162nd Fighter Wing News

162nd Wing Airmen strengthen combat capability, lethality, and precision at annual weapons load competition

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Sat, 23 May 2026 19:11:37 GMT

The event challenged crews through written examinations and timed loading scenarios designed to evaluate technical expertise, procedural compliance, communication, and execution under pressure. Competitors were tested on weapons loading procedures, munition specifications, emergency actions, and safety protocols, while evaluators assessed each team’s accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to established standards.

162nd Wing Aircrew Flight Equipment earns dual MAJCOM awards for sustaining combat readiness

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:07:05 GMT

Earning these dual honors highlights the flight's critical role in advancing Air National Guard objectives by maintaining a lethal, modernized and fully combat-ready force. From equipping domestic fighter squadrons to enabling international training, the accomplishments demonstrate that the 162nd AFE flight is always ready, always there to support mission objectives.

Off-duty 162nd Wing medic recognized for actions at crash scene

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Wed, 13 May 2026 23:49:00 GMT

Senior Airman Nicolle Coy, assigned to the 162nd Medical Group, encountered a crash where a civilian had sustained critical injuries after being ejected from a vehicle. Demonstrating the adaptability and readiness of a mission-ready Airman, Coy immediately stepped in to render aid and perform care before emergency responders arrived.

214th Attack Group MQ-9 Lands at Davis-Monthan in Historic Flight, Paving Way For Agile Combat Training

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 21:54:34 GMT

The flight from the aircraft’s main operating base at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., validated new flight procedures between the two southern Arizona locations. This creates a framework for future operations and provides the 214th, a geographically separated unit of the 162nd Wing, a local option to refine its tactics and techniques in a simulated expeditionary environment.

162nd WING FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT FAA-REQUIRED EMERGENCY EXERCISE AT TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:26:05 GMT

The exercise, required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration, ensures the airport remains prepared to respond to aircraft emergencies. The training included a simulated aircraft incident designed to test the coordinated response of airport personnel and first responders. Volunteer role players participated to help replicate real-world conditions.

19th Air Force immersion highlights Morris Air National Guard Base’s aviator production prowess

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:44:00 GMT

A key aspect of the visit was observing the 162nd Wing's impact on producing the next generation of aviators for America and its Allies. As the Air National Guard's premier F-16 training unit, the 162nd plays a critical role in supporting global airpower. The immersion allowed 19th Air Force leadership to witness the innovative training methods and dedicated professionals that make this possible, setting new benchmarks in aviation training.

214th Attack Group Forges New Path, Elevates Joint Readiness during Red Flag Alaska 25-2

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:42:00 GMT

Red Flag Alaska 25-2 was specifically designed to improve interoperability through combat scenarios, providing high end training for expeditionary operations in contested, degraded, and operationally limited environments. The 214th ATKG’s participation marked a significant step in validating their ability to integrate unique RPA support into multi-national exercises, proving the value of integrated airpower in the Indo-Pacific region.

162nd Medical Group Facilities Annual Training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson: Enhancing Readiness to Support Domestic and Global Operations

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:59:00 GMT

MFAT is a National Guard unit-funded program that delivers mutual benefits for both the host and supporting units. It enables National Guard personnel to integrate with active-duty teams, backfilling critical roles, and simultaneously allowing Guard members to gain exposure to higher volume, real world medical operations not typically available at home station. This collaborative effort strengthens total force medical capabilities, enhances operational readiness, and fosters a shared understanding of procedures across components.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: 162nd Wing hosts Active Shooter and Mass Accident Response Exercises with community partners

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:31:51 GMT

The exercises tested interagency coordination in responding to active shooter and mass accident response scenarios, reinforcing the commitment to defending the homeland and supporting state and federal missions. The two scenarios were a simulated active shooter incident in one of the hangars and a simulated aircraft incident on the runway involving multiple casualties. The exercises involved security forces, medical personnel, firefighters, and emergency management from participating agencies.

