The 115th Fighter Wing is will be heard overhead throughout the state beginning Aug. 5. (Courtesy Air National Guard)

Volk Field to host Northern Lightning Exercise

Metro Wire Staff

WISCONSIN — Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center will host the annual Northern Lightning Counterland exercise from Aug. 5-16, bringing together approximately 1,100 personnel from 19 Air Force, National Guard, and Marine Corps units.

The exercise, featuring advanced aircraft such as the F-35A, F-35C, and various F-16 configurations, will replicate modern air battle spaces.

Lt. Col. Michael Cady, exercise director, emphasized the focus on advanced combat readiness, especially in a contested environment akin to the Pacific theater, addressing the Department of Defense’s pacing threat, China.

The public can expect increased aircraft activity in the Camp Douglas area and surrounding counties, including Portage, Juneau, and Wood, during the exercise period.