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‘Lightning’ strikes Savannah during large joint exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kayla Ellis
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Air Force reservists and F-35A Lightning II jets from Hill Air Force Base, Utah have touched down in Savannah, Georgia in support of Sentry Savannah, the Air National Guard’s largest fourth- and fifth-generation fighter aircraft exercise.

The exercise brings together more than 1,300 joint force personnel from 10 units across the country. Annual exercises such as Sentry Savannah ensure Airmen and aircraft are mission-ready and capable of deploying.

This year marks the 419th Fighter Wing’s first time participating in the two-week event. The 419th FW mission is supported by reservists – an all-volunteer, combat-ready force. The exercise offers an opportunity to ensure the nation’s most advanced fighters are ready for global deployment by placing them under simulated real-world stressors.

Hill AFB is home to 78 F-35s. The Reserve 419th FW and active-duty 388th FW fly and maintain the fleet in a Total Force partnership that capitalizes on the strengths of both components. Together, they are the Air Force’s first combat-capable units to fly and deploy the F-35.