180th Fighter Wing to conduct air defense exercise over Ohio on Monday

by News Release December 2, 2024December 2, 2024

U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip McCoy, an F-16 fighter pilot assigned to the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing, climbs into an F-16 Fighting Falcon before a training flight at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Jan. 24, 2023. The 180FW is the only F-16 fighter wing in the state of Ohio, whose mission is to provide for America; protection of the homeland, effective combat power and defense support to civil authorities, while developing Airmen, supporting their families and serving in our community. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Kregg York)

SWANTON, Ohio – Residents in Central and Eastern Ohio, particularly in the Dayton area, may notice fighter jets overhead on Monday, December 2, as the 180th Fighter Wing conducts an air defense exercise. The training exercise is scheduled to run between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

During the exercise, fighter jets will fly in close proximity to a Civil Air Patrol aircraft, which will act as a “Track of Interest” (TOI). A TOI simulates an aircraft identified as a potential threat, providing an opportunity for air defense personnel to practice detection, response, and coordination procedures in real-time.

The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance national defense readiness. While there may be increased air traffic and noise during the exercise, officials stress that it is a planned and controlled operation with no cause for public concern.