Crew members from the USS NEW JERSEY (SSN 796) visited the 177th Fighter Wing, NJANG located at the Atlantic City International Airport in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The visit took place in August towards the end of our last ‘namesake visit’ where we bring crew members to New Jersey.

Hosted by Deputy Wing Commander, Colonel Aaron Dunn, the crew, including Winfred Cameron, learned about the federal, state, and community vision and values of the Fighter Wing. The crew also visited Maintenance Ops where they learned about the important requirements and dedicated service to the Fighter Wing, both in front and behind the scenes. Lastly, they visited the Fighter Wing Base F-16 simulators where the crew took turns “flying” and F-16! They experienced the in-flight realism with smiles and awe for what professional airmen must undergo in their training.

While at the 177th, the crew got an up close and personal look at the Air Force Thunderbirds who were just getting ready to depart the area after their wonderful performance at the Atlantic City Air Show – Thunder Over the Boardwalk.

This visit was one of the many highlights of our namesake visit!

The following day after the Atlantic City Air Show the committee and crew members visiting from the USS New Jersey were granted the chance to visit the 177th Fighter Wing, NJ Air National Guard.

Big thank you to committee trustee Marshall Spevak for organizing the visit! Joining Marshall, were committee members Joe Velez, and chairman Stephen Hutton.

After an orientation session that explained the role and composition of the unit we were taken to meet with two pilots on standby for immediate departure (should the need arise), their F-16s fully fueled and armed. We were able to get up close to the aircraft and the sailors had some great questions for the two pilots.

While we weren’t allowed to take photos at this point their Public Affairs person (Senior Airman Hunter Hires) took the following photo for us of USAF Capt. Patrick “SOJO” Schiffer discussing his aircraft and his mission.

After this fantastic Q&A opportunity we were taken to get a photo with a nearby unarmed F-16c Fighting Falcon

Next the crew and committee were in for another treat as we were taken into a highly secure area where two F-16 flight simulators were in place. Every sailor and committee member was given a chance to ‘fly’ an F-16, and in Marshall’s case deplete all his ammunition and require rearming in mid-flight.

Such a unique military experience so unlike anything submariners typically have an opportunity to participate in. At the end of the visit gifts were exchanged and it looks like the beginning of a friendship between the SSN 796 ‘Devil Fish’ and 177th Fighter Wing ‘Jersey Devils’.