July 16, 2021 Combat Raider Large Force Exercise Scheduled for July 19-23 Combat Raider, a military exercise involving a variety aircraft is scheduled to begin July 19 in parts of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC), and will conclude July 23, 2021.
114th Fighter Wing 2021 Readiness Exercise The 114th Fighter Wing executed a unique two-week Readiness Exercise (RE) that tested their ability to stand up an Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) sight, test Agile Combat Employment (ACE) skills on short notice, and facilitate Multi-Capable Airmen (MCA) training at Joe Foss Field, S.D. and the
114th Fighter Wing participates in Combat Raider 2021 Combat Raider is an annual large force training exercise designed to train various aircrews in high-end, realistic scenarios supporting a full range of operations. This annual training exercise, first established in 2016, was conducted from July 19 to July 23, 2021 at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South
Combat Raider Large Force Exercise Scheduled for July 19-23 Combat Raider, a military exercise involving a variety aircraft is scheduled to begin July 19 in parts of the Powder River Training Complex (PRTC), and will conclude July 23, 2021.
Mayo Clinic doctor dons uniform, helps 332nd AEW fight Coronavirus during deployment U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Russell Tontz, the oldest of 10 siblings, finds his way to the wing through a circuitous route. After graduating from the University of Idaho he joined the Air Force as a family doctor, essentially a military primary care provider with plans to serve for four years and then
Deployed Airman holds rare pedigree One Airman deployed to an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia has an unusual pedigree shared by few if any other service members. Dr. Colin Tobin is a master sergeant deployed from the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing. He holds an unusual doctorate degree in range science with
Airman looks back across four deployments with the 332nd AEW The history of the 332d dates back to World War II where members of the Army Air Corps flew dangerous missions escorting bombers to their targets over war-torn Europe. After the war ended the wing stood down for many years. Today, one deployed Airman remembers his four separate deployments with the
114th Operations Group Commander reaches flying milestone F-16 engines whirr on the flightline as pilots land and park after the morning training sortie on Aug. 14. For one pilot, this flight means reaching a big milestone.Col. Cory Kestel, 114th Operations Group commander, lands at Joe Foss Field, S.D. after achieving 3,000 flying hours in the F-16
114 FW utilizes virtual training The 114th Fighter Wing continues training with the help of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several squadrons started implementing virtual Unit Training Assemblies this month in order to protect the health and safety of Airmen. This new way of training will also allow the 114th Fighter Wing
Lobo Leadership Course Throughout the next year, approximately 50 members of the South Dakota Air National Guard will participate in the inaugural Lobo Leadership Course held at Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
114th Fighter Wing welcomes new commander Col. Mark R. Morrell, 114th Fighter Wing incoming commander, assumed command of the 114th Fighter Wing from Col. Nathan B. Alholinna, at Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota on September 7, 2019. Morrell is the 12th Commander of the 114th Fighter Wing which began in 1946.Brig. Gen. Russ A.
