114th Fighter Wing
The 114th Fighter Wing is a South Dakota Air National Guard F-16 unit based at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
The 114th Fighter Wing is a unit of the South Dakota Air National Guard headquartered at Joe Foss Field Air National Guard Station, part of Sioux Falls Regional Airport in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is an Air Combat Command-gained fighter wing: when federally activated, it operates under the command structure of the United States Air Force's Air Combat Command. The wing's principal mission is to generate and sustain combat-ready fighter forces capable of deploying worldwide, flying fighter sorties, and employing conventional munitions against enemy forces. The wing traces its organizational history to 16 April 1956, when South Dakota's 175th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was expanded to group status and the 114th Fighter Group was established. During its first decades, the organization served in the air-defense role and operated a succession of interceptor aircraft, including the F-89 Scorpion and F-102A Delta Dagger. In 1970, as the continental United States reduced its interceptor structure, the unit moved from the Aerospace Defense Command environment to Tactical Air Command and became the 114th Tactical Fighter Group. Its mission shifted toward tactical air operations, initially with F-100 Super Sabres and later A-7D Corsair II aircraft. The unit maintained a significant overseas presence during the late Cold War and post-Cold War periods. It participated in Operation Coronet Cove, supporting defense of the Panama Canal, and received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer for combat service connected with Operation Just Cause in 1989–1990. The transition to the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon began in 1991, giving the wing a multirole platform suitable for air-to-air combat, ground attack, expeditionary operations, and no-fly-zone enforcement. Its first F-16 combat deployment supported Operation Provide Comfort over northern Iraq in late 1993 and early 1994. After the 114th Fighter Group became the 114th Fighter Wing in October 1995, the organization continued to deploy in support of Operation Northern Watch, Operation Southern Watch, and later post-September 11 missions. Its personnel have supported operations and assignments in Iraq, the broader Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, and the Asia-Pacific region. The wing deployed to Iraq on several occasions during the 2000s and 2010s and supported domestic air-defense activity under Operation Noble Eagle as well as overseas campaigns associated with Operation Enduring Freedom and other United States missions. The wing's force structure includes the 114th Operations Group, the 175th Fighter Squadron, the 114th Maintenance Group, the 114th Mission Support Group, and the 114th Medical Group. In the 2010s and 2020s, its international training and operational profile continued through activities such as Exercise Maple Flag in Canada and participation in Air Defender 23 in northern Germany. The 114th Fighter Wing is therefore best understood not as a commercial brand, but as a public military organization whose identity is expressed through readiness, expeditionary airpower, community affiliation with South Dakota, and the Fighting Lobos unit tradition.
History
The 114th Fighter Wing originated in the postwar reorganization of South Dakota's air-defense forces. On 16 April 1956, the 175th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron was authorized to expand to group level, and the National Guard Bureau established the 114th Fighter Group. The new group included headquarters, maintenance, combat-support, medical, and flying elements, with the 175th serving as its operational squadron. It was initially associated with the 133d Air Defense Wing and later the 132d Air Defense Wing before coming under the South Dakota Air National Guard. During the 1950s and 1960s, the unit's aircraft reflected the changing requirements of continental air defense. It received F-89 Scorpions in 1958 and supersonic F-102A Delta Daggers in 1960. In 1970, the diminishing likelihood of a conventional bomber attack against the continental United States led to a broader restructuring of the interceptor force. On 23 May 1970, the organization transferred into the Tactical Air Command system and was redesignated the 114th Tactical Fighter Group. The 175th Tactical Fighter Squadron began operating F-100 Super Sabres, aircraft being withdrawn from active service after the Vietnam era. The unit was notified in 1976 that its F-100Ds would be replaced by A-7D Corsair II jets. The final Super Sabres departed Joe Foss Field in June 1977. Beginning in 1979, personnel participated in Operation Coronet Cove at Howard Air Force Base, supporting the defense of the Panama Canal. Aircrew and support members were also sent there during the 1979 Nicaraguan crisis. The unit later received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer for combat duty during Operation Just Cause in 1989–1990. As the A-7 fleet was retired, the wing transitioned to the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon. The first F-16 reached the 175th Fighter Squadron on 14 August 1991. This conversion gave the unit a modern multirole fighter and expanded its ability to conduct both air-defense and expeditionary strike missions. The group deployed eight aircraft to Brustem Air Base in Belgium for