VOLK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Wis. -- The 58th Fighter Squadron, 33rd Fighter Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, participated in exercise Sentry North from May 30 - June 13, 2025.
Over the course of the exercise, the squadron flew 101 sorties and logged 193 flight hours, resulting in the graduation of six new F-35A Lightning II student pilots.
“The objective of Sentry North is to provide a tactical level, joint training exercise driven by user-defined objectives,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Benjamin Mix, 58th Fighter Squadron instructor pilot. “This results in high-end missionized scenarios and part-task training opportunities not regularly achievable at unit locations.”
For the 58th FS, the exercise served as an opportunity to enhance joint interoperability.
“This exercise has not only amplified our readiness but also strengthened our partnerships with USMC VMFA-225 (F-35B unit) and USAF AFRC 419 FW (F-35A unit) from Hill AFB,” said MSgt. Martin Carey, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Production Superintendent. “It also provided a unique opportunity for our operations and maintenance personnel to work side-by-side in a dynamic, deployed environment. This close proximity fostered improved communication and understanding between the two groups.”
Thanks to the efforts of our maintainers, the 58th was able to maximize both training and mission execution.
“Our maintainer's dedication and expertise are the foundation upon which our operational readiness is built," said Carey. “They are responsible for the comprehensive inspection, repair, and upkeep of our aircraft. They work tirelessly to ensure that every system is functioning, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of our jets for every mission.”
With all of the behind-the-scenes work that maintenance put in, the pilots were able to carry out an effective training schedule, leading to the graduation of a new class of student pilots.
“This year’s focus was on counter-air (CA) vs. Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) and integration of land and air-based joint capabilities to achieve air superiority through effective execution and tactical risk management,” said Mix. “The B-course pilots had to apply all the lessons they had learned thus far and apply them in complicated offensive counter-air, strike, and defensive counter-air scenarios. All the hard work the B-course students have put in over the last year was evident in that many of our very complicated missions were successful.”
The exercise allowed aircrew and maintainers the chance to train in a joint environment, sharpen skills, and build stronger relationships. This exercise didn’t just sharpen our edge today, it helped build the warfighters of tomorrow.