A group of six F-117 stealth fighters arriving this afternoon at Hickam Air Force Base may cause some noise, the Air Force is warning.

The black, delta-winged fighters are just as likely to stir some curiosity.

The Air Force said the aircraft are part of a routine move through the Pacific. Their departure date and destination are not being disclosed.

Neighboring residents can expect noise similar to takeoffs and landings of other fighters such as the Hawai'i Air National Guard's F-15 Eagles, the Air Force said.

The stealth fighters come through Hickam about once a year. Six F-117 Nighthawks that arrived in Hawai'i en route to South Korea for an exercise just prior to the start of the Iraq war in 2003 created a stir, with North Korea saying the move was a precursor to war.

The stealth fighter will be replaced by the F-22 Raptor in the Air Force inventory, and the Nighthawks are expected to be removed from service in 2008.

Reach William Cole at wcole@honoluluadvertiser.com.