National Guardsmen Activated in Response to Winter Storm Fern

Jan. 27, 2026 | By Army Sgt. 1st Class Christy Sherman, National Guard Bureau |

More than 5,400 National Guard members are on duty in 15 states in the aftermath of winter storms that dropped snow and ice from the Midwest to the mid-Atlantic and the South over the weekend.

"[I'm] proud of our incredible National Guardsmen who are stepping up once again," said Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, in a post shared on his official social media account before the storm. "To everyone in the storm's path: take all precautionary measures to stay safe. The National Guard is always ready, always there."  

Arkansas National Guard soldiers have been driving along icy roadways alongside state police officers, assisting motorists who slid off the road and using military vehicles to recover disabled vehicles.  

North Carolina Army National Guard soldiers performed similar missions.

"We used our high-mobility vehicles to pull those individuals back onto the road and get them on their way," said Army Lt. Col. Ellis Parks, North Carolina National Guard Public Affairs director.  

Guard members have also assisted with traffic management, conducted health and welfare checks, and transported local first responders and emergency personnel as they responded to calls for assistance.  

In Delaware, that meant more than 100 Guard members on duty with vehicles positioned throughout the state. In Kentucky more than 2,000 Guard members were activated to respond to icy and snowy conditions.  

In Maryland and other affected areas, Guard members began staging vehicles, equipment and other resources in the days leading up to the storm.  

"The safety and well-being of Maryland residents is our top priority," said Army Brig. Gen. Craig Hunter, Maryland National Guard Joint Staff director. "By preparing our personnel and equipment before the winter storm, we can respond immediately to requests for assistance from local jurisdictions and help ensure our communities remain safe during this weather."

Guard officials said soldiers and airmen will remain on duty helping communities recover from severe winter weather as long as they are needed.  

In total, National Guard units from 15 states were activated in response to Winter Storm Fern, including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  

Guard members in six additional states are on alert to support state and local officials if needed.  

Air Force, Navy Aircraft to Fly Over Super Bowl LX

Jan. 27, 2026 |Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs |

To commemorate America's 250th birthday, the Air Force and the Navy are conducting a joint flyover during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Feb. 8, 2026. 

The formation, featuring two Air Force B-1 Lancers, from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, and two F-15C Eagles, from Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, alongside a pair of Navy F/A-18E Super Hornets and two F-35C Lightning IIs, from Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, is a symbol of the nation's journey and independence.

While this flyover features the Air Force and Navy, a powerful symbol of America's  airpower and maritime strength, it symbolizes the entire joint force — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard — working together across every domain to defend the nation, safeguarding 250 years of American independence.

A Military District of Washington joint armed forces color guard will render military honors during the national anthem. This prestigious interservice team from the capital region provides unparalleled ceremonial precision and national representation. The service members of the Air Force and Navy flyover will participate in community outreach events leading up to game day, including public displays of the aircraft, search and rescue demonstration and backseat flights on the F/A-18F Super Hornet with community leaders.
 
As the nation celebrates the country's 250th birthday throughout 2026, the joint community outreach efforts throughout the Super Bowl week demonstrate the joint force's shared history and enduring commitment to defending freedom and supporting the nation's independence.

 
At one of the most-watched events in the world, the flyover will be a visible reminder that America's military remains united, ready and dominant — 250 years strong.