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  • Master Sgt. Andrew Lauck and Staff Sgt. Mikayla Wilson, 114th Fighter Wing crew chiefs, review maintenance checklists prior to daily training during the 2021 Readiness Exercise at Joe Foss Field, Aug. 5.

    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 surrounding area from Aug. 3-13, 2021. “We're looking for a way to build better Airmen each and every day,” said Col. Mark Morrell, 114th Fighter Wing commander. “So the two week Readiness Exercise helps us focus on dynamic environments and problem solving for our Airmen at the very lowest level and also helps to build their foundational skills in basic weapons, basic emergency medicine survivability, as well as a broader category of possessing the ability to survive and operate in all environments.”
  • Tech Sgt. Jed Smeenk, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, goes through post-flight inspections afterthe arrival of 114th Fighter Wing F-16s at Ellsworth AFB, S.D. for exercise Combat Raider

    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 Dakota. As part of its annual training cycle, the 114th Fighter Wing is one of 34 different flying units that participated this year.

  • 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 Dr. Deploys

    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 transition to private practice in rural Idaho.
  • Dr. Colin Tobin

    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 a focus on animal husbandry, something he says stems from growing up “on a cattle ranch in central South Dakota.”
  • Iraqi Voter

    Airman recounts legacy of 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 wing spanning a nearly 30-year period. Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Vander Woude is currently the superintendent of maintenance at the 332d AEW, having arrived in-theater just weeks ago from the 114th Fighter Wing in Sioux Falls, Sd.
  • Col. Cory Kestel,114th Operations Group commander, prepares a F-16 fighting falcon for launch prior to his 3000 hour flight at Joe Foss Field, S.D., Aug. 14, 2020.

    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 Fighting Falcon.
  • Tech. Sgt. Jared Mengenhausen, 114th Security Forces training manager, looks over the training material for the Security Forces Squadron's first virtual unit training assembly.

    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 to continue to own its missions while enforcing current Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention force health protection measures.
  • Lt. Col. Travis Schuring, South Dakota National Guard Headquarters state director of personnel, spoke to 114th Fighter Wing Airmen during the inaugural Lobo Leadership Course Nov. 3, 2019.

    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.
  • Col. Mark R. Morrell, 114th Fighter Wing incoming commander, salutes Brig. Gen. Russ A. Walz, Assistant Adjutant General for air, South Dakota Air National Guard, during the 114th Fighter Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Joe Foss Field, S.D. Sept. 7, 2019.

    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. Walz, Assistant Adjutant General for air, South Dakota National Guard presided over the ceremony.
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