Aircraft
Return of the Nighthawk: Now It’s Official
Two F-117s have deployed to Fresno to train with the California ANG, affording the public its first view of the aircraft since its 2008 "retirement".
One of the F-117s is seen on arrival at Fresno. Both aircraft wore the ‘TR’ tailcode associated with Tonopah Test Range airfield. An F-117 had earlier been seen with the "Dark Knights" unit name, and the aircraft uses the "Knight" callsign. (Photo: Capt. Jason Sanchez/Air National Guard)
One of the F-117s is seen on arrival at Fresno. Both aircraft wore the ‘TR’ tailcode associated with Tonopah Test Range airfield. An F-117 had earlier been seen with the "Dark Knights" unit name, and the aircraft uses the "Knight" callsign. (Photo: Capt. Jason Sanchez/Air National Guard)

On September 13 two Lockheed F-117 Nighthawks touched down at Fresno Yosemite International Airport to conduct a few days of training exercises with the F-15C/D Eagles of the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard (ANG). They left Fresno four days later. Although the fact that the officially retired F-117s are still in use is undisputed, the deployment to a joint-use civilian/military airfield in the full public glare marks the first major official recognition of their continued use, underlined by the official release of photographs.


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