The Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing marked history on July 12th with the official unveiling of its first two operational F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The unveiling ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base gave a glimpse into what the future of the unit’s air operation has in store.
The ceremony was historic, marking the first time a new weapons system had been fielded to the Air National Guard before the active duty Air Force. Visitors in attendance-touring dignitaries, elected officials, military service members, and curious aviation enthusiasts alike were able to view firsthand the newer model F-15EX, arriving to eventually take the place of the older F-15C Eagles.
All told, the 142nd Wing will take on 18 F-15EXs. This forms part of the Air Force’s larger plan to nearly double its fleet with up to 100 new advanced jets. The Boeing-manufactured F-15EX is equipped with next-generation radars and sensors running on modern software aimed at countering advancements made by adversaries.
Col. Michael Kosderka, commander of the 142nd Wing, said he was beyond excited to represent the unit and the Oregon National Guard. Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard told those gathered that the F-15EX represents the modernization of the 142nd Wing, increasing operational readiness as well as allowing Airmen to train on one of the most significant fighter jets in the U.S. arsenal.
Governor Tina Kotek said the new F-15EX was key to meeting homeland defense demands but also recognized the superb work of Oregon National Guard service members serving both the state and the nation. The 142nd Wing is the only defender of the skies over the Pacific Northwest and maintains a core federal mission to provide aerospace superiority from Canada to the California border.
Senator Ron Wyden, who has been an ardent supporter of the Oregon National Guard throughout his career, noted that the community fought off the closure of the 142nd Fighter Wing two decades ago. He saluted bipartisan support that kept the flying unit safe and operational.
History with the F-15 Eagle at Portland Air National Guard Base began on May 24, 1989, when it replaced the F-4 Phantom II. During the succeeding years, the unit transitioned through several variants of the F-15 until settling on an F-15EX Eagle II: an all-weather multirole strike fighter that complements the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.
Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, the acting director of the Air National Guard and former 142nd Wing commander, said the F-15EX is the lynchpin of the nation’s air power – it will be the bedrock of American air supremacy for decades to come.
In related news, the F-15EX Eagle II has attained initial operational capability with the U.S. Air Force amid production delays. So announced Air Combat Command chief Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, who joined other officials in extolling the jet’s new electronic warfare suite, fly-by-wire flight control system, and advanced radar capabilities.
Boeing also contemplates the possibility of updating the F-15EX to a platform similar to the EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s electronic warfare jet. Rob Novotny, Boeing’s business development lead for the F-15, would not say whether Boeing has officially decided to expand the fighter’s electronic warfare capabilities, but perhaps this may position the F-15EX for greater adaptability and strength in the global defense marketplace.