SWANTON, Ohio — As tensions with Iran continue to escalate overseas, the Ohio Air National Guard is bringing its training closer to home.
The 180th Fighter Wing, based in Swanton, will conduct an air defense exercise over Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan today, Monday, April 13, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Residents in and around the Sandusky, Ohio, and Coldwater, Michigan areas may see or hear fighter jets operating in close proximity to a Civil Air Patrol aircraft during the exercise. That aircraft will be playing the role of a Track of Interest — military terminology for an aircraft identified as a potential threat.
The drill is designed to evaluate the wing’s response and coordination procedures in an air defense scenario.
Officials note that exercise flights could be relocated, delayed, or cancelled due to inclement weather.
The exercise comes as U.S. military branches across the country have ramped up readiness training amid ongoing conflict with Iran and a naval blockade now in effect at the Strait of Hormuz.