SWANTON, Ohio — The Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing will conduct nighttime training flights and an air defense exercise across northwest and southern Ohio this week, potentially producing visible and audible F-16 activity for area residents.
The 180th Fighter Wing, based in Swanton, is scheduled to perform night flying from Monday, Jan. 26, through Thursday, Jan. 29, weather permitting. Flights are expected to continue until about 8 p.m., and residents in the region may see or hear fighter jets, including the use of flares, taking off and landing.
While training flights typically occur during daylight hours, pilots and maintenance personnel are required to conduct night operations as part of overall readiness training. The wing expressed appreciation for the continued support of Ohio and Michigan residents during these exercises.
On Monday, Jan. 26, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., the 180th Fighter Wing will also conduct an air defense exercise over southern Ohio. Residents near Hillsboro and Chillicothe may notice fighter jets operating near a Civil Air Patrol aircraft simulating a “Track of Interest,” an aircraft identified as a potential threat. The exercise is designed to evaluate response and coordination procedures.
Officials said the flights could be relocated, delayed, or canceled in the event of inclement weather.