Shaw AFB F-16 squadron to train with Vermont Air National Guard F-35s

June 22 (UPI) -- Shaw Air Force Base's F-16's will test their counter-air operations with Vermont Air National Guard's F-35s in an exercise that starts this week.

Training will begin Wednesday, when a small contingent of Shaw AFB's 20th Fighter Wing's 55th Fighter Squadron arrives at the Vermont Air National Guard base, with six F-16s and a C-130 Hercules, the159th Fighter Wing of the Vermont Air National Guard said in a statement.

The goal of the training, which runs from Wednesday through June 30, with flying missions, is to test the squadron's Agile Combat Employment capabilities "with the opportunity to work out of a deployed, simulated remote location with minimal personnel," according to the statement.

During the training, the F-16 Fight Falcons from Shaw AFB in South Carolina will fly integrated Offensive Counter Air Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses operations in Vermont with F-35A Lightning II aircraft from the Vermont Air National Guard's 134th Fighter Squadron.

"The 134th Fighter Squadron is looking forward to training with our wild weasel teammates from Shaw Air Force Base," 134th Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. John MacRae said in the statement.

"They bring years of SEAD experience and knowledge that will benefit the Green Mountain Boys as we prepare for more advanced 5th generation OCA training near the end of our F-35 conversion," MacRae said.