F-22s back flying, in order to escape from Hurricane Irene

The F-22 has been given a temporary flight waiver in order for the aircraft to be evacuated from the inbound Hurricane Irene.

“Due to Hurricane Irene forecasts for Southern Virginia, the 1st Fighter Wing commander initiated an evacuation of the F-22 Raptors today to protect assets against anticipated 115-mile-per-hour wind gusts and flooding,” Air Force spokesman Chad Steffey said in an email.