Intro
Discover the Vermont Air National Guard Base, a pivotal facility in the Green Mountain States defense infrastructure. Learn about its history, mission, and operations, as well as its role in the US Air National Guard. Explore the bases units, aircraft, and community involvement, highlighting its importance in national defense and local economy.
The Vermont Air National Guard Base, located in Burlington, Vermont, is a United States Air National Guard base that plays a vital role in the country's defense and security. As one of the oldest air national guard bases in the country, it has a rich history dating back to 1924. The base is home to the 158th Fighter Wing, which is equipped with the F-35 Lightning II, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
The Vermont Air National Guard Base is situated on 230 acres of land near Burlington International Airport. The base is surrounded by a mix of residential and commercial areas, and its proximity to the airport allows for easy access to the base. The base is also close to the shores of Lake Champlain, which provides a scenic backdrop to the base's operations.
History of the Vermont Air National Guard Base
The Vermont Air National Guard Base has a long and storied history that dates back to 1924. During World War I, the base was used as a training facility for pilots, and it continued to play a role in the war effort during World War II. In the post-war period, the base was used for a variety of purposes, including as a storage facility for aircraft and as a training base for the Vermont Air National Guard.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the base underwent significant modernization efforts, including the construction of new hangars, runways, and other facilities. During the Cold War, the base played a critical role in the country's defense, serving as a base for F-102 Delta Dagger fighter jets. In the 1980s, the base transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which it operated until the introduction of the F-35 Lightning II in 2019.
158th Fighter Wing
The 158th Fighter Wing is the primary unit based at the Vermont Air National Guard Base. The wing is equipped with the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation fighter jet that is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The wing's mission is to provide air defense and combat capabilities in support of national and international operations.
The 158th Fighter Wing is composed of several squadrons, including the 134th Fighter Squadron, which is the operational flying squadron. The wing also includes the 158th Operations Support Squadron, which provides support for the wing's operations, and the 158th Maintenance Squadron, which is responsible for maintaining the wing's aircraft.
Community Involvement
The Vermont Air National Guard Base is committed to being a good neighbor and community partner. The base hosts several community events throughout the year, including an annual air show and an open house. The base also participates in several local charitable initiatives, including food drives and toy collections.
The base also has a strong relationship with local schools, providing educational outreach and support to students. The base's personnel also participate in several local veteran's organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
Economic Impact
The Vermont Air National Guard Base has a significant economic impact on the local community. The base employs over 1,000 personnel, both full-time and part-time, and has an annual payroll of over $50 million. The base also supports several local businesses, including those involved in construction, maintenance, and services.
The base also generates significant revenue for the state through taxes and other fees. In 2020, the base generated over $10 million in state taxes, making it one of the largest taxpayers in the state.
Environmental Impact
The Vermont Air National Guard Base takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. The base has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of solar power and energy-efficient lighting.
The base also has a comprehensive recycling program, which includes the recycling of paper, plastic, and metal. The base also participates in several local environmental initiatives, including the Lake Champlain Basin Program.
Gallery of Vermont Air National Guard Base
Vermont Air National Guard Base Image Gallery
We hope you have enjoyed this in-depth look at the Vermont Air National Guard Base. From its rich history to its current operations, the base plays a vital role in the country's defense and security. Whether you are a military enthusiast or just interested in learning more about the base, we hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the Vermont Air National Guard Base.