Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

ALAMOGORDO – Members of the New Mexico congressional delegation today formally welcomed the arrival of F-22A Raptor fighters to Holloman Air Force Base, a move signaling the launch of a new mission for the southern New Mexico installation.

U.S. Senators Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman, as well as Representatives Heather Wilson, Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, today joined Air Force and community leaders to welcome the aircraft and to commit to supporting the two squadrons of F-22s that will be bedded down with the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman.

“The world remains dangerous and we welcome the F-22s for what they represent in protecting the United States and its interests. Our enemies are eager to attain emerging technology to challenge our national security, and countering this lethal technology requires a superior weapons system. It’s like having a spear that is longer, stronger than your enemy’s. I consider the F-22 the ‘tip of the spear.’ It guarantees our air dominance and the ability to defend our forces at any place, any time,” said Domenici, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

“Today is a big day for Holloman Air Force Base. Making Holloman home to the next generation of fighter air craft demonstrates how major a role the base plays in keeping our nation safe,” Bingaman said.

“This has been a huge week for southern New Mexico,” says Wilson, a former Air Force Captain. “The F-22 Raptor is a forward-looking plane that will be a key part of the Air Force’s arsenal for years to come. And New Mexico is perfectly positioned to help deploy these aircraft into combat. Once again, New Mexico is proving how important we are in the defense of this country, and I’m honored to be here today.”

“The Raptor F-22s represent the next generation in air power, and New Mexico is the perfect place for this new aircraft,” said Udall, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Having these planes will ensure that New Mexico continues to play a crucial role in defending America, and I am proud to welcome them to Holloman.”

“Holloman Air Force Base provides the weather, the terrain, the wide open spaces, and the radio spectrum availability for true combat demonstrations. The introduction of the F22s poses an enormous economic benefit to the area and fulfills a critical national security need for our country,” said Pearce.

Two 18-aircraft squadrons of F-22A Raptors are scheduled to be deployed at Holloman Air Force Base, replacing the F-117 stealth fighters that had been assigned to the base for almost 20 years. Members of the delegation have advocated continuing Department of Defense procurement of F-22 aircraft which could result in the Holloman squadron being expanded in the future.

The Air Force also intends to place an F-22 Air Force Reserve Unit at Holloman, which would give the base a broader mission and additional personnel. The Holloman unit will be an Air Force Reserve “classic associate unit.” As such, reserve pilots, maintenance and ground crews will share use of the same F-22 aircraft used by the active units at Holloman.

In addition, the delegation is supporting the administration’s budget request to provide $25 million for five new military construction projects to support the F-22A at Holloman, including maintenance, repair and simulation facilities.