Last four 95th FS Raptors arrive

by Airman 1st Class Sergio A. Gamboa
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- The last four F-22 Raptors arrived from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., April 8, completing the 95th Fighter Squadron and making Tyndall AFB the largest contingent of the 5th generation jet in the world.

"It was exciting to see the aircraft land," Maj. Mark Donohue, 95th FS director of operations. "It is exciting to start a new chapter here at Tyndall. This gives us our full complement of jets. We finally reached a point where we can fulfill our combat mission."

These last aircraft allow the 95th FS further accomplish their mission of projecting unrivaled combat power and supporting national military objectives and Combatant Commander requirements through strategic application of 5th generation air dominance fighter aircraft and personnel.

"As soon as these jets are accepted into the 95th FS, our flying operations will increase," Donohue said. "We will be able to fly more, train more pilots and maintainers and be ready to fulfill future taskings."

This unparalleled airpower transfer began years ago, but symbolically took place with the 95th FS being reactivated in October 2013, which began a steady influx of personnel to assist in supporting and maintaining the heart of "Raptor Nation."

"This marks the end of the entire transfer of 24 jets from Holloman," said Lt. Col. Shawn Anger, 7th Fighter Squadron commander at Holloman AFB and pilot of the last Raptor to land. "The process of the transfer took about four months to complete, but it is finally finished. It is certainly a loss for Holloman, but a gain for Tyndall."

This day marks an end of an era for the pilots as well.

"Today was the last flight for me on a F-22, and it is something I will cherish for the rest of my life," Anger said.

The Raptors began arriving on Tyndall in early January and are now at their new home.

"With the new arrivals, we will start to have more normal operations and fully integrate the 95th FS to the 325th Fighter Wing," Donohue added.