Nighthawk makes final appearance at Dubai Air Show Published Nov. 16, 2007 By Maj. John Elolf U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- The F-117A Nighthawk made its final scheduled public appearance this week, after 25 years in the Air Force inventory, at the 10th Edition of the Dubai Airshow, the third largest international trade and airshow. The Nighthawk was on static display and flew demonstrations during the five-day airshow. "It's pretty cool we get to show up here to showcase the airplane for the last time in a huge international venue," said U.S. Air Force Captain "Nate" an F-117 pilot at the airshow, who wanted to be identified only by his first name. The F-117 first appeared in the Air Force inventory in the early 1980's when it was delivered to the Air Force in 1982. This "created a revolution in military warfare by incorporating low-observable technology into operational aircraft," according to the Air Force Fact sheet. "It has brought an incredible capability to the Air Force," Nate said. This low observable capability has served the U.S. Air Force and the F-117 led U.S. forces in air operations over Panama, Iraq and Kosovo. "We've been the first airplane over Baghdad both times we've been there and pretty much knocked out the infrastructure to be able to bring the rest of the assets into the fight," said U.S. Air Force Captain "Nate" an F-117 pilot at the airshow, who wanted to be identified only by his first name. The F-117A Nighthawk will retire in April. As for the pilot who flew the final public demonstration of its flight capabilities, Captain "Champ," who requested to be identified by only by his call sign, "It's a real privilege" to fly the last public appearance of the F-117.