177th Fighter Wing Resumes Night Flight Training in EHT

The New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing will conduct night-flying exercises in February and March to maintain mission readiness.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

The New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, which operates F-16C Fighting Falcon jets, has announced plans to conduct night-flying training sessions in February and March 2026 at Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township. The training, which typically runs from dusk until 11 PM, is designed to help prepare pilots for nighttime combat operations and air defense missions.

Why it matters

While the sound of low-flying fighter jets at night can be unsettling for some residents, the 177th Fighter Wing's night training exercises are an essential part of maintaining the unit's combat readiness and ability to defend the homeland. The training helps pilots hone their skills in dark conditions, which is crucial for effective air operations.

The details

The 177th Fighter Wing will be conducting the night-flying training on February 26-27 and March 3-5, 2026. The sessions are held from dusk until 11 PM and involve the unit's F-16C Fighting Falcon jets. The training is designed to help prepare the 177th's Airmen and aircraft for homeland defense and worldwide deployment in support of U.S. Air Force objectives.

  • The 177th Fighter Wing will conduct night-flying training on February 26-27, 2026.
  • The 177th Fighter Wing will conduct night-flying training on March 3-5, 2026.

The players

177th Fighter Wing

The New Jersey Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, which is based at Atlantic City International Airport and operates F-16C Fighting Falcon jets.

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The takeaway

While the sound of low-flying fighter jets at night may be disruptive for some residents, the 177th Fighter Wing's night training exercises are a necessary part of maintaining the unit's combat readiness and ability to defend the homeland. The training helps pilots hone their skills in dark conditions, which is crucial for effective air operations.