Fly By Night – EHT’s 177th Fighter Wing Plans Night Training

Some think the sound of night-training flights from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing can be a little unsettling. After all, you can't miss the sounds of a loud F-16 fighter jet "buzzing our house at night".

But most people in South Jersey understand it's a mild inconvenience for an important purpose and don't seem to mind the sound of the military jets at all, even at night.

177th Night Flight Training in September

The New Jersey Air National Guard has released its plans for nighttime flight training in September, in an attempt to let those in the flight path know in advance what they are hearing.

According to a Facebook post from the 177th Fighter Wing...

Thank you for your continued support of your Jersey Devils.

The 177th Fighter Wing, which includes the F-16C Fighting Falcon, is based at Atlantic City International Airport in Atlantic County. The sessions are usually held from dusk to 11 pm.

Why the Training is at Night

The Air National Guard says the sessions “are designed to help prepare mission-capable, combat-ready Airmen and aircraft for the homeland defense mission and worldwide deployment in support of U.S. Air Force objectives.”

Night flight training is essential for pilots to practice operating in dark conditions, enhancing their ability to conduct air defense and precision strike missions at night, which is crucial for combat effectiveness in various theaters.

There's no need to be alarmed. It's just the sound of freedom.