158th Fighter Wing VTANG

• Green Mountain Boys Heritage: The 158th Fighter Wing traces its roots to the "Green Mountain Boys," a historic militia group from the American Revolution, and proudly carries their nickname. • Formation: The 158th Fighter Wing was officially established in 1946 as the 134th Fighter Squadron, part of the Vermont Air National Guard. • First to Fly F-35 in Air National Guard: In September 2019, the 158th Fighter Wing became the first Air National Guard unit in the nation to receive and operate the F-35A Lightning II. • 9/11 Response: Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, the 158th provided immediate air defense over the northeastern United States as part of Operation Noble Eagle. • Cold War Alert: During the Cold War, the 158th maintained a constant alert status, ready to scramble jets within minutes to intercept potential threats. • International Deployments: Members of the 158th Fighter Wing have deployed to support operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. • Diverse Aircraft History: Over the decades, the wing has operated a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-47 Thunderbolt, F-86 Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-4 Phantom II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and now the F-35A Lightning II. • Community Engagement: The unit has a strong history of assisting Vermont communities during natural disasters, such as Hurricane Irene in 2011, providing critical support and resources. • Historic Leadership: In 2019, the 158th Fighter Wing appointed Col. David Smith as its commander, a Vermont native and long-time member of the unit, symbolizing continuity and local pride. • Women in Combat Roles: The 158th has been at the forefront of integrating women into combat and leadership positions, reflecting the evolving diversity of the U.S. military.