Combat Readiness Creates Camaraderie Approximately 35 Security Forces personnel from the 114th Security Forces Squadrondeployed in support of the 114th Fighter Wing’s Lobo Plummet, held in southern California.The Defenders conducted flightline security for the F-16 Fighting Falcons at Marine Corps AirStation (MCAS) Miramar while also
114th Fighter Wing Conducts Lobo Plummet 2019 The 114th Fighter Wing deployed 180 Airmen, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and associated equipment to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California for Operation Lobo Plummet. Pilots from the 114th Fighter Wing conducted force integration with Marine F-35s and F-18s, as well as Air Force F-15s while
114TH FW hosts professional fitness trainer The 114th Fighter Wing Top 3 organization invited Cuong Nguyen, owner of Cuong Strong Personal Training and Fitness, to speak with members of the wing about the annual physical training test and overall health and fitness. The Top 3 is made up of senior noncommissioned officers, whose goal is to
New Commander leads 114th Operations Group The 114th Operations Group has a new commander leading them. Col. Cory Kestel took command of the 114th Operations Group from Col. Mark Morrell who assumed the 114th Fighter Wing vice commander position during a Change of Command Ceremony at Joe Foss Field, S.D. March 2, 2019.Kestel has been in the
Assistant Adjutant General becomes dual-hatted Brig. Gen. Russ Walz, South Dakota's Assistant Adjutant General for Air, has been selected as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Director, Air and Cyberspace Operations, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.According to PACAF’s website, PACAF is one of nine
From South Dakota To Around The World The 114th Fighter Wing is a small unit, but their efforts span the globe. Airmen of the South Dakota Air National Guard travelled around the world accomplishing missions set before them. Within a 12-month period, the 114th Fighter Wing deployed as part of an Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) package,
SOUTH DAKOTA AIR NATIONAL GUARD RECOGNIZES EXCELLENCE WITHIN UNIT The South Dakota Air National Guard announced its Outstanding Airmen of the Year during an annual awards ceremony Jan. 6, 2019 at Joe Foss Field, S.D. Airman 1st Class Charlotte Ekeren, 114th Maintenance Squadron munitions specialist, was recognized as the SDANG Outstanding Airman of the Year. “A1C
South Dakota Congressional Delegation Welcomes Home 114th Fighter Wing The South Dakota Air National Guard held a welcome home ceremony at the Ramkota Inn Exhibit Hall, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019. The ceremony was held to recognize Airmen of the 114th Fighter Wing who deployed as part of the state’s largest air and space expeditionary force (AEF) mission. Three hundred
114th Fighter Wing Selects New Vice Commander Leadership changes happened at the 114th Fighter Wing this month. The Airmen of the South Dakota Air National Guard now have a new vice commander.Col. Mark Morrell, former 114th Operations Group commander, assumed the role of 114th Vice Commander Feb. 1st, 2019, replacing Col. Quenten Esser, former
114th helps Feeding South Dakota The 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Weapons Element is giving back to the hungry in South Dakota this month after collecting canned goods in their shop during January Guard Drill and holding a fundraising taco feed in December.
Career Day sparks passions No matter what your passion is, there is a good chance you’ll find it here at the South Dakota Air National Guard (SDANG). Recruiters hosted a career day event for potential new recruits and their families at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Nov. 2, 2018.
1 in 6 Training Members of several DoD organizations, including members of the 114th Fighter Wing, joined together at Joe Foss Field, S.D. July 13. In their role as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response victim advocates to receive training presented by Mr. Rick Goodwin, Training Consultant, 1in6 Training
South Dakota State Partnership Program attends Women in the Military Conference Four members of the 114th Fighter Wing travelled to Suriname for the Women in the Military Conference in Paramaribo, SR, May 14-19, 2018. The conference allowed for the exchange of ideas on promoting the importance of women in the U.S. and Suriname militaries.
OJT during UEI Though amidst a Unit Effectiveness Inspection, 114th Fighter Wing crew chiefs continue their routine training. Master Sgt. Scott Meyer oversaw Airman 1st Class Trevor Sik change the tire on an F-16 during Sik’s on-the-job training at Joe Foss Field.
South Dakota National Guard members compete in marksmanship competition 80 members of the South Dakota National Guard tested their marksmanship skills in a competition May 18-20, 2018 at Camp Rapid, S.D.The State Command Sergeant Major’s Outdoor Match was designed to identify the best combat marksmen in the state, with the top 20 percent of shooters earning the
114th Fighter Wing Airman excels in marksmanship A simple invitation from a family member turned into great accomplishments and a strong passion for one Airman of the 114th Fighter Wing.Staff Sgt. Adam Witte, 114th Maintenance Squadron electronic countermeasures technician, enlisted in the South Dakota Air National Guard in August 2006. His uncle,
Spring motorcycle safety practiced The 114th Fighter Wing Safety Office recently held their annual motorcycle training and mentorship ride for members of the unit at Joe Foss Field, S.D.Members of the South Dakota Air National Guard who own and ride a motorcycle on base are required to take the annual refresher training. In addition,
Victim Advocates host guest speaker The 114th Fighter Wing Victim Advocates hosted Francesca “Checka” Leinwall, Northern State University associate vice president for student affairs, to speak about the Title IX program on May 5, 2018, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Night Flying Career Day A Success The 114th Fighter Wing hosted a Night Flying Career Day at Joe Foss Field, S.D. on April 17, 2018.Career Day allows high school students, parents, and potential recruits to learn about the different career fields Airmen of the 114th Fighter Wing perform on a daily basis.
