Air National Guard Security Forces specialists ruck across a frozen lake as part of the Air National Guard's Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minn. January 30, 2026. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skill development, and a field training event that required students to operate and sleep outdoors, incorporate land navigation, life saving skills, and a cold water immersion event. 57 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. and Canada completed this cold weather survival course hosted by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Addie Peterson)

Emergency Management personnel participate in a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) field training exercise at Goldwater Air National Guard Base, Arizona, Feb. 14, 2026. The exercise brought together Airmen and Fire Services personnel from across Arizona for hands-on instruction and response training. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Shane Sanders)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, commander, 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey National Guard, looks at audience members attending the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Fighter Pilot Award ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Feb. 10, 2026. Named after the Vietnam War fighter pilot who went missing in action in 1972, Emerson was the first Air National Guard pilot to receive the award, which recognizes fighter pilots for “superior leadership qualities, exceptional flying proficiency and community involvement.” (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, left, acting director, Air National Guard, and Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, commander, 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey National Guard, recognize audience members during the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Fighter Pilot Award ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Feb. 10, 2026. Named after the Vietnam War fighter pilot who went missing in action in 1972, Emerson was the first Air National Guard pilot to receive the award, which recognizes fighter pilots for “superior leadership qualities, exceptional flying proficiency and community involvement.” (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith)

From left, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, acting director, Air National Guard, Lt. Col. Eric “Rebel” Emerson, commander, 119th Fighter Squadron, 177th Fighter Wing, New Jersey National Guard and Colleen Shine showcase the 2024 Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Fighter Pilot Award during a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Feb. 10, 2026. Named after the Vietnam War fighter pilot who went missing in action in 1972, Emerson was the first Air National Guard pilot to receive the award, which recognizes fighter pilots for “superior leadership qualities, exceptional flying proficiency and community involvement.” Shine is the daughter of the award’s namesake. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Erich B. Smith)

Lt. Gen. Thomas M. Carden, Vice Commander, U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command and Deputy Commander, U.S. Northern Command. (Department of Defense photo)