Alaska pilot reaches 1,000 F-22 flight hours

by Maj. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

7/3/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Maj. Jonathan Gration, Reserve F-22 pilot assigned to the 302nd Fighter Squadron, is the fourth pilot to reach 1,000 flight hours in the F-22 during a sortie here July 3.

"This flight is not only a milestone for me, but for the Raptor community as well," said Gration. "It's a testament to how far we've come with this airplane."

Prior to joining Alaska's only Reserve unit Gration was an active duty F-15 and F-22 pilot and graduated from Weapon School, the Air Force's most advanced pilot training course.

"My proudest moment in the F-22 was graduating from the first class of the F-22 Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nev. It was the most challenging and grueling six-months of my flying career and also the most rewarding," he said.

In addition to Gration, the unit is also home to Col. David Piffarerio, 477th Fighter Group deputy commander, and the first 1,000 hour F-22 pilot.

"Having another 1,000 hour pilot in the Reserve speaks volumes to the level of experience we have in the Air Reserve Component," said Piffarerio. "We are a valuable, experienced asset able to carry out our nation's objectives."

Both pilots have been involved with the F-22 program for over 10 years and Gration has some advice for younger F-22 pilots.

"Enjoy every flight, because you never know what you will be doing in your next assignment," he said. "Also, treat each flight with the same tenacity as your first -- from mission preparation to the end of the debrief. There is always room for improvement, no matter how well the sortie went."