Article by Capt. Catie Hague
Public Affairs
An Edwards F/A-22 Raptor flies for the first time over the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., Tuesday. This flight was flown by Lt. Col. Dawn Dunlop, F/A-22 test pilot and 1988 Academy graduate, in support of the Class of 2004's graduation parade. (Photo by Kevin Robertson)
6/4/04 – EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – Tuesday an Edwards F/A-22 made history, becoming the first Raptor to soar over the U.S. Air Force Academy graduation parade in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Lt. Col. Dawn Dunlop, F/A-22 test pilot and 411th Flight Test Squadron operations officer, was at the controls as she performed this record flight 16 years to the day after her own Academy graduation in 1988.
"Many things have changed since then," said Colonel Dunlop. "One big change is the aircraft - the Raptor with its stealth, supercruise, integrated avionics and thrust vectoring provides capabilities that will change the way we fight and win the air war.
"The situational awareness the F/A-22 brings to the cockpit and air dominance it brings to the battlefield commander is simply astounding," added Colonel Dunlop. "I am proud to be a part of the F/A-22 CTF, responsible for delivering the Raptor to Operational Test and Evaluation, and ultimately to the front lines some time next year.
With nearly 100 Raptor flight hours, Colonel Dunlop said it was "just good luck" that allowed her to fly this mission. "All eligible Academy grads volunteered," she said. "Maj. Evan Dertien [F/A-22 test pilot and 1993 Academy graduate] and I came out on top this time."
Major Dertien, who has about 65 flying hours in the Raptor, accompanied the F/A-22, piloting an F-16 chase/photo aircraft. Both aircraft hit their "time over target," in the skies above Stillman Parade Field, at 10:20 a.m. MDT.
"We then held out of the airspace until the parade was over," explained Colonel Dunlop, "and returned to the cadet area to take some photos of opportunity. It was definitely my pleasure to bring the first F/A-22 Raptor to the Air Force Academy."
The graduation parade is the final cadet parade before graduation. The Academy Class of 2004 was commissioned and graduated Wednesday. President George W. Bush was this year's commencement speaker.
(Some information courtesy of the Secretary of the Air Force, Directorate of Public Affairs)
