Welcoming the F35 to Vt 2019-10-19

On Saturday, October 19, 2019, members of the Vermont Air National Guard were joined by Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, Governor Phil Scott and other distinguished leaders and guests for a formal ceremony commemorating the arrival of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft to Vermont onto the 158th Fighter Wing. The 158th Fighter Wing is the first Air National Guard unit to receive the U.S. Air Force's fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 Lightning II. The Vermont Air National Guard, federally recognized in August of 1946 with the 134th Fighter Squadron, remains a premier fighter wing ready to serve the citizens of the state of Vermont and nation when called upon. The F-35 Lightning II marks the ninth mission aircraft the Green Mountain Boys will receive, maintain and fly. This arrival is a significant milestone in the Green Mountain Boys' history and in the future of our Air National Guard and Air Force missions for decades to come. Governor Phil Scott, Vermont State Governor Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, Vermont National Guard Adjutant General Col. David Smith, 158th Fighter Wing Commander Mr. Greg Ulmer, Vice President and General Manager for F-35 Program, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company