SC Air Guard jets fly over central region

MCENTIRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Air National Guard jets are practicing air defense tactics in the vicinity of Florence and Sumter.

Spokesman Maj. Jim Roth says the members of the 169th Fighter Wing flying F-16 fighter jets might be seen Friday escorting a single-engine aircraft belonging to the South Carolina Civil Air Patrol.

The exercise is necessary to allow the McEntire unit to gain experience for developing a rapid response capability and defend the nation against airborne threats.

Roth advises that residents in the area should not be alarmed if they see the exercise and understand that the activities are carefully planned and controlled.