In a significant upgrade to Oregon’s military capabilities, the Oregon Air National Guard base, adjacent to Portland International Airport, is set to receive 18 new F-15EX jets and undergo substantial infrastructure improvements.
The base, which currently houses 1,400 service members and operates a fleet of aging F-15Cs, plays a critical role in defending U.S. airspace from potential threats stretching from the Canadian border to Northern California.
Lt. Col Scott Wilcox, commander of the 142nd Civil Engineering Squadron, highlighted the importance of the upgrade, stating, “This is an immense deal for Oregon.”
This sentiment was echoed by Col. Mike Kosderka, commander of the 142nd Wing, who emphasized the advanced capabilities of the new aircraft, “Our current airplanes have no jamming capability. We have no self-protection capability really. The newer airplanes have got all that stuff.”
The F-15EX is a modern iteration of the classic F-15, incorporating state-of-the-art military technology. It stands as a testament to the advancement in aerial combat capabilities since the F-15C, the newest of which dates back to 1985. This transition involves a total investment of about $1.7 billion for the new planes, with each jet costing $95 million.
Moreover, an additional $110 million is estimated for new hangar construction to house the technologically sensitive fighter jets.
Despite the substantial investment in equipment, the base staffing levels are not expected to rise, although pilots will require training to operate the new planes.
The upgrades are not limited to the fighter jets themselves. The Air National Guard is also constructing a new training facility for the 125th Special Tactics Squadron, known as the “Quiet Professionals.”
The facility includes a range of specialized equipment and training simulators to support their global missions.
The scope of these upgrades is so significant that Lt. Col. Wilcox estimated Oregon is receiving about 40% of the entire Air National Guard construction budget for the year.
The introduction of the F-15EX at the Portland base is just one part of broader changes across Oregon’s military installations.
The 116th Air Control Squadron at Camp Rilea is transitioning to cyber defense, and Kingsley Field will soon begin training pilots on the F-35, another technologically advanced combat aircraft.
The strategic importance of the F-15EX is underscored by its near-total compatibility with the F-15C, allowing for a smoother transition and minimal disruption to operations. Lt. Col. Nathan Rice, the unit conversion officer, explained the anticipation for the transition, “The whole purpose of the conversion team is to help the base transition in a seamless manner.”
As Oregon anticipates the arrival of the new F-15EX jets, expected to begin this summer, the Air National Guard prepares for a future where it is better equipped to defend the nation’s skies with cutting-edge technology.
While the developments may not be immediately noticeable to the public, they represent a significant leap forward in air defense capabilities and reaffirm the state’s commitment to national security.
Relevant articles:
– Oregon Air National Guard base set to receive new jets and a massive overhaul, Oregon Public Broadcasting – OPB
– Keeping the Eagles Flying: Oregon Air National Guard defends skies with iconic aircraft, KPIC
– The 142nd Wing gears up for the new F-15EX, National Guard Bureau (.mil)
– Saint Helens News, Weather, Safety, Sports, newsbreak.com