Stealth is highlight at HASE

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  The F-117A Nighthawk was a highlight attraction at the 2007 Holloman Air and Space Expo at Holloman AFB Oct. 27-28. 

"The crowd has been heavy around the aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Nathan Knox, F-117A Demo Team noncommissioned officer in charge. "The spectators are interested in such a unique aircraft." 

The demo team is a traveling team that allows people to see the F-117 at airshows all across the world. Team members are available at the static displays to answer any questions asked about the aircraft. 

"'What are the probes in front' is the most asked question," said Sergeant Knox. "Most think they are guns, but this aircraft doesn't have guns." 

Sergeant Knox has worked on the F-117 for four-and-a-half years and has been on the demo team for a year and a half. 

"The mystique of the F-117 is what makes it so special," said Sergeant Knox. "People rush to see it at airshows. It defies the theory of flight with its unusual shape." 

With the retirement of the F-117, this is the last Holloman air expo with the unique aircraft. 

"It's kind of sad," said Mr. B.J. Lawrence, HASE spectator. "It's an icon for Alamogordo and Holloman." 

Sergeant Knox said that with the evolving technology, it is time to move to the next level. 

"The F-117 has been around for so long and has been such a valuable mission," he said. "Even though its retirement is sad, we look forward to the new challenges ahead."