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