Vermont Air Guard and F-35s redeploying to the Middle East

Article Author: Kevin McCallum
Article Date: February 7, 2026

Summary

The article reports that members of the Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Air Wing, recently deployed to Puerto Rico as part of U.S. operations connected to Venezuela, have likely been redeployed to the Middle East. Public flight data, aviation reporting, and accounts from a Guard family member suggest the unit’s F-35 fighter jets and support aircraft have moved toward Jordan, potentially as part of President Donald Trump’s escalating campaign to pressure Iran.

Vermont’s congressional delegation, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, said they were unaware of the redeployment and criticized the president for what they described as an abuse of executive authority in conducting military actions without congressional approval. While they expressed strong support for the Guard members themselves, they condemned the broader strategy and pledged to pursue oversight through the War Powers Resolution.

Main Points & Details

• The Vermont Air National Guard’s 158th Air Wing was initially mobilized in mid-December.

• F-35 fighter jets were moved from South Burlington to Roosevelt Roads Naval Station in Puerto Rico.

• The deployment supported “Operation Southern Spear,” which included:

  • U.S. actions against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean.

  • A January 3 strike on Venezuela.

  • The reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

• As Caribbean operations wound down, Guard members were reassigned.

• Multiple indicators suggest redeployment to the Middle East, possibly to Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.

• Evidence cited includes:

  • A January 29 report from The War Zone.

  • Observations from The Aviationist.

  • Public flight tracking data.

  • Reports from a flight tracker known as “Armchair Admiral.”

• F-35s were reportedly seen landing at Lajes Air Base in the Azores, a common refueling stop.

• Numerous C-17 transport aircraft flights were logged:

  • From Puerto Rico to Jordan between February 2 and 6.

  • From Vermont directly to Jordan on February 2.

• A Vermont Guard spokesperson declined to confirm the redeployment.

• A family member of a Guard member described:

  • Limited communication.

  • Increased secrecy.

  • Greater difficulty contacting loved ones.

• Vermont’s federal delegation was unaware of the redeployment.

• Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch:

  • Praised the Guard members.

  • Opposed the earlier Venezuela action.

  • Criticized President Trump’s use of military force.

  • Argued Congress, not the president, has authority to declare war.

  • Cited the War Powers Resolution as a potential tool for oversight.

• Welch called the president’s actions an “abuse of authority.”

• Sanders stated Congress must determine whether the country goes to war.

➡️ FULL ARTICLE: https://www.sevendaysvt.com/news/the-vermont-guard-is-redeploying-likely-to-the-middle-east/