First Badger Air Militia F-35As delivered

On 25 April 2023, the first F-35A Lightning IIs for the 176th Fighter Squadron / WI ANG, part of the 115th Fighter Wing, arrived at Truax Field - near Madison - (WI).

Although the photo suggest that four aircraft were delivered, this is not the case. The fourth one continued to another air base. The 176th will receive eighteen F-35As, the final delivery to the unit is planned for next year.

Serials of the WI coded F-35As that were delivered are: 18-5413, 18-5417 and 20-5629.

The 115th Fighter Wing controls two units, the 176th Fighter Squadron Badgers and the associated active duty 378th Fighter Squadron. In April 2020, Truax Field was selected by the Department of the Air Force as one of the next two Air National Guard F-35A air bases.

Back in October 2022, the last F-16C/D Fighting Falcons of the 115th FW departed Truax ANG Base. During the work up period to the Lightning II a small contingent of F-16s from other units temporarily operated from Truax Field to conduct homeland defense training.

Photo by USAF/ANG Staff Sgt Cameron Lewis