Enraptured by the F-22 Arrival

On Friday, July 9, 2010, Hawaii welcomed the permanent arrival of its first F-22 fighter jets. The F-22 Raptors are significant assets to protect the strategic triangle of Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam, and their new home, Pacific Air Forces, held an arrival ceremony opened to dignitaries, guests, media, and for the first time, social media enthusiasts. This ceremony did not disappoint, enrapturing the five senses of sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch.

Sight

The F-22 arrival ceremony was a stunningly visual collage backdropped by the decorated Hickam airfield, painted with streaks of the jets making their airborne introductions, adorned with a traditional Hawaiian hula, and accented by the many faces of family and friends.

Taste

There was no doubt of the palatable anticipation of the Raptors’ arrival, and when the jets roared through the blue sky, you had to savor moment.

Smell

The subtle scents of the morning cannot be forgotten. The day started with the distinct smell of fresh rain gently falling on our Aloha State. Then later, the acridity of jet fuel and exhaust permeated the air as the duo of F-22s approached the crowds.

Hearing

The sounds of the ceremony ranged from the Air Force band playing familiar classics to the Hawaiian chant of Robert Cazimero to the whine of supercruise-capable, turbofan engines…

… to the spoken accolades of the Raptors’ significance.

a force multiplier… exponential leap in force… envy of the world… unsurpassed capability throughout the Pacific… aim high everyday for freedom.

Touch(ed)

And lastly, the sense of touch and being touched. The ceremony allowed for close proximity to these $140-million planes and handshakes with distinguished visitors and government leaders. Emotionally touching was the patriotism and pride displayed by the Airmen in attendance.

And what a fitting touch paying homage to Hawaii with F-22 pilot and Commander of the Air Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron, Lt Col Christopher Faurot, a graduate of local Damien Memorial School and F-22 crew chief, Staff Sgt Ben Nitta, a graduate from Mililani High School.

Thank you to PACAF, the U.S. Air Force, and Pacific Command for this experience.

More links:

• PACAF Blog
• Honolulu Star Advertiser
• Bytemarks
• Flickr Photos