The New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Fighter Wing briefed local lawmakers last week, according to an Eyewitness News 4 report, on its situation and pursuit of a new mission since the unit must give up its F-16s under USAF’s plan to shed some 250 legacy fighters next year. The Air Force plan, announced in the spring, caught New Mexico lawmakers by surprise, particularly since the service offered no mission replacement plan for the unit.
F-35As from the Vermont Air National Guard have deployed to Puerto Rico in recent days, continuing a major buildup of U.S. Air Force assets in Latin America aimed at combating drug trafficking and pressuring the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
