Exercise Northern Lighting

[Bergen Papa]

Does anyone know what type of planes are at Northern Lighting this year? Also I’ve heard that there are “no parking” signs on public roads touching the base but I’ve also heard that the signs are removed. Does anyone know if the signs are there?

Thanks!

[RyanS]

From photos posted by the base, I saw:

Langley T-38s
VAQ-209 EA-18G Growlers
Colorado F-16s
Duluth F-16s
Marine F-35Bs

There is also reportedly a Super Hornet unit and possibly F-22s from Langley. Plus the Wisconsin F-16s and KC-135s of course.

Not sure what the status is of roads nearby. Last year some people had success parking a little further away where there were no signs and walking up. A few people (including me) are on the list for media visits at the start of next week.

[IDF783]

More info on this thread:

https://ng.wi.gov/news/21089

Looks like flying is between 9:30 and 4. The public in that and surrounding counties have been warned of sonic booms.

[IDF783]

From photos posted by the base, I saw:

Langley T-38s
VAQ-209 EA-18G Growlers
Colorado F-16s
Duluth F-16s
Marine F-35Bs

There is also reportedly a Super Hornet unit and possibly F-22s from Langley. Plus the Wisconsin F-16s and KC-135s of course.

Not sure what the status is of roads nearby. Last year some people had success parking a little further away where there were no signs and walking up. A few people (including me) are on the list for media visits at the start of next week.

Do you plan to go to this? I was thinking of going with my sons but don't know how frequently the jets will be taking off and at what intervals. Don't want to drive 2.5 hours sit there on some country road without any lively activity. It does say daily flying from 9-4ish, but obviously no set schedule.

[RyanS]

From photos posted by the base, I saw:

Langley T-38s
VAQ-209 EA-18G Growlers
Colorado F-16s
Duluth F-16s
Marine F-35Bs

There is also reportedly a Super Hornet unit and possibly F-22s from Langley. Plus the Wisconsin F-16s and KC-135s of course.

Not sure what the status is of roads nearby. Last year some people had success parking a little further away where there were no signs and walking up. A few people (including me) are on the list for media visits at the start of next week.

Do you plan to go to this? I was thinking of going with my sons but don't know how frequently the jets will be taking off and at what intervals. Don't want to drive 2.5 hours sit there on some country road without any lively activity. It does say daily flying from 9-4ish, but obviously no set schedule.

Undecided so far, but I know a number of people who are going. There is a morning launch and recovery, then an afternoon launch and recovery. Everyone I know who has been there has been happy with the level of activity - if you've got a free day it would probably be a good time! I will try to get Dave to chime in with more info since he has spotted there before.

[IDF783]

Thanks for the feedback! I was planning to take my sons tomorrow or Sunday. If you can find out more precise afternoon launch times or places to view, I'd greatly appreciate it!

[RyanS]

Thanks for the feedback! I was planning to take my sons tomorrow or Sunday. If you can find out more precise afternoon launch times or places to view, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Ohhhh, well sadly they don't fly on weekends as far as I know so you may end up pretty bored after all. Sorry I didn't realize you meant Sat/Sun! Good thing you mentioned that lol

I believe the remaining flying is Mon-Thurs next week

[RFDGuy]

Thanks for the feedback! I was planning to take my sons tomorrow or Sunday. If you can find out more precise afternoon launch times or places to view, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Correct, no flying on the weekends. Good thing you asked.
If you do happen to go on a weekday. Ryan is pretty spot on. Two waves an AM wave (9am takeoff I believe) and an afternoon wave about 1pm I think it was. They're gone for between 1-2 hours give or take.
The take offs are cool, it was non stop takeoffs for 15-20 min which was cool. Then the returns were nice. Usually come back in 2 or 4 ships with overhead breaks to land, again another 20+ minutes of action. So each wave is getting you 45+ minutes of stuff going on. Just with basically nothing while they're off taking care of business. Bring a cooler with some drinks and snacks.

This video from last year was my favorite spot off field. But there's always rumor's of people being told to move, I just never saw it be a problem there.
The on base security would just wave, its the local police I believe we have to worry about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDTqWHr18Bk

[RFDGuy]

The safest place to watch I felt was a church parking lot off the east side of the runway. You cant see the runway because of trees. But they come quite close when on final to land. The road on the west side of the runway we were told to leave by the authorities It was an ok spot but not worth the hassle really.

[IDF783]

Thanks for the heads-up guys! I had a fear it was stand down over the weekend. Seems like some good action takeoff-wise. So once they have departed it's out-of-sight for an hour or so until recovery. You won't really see practice combat-like sorties over the skies of Volk Field and surrounding areas...