Vt. Air National Guard plans night training flights through Jan. 18

January 9, 2024 | By Waterbury Roundabout 

An F-35A Lightning II in the 158th Fighter Wing, takes off from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Nov. 30, 2023. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Mekkri

The Vermont Air National Guard announced Tuesday that it will conduct night flying this week and next as part of its routine training to maintain operational readiness. 

Night flights are scheduled from tonight, Jan. 9 through Thursday, Jan. 11, and again next Tuesday-Thursday, Jan. 16-18. 

The training period will have two takeoff and landing periods each day between 1 and 7 p.m. There are no scheduled morning flights.

“Night flying training is a critical component of our military preparedness, providing our personnel with invaluable experience in navigating challenging conditions,” said Col. Brian Lepine, 158th Fighter Wing Deputy Commander. “This training contributes significantly to our ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any situation, day or night.”

Airmen of the 158th Fighter Wing conduct training in day and nighttime conditions to meet federal training requirements and sustain the skills needed to accomplish the various missions assigned to the Air Force’s F-35 fighters.

“We understand the impact of this training on the community, and we appreciate their ongoing support,” Lepine said. “We do everything within our control to balance that impact with our mandatory training requirements.”