Cloudcroft declares Stealth fighter day Published Feb. 19, 2008 By 49th Fighter Wing FW/PA HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE, N.M. -- The Village of Cloudcroft recognized the F-117A and Team Holloman for their outstanding service to the community on Feb. 12, in the Village Council Chambers. During the meeting, Mayor David Venable read a proclamation declaring Feb. 12, 2008, as "Stealth Fighter Day" in the Village of Cloudcroft. "We have a very positive relationship with the base. We couldn't get along without you and all your personnel. You guys really do an outstanding job and we appreciate you being a part of our community," said Mayor Dave Venable. The proclamation stated that the United States military forces have used the F-117A Nighthawk, also known as the "stealth fighter," in every armed conflict since its unveiling in 1988, losing only one jet in combat - an unprecedented achievement in the history of combat aircraft - and as a product of the Skunk Works and a development of the Have Blue prototype, it became the first operational aircraft initially designed around stealth technology. Lt. Col. Keith Vraa, 49th Fighter Wing director of staff, accepted the proclamation on behalf of Holloman Air Force Base. "I truly enjoy the relationship between the community of Cloudcroft and the base. Living up here has provided me a unique perspective in how important the community of Cloudcroft is to Holloman and visa versa. We really appreciate this proclamation and all the support you give us," said Lt. Col. Vraa. The proclamation also recognized the F-117A for its strategic role during Operation Just Cause in Panama where it helped facilitate the surrender of Manuel Noriega. Holloman will officially retire the remaining Nighthawks at a special ceremony on April 21, 2008. "The retirement of the F-117 is saddening, but it doesn't mean Holloman is going away - it simply means we have to get used to a new aircraft roaming the skies over Cloudcroft. The days of getting our own fly-over as the Nighthawk cruises over Zenith Park will be a memory many of us will never forget," said Trustee Arlan Ponder. The F-117A production decision was made in 1978 with a contract awarded to Lockheed Advanced Development Projects, the "Skunk Works," in Burbank, Calif. The first flight over Tonopah Test Range was on June 18, 1981, only 31 months after the full-scale development decision. VILLAGE OF CLOUDCROFT Executive Office CLOUDCROFT, NEW MEXICO Proclamation RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF THE F-117A NIGHTHAWK AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 12, 2008 AS "STEALTH FIGHTER DAY" IN THE VILLAGE OF CLOUDROFT WHEREAS, United States military forces have used the F-117A Nighthawk, also known as the "stealth fighter", in every armed conflict since its unveiling in 1988, losing only one jet in combat - an unprecedented achievement in the history of combat aircraft - and as a product of the Skunk Works and a development of the Have Blue prototype, it became the first operational aircraft initially designed around stealth technology; and WHEREAS, the "black jet" having roamed the skies over the Sacramento Mountains has been a constant reminder for over 15 years of the importance of Holloman Air Force Base, the 49th Fighter Wing - the only wing that currently operates the stealth fighter in combat - and the historic 7th, 8th and 9th Fighter Squadrons to the citizens of Cloudcroft; and WHEREAS, the stealth fighter played a strategic role in preventing any unnecessary loss of life during Operation Just Cause in Panama and helped facilitate the surrender of Manuel Noriega; and WHEREAS, the stealth fighter participated in the longest single-seat fighter mission in history, carrying the 49th fighter wing pilots from Holloman Air Force Base to Kuwait during Operation Desert Strike; and WHEREAS, the stealth fighter has had a long history of protecting American soldiers, preventing unnecessary loss of life and securing the safety of United States citizens. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DAVID C. VENABLE, MAYOR OF THE VILLAGE OF CLOUDCROFT, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM THE 12TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2008, AS "STEALTH FIGHTER DAY" IN THE VILLAGE OF CLOUDCROFT. Done at the Village Council Chambers this 12th day of February 2008 ATTEST: Witness My Hand and the Great Seal of Patricia S. Zendel the Village of Cloudcroft, New Mexico Village Clerk David C. Venable Mayor