Weapons Load Competition: Skill and Precision of the 162nd Wing Aircraft Armament Systems Airmen

Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Beltran — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:15:00 GMT

The event showcased the technical skill, precision and teamwork of the members assigned to the AMUs as they competed for the title of Load Crew of the Year. Crews loaded the BDU-50, a 500-pound training munition that simulates live ordnance, demonstrating the thorough skillset required of mission-ready Airmen.

Mission Ready for National Support: 162nd Fatality Search and Recovery Team wraps up training at Nellis Air Force Base

Pentagon News — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 19:40:00 GMT

Members from the 162nd FSRT participated in the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event. The 162nd FSRT honed their specialized skills critical to domestic mission readiness, reinforcing their ability to operate in high-risk environments. These exercises ensure 162nd FSRT Airmen are prepared to execute complex, large-scale operations, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively when called upon.

162nd Wing SFS Defenders return home from deployment

Senior Airman Guadalupe Beltran — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 09:19:00 GMT

Airmen from the 162nd Wing Security Forces Squadron returned home after a deployment, Sunday, Oct. 13. The Defenders deployed to the Middle East supporting combat power of joint and coalition forces in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Air Force announces extension to the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Regional Special Use Airspace Optimization

Senior Airman Guadalupe Beltran — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The public comment period has been extended to November 12, 2024, to allow additional time for the interested public to review the Draft EIS and submit comments. No changes have been made to the Draft EIS or supporting materials, all of which are available on the project website: www.ArizonaRegionalAirspaceEIS.com. Paper copies of the Draft EIS are available for review in several local libraries (see website for list). Comments submitted during the initial public comment period from August 9 – October 9, 2024, are currently being reviewed and do not need to be resubmitted.

New leader takes helm at Morris Air National Guard Base as former retires

162nd Wing Public Affairs — Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:48:00 GMT

Members and guests of the Morris Air National Guard base bid farewell to one leader to welcome another during a dual change of command retirement ceremony here Sept. 10.

Month of the military child: A 162nd Wing family legacy

Technical Sgt. Caleb Keck — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Today, Airman 1st Class Anali Romo serves as an admin on the command support staff at the 162nd Wing. As a child of a military member, her father served as her inspiration to join the Arizona Air National Guard.

Recruiting Spotlight: Technical Sgt. Matt Bahosh

Staff Sgt. Van C. Whatcott — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:18:00 GMT

Recruiters are expected to be the embodiment of their organization's values to prospective recruits. Technical Sgt. Matt Bahosh, an Air National Guard recruiter for the 162nd Wing in Tucson, Arizona, does just that, but with particular focus on one of the Air Force's Core Values – "Service Before Self."

Tucson Guard gears up for Super Bowl Sunday with media day, flight

Maj. Angela Walz — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 15:51:43 GMT

The 162nd Wing welcomed national-level media and Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) representatives this week for a media day and flight to highlight air defense security efforts that will be in place over State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

Tucson Police Department Chief of Police takes flight at Morris Air National Guard Base

Maj. Angela Walz — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:56:17 GMT

Chad Kasmar, Tucson Police Department (TPD) Chief of Police since late 2021 visited the Morris Air National Guard Base this week to learn more about the Arizona Air National Guard mission and to get a bird’s eye view of the city in which his officers patrol from the back of an F-16.

Recruiting Spotlight: Staff Sgt. Judith Lopez

Tech. Sgt. George Keck — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:48:48 GMT

Recruiters are invaluable to the United States Air Force. They provide materials and information concerning service, basic training, technical schooling and career opportunities to people who are interested in becoming a member. For Staff Sgt. Judith Lopez, a 162nd Wing production recruiter, her friends played that role in her own life.

Multi-party land deal nearly doubles footprint of Morris Air National Guard Base

Maj. Angela Walz — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:30:00 GMT

Military leaders from the Morris Air National Guard (ANG) Base in Tucson, Ariz., finalized a long-awaited deal with Pima County this month that will allow the base to nearly double in acreage, expanding its footprint.