An F-22 Raptor assigned to the 7th Fighter Squadron touches down for the first time at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. June 2, 2008. The jet was one of two to land that day to mark the official arrival of the Raptors to the base. On Thursday, Feb. 20, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Alamogordo residents will have the rare opportunity to see four F-22s returning from a final tactical sortie over the Tularosa Basin. The F-22s are relocating to Tyndall AFB, Fla., and the last aircraft are expected to depart in early April. They will be replaced by two F-16 training squadrons and corresponding support and maintenance units relocating to Holloman from Luke AFB, Ariz. The first F-16s will begin arriving in early April. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Then-Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander, and Lt. Col. Mike Hernandez, 7th Fighter Squadron commander, fly a pair of F-22A Raptors over Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., in flight to the F-22 arrival ceremony June 2, 2008. The jets were the first two Holloman-tailed F-22's to arrive on base. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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One of two F-22A Raptors fly over Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., June 2, 2008. The jets were the first two Holloman-tailed F-22s to arrive on base. Prior to landing, the jets flew over the Tularosa Basin, allowing the local community a chance to witness the future of Holloman. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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NEWS RELEASE: Final F-22 formation sorties set for Thursday

Published Feb. 19, 2014
By 49th Wing Public Affairs
Release No. 14-02-09

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Alamogordo residents will have the rare opportunity to see four F-22 Raptors returning from their final tactical sortie over the Tularosa Basin this Thursday, Feb. 20, around 1:15 p.m.

The formation of aircraft will make two passes over the city, first from south to north and then from north to south, in preparation for landing at Holloman AFB.

"We want to express our sincere gratitude to the people of Alamogordo and the Tularosa Basin for their support and tolerance of our F-22 operations here at Holloman since 2008," said Col. Andrew Croft, 49th Wing commander. "The outstanding community support we receive undoubtedly contributed to our F-22s' successes worldwide and will continue to do so as we transition into training new pilots in the F-16 Fighting Falcon."

We recommend those who wish to view the aircraft are in place at least five minutes in advance to account for minor time variances.

The F-22 squadrons stationed at Holloman since 2008 are relocating to Tyndall AFB, Fla., and the last aircraft are expected to depart in early April. They will be replaced by two F-16 training squadrons and corresponding support and maintenance units relocating to Holloman from Luke AFB, Ariz. The first F-16s will begin arriving in early April.