The F-22 represents the U.S. Air Force's commitment to provide our fellow members of the joint team and our theater commanders in chief the very best in air dominance. We do not take this commitment lightly. The F-22 is the centerpiece of the boundless future. It will give us the ability to achieve air dominance. There are some who would wish us to seek air superiority through cheaper substitutes, but the lure of cheaper substitutes can be deceptive.
Air superiority is the prerequisite for success on the battlefield.
More importantly, our ability to gain complete air dominance allows us to solve other problems with less expensive solutions. Put another way, the magnificent soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that we put into the field will be more effective under the protective umbrella of the F-22. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this ceremony. And on behalf of the men and women of all our military services, thank you for making such a tremendous contribution to the arsenal of the United States of America.