Louisiana Air National Guard- 159th Fighter Wing

07/31/2026

07/30/2026

Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, commander, Continental U.S. NORAD Region, First Air Force, visited the 159th Fighter Wing to brief Commanders and Airmen on defense objectives and gain insight into the Wing's mission and readiness on July 30, 2026. During the visit, Ahmann flew aboard an F-15D, coined outstanding Airmen and joined commanders, chiefs, and Airmen for lunch. The visit reinforced mission readiness, recognized outstanding performance, and highlighted the continued air superiority of the 159 FW..

07/23/2026

Airmen from the 159th Civil Engineer Squadron, Louisiana Air National Guard working at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Camp Douglas, Wisconsin were visited by wing leadership on July 22, 2026. Col. Philip Trupiano, 159th Mission Support Group Commander and CMSgt. Mark Stolf, 159th Mission Support Group Chief met with their Airmen to recognize their hard work and observe their progress in the construction of a new fire department training tower. The visit reinforced the importance of taking care of Airmen while recognizing their dedication and teamwork that make the mission happen.

07/16/2026

07/12/2026

After 28 years of outstanding service, Col. Daniel Harlow is honored in a retirement ceremony at the Jackson Barracks Military Museum, July 11. Harlow started his active duty career at the United States Air Force Academy in 1998 and completed his first assignment as the chief of deployments in the 18th Logistics Support Squadron, Kadena Air Base. He transitioned to the Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Wing in 2003 and became the 159 FW deputy commander in 2017. With his extensive operational experience, Harlow has supported multiple deployments around the world to include Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Harlow retires from his position as the director of staff-Air, Louisiana National Guard, and looks forward to spending time with his wife and family.

07/12/2026

This morning, Col. Christopher "Cliff" Ridlon received command of the 159th Fighter Wing during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. Thank you, Col. David "Ripper" Anderson for your leadership to the wing and we look forward to your next chapter in your career at the Louisiana Air National Guard.

07/04/2026

07/01/2026

Leadership from the National Guard Bureau (Arlington, VA) and Louisiana National Guard (Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, LA) recently visited the 159th Fighter Wing at NAS JRB New Orleans, Belle Chasse, LA to brief Airmen, recognize outstanding performance and view flight line operations. On June 23, Maj. Gen. Duke “Juice” Pirak, Acting Director of the Air National Guard, briefed commanders and Airmen on wartime readiness and strategic objectives. During the visit, he also recognized several outstanding Airmen for their recent achievements and their dedication to the mission. On June 24, Command Sgt. Maj. John Raines, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the National Guard Bureau, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ockman, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Louisiana National Guard, met with maintenance crews to discuss capabilities and upkeep of the F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft. Senior leadership visits like these reinforce joint-force integration and highlight the tactical readiness of our Airmen on the front lines of defense.

06/23/2026

June 12, 2026, Maj. Andrew Smith officially assumed command of 122d Fighter Squadron during an Assumption of Command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Belle Chasse. We welcome him as the new commander of the 122 FS and look forward to continued excellence in air power and air superiority.