U.S. National Guard boss visits Ebbing, tours 188th, FMS missions
by April 9, 2026 7:05 pm 651 views
Maj. Nathan Sosebee (center right), the 188th Security Forces Squadron commander, visits with with Gen. Steven Nordhaus (left), the chief of the National Guard Bureau, and the Senior Enlisted Advisor (SEA) John Raines (center left), as they toured key facilities and received mission briefings at Ebbing Air National Guard Base on Thursday (April 9). At far right is Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, the Arkansas Adjutant General. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Jennifer Gerhardt)
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith continues to draw attention from senior U.S. military officials. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Ebbing Thursday (April 9) to learn more about its “contributions to national defense,” according to the 188th Wing.
The 188th is an unmanned aerial unit with three missions: remotely piloted aircraft (MQ-9 Reaper), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and targeting (space-focused). Prior to the ongoing mission, the Ebbing-based 188th was home to various manned aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, F-16 Falcon, and the A-10 Thunderbolt.
One of Nordhaus’ top jobs is to help ensure that the more than 430,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel are trained and ready for combat or other missions. Nordhaus is the 30th chief of the National Guard Bureau and is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“The opportunity to host the Chief of the National Guard Bureau here at Ebbing speaks volumes about the impact our Airmen are making every day,” Col. Jonathan Esparza, 188th Wing commander, said in a statement. “Our team is executing complex missions across multiple domains while building strong partnerships with active-duty forces and international allies. This visit highlights the trust placed in our Airmen and the critical role they play in national defense.”
Ebbing in recent years also has drawn national and global attention as the foreign pilot training center for the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet. The center is part of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
Ebbing was selected in March 2023 by the U.S. Air Force to be the long-term FMS pilot training center supporting F-35 fighter planes purchased by Singapore, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Finland, and other countries participating in the program. The base also will house and provide training support for Republic of Singapore F-16s. The first of eight Finnish F-35A jets landed at Ebbing in January.
The 85th Fighter Group, which leads the foreign pilot training center, is a partner at the base, making Ebbing the first Air National Guard installation to host a permanent active-duty mission of this kind, according to the 188th.
“Our Airmen have embraced the challenges that come with growth and change,” Esparza said. “They continue to execute their mission at a high level while adapting to new requirements, infrastructure changes, and the integration of active-duty personnel and international partners. Their professionalism and resilience are what make this mission successful.”
Air Force Chief of Staff General Ken Wilsbach and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe visited Ebbing in early March.
Fort Smith Mayor George McGill attended Thursday’s visit, and provided Nordhaus with a key to the city.
“Fort Smith is proud to support Ebbing Air National Guard Base, the 188th Wing, and the Foreign Military Sales mission, which continue to elevate the region’s role in national defense, military readiness, and international partnership,” the city noted in a statement.