The future of the 142nd Wing was on full display during a formal unveiling ceremony July 12, 2024, at Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon, when the first two operational U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets assigned to the unit made their official debut to the public.
With the delivery of the new F-15EX models to the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing, the ceremony marked the first time a new weapons system was introduced to the Air National Guard before its first deployment to the active-duty Air Force.
Dignitaries, elected officials, military personnel and other aviation enthusiasts got an up-close look at the F-15EX model that will eventually replace the F-15 C models currently in service with the unit. A total of 18 F-15EXs will be delivered to the 142nd Wing, as nearly 100 new operational F-15EX Eagle IIs are scheduled to be added to the Air Force inventory. Manufactured by Boeing, the F-15EX is enhanced with next-generation radars, sensors and other modern software to keep pace with advances made by adversaries.
At the opening ceremony, Col. Michael Kosderka, 142nd Wing commander, welcomed attendees and acknowledged that he “couldn’t be more excited, happy and humbled” to represent the unit and the Oregon National Guard – “home to the newest warrior.”
After recognizing an extensive list of elected officials and distinguished guests, Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard, described the importance of the new F-15EX to the state and the country.
“The F-15EX represents a significant step in the modernization of the 142nd Wing – enhancing our operational readiness and effectiveness, to better protect our skies and our communities,” Gronewold said, describing this new phase for the organization. “It also provides an incredible opportunity for our Airmen to train on one of the most important fighter jets in the U.S. arsenal, ensuring seamless integration with active-duty units and fostering greater interoperability across the U.S. Air Force.”
Gronewold had the honor of introducing Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, whom he recognized as “a tireless advocate for the safety and well-being of all Oregonians.”
“This is a great day,” Kotek told those who filled the unit’s large maintenance hangar for the ceremony, with the new F-15EX and current F-15C models poised as a backdrop on the runway.
“Oregon values the exceptional contributions of our Oregon National Guard service members, not only to our state but to our country,” Kotek said, describing the state’s critical geographic position within the nation for air defense. “The 142nd Wing … is the sole defender of our Pacific Northwest airspace. The advanced capabilities of this unmatched fighter jet will enhance our region’s ability to respond to potential threats, and strengthen our homeland defense — for our region and our country.”
The primary federal mission of the 142nd Wing is to provide aerospace superiority from Canada to the California border while supporting USNORTHCOM and NORAD. The 142nd Wing is one of three Air National Guard units that will operate the F15-EX. These units include the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, and the 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans Air National Guard Base, Louisiana.
Also in attendance was U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon), a longtime advocate for the Oregon National Guard in the U.S. Senate and who worked in early 2013 to secure the current 50-year lease for the Portland Air National Guard Base with the Port of Portland.
“Twenty years ago we were on our way to losing all of this… 20 years ago the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission met and all those people out east… didn’t think much about ‘fighter jets in Portland – what’s the big deal about that,’” Wyden said, recalling the 2005 BRAC report, when the 142nd (Fighter) Wing was downgraded for closure.
Wyden stated passionately, “Not on our watch — not on our watch! We’ve assembled an incredible bipartisan juggernaut to protect the predecessor to the fighter jet (the F-15 A/B model) that we’re talking about today. So give yourselves a big round of applause for that one big community rally of support.”
The history of the F-15 Eagle fighter jet at Portland Air National Guard Base began on May 24, 1989, as a replacement for the F-4 Phantom II. Most of the first aircraft came from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Group at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, which was disbanded. For the next 20 years, the 142nd flew the F-15 A/B models, including the last “A model” in the U.S. Air Force inventory, which was retired on September 16, 2009, while upgraded C and D models were introduced in late 2007.
These newer models featured improvements in fuel efficiency, enhanced radar and avionics capabilities. The F-15EX Eagle II model is an all-weather multirole strike fighter, which will continue to perform homeland and air defense missions, and will serve as an essential platform, while retaining advanced weapons to enhance mission capabilities and partner the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
In his speech about the unit’s continued integration as part of the national defense strategy, Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, the current acting director of the Air National Guard and former commander of the 142nd Wing (Nov. 2016 to Aug. 2018), spoke with some familiar faces and current Air Force soldiers in the audience.
“I never imagined that I would be standing here on this stage before you, serving in this capacity and overseeing such a significant moment in the history of the Oregon Air National Guard,” Pirak said, reflecting on the gravity of the opportunity. “Today, we celebrate the arrival of the Air Force’s first operational F-15EX here at Portland Air National Guard Base. This momentous occasion marks the first time in history that an Air National Guard unit has received the very first operational aircraft off the assembly line.”
Pirak also described many of the conflicts the U.S. military faces now and potentially in the future, and noted the value this new aircraft brings to the nation’s overall security. “The cornerstone of our nation’s air force is the F-15EX,” he said, noting the improvements in this particular airframe — “make it a national asset.”
“It will be the foundation of American air supremacy for generations to come,” Pirak said. “When we use this (aircraft) to fight and win our nation’s wars, it will be supported, maintained and flown by Oregon Air Guardsmen.”
Finally, Picak reminded everyone present of the importance of the mission and how far the unit has come in the past two decades, while challenging them for the trials ahead.
“To the men and women of the 142nd Wing, know that you literally stand on the shoulders of giants. Your Redhawk forebears built an organization of strategic indispensability, and I saw the BRAC recommendation as a kind of nullification,” he said, summarizing the implications of the new F-15EX and future mission responsibilities. “Now, let this new fighter be your affirmation and a reminder of the determination you must have… never stop striving for excellence and never stop challenging yourself to continually earn this badge of indispensability.
| Date taken: | 07.13.2024 |
| Date posted: | 07.13.2024 22:32 |
| Story ID: | 476124 |
| Place: | PORTLAND, OREGON, USA |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| To download: | 0 |
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