Quite clear to what Air National Guard this Fighting Falcon belongs to! As of 2023, the 176th is converting to the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, with its first 5th gen jets having arrived on 25 Apr'23. The squadron previously operated these fine F-16C/D Fighting Falcon between 1993 and 2022. During our visit in May'17, the Wisconsin state, its governor and the 115th Fighter Wing with its 176th Fighter Squadron "Badgers" was already trying to get in lane for the F-35A. In Dec'17, the USAF announced that the 176th was one of two ANG squadrons selected for equipping with the F-35A

Early evening arrival of a 'Crusaders' F-16C

Wisconsin is known as the Badger state, and Truax Field, home of the 176th Fighter Squadron, is situated very close to the capital of the State, Madison. So the Air National Guard squadron proudly wear a Badger tail design and a red Madison fintip, both to show respect to the State and Capital. In the ready room of the squadron, a taxidermy Badger can be found. And the tradition is that a pilot touches this Badger before every flight.