Three F-22A Raptors arrived at Holloman AFB, New Mexico on December 15, following a flight from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. A fourth aircraft is scheduled to arrive later in the week from Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The arrival of the four Raptors is the first since the F-22 made its official arrival in the Tularosa Basin during a ceremony in June 2008. At that time two aircraft with Holloman (HO) markings ushered in a new mission for the base following the retirement of the F-117A, which had been stationed at Holloman since 1992.

The aircraft arrived in the late afternoon after an early morning take off from the largest Air Force installation in Alaska. The three aircraft will feature the tail markings “AK” until they can be painted with the traditional “HO” markings of Holloman at a later date.

Current goals have the base projected to have a combat ready squadron by Nov. 1, 2009.

49th Fighter Wing Commander Jeff Harrigian talks with an unidentified F-22 pilot following his arrival from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. Harrigian said the arrival of the three new planes is another important step toward the operational readiness of the wing (photo courtesy of Public Affairs, Holloman AFB).