In the 1970's Soviet air defense systems improved and the U.S. realized they had to develop
aircraft to counter this. Lockheed Skunk Works was tasked with the job and two aircraft were built
under the code name "Have Blue" that proved stealth aircraft could be produced. As a result the
F-117 Nighthawk was developed and first flew in 1981 with the first production F-117 80-10785
making its maiden flight on April 20, 1982 but it wasn't until 1988 that the Pentagon confirmed its
existence.

F-177A 86-0839 c/n A.4064 was built in 1986 and delivered in 1989 assigned to the 415th TFS /
37th TFW(P). In 1991 86-0839 was named "Midnight Reaper" and assigned to Major Joseph
Salata of the 415th who flew 32 missions from the King Khalid RSAF. In October 1991 the 415th
TFS was re-designated the 49th FW and located at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. Salata became
the CO of the 49th FW/OG/9th FS "Flying Knights". F-117A 86-0839 took part in the August 2006
Oceana Naval Air Station air show marked as the Commander's aircraft.