F-16s from Shaw AFB to train with VTANG

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A 20th Fighter Wing pilot prepares for a mission during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 8, 2021. The 20th FW brought over 500 individuals from Shaw AFB, South Carolina, including two fighter squadrons to participate as the host unit. The two fighter squadrons, the 55th “Shooters” and 79th “Tigers,” are responsible for maintaining the safety of other units by escorting their aircraft in and out of the airspace as well as performing the units’ primary mission set: the suppression of enemy air defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Destinee Sweeney)

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A 20th Fighter Wing pilot prepares for a mission during Red Flag 21-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, March 8, 2021. The 20th FW brought over 500 individuals from Shaw AFB, South Carolina, including two fighter squadrons to participate as the host unit. The two fighter squadrons, the 55th “Shooters” and 79th “Tigers,” are responsible for maintaining the safety of other units by escorting their aircraft in and out of the airspace as well as performing the units’ primary mission set: the suppression of enemy air defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Destinee Sweeney)

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vermont –

F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, will conduct training missions out of Vermont Air National Guard Base in June 2021.

The 55th Fighter Squadron will conduct F-16 flying missions at the Vermont Air National Guard base June 24-25, with morning launches scheduled between 8:30-10:30 a.m. and afternoon launches between 12:30-2:30 p.m. Their F-16 flying missions will continue on June 28-29 with morning launches scheduled between 8:30-10:30 a.m. and afternoon launches between 12:30-2:30 p.m.

The purpose of this training is to test Agile Combat Employment capabilities of the Airmen assigned to Shaw AFB with the opportunity to work out of a deployed, simulated remote location with minimal personnel.

The F-16’s from the 55th Fighter Squadron will fly integrated Offensive Counter Air (OCA) Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions with F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the Vermont ANG's 134th Fighter Squadron.

“The 134th Fighter Squadron is looking forward to training with our wild weasel teammates from Shaw Air Force base. They bring years of SEAD experience and knowledge that will benefit the Green Mountain Boys as we prepare for more advanced fifth-generation OCA training near the end of our F-35 conversion,” said Lt. Col. John MacRae, the 134th Fighter Squadron commander.

F-35 routine flying operations will remain unchanged while training with the 55th Fighter Squadron.

Effective October 1, 2024: To streamline communications, all F-35 and Air National Guard related inquiries should be routed directly to the 158th Fighter Wing contact page or by calling 802-660-5379. F-35 flying alerts (ie night flying schedules) will only be posted on the Vermont Air National Guard website.