Squadron Leader Matthew Harper is an F-22 instructor pilot and the 90th EFS flight commander in charge of scheduling and training.
Squadron Leader Harper began his three-year assignment in the US in the spring of 2008.
The pilot exchange program has been an important part of the military relationship between the US and Australia for many years, according to Squadron Leader Harper, dating back to World War II before the US had entered the war when US aircrews would travel to Europe to join the Royal Air Force and RAAF to fight.
"The purpose of the pilot exchange is to embed experienced exchange aircrews within a squadron, allowing them to become part of the host country's air force for a three-year period," Squadron Leader Harper said.
"During this time, the exchange pilot has an opportunity to learn about Air Force procedures, tactics and capabilities and learn about the cultural differences between the two countries and their air forces.
"Exchange aircrews offer the hosting unit a different perspective than what they are used to."
The exchange program is bilateral, with Air Force aircrews integrated into Australian fighter squadrons flying the F/A-18 Hornet as well.
Embedded Australian fighter pilots are flying F-15 Eagles and F-15E Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, Navy F/A-18A-F Hornets and Super Hornets, and now F-22s.
Although the exchange program has been in place for years, Squadron Leader Harper is the first and only Australian pilot embedded into an F-22 squadron.