The Hawai‘i Air National Guard (HIANG) is set to host the Sentry Aloha fighter exercise from January 29 to February 12. Residents of O‘ahu, especially those along the southern coast, might notice an increase in military aircraft activity during this period at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The public should be aware of potential increased noise and possible short flight delays.
Sentry Aloha is a series of exercises organized by HIANG’s 154th Wing, aimed at providing cost-effective and realistic combat training for Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and other Department of Defense services. These exercises equip U.S. warfighters with essential skills for homeland defense and overseas missions.
For over two decades, HIANG has conducted Sentry Aloha exercises. The current exercise, Sentry Aloha 25-1, will involve around 800 personnel and more than 28 aircraft from four states. Participating units include F-35C Lightning II’s from California and KC-135 Stratotankers from Washington and Mississippi. These visiting aircraft will engage in simulated combat exercises alongside the Hickam-based “Hawaiian Raptors” from the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons.
The 199th Fighter Squadron belongs to the 154th Wing, which is the largest wing within the Air National Guard. The Hawai‘i Air National Guard consists of nearly 2,500 personnel who are trained for active duty Air Force operational missions.
