Vermont Air National Guard F-35As return from Middle East deployment

Eight F-35A fighter jets from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing arrived at RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom following a multi-month deployment to the Middle East. The aircraft, belonging to the 134th Fighter Squadron, flew from Romania in two groups supported by KC-135 tankers.

The deployment was part of Operation Epic Fury within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 134th Fighter Squadron specializes in suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. This unit's return follows what leadership described as the longest deployment for an Air National Guard fighter wing since the Vietnam War.

While these aircraft are returning to the United States, other U.S. forces are moving into the region, including the deployment of twelve F-16C fighters from the Ohio Air National Guard.