F-22 visits Hill for modifications

Posted on: Apr. 6th, 2006 || Source: hilltoptimes.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

The excitement was intense Friday as the first of many F-22 Raptors arrived at Hill for some minor modifications. A total of 18 F-22s are expected to come through Hill to receive modifications similar to the work that will be done on the first plane.

“We are going to enhance refueling capability and do a couple minor structural modifications to the jet,” said Col. Ken Merchant, vice commander at the Ogden Air Logistics Center. “This is the beginning of a lot more work that will come in to this ALC. In the long run, we will end up with the wheel and tire and landing gear work.”

Col. Kyle MacDonald, 309th Maintenance Wing, said the arrival of the Raptor signifies the future of Hill.
“We will be handling a lot of the stealth fighters here and doing a lot of modifications,” Colonel MacDonald said. “As far as new employment, we expect a lot of work to come to Hill.”

The jet was piloted by Maj. Evan Dertien, who flew from Langley AFB, Va., stopped to re-fuel at Whiteman AFB, Mo., and then landed at Hill where he was greeted by local media with plenty of questions.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting any of this,” said Major Dertien. “It really makes me feel welcome though.”

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