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 | Oct. 17, 2025

Update: Night Flying at the 158th Fighter Wing Extended

By Lt. Col. Meghan Smith

 

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – The Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing will conduct night flying operations Tuesday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Oct. 24, then again on Tuesday, Oct. 28, through Thursday, Oct. 30, and lastly on Nov. 4 through Nov. 6.

Fighter aircraft will conduct night missions between 7 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 21-24, Oct. 28-30, and Nov. 4-6. Daytime missions also will occur over drill weekend on Oct. 25-26, with an afternoon launch, but no night flying then. There will be no flying on Halloween.

"Maintaining a high level of readiness requires consistent training across all conditions," said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Peel, the 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander for Operations. "These night operations are crucial for our pilots to master the skills necessary for mission success in any environment."

Night flying is an integral component of maintaining the 158th Fighter Wing's operational capabilities. This training maintains pilots' proficiency in low-visibility environments and simulated operational environments.

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

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
New Mexico National Guard at the signing ceremony were Joint Staff Director Brig. Gen. Pia Romero and State Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Poccia, whose presence underscored the Guard’s commitment to building a strong and enduring relationship with the Seychelles Defence Forces across all levels of leadership. Photo courtesy New Mexico National Guard.
New Mexico Guard, Seychelles Defence Forces Formalize State Partnership Program Agreement
By Hank Minitrez, | May 29, 2026
VICTORIA, Seychelles –The New Mexico National Guard and the Seychelles Defence Forces officially established a new partnership under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program during a signing ceremony in...

Soldiers from the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, conduct a basket lift with a role player and canine during the 2026 Search and Rescue Exercise in the San Antonio area May 18-21. The 36th Combat Aviation Brigade plays a critical role in disaster response exercises by providing rapid aerial response, personnel transport and coordinated aviation support alongside civilian agencies, strengthening interagency partnerships essential to lifesaving operations. Photo by Capt. Jasmine Mathews.
Texas Guard Strengthens Search, Rescue Readiness
By Capt. Jasmine Mathews, | May 29, 2026
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Military Department participated in the 2026 Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) May 18-21, marking twelve years of interagency partnership.SAREX focuses on disaster response preparedness for search and...

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing takes off for a training flight during Checkered Flag 26-2 and the Weapons System Evaluation Program-East at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., April 29, 2026. Tyndall’s location adjacent to the Gulf Range Complex makes it one of the few installations in the United States capable of supporting large-scale air combat training, building the aircrew proficiency and readiness required for critical 4th- and 5th-generation fighter integration and live-fire exercises. Photo by Master Sgt. Kregg York.
Ohio Air Guard Enhances Combat Airpower at Checkered Flag
By Master Sgt. Kregg York, | May 29, 2026
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – In a contested environment, air superiority depends on more than advanced technology. It also requires the training and experience to use that technology effectively — a focus for the Ohio...