SWANTON, Ohio — Editor's note: The attached video is from coverage aired by WTOL 11 sister station WZZM in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Officials from the 180th Fighter Wing confirmed Monday the unit was not involved in U.S. military operations that shot down an unknown object over Lake Huron Sunday.
In a statement, a representative said that while they were not involved in the situation, the 180th Fighter Wing remains prepared to defend the U.S. should the need arise.
"While the 180FW did not play a role in shooting down the high-altitude airborne object, we stand ready to defend the Nation at all times. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments and circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for our Nation's Defense."
This response comes after a U.S. fighter jet shot down an "unidentified object" over Lake Huron Sunday, acting on orders from President Joe Biden. The object was one of four such objects shot down in eight days, beginning with the "Chinese spy balloon" which garnered national attention before it was shot down off the coast of South Carolina. U.S. fighter jets also downed two other objects flying over Alaska and Canada last week.
The Pentagon has described the events as having no peacetime precedent.
Based at Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, the 180th Fighter Wing's mission includes supporting NORAD and U.S. Northern Command operations.
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