173rd Fighter Wing to host Sentry Eagle Open House this weekend

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Sentry Eagle file photo. (Image: ORANG Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

Article by Senior Master. Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Relations.

KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. - The 173rd Fighter Wing will host a Sentry Eagle Open House this Saturday, June 25 and admission is free. 

“We are excited to welcome our community on base to share our mission and these fantastic events,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander.  “This is an active military base and we must keep safety and security in mind during this event; therefore, the public needs to understand that there are certain items that are not allowed on base.”

Those items include weapons, firearms, explosives, alcohol, drugs, pets, and drones.  Additionally, large bags and coolers will not be allowed on base. Purses, handbags, portable folding chairs, small camera bags, and diaper bags are allowed, but will be inspected upon entry.  Individuals who would like to come on base are asked to have official identification ready as they may be asked to present it upon entry.  

In addition to the standard F-15C ground and air operations, there will be multiple aerial demonstrations, static display aircraft, flight line operations viewing opportunities, recruiting events, and local vendors.    

Sentry Eagle Open House 2022 schedule. [click to enlarge]

The A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team from Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona will be providing an aerial demonstration as well as a heritage flight with the P-51 Val-Halla.  There will also be a B-17 Flying Fortress, the aircraft 2nd Lt. David. Kingsley, the base’s namesake, flew in during World War II, along with other historical warbirds.  See the insert for the full schedule of events.

This year, the wing has partnered with Klamath County Fairgrounds and Basin Transit Service to provide bus shuttles between the fairgrounds and the base every half hour. Cars may park off Arthur Street behind Hanscom’s Bowling Alley.  Buses are scheduled to begin running at 8:30 a.m. with the last bus leaving Kingsley Field at 3:30 p.m.  

“We know that parking at the base during this event can often get backed up and take a long time,” said Capt. Brandon McGraw, Sentry Eagle 2022 project officer.  “We hope that providing shuttle service to the event will help alleviate a lot of those issues and we highly encourage people to use the parking at the fairgrounds for ease of access.”

Limited parking will be available off-base, north of the main gate in the fields near the airport.  There will be signs and people directing traffic flow.  Handicapped parking will be on base and will require a state issued disabled parking permit.  See the attached insert for specific driving directions to Kingsley Field based on which direction you are traveling from.  

“We are listing alternate routes of entry to help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce your wait time,” said McGraw.  “As always, remember to obey all traffic laws, and give right of way to pedestrians.  We look forward to a safe and exciting event!”

The Sentry Eagle Open House is being held in conjunction with the Klamath Freedom Days events.   Additional Klamath Freedom Days events this weekend include the Klamath Kruise Thursday through Sunday, and the Pat Green concert at the Klamath County Fairgrounds on Saturday night.  https://www.klamathfc.org/events  

Additional details such as schedules, parking plans, and more are available online at https://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/Home/Sentry-Eagle/ or on the 173rd FW Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/173FW.

Sentry Eagle 2022 Driving Directions

A free shuttle will provide round-trip access to Kingelsy Field from the Klamath County Fairgrounds is highly encouraged for all to use. If parking on site is necessary, below are directions on how to access event parking.

Sentry Eagle 22, traffic route map. [click to enlarge]

From Bend/Redmond

  • Travel South on Highway 97 towards Weed

  • Turn Left on Old Midland Road

  • Turn Left on Spring Lake Road

From Weed

  • Travel North on Highway 97 towards Klamath Falls

  • Turn Right on Old Midland Road

  • Turn Left on Spring Lake Road

From Tulelake/Alturas

  • Travel North on Highway 39 towards Klamath Falls

  • Turn Left on Old Midland Road

  • Turn Right on Spring Lake Road

 From Lakeview

  • Travel West on Highway 140 to Klamath Falls

  • Turn Left on Highway 39 South

  • Turn Right on Old Midland Road

  • Turn Right on Spring Lake Road

 From Medford/Grants Pass

  • Travel East on Highway 140 to Klamath Falls

  • Turn Right onto Highway 97 South on ramp

  • Turn Left on Old Midland Road

  • Turn Left on Spring Lake Road

 From Klamath Falls

  • Take Hwy 97 to Old Midland Road

  • Take Hwy 39 to Old Midland Road

  • Take Old Midland Road to Spring Lake Road

Handicap (with placard or license plate displayed)

  • Take Washburn Way South to Joe Wright Road

  • Display placard to Traffic Control Monitor

  • When directed, proceed through traffic control point

  • Turn Right on Airport Way

  • Turn Right into Kingsley Field

  • Follow signs/directions of gate guards

ROAD CLOSURES:

  • Brett Way will be closed at Summers Lane and Altamont. 

 HELPFUL HINTS:

  • Plan your route

  • Leave early

  • Expect delays

  • Obey all traffic laws

  • Do not park on shoulders of roadways

  • Give right of way to pedestrians

  • Follow directions of parking attendants

  • You will be visitors on a military installation and are subject to search at any time.