SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 – The 115th Fighter Wing will forward-deploy two F-35 Lightning II aircraft to Northeast Wisconsin this weekend as part of a training and recruiting event that includes flyovers of both the University of Wisconsin Badgers’ and Green Bay Packers’ football games.
The Badger Rumble event will take place at Austin Straubel International Airport September 14-16 and provide opportunities for the public to see Airmen as they launch and recover aircraft in a training scenario while learning about career opportunities within the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
“People might be surprised to learn that we have the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world based right here in Wisconsin,” said Col. Bart Van Roo, the 115th Fighter Wing commander. “We’re excited to showcase our mission and capabilities by giving the community an opportunity to watch our Airmen do their critical jobs in a real-world training environment.”
The threat landscape has changed in the last few years and this exercise helps Airmen train for situations they may face by bringing aircraft to a location with a reduced support structure where they can work collaboratively inside and outside their specific job specialties to get the mission done.
“We can’t do the mission without the Airmen,” said Master Sgt. Cody Black, the 115th Fighter Wing’s recruiting flight chief. “And part of this event is about providing people in Northeast Wisconsin an opportunity to learn more about the many benefits of a part-time career with the Wisconsin Air National Guard.”
Those interested in watching the Madison based F-35s takeoff and land during the event can go to www.facebook.com/115FW for more details.
As part of the Wisconsin National Guard, the 115th Fighter Wing’s mission is to support the president of the United States and governor of Wisconsin with a premier fighting force, that provides superior and reliable personnel, equipment and facilities to carry out community, state and federal missions.
Story by Capt. Roger Roth
115th Fighter Wing