Heads up if you live near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE):

The 169th Fighter Wing of the South Carolina Air National Guard is conducting nighttime training flights this week (July 18-21) according to a Lexington County report.

Anyone working or living near the airport may see and hear F-16 fighter jets taking off or landing after normal business hours until approximately midnight. Pilots will follow flight paths designed to minimize noise to citizens who live and work near the airport.

“We have taken every possible measure in our flight profiles to minimize noise generated from our training operations,” said Col. Quaid Quadri, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base (JNGB). “We understand the impact to our neighbors and appreciate their support. We stand on the shoulders of giants in our community. “

The South Carolina Air National Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing closed its main runway at McEntire Joint National Guard Base on May 2, to perform major renovations and improvements. While this construction is taking place, the 169th Fighter Wing is temporarily conducting its flight training operations as well as training in support of its 24/7 homeland defense mission from Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The SCANG anticipates the renovations at McEntire JNGB being complete on or about October 31.

(CAE photos)