First combat deployable F-22s arrive at Tyndall

by Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2014 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- Tyndall Air Force Base received the first five-of-24 F-22 Raptors scheduled to transfer from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Jan. 6 as part of the new combat mission.

The aircraft are now a part of the 95th Fighter Squadron, which reactivated in October 2013.

"We have been talking about the arrival of this mission for a few years," said Lt. Col. Erick Gilbert, 95th FS commander. "Unfortunately, we had a one year delay, but today we were able to successfully bring in the first wave of aircraft."

He said six more will arrive in February, with six more in March and the final wave in April.

The squadron's mission is to project unrivaled combat power in support of national military objectives and combatant commander requirements through strategic application of 5th generation air dominance fighter aircraft and personnel.

"The 95th Fighter Squadron showing up represents a new era of capability at Tyndall," said Col. David Graff, 325th Fighter Wing commander. "No combat aviation unit has ever deployed out of Tyndall Air Force Base. Now, we will have the largest collection of F-22s in the world and will stand ready to project air power and defend our nation's freedom."

Base officials expressed the importance of this as the next step towards the new combat mission, responsible for deploying a large number of Airmen and aircraft at any given time.

The new mission adds to Tyndall AFB's current role as the home of F-22 pilot training. In total, more than 50 of the world's most advanced aircraft will call Tyndall home, making it the largest single-base contingent of F-22s in existence. More than 1,100 positions are associated with the new mission.

"We are bringing in close to 1,100 uniformed members to Tyndall plus their families, which will bring us back to a lively state like we had a few years ago," Gilbert said.

The transfer of the planes and people does not come without its challenges, but base leadership is confident the 95th FS will come out on top, thanks to the help from the Airmen and civilians at Tyndall and the local community.

"Bay County has not let us down in the 72 years we have been here and I know our partnership will continue to grow and prosper ... today is a great day," said Graff. "The sound of freedom just got a little louder over the world's most beautiful beaches."