F-22 Raptors could be moving to Langley Air Force Base

While the future of the F-22 Raptors coming home to Tyndall Air Force Base is uncertain, we received a press release Tuesday from the United States Air Force that says Joint Base Langley-Eutis, Virginia is being considered as a potential home for the F-22 Raptors; however, the Air Force still needs to conduct a site survey to determine whether Langley AFB meets all basing criteria before a final decision can be made.

Below is the press release verbatim:

On March 25, 2019, the Air Force identified Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia as the candidate base for the F-22 Raptor formal training unit and associated T-38 aircraft.

The Air Force also filed a notice of intent in the federal register as required by the National Environmental Policy Act. An Environmental Impact Statement typically takes 24-48 months to complete. The Air Force will now conduct a site survey at Langley AFB to ensure it meets all basing criteria before making a final decision.

After Hurricane Michael devastated Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, the previous site of the formal training unit, the FTU was temporarily relocated to Eglin AFB, Florida, to expediently resume pilot production and leverage surviving F-22 infrastructure and existing personnel at Tyndall AFB, Florida.

The permanent solution must address readiness and pilot production by ensuring the F-22 FTU is set up at a location that optimizes readiness and supports the Secretary of Defense’s requirement to improve Mission Capability Rates to 80 percent.

v/r

Rob

Robert J. Leese

Press Desk Officer

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs (SAF/PA)

Congressman Neal Dunn released this statement Tuesday regarding the potential move, "These squadrons were a great part of our community for years and will continue to make America great at their new home. We look forward to bedding down more combat aircraft than ever before at the new and improved Tyndall Air Force Base. We wish Godspeed to all our comrades in arms.”