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By John Hughel, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office
PORTLAND, Ore. - The future of the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing was on full display July 12 during the formal unveiling of the first two operational U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets assigned to the unit.
The Portland Air National Guard Base ceremony marked the first time a new weapons system was introduced to the Air National Guard before being implemented by the active duty Air Force.
Dignitaries, elected officials, members of the military, and other aviation enthusiasts observed the F-15EX model that will eventually replace the F-15C Eagle models operated by the unit.
Eighteen F-15EXs will be delivered to the 142nd Wing as the Air Force adds nearly 100 new operational F-15EX Eagle IIs to its inventory. Manufactured by Boeing, the F-15EX is equipped with next-generation radars, sensors, and modern software to keep pace with advances made by adversaries.
Col. Michael Kosderka, 142nd Wing commander, said he “couldn’t be more excited, more thrilled and more humbled” to represent the unit and the Oregon National Guard.”
Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard, emphasized the importance of the new F-15EX for both state and national defense.
“The F-15EX represents a significant leap in modernizing the 142nd Wing — enhancing our operational readiness and effectiveness to better protect our skies and communities,” Gronewold said. “It also provides an incredible opportunity for our Airmen to train on one of the most significant fighter jets in the U.S. arsenal, ensuring seamless integration with active duty units and fostering greater interoperability within the United States Air Force.”
Gov. Tina Kotek addressed attendees in a large maintenance hangar during the ceremony, stating that the new F-15EX would strengthen homeland defense.
“Oregon values the exceptional contributions of our Oregon National Guard service members, not only to our state but to our nation,” Kotek said. “The 142nd Wing … is the sole defender of our skies of the Pacific Northwest.”
The 142nd Wing’s primary federal mission is to provide aerospace superiority from Canada to California while supporting USNORTHCOM and NORAD.
The 142nd Wing is one of three Air National Guard units set to operate the F-15EX. The others are the 144th Fighter Wing at Fresno Air National Guard Base in California and the 159th Fighter Wing at New Orleans Air National Guard Base in Louisiana.
Sen. Ron Wyden, a longtime advocate for the Oregon National Guard, also spoke at the ceremony, noting that two decades ago there were plans to close down what is now known as 142nd Fighter Wing.
“Not on our watch — not on our watch,” he said.” We pulled together an incredible bipartisan juggernaut to protect [the predecessor] fighter jet [F-15 A/B model] we are talking about today. So give yourself a big round of applause for that one large community rally of support.”
The history of F-15 Eagle fighter jets at Portland Air National Guard Base began on May 24, 1989 when they replaced F-4 Phantom IIs. Most early planes came from McChord Air Force Base's disbanding 318th Fighter Interceptor Group in Washington State. For twenty years thereafter, they flew A/B models including USAF's last A model retired on Sept.16th '09; meanwhile C/D models phased-in since late '07 offered better fuel efficiency radar avionics capabilities etcetera.
Maj.Gen.Duke Pirak acting director ANG ex-wing commander declared: "F–15 EX cornerstone national airpower... bedrock American supremacy generations come... fight win wars supported maintained flown Oregonians."
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