Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk

NEW MEXICO -- The F-117A Nighthawk Stealth fighter from the 49th Fighter Wing, 9th Fighter Squadron "Iron Knights," from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. Flies a training mission over the New Mexico desert. The F-117 is the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. The unique design of the single-seat F-117A provides exceptional combat capabilities. Air refuelable, it supports worldwide commitments and adds to the deterrent strength of the U.S. military forces. The F-117A can employ a variety of weapons and is equipped with sophisticated navigation and attack systems integrated into a state-of-the-art digital avionics suite that increases mission effectiveness and reduces pilot workload. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Andy Dunaway)

Two specially painted Stars and Banners F-117 Nighthawks fly on one of their last missions. The F-117s were retired March 11 in a farewell ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Kim Frey)

An F-117 Nighthawk taxis into position during the F-117 Nighthawk farewell ceremony at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, March 11. The ceremony consisted of mulitple guest speakers, a piece by the Air Force Band of Flight and concluded with a single ship flyover. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt Joshua Strang)

A B-2 Spirit bomber is followed by two F-117 Nighthawks during a mission. The B-2 is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program. The B-2 brings massive firepower to bear, in a short time, anywhere on the globe through previously impenetrable defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo)

 A 37th Tactical Fighter Wing F-117A stealth fighter aircraft refuels from a 22nd Air Refueling Wing KC-10 Extender aircraft during Operation Desert Shield. The F-117A is en route to Saudi Arabia.

An F-117A aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing (37th TFW) moves in for a midair refueling during Operation Desert Shield.

F-117A Stealth fighter aircraft from the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing, Tonopah Test Range, Nev., line the runway after arriving for an overnight stay while deploying to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield.

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Staff Sgt. Robin Walker (left) and Staff Sgt. Greg Slavik prepare an F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter to launch from here. Aircraft, aircrews, maintainers and support Airmen from around the globe are here during March to participate in Red Flag, an Air Force exercise that tests warfightering skills in real-time combat situations. This is the Department of Defense's first Joint Red Flag exercise, in which more than 10,000 servicemembers from all four military branches, along with troops of some coalition forces, will train in an effort to develop improved joint training and experimentation capabilities. Sergeants Walker and Slavik are crew chiefs assigned to the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald)

Twenty-five F-117 Nighthawks are lined up for take off from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The planes were part of a formation celebrating the Nighthawk's 25th anniversary and 250,000 flying hour here. The 25 planes were separated into 5 groups and flew over the base to close the celebration ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Ferguson)

Capt. Heath Armstrong (front) and 2nd Lt. Scott Panzer watch as a formation of F-117 Nighthawks pass overhead. The formation was part of the Nighthawk's 25th anniversary and 250,000 flying-hour celebration at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. The formation consisted of 25 planes staggered into five separate groups. Captain Armstrong and Lieutenant Panzer are part of the 49th Operations Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Brian Ferguson)