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  • Tech Sgt. Adam Smith, 114th Security Forces Squadron security forces member, takes aim at an adjacent building to provide cover during Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

    Combat Readiness Creates Camaraderie

    Approximately 35 Security Forces personnel from the 114th Security Forces Squadron deployed 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 Air Station (MCAS) Miramar while also taking advantage of several unique training opportunities at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. The expeditionary skills training consisted of annual weapons qualifications, night fire utilizing laser sights, weapon familiarization, land navigation and an emphasis on Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) training.
  • Maj. Ryan Stott, a pilot with the 114th Fighter Wing, exits an F-16C Fighting Falcon during Lobo Plummet at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, March 2019.

    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 training at MCAS Miramar. As a multi-role fighter, the F-16 can perform a variety of mission sets, explained Lt. Col. Jeremey Doohen, Lobo Plummet project officer and F-16 pilot.
  • Master Sergeant Jayme Werning, 114th bio-environmental engineer non-commissioned officer in charge and member of the 114th FW 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.

    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 foster improved communication, collaboration, and engagement within the South Dakota Air National Guard. “This fitness event was an opportunity for the 114th FW to offer an information resource on fitness and nutrition to our members,” said Master Sergeant Jayme Werning, 114th bio-environmental engineer non-commissioned officer in charge and member of the 114th FW Top 3 organization.
  • Lt. 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.

    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 military for over 22 years who recently held the 175th Fighter Squadron commander position before taking on this new role. He also pinned on the rank of colonel immediately after the ceremony.
  • Brig. Gen. Russ Walz poses for his official biography photo.

    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 U.S. Air Force major commands and the air component of U.S. Pacific Command. Their primary mission is to provide ready air and space power to promote U.S. interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. PACAF’s area of responsibility (AOR) is home to 60 percent of the world’s population in 36 nations spread across 53 percent of the Earth’s surface.
  • Chief Master Sgt. Troy Erlandson, 114th Fighter Wing occupational safety manager, holds the South Dakota Air National Guard flag with another Airman during his trip to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, where he worked directly for Joint Force Antarctica to support their research mission.

    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, travelled to support ongoing operations around the world, and provided assistance following a natural disaster.
  • Tech. Sgt. Mathieson Smith, 114th Maintenance Squadron quality assurance inspector, was recognized as the South Dakota Air National Guard Outstanding Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

    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 Ekeren always looks out for her wingman, displayed outstanding follower-ship and leadership skills, and went above and beyond what was needed to accomplish the mission,” said her supervisor, Master Sgt. Nick Blumer, 114th Maintenance Squadron, munitions specialist.
  • Gov. Kristi Noem, 33rd governor of South Dakota, speaks with 114th Fighter Wing Airmen during a Welcome Ceremony in Sioux Falls, S.D., Feb. 3, 2019.

    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 thirty-five Airmen were deployed to Afghanistan, Qatar, and Germany to provide over watch to our coalition and Afghan forces in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO’s Resolute Support Mission.
  • Col. Mark Morrell, former 114th Operations Group commander, assumed the role of 114th Vice Commander Feb. 1st, 2019, replacing Col. Quenten Esser, former 114th Fighter Wing vice commander, who recently retired.

    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 Fighter Wing vice commander, who recently retired.
  • The 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Weapons Element gave back to the hungry in South Dakota by donating canned goods they collected in their shop during the January unit training assembly and the money raised during a taco feed fundraiser in December to Feeding South Dakota.

    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.
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