NewsMontana News

Actions

F-22 Raptors land in Great Falls ahead of Mission Over Malmstrom

Posted at 6:17 PM, Jul 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-07-11 20:17:49-04

GREAT FALLS- The F-22 Raptors, one of the main attractions for this weekend’s Mission Over Malmstrom event, arrived at the 120th Airlift Wing Thursday afternoon.

U.S. Air Force officials and a few families were on scene to witness the aircrafts’ descent.

The two Raptors gave viewers a glimpse of their maneuvers before landing.

Demonstrator pilot and U.S. Air Force Major Paul Lopez listed some of the maneuvers viewers can expect to see this weekend.

“You’re gonna feel a lot of afterburner. You’re going to see the afterburner as well, and you’re gonna see some phenomenal maneuvers with big loops, small loops. You’re gonna see the airplane going fast, the airplane going slow, and you’re just gonna see the airplane doing things that no other fighter jet is able to do,” he said.

While the maneuvers entertain onlookers, they also serve the team’s purpose: recruit, retain, and inspire.

Leading up to the open house at Malmstrom Air Force Base, the F-22 Raptor demonstration team will do community outreach with stops at Benefis Health System’s Pediatric Department and Boy Scouts of America.

For those wishing to see the F-22 Raptors in action, you can attend the Mission Over Malmstrom open house this weekend.

Click here to learn more about the event.

-Reported by Lindsie Hiatt/MTN News