Air Force selects 173rd Fighter Wing as F-35 training squadron
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A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to Luke Air Force Base flies over the skies of Southern Oregon, May 17, 2023, on a mission with the 173rd Fighter Wing assigned to Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 173rd Fighter Wing was selected as the Air Force's preferred location to host a F-35A Lightning II formal training unit; the wing will begin converting form the F-15C Eagle to the F-35A following the completion of the environmental impact analysis. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
UPDATED: 3:30 PM, 5/25/23 to include statements by Rep. Reschke and Rep. McIntire.
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Article by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. - The Air Force has selected the Oregon Air National Guard’s 173rd Fighter Wing as the preferred location to host the service’s next F-35A Lightning II training squadron. The F-35A is the Air Force’s latest and most-capable fifth-generation fighter.
The basing decision announced today becomes final when a Record of Decision is signed upon favorable completion of an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal now underway.
“Kingsley Field is an integral piece of the Air Force’s modernization plan,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander. “Our vast airspace, a culture of excellence, and unprecedented community support make us a viable fit to continue our legacy of training the next generation of fighter pilots.”
The F-35A Lightning II provides next-generation stealth capabilities to the U.S. and many U.S. ally and partner nations with its aerodynamic performance, advanced integrated avionics, enhanced situational awareness and increased survivability. The F-35A is considered the cornerstone of the future fighter fleet and guarantees the long-term viability of the 173rd FW and continuation of its vital air superiority mission for many years to come.
Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, fly off the wing of a F-15C Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing, May 17, 2023, in the skies above Southern Oregon. The 173rd FW based out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon has been selected as the Air Force's preferred location for the next F-35A Lighting II Formal Training Unit, and will begin transition to the new aircraft once the environmental impact analysis is complete. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
“This decision validates the Wing’s exceptional performance,” said Bouma. “We have been in the training business since 1983--producing the best fighter pilots in the world for the U.S. Air Force. Team Kingsley’s ‘No Slack’ attitude and commitment to excellence is a key factor in this decision.”
The 173rd FW has been the premiere F-15C training base for the United States Air Force since 1998. The single-seat F-15C and two-seat F-15D models entered the inventory beginning in 1979. The service is looking to replace the legacy fighters with state-of-the-art aircraft to better address future mission requirements.
“The Air Force continues to modernize the fleet to ensure a more lethal, resilient, sustainable, and agile force,” said Bouma. “The Air Force recognizes that the 173rd Fighter Wing is essential to this future.”
The decision to place the F-35A training squadron at Kingsley Field supersedes the previous announcement in 2020 that placed the F-15EX Eagle II training base here.
“The Eagle II is a fantastic aircraft, and Team Kingsley was ready and willing to take on that mission,” said Bouma. “However, our strategic focus has shifted since 2020; the Air Force needs F-35 squadrons available and fully mission capable to prevail against peer adversaries...that means they require more F-35 pilots. Team Kingsley’s adaptability and excellence allows us to fill this Air Force need.”
The F-35A basing includes 20 aircraft. The total number of personnel will remain the same.
With this basing decision, new construction or remodeling of existing facilities will occur; however, Kingsley Field already offers much of the infrastructure needed. Any construction would begin after the ROD is signed, expected in 2025 with first F-35 aircraft to follow.
A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, flies off the wing of a F-15C Eagle assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing, May 17, 2023 in the skies above Southern Oregon. Photo credit: U.S. Air National Guard Sgt. Penny Snoozy.
Statement from the office of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
F-35A Lightning II is the Air Force’s latest and most-capable fifth-generation fighter
Salem, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the Secretary of the U.S. Air Force has selected Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base as the sole host of the F-35A Lightning II Fighter Wing training squadron. Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Oregon Air National Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing. The F-35A is the Air Force’s latest and most-capable fifth-generation fighter.
“Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base is a point of pride for Oregonians,” Governor Kotek said. “The Secretary’s decision affirms the Oregon Military Department’s unwavering commitment to excellence in training and readiness, while providing for the successful future of the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force. I am grateful to Oregon’s congressional delegation for collaborating in Washington to help today come to fruition.”
The decision becomes final when the Secretary of the Air Force signs a Record of Decision upon favorable completion of an Environmental Impact Statement on the proposal now underway.
The F-35A Lightning II provides next-generation stealth capabilities to the U.S. and many U.S. ally and partner nations with its aerodynamic performance, advanced integrated avionics, enhanced situational awareness and increased survivability. The F-35A is considered the cornerstone of the future fighter fleet and guarantees the long-term viability of the 173rd Fighter Wing in Oregon and continuation of its vital air superiority mission for many years to come. The decision to place the F-35A training squadron at Kingsley Field supersedes the previous announcement in 2020 that placed the F-15EX Eagle II training base here.
“General Brown, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, endlessly advocates a culture of modernization. This decision to bring F-35’s to Oregon delivers leading edge technology to Kingsley Field in support of this effort and provides for the future and the long-term success of the United States Air Force,” said Maj. Gen. Mike Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon. “The positive partnership with the community of Klamath Falls and the Oregon Air National Guard will continue and remain fruitful for decades to come.”
“Kingsley Field is an integral piece of the Air Force’s modernization plan,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander. “Our vast airspace, a culture of excellence, and unprecedented community support make us a viable fit to continue our legacy of training the next generation of fighter pilots.”
Statement from the office of Representative Cliff Bents (OR-02)
Bentz Announces Kingsley Field will receive F-35A Lightning II jet
WASHINGTON DC - Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement regarding the future of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
“I am extremely pleased to say that I have just been informed by General David Allvin, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, that Kingsley Field will have a next mission, and it will be training pilots to fly the F-35A Lightning II jet. For nearly seventy years, Kingsley’s missions have been absolutely essential to our country’s air superiority and the Klamath Falls community. Since day one in Congress, I have made Kingsley Field’s future missions a top priority, including securing the F-35 mission. I was very happy last year to have had an amendment included in the FY23 NDAA that requires the United States Air Force to submit public plans for future bases operating with the F-15 Strike Eagle, like Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The Air Force’s decision to provide Kingsley with the F-35 is great news for our country, Oregon, and Klamath Falls, and I look forward to seeing the amazing work for the 173rd Fighter Wing in continuing to train the best air-to-air combat pilots in the world.”
Statement from the offices of Representatives E. Werner Reschke and Emily McIntire
Representatives McIntire and Reschke Praise U.S. Air Force Selection of Kingsley Field to Receive Most Advanced Fighter Jet in the World
SALEM, Ore. - Today, State Representatives Emily McIntire (R-Eagle Point) and E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) praised the U.S Air Force’s selection of Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base as the sole host of the F-35A Lightning II Fighter Wing training squadron. Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base is the home base of the Oregon Air National Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing. The F-35A is the Air Force’s latest and most-capable fifth-generation fighter.
“Kingsley Field is a cornerstone of Klamath Falls. This announcement affirms the partnership between our community, the Oregon Air National Guard, and the U.S. Air Force. I am proud to represent Kingsley Field in the Oregon Legislature – and I am proud to be an American,” said Representative McIntire (R-Eagle Point).
“This announcement is great news for our community, our state, and our nation. I am looking forward to seeing such a revolutionary piece of equipment come to Kingsley Field. I want to thank Oregon’s congressional delegation for helping to make this happen, and Oregon’s Air National Guard's 173rd Fighter Wing for their service each day,” said Representative Reschke (R-Klamath Falls).