159TH FIGHTER WING
Louisiana Air National Guard
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle
Distinguished Markings:
Purple Yellow Green tail stripe
Bayou Militia
JZ
The Louisiana Air National Guard is one of the premier Fighter Wings flying the F-15 Eagle. The 159th Fighter Wing, better known as the “Bayou Militia,” is located at NAS JRB New Orleans. The 159th’s primary mission is air defense of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, and their commitment to serving their community is second to none.
This Air National Guard Unit is one of the original units formed by the US Army Air Corps in the 1940s. The squadron has an extensive service history as it has participated in World War II and, most recently, the Global War on Terrorism. Having flown some of the US Air Force's most advanced fighter aircraft, such as the F-86 Sabre, F-102 Delta Dagger, F-100 Super Sabre, and F-4 Phantom II, the F-15 is the latest aircraft in the 159th inventory and is renowned as one of the best fighter jets in history. The Bayou Militia Eagles are maintained under the best care in the world and flown by some of the finest pilots in the US Armed forces. If you ever get a chance to speak to the folks from the 159th, you will be impressed with their experience, professionalism, service dedication, and commitment to excellence.
Being an aviation fan, catching the Bayou Militia's F-15 Eagles at an airshow is a rare opportunity. There's nothing quite like capturing the power and grace of these fantastic aircraft as they soar through the sky. So, if you ever get the chance to attend an airshow where the Bayou Militia is flying, be sure to bring your camera along – you won't regret it! Recently I have had the opportunity to catch them in flight, to capture these moments is what makes being a photographer so rewarding.
The Bayou Militia has a long and proud history of service to our nation and state. Its squadron veterans live and work among us today and are very fond of their time spent in the Louisiana Air National Guard. The ability to support a federal mission and the home state in times of need separates them from their Active Duty counterparts. In the time of the state’s most dire need, the Men and Women of the Louisiana Air National Guard are tasked with relief for the citizens of Louisiana during hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. We are proud of their service and honored to call them our own.
New Orleans Airshow 2022-01
New Orleans Airshow 2022-02
New Orleans Airshow 2022-03
New Orleans Airshow 2022-04
New Orleans Airshow 2022-05
New Orleans Airshow 2022-06
New Orleans Airshow 2022-07
New Orleans Airshow 2022-08
New Orleans Airshow 2022-09
Lt. Col. John “Drag” Hensz lights the afterburners on “KERES”
New Orleans Airshow 2022-10
“Fini Flight,” A tribute to Lt. Col. John “Drag” Hensz
On Sunday at the New Orleans Airshow, Lt. Col. John “Drag” Hensz took his Final Flight in the F-15. “Drag” and his aircraft “KERES” of the Bayou Militia 159th Louisiana Air National Guard would take to the skies once more for the final flight of his career. "Drag" in tight formation with Lt. Col. Sam “Nuke” Joplin to perform a spectacular Banana pass in front of a packed house at JRB NAS New Orleans 2022 Airshow. As a photographer, it was an honor to be able to capture such an incredible moment. As a spectator, a moment I will never forget.
New Orleans Airshow 2022-11
“Fini Flight,” A tribute to Lt. Col. John “Drag” Hensz
On Sunday at the New Orleans Airshow, Lt. Col. John “Drag” Hensz took his Final Flight in the F-15. “Drag” and his aircraft “KERES” of the Bayou Militia 159th Louisiana Air National Guard would take to the skies once more for the final flight of his career. "Drag" in tight formation with Lt. Col. Sam “Nuke” Joplin to perform a spectacular Banana pass in front of a packed house at JRB NAS New Orleans 2022 Airshow. As a photographer, it was an honor to be able to capture such an incredible moment. As a spectator, a moment I will never forget.
F-15s from the Bayou Militia accompanied the F-22 Raptor demo team in a joint Fly-over for Kyle Field for the Texas ATM versus Alabama college football game on Saturday evening. Jazz Flight F-15C 82-009 departing JRB Ellington Houston, Texas on Monday after the Airshow and Flyover of Kyle Field.
Jazz Flight F-15C 82-0017 turns overhead as it departs JRB Ellington Houston, Texas on Monday, October 11, 2021. This Tactical fighter has electronic systems and weaponry to detect, acquire, track and attack enemy aircraft while operating in friendly or enemy-controlled airspace. The Eagle's air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons, and avionics. It can penetrate enemy defense and outperform and outfight any current enemy aircraft. The weapons and flight control systems are designed so one person can safely and effectively perform air-to-air combat.
The McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle, Jazz 2 82-0017 Bayou Militia 159th Wing of the Louisiana Air National Guard departing JRB Ellington Houston, Texas on Monday, October 11, 2021.
McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle of the Louisiana Air National Guard’s 159th Fighter Wing performs a high-speed break for the crowd at the 2021 Wings over Houston Airshow at JRB Ellington.
McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagles 81-041 & 82-017 “Jazz 1” Break now! Two Bayou Militia over the Hammond Airshow on October 16, 2021.
McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle 82-017 Two Pratt & Whitney F100 Turbofans in afterburner for quick fly-by at Hammond Airshow October 16, 2021.
Up close and personal with the McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle 82-017 from the Louisiana Air National Gaurd at the Hammond Airshow on October 16, 2021
June 5, 2021
The Mighty F-15s from the Bayou Militia gave a spectacular performance at this year’s Chennault airshow.
June 5, 2021
The McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle, Jazz 2 80-029 Streaming over Chennault with the sounds of Freedom. Based in JBR New Orleans with the 159th fighter wing, Bayou Militia, in their guest appearance above Lake Charles.
June 5, 2021
Louisiana Air National Guard F-15C Eagle, Jazz 2 80-029 coming in at speed
June 5, 2021
The Bayou Militia and 80-002 A legendary Eagle named “Opus” made a guest appearance at Chennault's International Airshow on Saturday. Jazz 1 and Jazz 2 from 159th Fighter Wing for the Louisiana Air National Guard in their F-15C had the airshow crowd on their feet in amazement as the pair made four passes over the field. Chennault Airshow Lake Charles, Louisiana!
The F-15C is the world’s greatest fourth-generation air superiority fighter, with a record of 104 air-to-air kills and zero air-to-air losses.