An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Articles
News | Dec. 5, 2019

F-35s Continue to Arrive at 158th Fighter Wing

158th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

The next three F-35 Lightning II aircraft landed at the Vermont Air National Guard just after 3 p.m. Dec. 5, 2019.

These aircraft are part of the 20 total aircraft assigned to the Vermont Air National Guard, with the full complement arriving by summer 2020.

The aircraft departed Thursday morning from Fort Worth, Texas, and were flown by Vermont Air National Guard pilots assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron.

“Today’s arrival is part of our scheduled plan to receive all the aircraft through 2020,” said Col. Adam Rice, 158th Fighter Wing vice commander. “I’m very proud that our team is ready and our pilots were able to fly these Vermont aircraft home.”

The Vermont Air National Guard is the first Air National Guard to receive the F-35 Lightning II.

The first F-35s assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing arrived at the Vermont Air National Guard Base on September 19th and the official welcome ceremony took place on October 19th.

"Each aircraft arrival is another step towards finalizing the fielding process at the Vermont Air National Guard," said Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont Adjutant General. "Our Airmen have performed remarkably to get to this point and I am, as always, impressed with their dedication towards their mission."

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard 2026

Note: the above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. 

National Guard News
Soldiers assigned to Montana Army National Guard firefighting detachments operate an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle during a joint live-fire training exercise at the 120th Airlift Wing in Great Falls, Montana, June 11, 2026. Participants trained on vehicle operations, fire suppression techniques and airfield emergency response procedures. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey.
Montana Guard Firefighters Strengthen Readiness With Live-Fire Training
By Senior Master Sgt. Devin Doskey, | June 15, 2026
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Montana Army National Guard firefighters trained alongside Airmen and state firefighters assigned to the 120th Airlift Wing Fire Department during a June 11 joint aircraft rescue firefighting exercise.The...

Capt. Nathan Scull, formation commander, salutes as the 234th Army Band, Oregon Army National Guard, plays the national anthem during an official demobilization ceremony at the Salem Convention Center in Salem, Ore., June 14, 2026. The ceremony recognized more than 200 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team who deployed to the Horn of Africa from May 2025 to April 2026 as part of Task Force Bataan in support of U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Africa Command. Photo by Maj. W. Chris Clyne.
Oregon Soldiers Honored After Horn of Africa Deployment
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | June 15, 2026
SALEM, Ore. – More than 200 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team stood in formation June 14 at the Salem Convention Center, where families, leaders and community members formally...

U.S. Army Soldiers with A Battery, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, roll off M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, from a C-130J Hercules aircraft at the National Training Center, Michigan, June 10, 2026 to conduct a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, or HIRAIN, mission. The movement was part of a Minuteman Rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, to conduct a HIRAIN exercise. The HIRAIN demonstrated the unit's capability to rapidly deploy a HIMARS via airlift, execute a strike and exfiltrate to avoid detection. Photo by 1st Lt. Daniel Throne.
Michigan, Rhode Island Guardsmen Complete Rocket Training
By Capt. Ryan Benoit, | June 12, 2026
ALPENA, Mich. – Michigan National Guard Soldiers and Rhode Island National Guard Airmen completed a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Infiltration, or HIRAIN, from Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan,...