The Washington Air National Guard activated the 225th Air Defense Group during a ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, according to a Washington National Guard release. Established on May 2, it became the first air defense group in Washington Air Guard history, states the release. The 225th ADG, along with the newly redesignated 225th Air Defense Squadron and newly created 225th Support Squadron, comprise approximately 280 Washington air guardsmen who carry out the mission of protecting the airspace over the western United States in support of NORAD and US Northern Command. This region is NORAD’s Western Air Defense Sector. These changes structure WADS, a wing equivalent, more like other Air Force organizations, states the release. WADS is headquartered at McChord.
F-35 Dropped Inert Nukes in Flight Tests
Nov. 18, 2025
An Air Force F-35A successfully carried and dropped inert B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs in flight tests in August, a rare disclosure about the state of U.S. nuclear testing.
