Nellis Air Force Base in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

F-117A

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 16, 2018

1. F-117A Marker

Inscription. The F-117A is the first operational fighter designed to exploit low observable stealth technology. Pilots of the single seat, ground attack fighter are tasked to execute precision attacks against high value targets in the most dense threat environment. From 1981 to 1988, F-117A stealth fighters were operated under a cloak of secrecy at the Tonopah Test Range, Nevada. In November 1988, the existence of 56 operational stealth fighters was announced to the public, followed by a debut of two aircraft at Nellis on 21 April 1990. The original stealth fighter unit, the 4450th Tactical Group, was deactivated and the unit reactivated as the 37th Tactical Fight Wing on 5 October 1989. During Operation Desert Storm, 42 F-117A aircraft flew 1,271 Combat Missions delivering 2,083 laser guided bombs without receiving a single scratch from enemy fire. The 37th Fighter Wing was deactivated in 1992 when assets were transferred to the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, New Mexico.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1990.

Location. 36° 13.632′ N, 115° 3.556′ W.

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Marker is in Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, in Clark County. It is on Freedom Circle just west of Kinley Drive, on the right when traveling west. You must have base access by possessing a valid Department of Defense identification card or be sponsored onto base by an individual who has military installation access. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Freedom Circle, Nellis AFB NV 89191, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert

and in Greater Las Vegas.

It is also in the American Southwest

and in the Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: F-4C Phantom (within shouting distance of this marker); A-10 (within shouting distance of this marker); F-100D Super Sabre (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); F-105G Thunderchief (about 400 feet away); F-111A (about 500 feet away); F-86 Sabrejet

F-117A and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 16, 2018

2. F-117A and Marker

(about 600 feet away); F-15 Eagle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Long Track (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nellis Air Force Base.

Additional keywords. F-117, Nighthawk, Stealth Fighter,

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 16, 2018

3. Shep

August 1977 to November 1990. Trained in peace. Died in War. A courageous and loyal friend that will be sorely missed. Dedicated to all Military Working Dogs who have given their lives in the service of their country

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 16, 2018

4. F-117A and Marker

F-117A additional plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Denise Boose, April 16, 2018

5. F-117A additional plaque

Left Plaque: The Nevada Test and Training Range 29 October 1940 Tonopah Test Range 9 November 1956 and Airfield 1962 Right Plaque: In combat you learn quickly to trust your technology, tactics and training... The key is training. I'd hate to see an epitaph on an aircrew's tombstone that says, "I told you I needed more training." A Warrior

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 207 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 18, 2023, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.