Exercise Central Enterprise in 1993. Later that year, it conducted its first F-16 combat deployment, operating from Incirlik Air Base in Turkey for Operation Provide Comfort. From December 1993 into January 1994, the squadron flew patrols over northern Iraq in support of the no-fly zone established to protect Kurdish refugees. The unit supported Operation Northern Watch from Turkey in 1995 and 2002, Operation Southern Watch from Kuwait in 1998 and Saudi Arabia in 2001, and other deployments to Belgium, Singapore, the Netherlands Antilles, and Israel. On 11 October 1995, the 114th Fighter Group was redesignated as the 114th Fighter Wing. Its federal gaining command became Air Combat Command on 1 June 1992, and the wing has remained associated with that command for federal activations. Following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, the wing supported Operation Noble Eagle in the United States and overseas operations connected with Operation Enduring Freedom. It deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq, from October to December 2006, June to September 2008, and January to April 2010. Its members also served in or supported missions involving the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Cyprus, Pakistan, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, Spain, France, and Germany. A 25 October 2005 aerial-refueling mishap damaged an assigned F-16 and a KC-10 after an accidental oscillation of the tanker boom. Both aircraft landed safely. In the force-modernization period that followed, a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendation led to the retirement of the wing's older Block 30 F-16s and their replacement with Block 40 aircraft. The first Block 30 aircraft left for storage at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group on 7 May 2010, and replacement aircraft arrived over the following five months. The 114th Fighter Wing has continued to combine domestic readiness with multinational training. It trained in Canada during Exercise Maple Flag in 2020 and deployed to northern Germany in June 2023 for Air Defender 23. Its current structure includes the 114th Operations Group, 175th Fighter Squadron, 114th Maintenance Group, 114th Mission Support Group, and 114th Medical Group. The wing remains based at Joe Foss Field and operates as an active South Dakota Air National Guard F-16 formation.
- 2023
Air Defender 23 deployment
[1]The wing deployed to northern Germany and participated in the multinational Air Defender 23 exercise.
- 2020
Exercise Maple Flag training
[1]The wing trained in Canada during Exercise Maple Flag.
- 2010
Block 30 F-16 retirement completed
[1]The first older Block 30 aircraft departed on 7 May, with replacement Block 40 aircraft arriving during the following months.
- 2005
F-16 fleet modernization recommended
[1]The Base Realignment and Closure process recommended retiring older Block 30 F-16s and moving the unit to Block 40 aircraft.
- 1995
Redesignated as a fighter wing
[1]The 114th Fighter Group became the 114th Fighter Wing on 11 October.
- 1991
F-16 conversion begins
[1]The first F-16 arrived at the 175th Fighter Squadron on 14 August, replacing the A-7-era capability.
- 1979
Panama Canal defense mission
[1]The unit began a long period of participation in Operation Coronet Cove at Howard Air Force Base.
- 1977
A-7D era begins
[1]After the last F-100s departed, the unit operated A-7D Corsair II tactical aircraft.
- 1970
Transition to tactical fighter operations
[1]The unit moved from the air-defense structure to Tactical Air Command and became the 114th Tactical Fighter Group.
- 1960
F-102A Delta Dagger introduced
[1]The wing's predecessor organization began operating the supersonic F-102A Delta Dagger.
Products and positioning
A combat-ready South Dakota Air National Guard fighter wing providing deployable F-16 airpower to the United States Air Force while maintaining a strong state-based identity.
Multirole fighter aircraft · 1991
F-16C/D Fighting Falcon
The F-16C/D Fighting Falcon is the wing's principal combat aircraft. The platform supports air-to-air combat, tactical ground attack, conventional weapons employment, training, and expeditionary operations. The 114th transitioned from older A-7 aircraft to F-16s beginning in 1991 and later moved from Block 30 aircraft to Block 40 aircraft during the 2010 modernization process.
Tactical fighter aircraft · 1970
F-100 Super Sabre
The F-100D Super Sabre represented the unit's first major tactical-fighter period after its transfer from the continental air-defense mission to Tactical Air Command. The aircraft were received in the early 1970s and remained with the unit until the last examples departed Joe Foss Field in June 1977.
Attack aircraft · 1976
A-7D Corsair II
The A-7D Corsair II formed the wing's tactical attack capability after replacing the F-100 fleet. It supported the unit's transition from interceptor operations toward conventional strike and expeditionary missions before being replaced by the F-16.
Interceptor aircraft · 1960
F-102A Delta Dagger
The supersonic F-102A Delta Dagger was operated during the unit's Cold War air-defense period. It followed the F-89 Scorpion and reflected the modernization of the Air National Guard's continental interceptor force.
Interceptor aircraft · 1958
F-89 Scorpion
The F-89 Scorpion was one of the first major aircraft types assigned after the 114th Fighter Group was established. The unit received the interceptor in 1958 as part of its Cold War air-defense mission.
