SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — If you hear the roar of jet fighters in the sky over Sioux Falls Thursday through Sunday, it’s because the South Dakota Air National Guard is conducting a readiness exercise.
The 114th Fighter Wing will be flying their F-16 Fighting Falcons over the area. The Guard says residents may also hear simulated combat sounds.
A squadron of U.S. Marine Corps jump jets–AV-8B Harriers–will also participate in the exercise. The British Navy made the Harriers famous in the Falklands War in the 1980s.
Below is the news release from the S.D. Air National Guard.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota Air National Guard will conduct a Readiness Exercise Oct. 3-6, 2019 at Joe Foss Field. Readiness Exercises are necessary to test and continuously advance the Air Force’s overall mission readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy. Local residents may notice an increased amount of aerial activity as well as simulated combat sounds from early in the mornings to late in the evenings.
The Readiness Exercise will realistically evaluate the 114th Fighter Wing’s ability to accomplish their federal mission: To deploy worldwide and execute directed tactical fighter sorties, to destroy enemy forces, supplies, equipment, communications systems, and installations with conventional weapons.
The exercise will challenge Airmen to conduct their mission under stressful conditions. In addition to performing their primary technical functions, Airmen will practice skills necessary to operate in an overseas contingency environment, such as combat first aid as well as chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense survival training.
Marines from Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing will also be participating in the Readiness Exercise. The exercise will provide valuable training for both the 114th Fighter Wing as well as the AV-8B Harrier squadron by replicating the challenges of combat while improving joint capabilities.
