U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. Anthony Lesle, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 168th Transportation Flight, discusses vehicle maintenance statuses at the 168th Wing, ensuring fleet readiness in support of operations and winter conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kateri T. Buser, emergency management specialist, 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina National Guard, dips a pH paper into the unknown liquid during Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force, BEEF, week 2026 at the Regional Training Site, New London, N.C., Feb. 23-27, 2026. Prime BEEF Week serves as a readiness exercise, allowing Airmen to demonstrate proficiency in their primary functions through simulated wartime tasks that supports airfield operations in austere environments. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Zeno Kang)

Soldiers and Airmen from the Minnesota National Guard complete a ski march during the 53rd Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange near Haltdalen, Norway, Feb. 9, 2026. NOREX is an annual exchange that strengthens ties between the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program. It remains the longest-running military exchange between the United States and a foreign nation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Megan Shaner)

Airmen from the 188th Wing Operations Group put their skills to the test during Exercise Sentry South 26-2 in Gulfport, Mississippi, training alongside joint and international partners in a dynamic, contested environment. With more than 1,100 service members participating, Sentry South 26-2 highlights the power of teamwork, innovation and adaptability, ensuring the 188th remains ready to deliver anytime, anywhere. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Patricia Teare)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dustin Woodford, Tactical Air Control Party Joint Terminal Attack Controller with the 194th Air Support Operations Group, Washington Air National Guard commander, cuts ribbon for a souvenir at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 194th ASOG complex at Camp Murray, Wash., Jan. 9, 2026. The ASOG complex will house the 194th ASOG, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, 116th Combat Weather Flight and the 194th Human Performance Optimization Team. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jordaan Kvale)

U.S. Air Force Col. Travis Hartzel, 194th Air Support Operations Group commander, Washington Air National Guard, speaks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 194th ASOG complex at Camp Murray, Wash., Jan. 9, 2026. The ASOG complex will house the 194th ASOG, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron, 116th Combat Weather Flight and the 194th Human Performance Optimization Team. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Jordaan Kvale)