The South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing received the first of 22 Block 40 F-16s that will replace its Block 30 models Tuesday, when wing commander Col. Russ Walz flew the aircraft in to Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls from Hill AFB, Utah. The 114th FW’s 175th Fighter Squadron, which has flown the older Block 30 Vipers since 1991, expects to receive the remainder of the newer F-16s by September. Walz said of the switchover, “This aircraft conversion will ensure that the 175th Fighter Squadron remains ready and relevant for many years to come.” (Arrival announcement from the South Dakota National Guard’s Facebook page, find original announcement under Notes tab; also see 114th FW’s March 31 report by Lt. Col. Reid Christopherson)
B-52 Bombers Make Rare Landing At Civilian Airport
April 18, 2024
Two B-52s assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB landed at Chennault International Airport, a public airport in Lake Charles, La. on April 12 as part of the wing's Bayou Vigilance Exercise.