SWANTON, Ohio — Residents across southern Ohio may want to keep an eye on the sky Monday night.
The Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing is scheduled to conduct an air defense exercise over the southern Ohio area Monday, April 6, between 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. as part of a broader week of nighttime training flights running through Thursday, April 9.
Those living in and around the Hillsboro area could see or hear F-16 fighter jets flying in close proximity to a Civil Air Patrol aircraft, which will serve as a “Track of Interest” — military terminology for an aircraft simulating a potential aerial threat. The exercise is designed to evaluate the wing’s response and coordination procedures under realistic conditions.
Flares may also be used during training operations, the Guard said.
The exercise could be relocated, delayed or cancelled if weather conditions deteriorate.
The 180th Fighter Wing is based at the Toledo Express Airport in Swanton and is one of Ohio’s two Air National Guard fighter units. The wing flies the F-16 Fighting Falcon.