F-22 Raptor’s official training unit makes Virginia its permanent home

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) – The US Air Force has decided to permanently install the F-22 Raptor Official Training Unit (FTU) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia.

The rebasing decision will bring 31 F-22s and 16 other planes to Virginia as well as 700 qualified military and civilian personnel and contractors.

Governor Ralph Northam, along with a bipartisan group of Virginia politicians, had lobbied to make Joint Base Langley-Eustis the new home for the F-22 FTU in 2019 after Hurricane Michael shifted the program from the Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, according to a press release. from the Northam office.

“We are delighted to welcome the official F-22 Raptor training unit to our Commonwealth,” Governor Northam said. “Home to a significant number of military installations with critical national security missions and operations, there is no place that welcomes the military more warmly than the Hampton Roads area. Langley-Eustis is the right choice, with the ideal environment to achieve the maintenance and supply efficiencies that are critical to the success of F-22 squadron training. This move is good for the Air Force and the Langley-Eustis community, and demonstrates that Virginia is best positioned to host this mission and the next generation of air-dominant fighter jets. “

Joint Base Langley-Eustis is already home to the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192 Fighter Wing, which flies F-22s and has experienced instructors who can support the FTU.

“I am proud to welcome the official F-22 flight and maintenance training unit to Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Hampton Roads,” said Congresswoman Elaine Luria (D), who represents the Second District. from Virginia. “This Air Force and Department of Defense decision sends a strong message about our community’s commitment to active duty personnel, our veterans and their families.”

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