Air National Guard helps BTV airport
The Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) contributes to Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) in a number of ways, including:
- Firefighting – The VTANG provides the airport’s sole firefighting services and offers free mutual aid to surrounding communities. This service reduces the airport’s operating costs by around $4 million annually.
- Building maintenance and construction – The VTANG provides these services at no cost to the airport or communities.
- Renewable energy – The VTANG has installed solar panels on several buildings and uses geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool facilities. The VTANG also has the largest solar array in the Air National Guard.
- Lease – The VTANG leases over 281 acres at the airport and recently received a 25-year lease extension through 2073.
- F-35 fighter jets – Vermont was the first base in the country to receive the F-35A fighter jets. The VTANG’s mission is to provide a “Ready Force” skilled in a range of global and domestic operations.
