The 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., has received its last new F-22A stealth fighter, bringing the wing’s total to 40 Raptors and fully equipping both operational F-22 squadrons. Next month, the 27th Fighter Squadron embarks on its first overseas deployment with the new fighter, taking 12 to Kadena AB, Japan. And, the wing has sent another 14 to Nellis AFB, Nev., for the Raptor’s first participation in Red Flag. Langley still will see some additional new F-22s as the Air Force funnels fighters and pilots and maintainers destined for Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, through the Virginia base for indoctrination.
The "Air Force One" replacement will be two to three years late due to pandemic issues, testing, and the loss of a subcontractor on the interior, USAF officials reported at a House Armed Services Committee hearing. They were also warned that some HASC members will insist on a competition for…