Marketing campaigns
- 2023Air Defender 23
Germany · Europe
The wing deployed to northern Germany for Air Defender 23, a large-scale multinational air exercise.
Outcome. The deployment demonstrated the wing's continuing ability to operate within coalition expeditionary air forces.
- 2020Exercise Maple Flag
Canada
The wing trained in a major Canadian multinational air exercise focused on complex coalition air operations.
Outcome. The exercise provided advanced international training for the wing's aircrew and support personnel.
- 2006Operation Iraqi Freedom
Iraq
The wing deployed personnel and aircraft to Balad Air Base, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Outcome. The listed Balad deployments occurred in October–December 2006, June–September 2008, and January–April 2010.
- 2001Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom
United States · Middle East
Following the attacks of 11 September 2001, wing members supported domestic air-defense requirements under Operation Noble Eagle and overseas missions associated with Operation Enduring Freedom.
Outcome. The wing entered the post-September 11 Air Expeditionary Force rotation and expanded its global deployment activity.
- 1998Operation Southern Watch
Southern Iraq · Kuwait · Saudi Arabia
The unit supported the southern Iraqi no-fly-zone mission from Kuwait and, in a later deployment, Saudi Arabia.
Outcome. The wing contributed to sustained coalition air surveillance and enforcement missions.
- 1995Operation Northern Watch
Northern Iraq · Turkey
The wing supported enforcement of the northern Iraqi no-fly zone from Turkey.
Outcome. The wing later returned to the operation in 2002.
- 1993Operation Provide Comfort
Northern Iraq · Turkey
The 175th Fighter Squadron deployed to Incirlik Air Base and flew patrols over northern Iraq to enforce a no-fly zone and protect Kurdish refugees.
Outcome. Combat patrols were conducted from December 1993 into January 1994.
- 1989Operation Just Cause
Panama
The unit supported the United States intervention in Panama during Operation Just Cause.
Outcome. The unit received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer for combat service associated with the operation during 1989–1990.
- 1979Operation Coronet Cove
Panama
The unit provided personnel and operational support at Howard Air Force Base for the defense of the Panama Canal. Members were also extended there during the 1979 Nicaraguan crisis.
Outcome. The operation became a recurring overseas commitment during the late Cold War, lasting approximately twelve years.
Brand decisions
2005
Upgrade from Block 30 to Block 40 F-16sGeneration changeBackground
The Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended retiring the wing's older Block 30 F-16 aircraft.
Action taken
The wing retired its Block 30 aircraft and accepted Block 40 F-16s, largely transferred from Hill Air Force Base squadrons affected by closure.
Aftermath
The first Block 30 aircraft departed in May 2010, and the replacement fleet arrived over the next five months.
1991
Conversion to F-16C/D aircraftGeneration changeBackground
The A-7D/K fleet was approaching retirement and the Air National Guard required a modern multirole fighter capability.
Action taken
The 175th Fighter Squadron began receiving F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, with the first aircraft arriving on 14 August 1991.
Aftermath
The F-16 enabled the unit to conduct modern air-to-air, air-to-ground, no-fly-zone, and expeditionary missions.
1970
Shift from air defense to tactical fighter operationsStrategyBackground
The United States reduced its continental interceptor force as the perceived conventional bomber threat declined relative to the strategic missile threat.
Action taken
The unit transferred from the Aerospace Defense Command structure to Tactical Air Command and was redesignated the 114th Tactical Fighter Group.
Aftermath
The wing moved into tactical fighter operations, first with F-100s and then A-7s and F-16s.
Recent events
- 2023
114th Fighter Wing deploys to northern Germany for Air Defender 23[1]
Other
In June 2023, the wing deployed to northern Germany and participated in Air Defender 23, a large multinational air exercise.
- 2020
114th Fighter Wing participates in Exercise Maple Flag[1]
Other
The wing trained in Canada during Exercise Maple Flag, an international air-combat exercise designed to rehearse complex coalition operations.
- 2010
114th Fighter Wing wins Winston P. Wilson Trophy again[1]
Other
The wing won the National Guard Bureau's annual Winston P. Wilson Trophy for a second time.
- 2007
114th Fighter Wing receives National Guard Bureau Winston P. Wilson Trophy[1]
Other
The unit received the Winston P. Wilson Trophy, recognizing it as an outstanding Air National Guard organization.
- 2005
F-16 and KC-10 damaged during aerial refueling incident[1]
Other
On 25 October 2005, an F-16 assigned to the unit was damaged during an attempted refueling operation involving a KC-10. Both aircraft landed safely.
Sources2 sources
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