Anchorage locals are fond of saying, "If you don't like the current weather, wait an hour." Within that hour, the weather can change from glaring sunlight to blinding snow, making forecasts in Alaska's largest city more entertaining than useful. While such unpredictability amuses the locals, it can complicate operations for the F-22 Raptors at nearby Elmendorf AFB.

The Raptor formally arrived at its third operational base in ceremonies at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, on 6 June. A pair of F-22s, the new flagships for the 49th Fighter Wing and the 7th Fighter Squadron, respectively, symbolically stood at attention flanking the guest speakers at the ceremony.