In June 2003, the "Jersey Devils" from the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard deployed to a Forward Operation Location in Fort Drum, NY for a period of live bombing on the nearby range. The FOL is the responsibility of Det.2 from the 174th Fighter Wing from the New York ANG located at Hancock Field in Syracuse, NY. Aircraft flying from the FOL can be loaded with live bombs, something that cannot be done at their home base. No military aircraft operating from a civilian airport can be loaded with live bombs for safety reasons and only BDUs are used for training. The 177th FW is one of many ANG units in the Northeast making good use of the FOL and its proximity to the range at Fort Drum in Upstate New York.

The 177th Fighter Wing "Jersey Devils" from the New Jersey Air National Guard operates from the Atlantic City International Airport, Egg Harbor Township, N.J. The 177th FW flies the F-16C in a multi-purpose role from its home base.

On this page you will see some photos taken during a 177th's deployment to the FOL in 2003.

Thanks to the folks at the FOL for their support!

(All photos by Philippe Colin)