S.D. National Guard celebrates the Month of the Military Child The South Dakota National Guard Child and Youth Program held a Princess and Super Hero Day Camp April 7, 2018, at the National Guard Armory, Sioux Falls, S.D. The event is part of celebrations for the Month of the Military Child.The Month of the Military Child is celebrated annually in April to
114th Fighter Wing welcomes home Airmen A welcome home ceremony was held at Joe Foss Field March 4, 2018 to recognize the Airmen of the 114th Fighter Wing who deployed as part of a Reserve Component Period (RCP) deployment over the past 10 months.
Grenades detonated as part of Security Forces training 114th Security Forces Squadron members performed explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) and grenade recertification training at a range near Joe Foss Field, S.D. Feb. 3, 2018. Members from the 119th Civil Engineer Squadron from Fargo, N.D. led the training.EOD and grenade recertification and training is
Digital eyepiece increases capabilities of F-16 pilots Pilots with the 114th Fighter Wing tested out a new digital eyepiece (DEP) add-on system during a recent deployment Jan. 4-19. The device transforms their existing helmet-mounted displays (HMD) and night-vision goggles (NVG) into “smart helmets”, effective in night flying.
Lobo Summit prepares 114th FW for future AEF deployment The 114th Fighter Wing deployed more than 90 Airmen and nine F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft for Lobo Summit 2018 training deployment to March Air Reserve Base in Riverside, CA, Jan. 4-19.Lobo Summit was a temporary duty assignment preparing the 114th FW for the unit’s future Air Expeditionary Forces
114th Medical Group works alongside Army medical personnel 114th Medical Group Airmen deployed to Hawaii to work alongside active duty Army medical personnel at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) and Schofield Barracks Health Clinic, Honolulu, HI from Jan. 6 - 21. The mission there is the care of military members and their families stationed in Hawaii.
114th Medical Group Airmen Train at Tripler Medical Simulation Center 114th Medical Group Airmen took a break from the cold of South Dakota and utilized the Tripler Medical Simulation Center, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI, Jan. 12 to improve training. The TMSC center provides a place for nurses, medics, doctors, and other medical professionals to hone and
Hot Pit Refueling The 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 114th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel operators performed multiple hot refueling training Dec. 2, 2017. Hot refueling is commonly known as hot pit.
114th Maintenance Group instrumental in achieving 4000 flying hours The 114th Fighter Wing reached 4000 flying hours for the 2017 fiscal year on Sept. 29, 2017. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the Airmen of the 114th Maintenance Group for keeping up with scheduled maintenance and unforeseen issues to ensure the 114th Fighter Wing’s F-16s
114th Fighter Wing conducts readiness exercise The 114th Fighter Wing held an Attack Response Exercise (ARE) from Oct. 7-15, 2017, at Joe Foss Field, S.D. The exercise is part of the South Dakota Air National Guard’s regular training to ensure Airmen have the skills necessary to perform homeland defense and support overseas operations.
Runway construction prompts arresting system upgrade 114th Civil Engineer Squadron’s power production craftsmen certify newly installed BAK-14M hook cable support system Oct. 17, 2017, Joe Foss Field, S.D.The Air Force is phasing out the original BAK-14 and replacing it with the new BAK-14M.
114th FW puts bombs on target Nearly 200 Airmen from the 114th Fighter Wing participated in a live drop bombing exercise at Volk Field Air National Guard Base, WI, Aug 9-16.
114th FW welcomes new Wing Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Zona Hornstra assumed the duties and responsibilities as the Command Chief of the 114th Fighter Wing from retired Chief Master Sgt. Michael Clauson at a ceremony held here, Aug. 5, 2017.
114th Fighter Wing says good bye to a familiar face Many faces come and go at the 114th Fighter Wing, but there is one face that has remained constant for years, and that is Sherri Oster. While she is the store manager of the Base Exchange, she is also much more than that; she is part of our family.
