Last Stealth Flyover

[AirForce1 (Ret.)]

The 4 last F-117 Stealth's took off here at my base yesterday into retirement. Aircraft 843 had an American flag painted on the bottom of it by the 49th Maintenance Squadron Corrosion Control Shop, and lead the way in a flyby celebrating its history as the first combat stealth aircraft.
(Photo by A1C Means)

 

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[Cynangyl]

Incredible picture! Thanks for sharing it with us!

 

[Mainedigger]

Why are they retiring them?? Are they that old? I thoughtt hey were fairly new?

 

[Montana Jim]

Why are they retiring them?? Are they that old? I thoughtt hey were fairly new?

They've had an active mission for over 25 years now... now that new.

 

[mercenary]

My favorite airplane. It's sad to see them go; they were absolutely beautiful.

 

[Mental Granny]

That is a beautiful I love seeing them flyover! I will miss that!

 

[Mainedigger]

Why are they retiring them?? Are they that old? I thoughtt hey were fairly new?

They've had an active mission for over 25 years now... now that new.

Jim...thanks for that...guess I'm getting old, for it seems they just rolled out the first one of those not too long ago...

 

[Montana Jim]

Why are they retiring them?? Are they that old? I thoughtt hey were fairly new?

They've had an active mission for over 25 years now... now that new.

Jim...thanks for that...guess I'm getting old, for it seems they just rolled out the first one of those not too long ago...

Developed in the late 1970s
First one flew in 1981
Acive mission since 1983
Became public in 1988

Time flies

 

[Mainedigger]

Jim...first flight in 81? That is 27 years ago... Seems like it was just a few years ago, damn I AM getting old...

 

[MangoKnees]

Awesome.......Thanks for the picture..... I thought they were fairly new too. I'd rather fly in one of those than a 25 year old airliner.

Mango

 

[Montana Jim]

That is an awesome picture...

 

[Magic Fingers]

Awesome picture....the paint job was perfect.

Donna

 

[bigfish31]

I heard the new ones are invisible.

 

[Montana Jim]

I heard the new ones are invisible.

Thats right... you can only see the paint that's on the plane, not the plane itself... LMAO

 

[trusty]

I know that some of you USAF guys are feeling bad about retiring "your" aircraft.

I was in the initial cadre of F-14 maintenance types. I was crushed when they were retired. Seems like I grew up with them.

 

[DanB]

wow nice photo

db

 

[AirForce1 (Ret.)]

I know how you feel Trusty, I have worked on the F-117 for 10 years. They are a pain in the butt to maintain, but I always liked being involved with them. They served their purpose very well, now it's time for the next generation of stealth aircraft to take over. Kinda cool though, I am retiring too after 24 years

 

[Mainedigger]

Well thanks for 24 years of service to both yourself and the stealth!!!

 

[halfdime]

And the Buffs just keep flying!

 

[wreckdiver1715]

And the Buffs just keep flying!

LOL, the BUFF and the Herc! My reserve unit is still flying HC-130's built in the early 60's.

Damn I miss the F-105