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 | Sept. 9, 2024

158FW Night Flying Operations

By Lt. Col. Meghan Smith 158th Fighter Wing

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Vermont Air National Guard will conduct night flying operations from Tuesday, September 10, to Thursday, September 12, and from Tuesday, September 17 to Wednesday, September 18 with one afternoon and one evening takeoff period per day. Flights are scheduled to conclude by 9:30 p.m.

“Training in diverse conditions is vital for our pilots,” said U.S. Air Force Colonel Brian Lepine, 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander. “Night flying enhances our readiness and adaptability, ensuring that our team remains capable and effective in all operational environments.”

Night flying is a required and integral part of comprehensive pilot training. It ensures that personnel can operate effectively regardless of time of day or weather conditions, which is crucial for real-world scenarios.
“We appreciate the community’s understanding and support as we conduct this vital training,” Lepine said. “These night training exercises contribute significantly to maintaining our high operational standards and ensuring mission success.”

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Meghan Smith, meghan.smith.5@us.af.mil

The official logo of the Vermont National Guard.

TAG's State of the Guard - April 2025

The above YouTube video link may not work on all government computers. Read the transcript of MG Gregory Knight's full State of the Guard here.

National Guard News
New York Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, New York, prepare for their Santa Tracking on Christmas Eve as part of their North American Aerospace Defense Command mission on Dec. 19, 2025. Families can go to NORAD's
New York Air Guard Supports NORAD's Annual Santa Tracking Operation on Christmas Eve
By Timothy Jones, | Dec. 22, 2025
ROME, N.Y. – The North American Aerospace Defense Command defends the North American airspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and includes the New York Air Guard members of the Eastern Air Defense Sector...

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Engel, Warrant Officer 1 Courtney Topper, Warrant Officer 1 Jacob Shumway, Warrant Officer 1 Alex G. Sama, chief of logistics for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and Maj. Edward K. John pose for a photo during a Department of War National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program engagement in Michigan, December 2024. The Michigan National Guard hosted two Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces representatives for a weeklong visit focused on logistics, facility management and sustainment operations, including engagements with the 246th Transportation Battalion and the Combined Support Maintenance Shop in Lansing. The exchange strengthened military-to-military cooperation and reinforced the growing partnership between Michigan and Sierra Leone. Photo by 1st Lt. Paige Bodine.
Michigan National Guard Hosts Sierra Leone to Strengthen New Partnership
By 2nd Lt. Paige Bodine, | Dec. 19, 2025
LANSING, Mich.— The partnership between the Michigan National Guard and Sierra Leone recently marked another significant step forward in the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, or SPP.The...

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, Washington Army National Guard fill sand bags in Sedro Woolley, Wash., Dec. 11, 2025. More than 300 Washington National Guard members provided flood relief support to citizens in Skagit County since Dec. 10, 2025. Photo by Staff Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon.
National Guard Responds to Historic Flooding in Western Washington
By Joseph Siemandel, | Dec. 19, 2025
CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – As rivers overtopped banks and levees failed across western Washington, the Washington National Guard launched one of its largest and fastest flood responses in recent memory, mobilizing approximately 300...