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Vipers soar under the sky

An F-16 Viper assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron taxis down the runway during night flying operations at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2019. Night flying is required for pilots to sharpen their combat skills while maintainers work around the clock to prepare jets for flight, inspect them after landing and get them ready for the next day’s flights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer)

Viper soar under the stars

U.S. Air Force Capt. William Garleisy, 77th Fighter Squadron pilot, prepares to taxi an F-16 Viper during night flying operations at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sept.11, 2019. Night flying is an exercise for pilots and maintainers to maintain their skills during different weather and visibility conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer)

Vipers soar under the sky

A pilot assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron prepares to taxi down the runway for night flying operations at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, Sept. 11, 2019. Maintainers work around the clock to ensure the jets are ready to launch aircraft at all hours of the day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer)

Vipers soar under the stars

Published Sept. 17, 2019
By Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 55th, 77th and 79th Fighter Squadrons conducted a week-long night flying exercise, September 8-13, 2019.

The exercise provided pilots and maintainers the opportunity to practice night flying readiness with the F-16 Vipers.

“This week serves the purpose of ensuring pilots maintain their night flying skills, in the event they have a mission to accomplish during the dark hours of night,” said Airman Michael Mislinay, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit tactical aircraft maintainer. “This week also gave the daytime maintainers a chance to work with the pilots at night, so we stay mission ready.”

Misinlay stated this exercise occurs twice annually, providing the opportunity to brush up on skills during different weather conditions and visibility.

“Our pilots have exercises they practice on what their mission may dictate; maneuvers in the air, target practice and things of that nature because it is imperative our pilots maintain the ability to respond to contingencies around the globe,” said Airman 1st Class Andrew Brauner, 20th AMXS, 77th AMU avionics technician. “Our pilots are always ready to fly and win for our nation, and these exercises are the way we train for operations in all conditions.”

Local residents in the Sumter, South Carolina, area may notice increased activity during the evening hours as pilots continue to sharpen their night-time combat flying skills.

Most night flying is scheduled to be complete by 10 p.m. For more information please call the Base Defense Operations Center at 803-895-1399.