158th Fighter Wing describes F-35 conversion, rapid NATO tasking and competition success

Mike Laren, introduced by Col. Brent Ziegler as a colleague presenting on Air National Guard activities, described the 158th Fighter Wing’s transition to the F-35 and recent operational milestones.

"It is the most advanced fighter in the world," Laren said of the F-35 and noted Vermont received its first jets in 2019. He described the unit’s rapid operational tempo after conversion: within months of leaving conversion status in 2022, the wing volunteered and deployed personnel to Germany to support NATO’s eastern flank.

Laren also highlighted competition recognition: the wing was the only Air National Guard unit to compete at the William Tell air-to-air competition and claimed top honors among F-35 units and individual awards for crew and maintainers. He told attendees that the Air National Guard in Vermont comprises roughly 1,161 positions, primarily based at the Burlington airport, while Camp Johnson in Colchester hosts the joint staff that supports both air and army components.

Laren closed by outlining the Guard’s personnel classifications (drill-status guardsmen, technicians on Title 32 status, and active guard/reserve AGRs) and reiterating the Guard’s role as neighbors and community members ready to assist state and federal partners.