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.
F-117A. . 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.
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 Mexicos 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
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
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 201 times since then and 16 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.