Astronaut visits Wing U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Hopkins, NASA Astronaut, gave a presentation about NASA’s goals for Mars and his experience on the International Space Station to a full auditorium here, Aug. 4, 2017. Hopkins focused on the effects of space travel on the human body and mind, along with other problems
Keeping the Fighters in the Fight Article detailing the phase inspection process required on the aircraft after every 400 flight hours.
Rising 6 continues to volunteer in the community The 114th Fighter Wing Rising 6 organization participated in the Paint the Town event on June 10, 2017, Sioux Falls, S.D. The Rising 6 selected to work with Paint the Town because it was an opportunity to work with a another organization to help people in need. The Rising 6 is made up of Airmen
114th FW exchanges personnel with the Royal Air Force Through the Military Reserve Exchange Program (MREP), the 114th Fighter Wing hosted Royal Air Force (RAF) Reservist Flt. Lt. Andy Wolfe, 607 Squadron (County of Durham), logistics flight commander, here, May 30-June 11.
Maintaining first line of defense for fighter pilots It is the job of a small group of Airmen in the electronic countermeasures(ECM) shop to maintain electronic warfare pods. These pods are the first line of defense for the 114th Fighter Wing pilots while protecting foreign and domestic airspace.
114th Fighter Wing participates in Exercise Northern Lightning Members of the 114th Fighter Wing participated in Exercise Northern Lightning at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin, May 1-12, 2017.What started as an annual exercise with viper aircraft from around the Midwest, has grown into an air combat exercise involving
First Female 114th Security Forces Airmen Completes Combat Leadership School Staff Sgt. Makayla McConnell, 114th Security Forces Squadron security response team member, is the first female from the 114th Security Forces Squadron to attend and complete the Combat Leadership School at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, Camp Bullis, San Antonio, Texas.
114th Medical Group Hone Skills on Advanced Mannequins Medics with the 114th Medical Group had the unique opportunity to hone their skills on lifelike mannequins. The lifelike mannequins and simulated trauma room were brought out to Joe Foss Field by Simulation in Motion South Dakota (SIMSD) truck from Avera Health.
First Night Flying Career Day A Success The 114th Fighter Wing recruiters hosted a night flying career day April 13, 2017, Joe Foss Field, S.D. This is the first night flying career day held at the 114th Fighter Wing.Career day allows students, parents, and others who are interested in the South Dakota Air National Guard to see and learn
DSU allows 114th FW member to graduate early Staff Sgt. Zachary M. Hakinson, 114th Communications Flight information technology specialist has worked many years to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Operations, but due to a recent activation to serve his country overseas, Hakinson was going to miss that one day he had worked so
114th Fighter Wing Airmen participate in joint training Approximately 140 Airmen returned last week from a joint training exercise at Naval Air Station Key West, FL. The purpose of this deployment was to train alongside the U.S. Navy and Canadian Air Force.
114th Fighter Wing Top 3 hold first meeting 114th Fighter Wing senior enlisted members held their inaugural enlisted Top 3 meeting at Joe Foss Field, March 5, 2017.
114th Fighter Wing hosts tour for Suriname visitors SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The South Dakota National Guard is partnered with the country of Suriname for a State Partnership Program. Female Officers of the Suriname Army visited with members of the South Dakota Air National Guard as part of a Women in Leadership Subject Matter Exchange program March 3,
New tactics helps Recruiting Recent changes to recruiting policies, added and improved incentives, as well as new recruiting efforts are helping the 114th Fighter Wing Recruiting team attract more recruits to join the South Dakota Air National Guard.
Yellow Ribbon events utilize deployment resources SIOUX FALLS, S.D.— As a part of preparations for upcoming unit deployments, more than 120 members from the 114th Fighter Wing attended Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events at the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., Feb. 4. The YRRP is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the
Airman has important role in deployments SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The 114th Fighter Wing is currently preparing to send Airmen on a Reserve Component Period (RCP) deployment. These upcoming deployments have kept support personnel busy the past few months ensuring that these Airmen are ready to deploy. The RCP is a vulnerability period where Air
114th Fighter Wing awarded 2015 Maj. Gen. John J. Pesch Flight Safety Trophy and the Distinguished Flying Unit Plaque