Vt. Air National Guard night flights scheduled through 9/18

September 9, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

An F-35A Lightning II with the 134th Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard, prepares to depart during a routine night training mission at the VT Air National Guard Base in South Burlington in this 2021  U.S. Air National Guard file photo by Julie M. Paroline.

The Vermont Air National Guard announced today that it will conduct night flying operations this week Tuesday-Thursday, Sept. 10-12, and next week, Tuesday-Wednesday, Sept. 17-18.

The mission will consist of one afternoon and one evening takeoff period per day. Flights are scheduled to conclude by 9:30 p.m., according to the announcement.
“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 a key part of ongoing pilot training, giving pilots training hours in a variety of conditions and times of day, which is crucial for real-world scenarios, officials explain.
“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.”