SOUTHERN, Ohio — Prepare for a bit of a rumble in the skies come Monday night. The 180th Fighter Wing (180FW) has some crucial air defense training lined up over Southwest Ohio, and it’s set to be quite the spectacle. Between 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 18, residents, especially those in and around Dayton, might catch a glimpse—and quite possibly an earful—of fighter jets zooming closely past a Civil Air Patrol aircraft.
And speaking of that rumble? If conditions are right, there’s a chance for some sonic booms. These booms aren’t cause for alarm; they’re just the sound of our skilled pilots pushing the envelope, literally breaking the sound barrier!
Now, this Civil Air Patrol aircraft will be playing the role of what the pros call a Track of Interest (TOI). That’s essentially an aircraft that’s been tagged as a potential threat for the purpose of the drill. It’s all part of the process to refine and evaluate the region’s air defense response and coordination procedures.
Quick weather note: While the exercise is slated for Monday evening, Mother Nature might have other plans. Inclement weather could potentially shift, delay, or even cancel these flights.
And for those who love a bit of night action, the 180FW is doubling down with nighttime training from Mon., Sept. 18 through Thurs., Sept. 21. So, if you find yourself spotting F-16s against the backdrop of the night sky, perhaps even accompanied by the flare of, well, flares, don’t be too surprised. Though daytime training is more common, these nighttime ops are crucial for keeping our pilots and their maintenance teams razor-sharp and ready for anything.