SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - After two years of training in new fighters the South Dakota Air National Guard’s 114th Fighter Wing has once again declared itself fully mission capable.

Two years ago, the Air National Guard announced that the 114th would receive the 22 Block 40 F-16s from Hill AFB, Utah. The 114th had been flying Block 30 F-16 fighters since 1991. During the months following the conversion announcement the unit’s focus was aligned to the completion of a safe and successful transition.

"The Fightn’ Lobos of the 114th have successfully accomplished all training requirements in order to become fully mission capable in the Block 40 F-16s," said Colonel Russ Walz, wing commander. "After a demanding and successful training period, I am confident that the Airmen of the 114th Fighter Wing can perform their new mission as needed for our nation's defense. Our maintenance professionals did an amazing job in ensuring this new fleet of aircraft is combat ready!"

The 114th Fighter Wing is now validating their mission readiness through an intense four- day Operational Readiness Exercise, at Joe Foss Field, from Thursday to Sunday. The Exercise simulates actions that the unit would undergo upon mobilization for federal service, deployment to an overseas operating location and the execution of combat missions. The increased operations tempo will especially be evident in the skies over Sioux Falls on Saturday and Sunday.

During this time the pilots of the 175th Fighter Squadron will be flying an aggressive sortie schedule starting in the early morning and extending into late evening on both days.