The F-117A was the first operational fighter designed to exploit low observable stealth technology. Pilots of the single seat, ground attack fighter were tasked to execute precision attacks against high value targets in the most dense threat environment. From 1981 to 1988, F-117A stealth fighters 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.