Vt. Air National Guard to fly night training missions this week

Nov. 28, 2023  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

An F-35A Lightning II pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, prepares to depart during a routine night training mission, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Nov. 16, 2021. Pilots assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron and Airmen assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing are required to conduct night operations to meet U.S. Air Force and Major Command requirements and proficiencies. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Julie M. Paroline

SOUTH BURLINGTON – The Vermont Air National Guard announced on Monday that it will conduct night flying this week, Tuesday through Friday, Nov. 28 - Dec. 1. 

It anticipates one afternoon and one evening takeoff period per day and flying will typically conclude by 7 p.m.

“We appreciate the community support, especially during our night flying operations,” said Air Force Col. Laura Caputo, 158th Maintenance Group Commander. “We are required to train at night to ensure our pilots and the supporting airmen on the ground remain proficient in various weather conditions and scenarios.”

Air Force Col. Brian Lepine, 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander, said night flying is crucial to training. “The maintenance team, with the assistance of the Mission Support Group, provides direct support to the training by ensuring critical systems are fully operational to safely execute the demands of night flying,” he said. 

The Vermont Air National Guard will also fly regularly scheduled daytime flights during this upcoming drill weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Dec 2-3, officials said. 

An F-35A Lightning II departs from the Vermont Air National Guard base during a routine night training mission, South Burlington, Nov. 16, 2021. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Julie M. Paroline