Air Combat Command news service (Jan. 13, 2006): Langley celebrates Raptor's initial operational capability.LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE Langley Air Force Base, U.S. military installation, 3,195 acres (1,293 hectares), SE Va., N of Hampton; est. 1917 and named for aviation pioneer Samuel P. Langley. , Va. (AFPN AFPN Air Force Print News AFPN American Forces Philippines Network (former AFRTS network in the Philippine Islands ) -- The 1st Fighter Wing held a ceremony here today to celebrate the F-22A Raptor's initial operational capability The first attainment of the capability to employ effectively a weapon, item of equipment, or system of approved specific characteristics that is manned or operated by an adequately trained, equipped, and supported military unit or force. Also called IOC. . The event comes after the 27th Fighter Squadron was officially declared IOC IOC abbr. International Olympic Committee IOC n abbr (= International Olympic Committee) → COI m IOC n abbr (= on Dec. 15 by Gen. Ronald E. Keys, commander of Air Combat Command. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The IOC declaration proves the F-22A is mission-ready. The base now has 19 Raptors. The 27th FS--the Air Force's oldest fighter squadron--is now the first operational unit to fly the Service's newest fighter aircraft fighter aircraft Aircraft designed primarily to secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat. Designed for high speed and maneuverability, they are armed with weapons capable of striking other aircraft in flight. . "This next generation fighter can now be employed by combatant commanders and the national command authority for various missions both at home and in other areas of responsibility," wing commander Brig. Gen. Burton Field said. Guest speaker at the event was Gen. John Corley John Corley can refer to several people:
"I can't thank each of you enough. You all played a critical role," Corley said. "Your children and children's children will reap the benefits of the technology [of this aircraft]." Field praised the cooperative efforts of the many people it took to see the F-22A reach the milestone. "This aircraft, and more importantly, the people who have brought it to the realm of operational flying, deserve to celebrate and be celebrated," Field said. Sherburne is with 1st Fighter Wing Public Affairs at Langley. 2nd Lt. Rachel Sherburne, USAF |
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