159th Fighter Wing

BELLE CHASSE, La. – Col. Christopher “Cliff” Ridlon assumes command of the 159th Fighter Wing from Col. David “Ripper” Anderson in a formal ceremony held at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Belle Chasse, La., Jul. 11, 2026.

159th Fighter Wing Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

Senior Airman Jacob Hall
Airmen and Warrior Flight members of the 159th Fighter Wing partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to give back to the local community and connect with their fellow Airmen on May 29, 2026. Airmen who volunteered were tasked with working together to prepare meals in the kitchen and help fill boxes with non-perishable food items. This opportunity provided them with the experience to strengthen partnership and leadership skills within the 159 FW. “Service before Self, teamwork, team building and giving back to the community is huge for us,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Stacks, 159 FW Recruiting and Retention Commander. “This opportunity taught them the four Air Force core values. It was a great testament to leadership and working as a team altogether. These are our future leaders. If you mentor them right at the beginning, you’re going to see a better outcome.” The members of the 159 FW who participated were on a rotation system, allowing everyone to be able to experience both sides of the volunteer work. Many different stations were assembly lines that required collaboration from the volunteers. Working together emphasized why teamwork among Airmen is important while also helping them feel like they’ve made a difference as a group. “I’ve gotten a sense of community for sure because of everyone who willingly volunteered,” said Noah Archuleta, a Warrior Flight member. “I’m also making a difference at the same time. It definitely helps to relieve some stress off of the workers. The more help we have from each other, the quicker it goes and more people can be fed.” The food bank’s purpose is to provide food assistance to the community. Items that would otherwise be thrown out are sourced and secured for future donation. The donations are spread out all over southern Louisiana, typically across 23 different parishes. The work provided by members of the 159 FW resulted in over 1,448 boxes of food. Whereas typically only about 1,080 boxes are put together and distributed out

159th Fighter Wing Warrior Flight Assist Food Bank

A1C Natalia Nelson
The 159th Fighter Wing hosted the Norwegian Foot March with the help of the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and the Plaquemines Parish Sherrif's Office starting at the Plaquemines Parish Government Complex on March 7.

159th Fighter Wing Hosts the Norwegian Foot March

Tech. Sgt. Cindy Au-Wiafe

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