I am the web master for a web site about Lake Arbutus at Hatfield wisconsin LakeArbutus.com I was hoping you could provide me with information concerning the jet traffic over the lake. Such as what kind of jets they are? Do they fly out of Volk Field? What is their mission, (it is rumored that they are practicing bombing the Dam.)?
And any other information you are allowed to share. I hope to post it on the web site. I find it entertaining and interesting to observe the jet traffic over the lake. Thanks for all you do.
Mike Peterson
Sir,
In response to your email request......
Most of the planes that utilize the airspace that overlies Lake Arbutus are F-16 Falcons from units located throughout the upper midwest. Other aircraft including C-130 Hercules, F-18 Hornets, B-52 and B-1 bombers, and A-10 Warthogs also utilize the airspace but to a much lesser degree. Mission types range from low and medium altitude intercepts to basic fighter maneuvers (dog fighting) to practice weapons delivery over at the Hardwood Gunnery Range near Finley, Wisconsin.
Volk Field (and the surrounding airspace) supports units that fly from their home station to utilize the airspace as well as units that deploy to Volk Field for anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks and use the airspace while here. Though run by the Wisconsin Air National Guard, Volk Field is considered a national asset and, as such, supports the training needs of all services and branches within the Department of Defense.
Overall, Volk Field provides using units with outstanding facilities, airspace, and a range to practice their wartime skills in a safe, predictable environment.
I hope this helps! http://www.volkfield.ang.af.mil/doc/overview.htm is the best place to start for additional information on our capabilities and links to several fact sheets can be found here that further expand on the services we provide.
Thanks for the interest and please give me a call or email if you have any other questions!
Brendan Smith
Major Brendan Smith
Director of Operations
Volk Field CRTC/DO
brendan.smith@wicrtc.ang.af.mil
Voice: 608.427.1201, DSN 871.1201
Cell: 608.343.4938
FAX: 608.427.1888, DSN 871.1888
Web Site: volkfield.ang.af.mil
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