the flightline at Nellis AFB on July 9th. This is the fourth Raptor to arrive from the factory. Eventually, 17 of the next-generation stealth fighters will be assigned here. [U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald]

F-22A Raptor #00-4015 taxis on the flightline at Nellis AFB on July 9th. This is the fourth Raptor to arrive from the factory. Eventually, 17 of the next-generation stealth fighters will be assigned here. [USAF photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald]