Oregon Air National Guard
Encyclopedia
The Oregon Air National Guard is the air force militia of the U.S. state
of Oregon
. It is, along with the Oregon Army National Guard
, an element of the Oregon National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force
, as well as of the state.
, Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls
, and the Camp Rilea Air Station
in Warrenton
where it trains and equips members to provide national defense and security, public disaster assistance, and search and rescue operations.
The 114th Fighter Squadron was formed as a training squadron for Air National Guard F-4 Phantom II
pilots in the Air Defense role in 1983. The 114th transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
in 1989. Again the 114th Fighter Squadron was teaching the Air Defense role. The 114th Fighter Squadron also held an alert mission for a time as part of the NORAD
network. The Ready Alert structures are still present at Kingsley Field where the 114th is based.
The squadron converted from F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to the F-15
aircraft in 1998. The 173d Fighter Wing has 19 PAI currently assigned. The fighter wing is assigned to the US Air Forces Air Education and Training Command
(AETC) and is one of the primary "school houses" for F-15 pilots.
The 114th is currently expanding and taking on a larger role. As F-15C and F-15D operations in CONUS are disestablished and shifted to the ir National Guard, and as the Regular Air Force's 325th Fighter Wing
at Tyndall AFB, Florida divests itself from the F-15 Eagle training role in order to concentrate on F-22 Raptor
training, the 173d Fighter Wing will assumed all F-15C/D training for CONUS-based Air National Guard pilots, maintenance personnel, and similar Regular Air Force personnel slated for the Air Force's remaining active duty F-15C/D units in England and Japan. During 2007, the 114th is due to receive five F-15s from other squadrons. The first of these new aircraft came from Tyndall Air Force Base
in Panama City, Florida
.
/Astoria, Oregon
.
The 116th ACS is a deployable radar/communications unit with superior mobility and response to the world's and local missions. They were the first unit to be activated in Oregon for Operation Noble Eagle
, and they were the last to come off of that activation.
The 116th Aircraft Control Squadron was constituted and allotted to the National Guard effective 24 May 1946. On 8 July 1946 the 116th Aircraft Control Squadron was authorized to organize at Marietta AAB, Georgia and was assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group. Federal recognition was received 10 December 1946.
The unit was alerted for federal service on 6 December 1950. On 3 January 1951 the unit was notified it would be redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical) effective after 18 January 1951. The unit was
activated on 8 January 1951 as the 116th Aircraft Control Squadron. A station change followed, 15 January 1951, to Sewart AFB, Tennessee. Redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical) and assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group (Tactical) occurred on 5 February 1951. From 9 to 20 February 1951 messages and letters changed the redesignation portion of the original messages and orders; so as, the 116th was redesignated 116th Tactical Control Squadron effective 5 February 1951 and assigned to the 154th Tactical Control Group. The unit was redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron effective 6 July 1951 and assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group.
The unit was alerted for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and foreign service on 20 August 1951. Notified, 8 October 1951, of movement through NYPE and Casablanca, French Morocco for further movement as directed by Commanding General, USAF. On 14 November 1951 the readiness date for relocation changed from 1 December 1951 to 1 March 1952. The unit departed Sewart AFB, Tennessee on 2 June 1952 and arrived at Casablanca, French Morocco on 16 June 1952. The unit arrived at Nouasseur, French Morocco (PCS) on 11 August 1952. On 20 August 1952 the unit moved to Rabat Sale, French Morocco another PCS. The unit was relieved from active military service, less personnel and equipment, and returned to NGB control on 8 October 1952.
The 116th Tactical Control Squadron (Control and Reporting Center) was constituted and allotted, 27 May 1971, with station at Portland ANG Base, Oregon and assigned to the 153rd Tactical Control Group. Federal recognition was received on 9 June 1971. The unit was reassigned to the 154th Tactical Control Group effective 1 April 1976.
Redesignation as the 116th Tactical Control Flight occurred 1 May 1987. The unit moved (PCS) to Camp Rilea, Oregon effective 19 September 1988 and was designated 116th Tactical Control Squadron effective 15 October 1988. The unit designation changed to the 116th Air Control Squadron effective 16 June 1992.
Activations (Partial and Unit)
Deployments
Air Control Squadron
Allotted: 24 May 1946 to ANG
Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical),
Marietta Army Air Base, Georgia
Sewart Air Force Base, Tennessee
July 1951 – 8 October 1952
Tactical Control Squadron
Portland, Air National Guard Base, Oregon
Relocated: Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon October 1988
9 June 1971 – 1 May 1987
Tactical Control Flight
Portland, Air National Guard Base, Oregon
Relocated: Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon October 1988
1 May 1987 – 16 June 1992
Air Control Squadron
Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon
Redesignated: ACS 16 June 1992
Equipment: MPS-11A, TPS-40, TPS-43E, TPS-75, replacement radar August 1975 due to structural failures.
in 1992. The 123d Fighter Squadron reports to the 142d Fighter Wing.
The squadron converted to the F-15
aircraft in 1989/90, with most of those planes coming from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
at McChord AFB, which was being disbanded.
The Unit has been flying the F-15 Eagle fighter since 1989 . - The 142d Fighter Wing
has 15 PAI and 3 BAI/AR F-15A and F-15B Eagles. The unit is presently converting to F-15C and F-15D Eagles. Two of its aircraft sit alert in support of NORAD 24 hours a day.
's newest unit. Located at the Portland International Airport
, the 125 STS is currently hiring Special Operations Weather Team members (SOWT), as well as Combat Controllers (CCT). SOWT candidates at the 125 STS have the unique requirement to integrate fully into the existing CCT team structure, as well as perform the historical function of Special Operations Weather support to ALL SOF capable military units, particularly Army
Special Forces.
The history of the Oregon Air National Guard and the 142d Fighter Wing began just prior to World War II
when the United States
, monitoring the war raging in Europe
and China
, began focusing less on neutrality and more on preparedness. Answering the call to arms, Major G. Robert Dodson, an Oregonian serving with the 321st Observation Squadron Reserve at Pearson Field, Vancouver, Washington
, requested the National Guard Bureau's authorization to form an Oregon
flying unit. His short, official request- "We've got people, we've got a place, and we're ready!"- launched the 123d Observation Squadron on April 18, 1941.
Five months later the squadron was federally activated under different unit designations flying the O-47, BC-1A and later the F-5 reconnaissance version of the P-38 in the China-Burma theatre and with others serving in Europe. At the war's end, the unit regrouped as the 123d Fighter Squadron. By 1946, the ever-expanding unit was redesignated the 142d Fighter Interceptor Group.
In 1951, the group mobilized in support of the Korean War
. After supporting the Korean War it remained very active in air defense matters through the intervening Cold War years, eventually becoming a Fighter Wing in 1995. Since its creation the wing has flown the O-47, BC-1A, F-5, F-51, B-25J, F-86, F-94
, F-89
, F-102, F-101, F-4C, T-33
and a host of support aircraft. Today the fighting "Redhawks" are proud to continue service as a component of the Total Force in defense of our nation flying the F-15C/D, providing both continuous air defense and air superiority capabilities. With more than 1,000 officers and airmen, the unit guards the Pacific Northwest
skies from northern California
to the Canadian border, on 24-hour alert as part of the North American Air Defense system.
As a vital asset to Air Combat Command
and Air Expeditionary Force structures, the 142d Fighter Wing participates around the globe supporting drug interdiction where needed, USAFE air defense, as well as contingency operations.
The 173d Fighter Wing is located at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon
. The 173d Fighter Wing provides training for new pilots and pilot instructors on Air to Air combat tactics and basic flight instruction on the F-15. Also, Flight Surgeons, Dentists, and Optometrists receive specialized training on treating the unique physiological problems of pilots. The base in Klamath Falls is the more modern of the two major ANG installations in Oregon.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. It is, along with the Oregon Army National Guard
Oregon Army National Guard
The Oregon Army National Guard is a Federally mandated and equipped military organization under the civilian direction of the Oregon Military Department, with the Governor of Oregon as its Commander in Chief. It responds to state and national emergencies, military conflicts and natural disasters,...
, an element of the Oregon National Guard. It is considered a part of the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
, as well as of the state.
Overview
The Oregon Air National Guard operates the Portland Air National Guard Station at the Portland International AirportPortland International Airport
Portland International Airport is a joint civil-military airport and the largest airport in the U.S. state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of passenger travel and more than 95% of air cargo of the state. It is located within Portland's city limits just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah...
, Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Klamath Falls is a city in Klamath County, Oregon, United States. Originally called Linkville when George Nurse founded the town in 1867, after the Link River on whose falls this city sat, although no falls currently exist; the name was changed to Klamath Falls in 1892...
, and the Camp Rilea Air Station
Camp Rilea Heliport
Camp Rilea Heliport , is a military heliport located three miles south of the city of Warrenton in Clatsop County, Oregon, USA.-External links:*...
in Warrenton
Warrenton, Oregon
Warrenton is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. The city is named for D.K. Warren, an early settler. The population was 4,096 at the 2000 census.- History :...
where it trains and equips members to provide national defense and security, public disaster assistance, and search and rescue operations.
114th Fighter Squadron
This squadron is located with the 173d Fighter Wing in Klamath Falls, Oregon.The 114th Fighter Squadron was formed as a training squadron for Air National Guard F-4 Phantom II
F-4 Phantom II
The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engined, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor fighter/fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. It first entered service in 1960 with the U.S. Navy. Proving highly adaptable,...
pilots in the Air Defense role in 1983. The 114th transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
in 1989. Again the 114th Fighter Squadron was teaching the Air Defense role. The 114th Fighter Squadron also held an alert mission for a time as part of the NORAD
North American Aerospace Defense Command
North American Aerospace Defense Command is a joint organization of Canada and the United States that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and defense for the two countries. Headquarters NORAD is located at Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs, Colorado...
network. The Ready Alert structures are still present at Kingsley Field where the 114th is based.
The squadron converted from F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to the F-15
F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
aircraft in 1998. The 173d Fighter Wing has 19 PAI currently assigned. The fighter wing is assigned to the US Air Forces Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command
Air Education and Training Command was established July 1, 1993, with the realignment of Air Training Command and Air University. It is one of the U.S. Air Force's ten major commands and reports to Headquarters, United States Air Force....
(AETC) and is one of the primary "school houses" for F-15 pilots.
The 114th is currently expanding and taking on a larger role. As F-15C and F-15D operations in CONUS are disestablished and shifted to the ir National Guard, and as the Regular Air Force's 325th Fighter Wing
325th Fighter Wing
The 325th Fighter Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based out of Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.-Mission:The 325th Fighter Wing’s primary mission is to provide air dominance training for F-22 Raptor pilots and maintenance personnel and air battle managers to support the combat Air...
at Tyndall AFB, Florida divests itself from the F-15 Eagle training role in order to concentrate on F-22 Raptor
F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals...
training, the 173d Fighter Wing will assumed all F-15C/D training for CONUS-based Air National Guard pilots, maintenance personnel, and similar Regular Air Force personnel slated for the Air Force's remaining active duty F-15C/D units in England and Japan. During 2007, the 114th is due to receive five F-15s from other squadrons. The first of these new aircraft came from Tyndall Air Force Base
Tyndall Air Force Base
Tyndall Air Force Base is a United States Air Force Base located east of Panama City, Florida. The base was named in honor of World War I pilot 1st Lt Frank Benjamin Tyndall...
in Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida
-Personal income:The median income for a household in the city was $31,572, and the median income for a family was $40,890. Males had a median income of $30,401 versus $21,431 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,830...
.
116th Air Control Squadron
Located at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center near WarrentonWarrenton, Oregon
Warrenton is a city in Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. The city is named for D.K. Warren, an early settler. The population was 4,096 at the 2000 census.- History :...
/Astoria, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is the county seat of Clatsop County, Oregon, United States. Situated near the mouth of the Columbia River, the city was named after the American investor John Jacob Astor. His American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria at the site in 1811...
.
The 116th ACS is a deployable radar/communications unit with superior mobility and response to the world's and local missions. They were the first unit to be activated in Oregon for Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle
Operation Noble Eagle is the name given to military operations related to homelandsecurity and support to federal, state, and local agencies...
, and they were the last to come off of that activation.
The 116th Aircraft Control Squadron was constituted and allotted to the National Guard effective 24 May 1946. On 8 July 1946 the 116th Aircraft Control Squadron was authorized to organize at Marietta AAB, Georgia and was assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group. Federal recognition was received 10 December 1946.
The unit was alerted for federal service on 6 December 1950. On 3 January 1951 the unit was notified it would be redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical) effective after 18 January 1951. The unit was
activated on 8 January 1951 as the 116th Aircraft Control Squadron. A station change followed, 15 January 1951, to Sewart AFB, Tennessee. Redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical) and assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group (Tactical) occurred on 5 February 1951. From 9 to 20 February 1951 messages and letters changed the redesignation portion of the original messages and orders; so as, the 116th was redesignated 116th Tactical Control Squadron effective 5 February 1951 and assigned to the 154th Tactical Control Group. The unit was redesignated and reorganized as the 116th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron effective 6 July 1951 and assigned to the 154th Aircraft Control & Warning Group.
The unit was alerted for Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and foreign service on 20 August 1951. Notified, 8 October 1951, of movement through NYPE and Casablanca, French Morocco for further movement as directed by Commanding General, USAF. On 14 November 1951 the readiness date for relocation changed from 1 December 1951 to 1 March 1952. The unit departed Sewart AFB, Tennessee on 2 June 1952 and arrived at Casablanca, French Morocco on 16 June 1952. The unit arrived at Nouasseur, French Morocco (PCS) on 11 August 1952. On 20 August 1952 the unit moved to Rabat Sale, French Morocco another PCS. The unit was relieved from active military service, less personnel and equipment, and returned to NGB control on 8 October 1952.
The 116th Tactical Control Squadron (Control and Reporting Center) was constituted and allotted, 27 May 1971, with station at Portland ANG Base, Oregon and assigned to the 153rd Tactical Control Group. Federal recognition was received on 9 June 1971. The unit was reassigned to the 154th Tactical Control Group effective 1 April 1976.
Redesignation as the 116th Tactical Control Flight occurred 1 May 1987. The unit moved (PCS) to Camp Rilea, Oregon effective 19 September 1988 and was designated 116th Tactical Control Squadron effective 15 October 1988. The unit designation changed to the 116th Air Control Squadron effective 16 June 1992.
Activations (Partial and Unit)
Deployments
- 1971 Portland ANG Base, Oregon In-garrison 17 members to Volk Field WI
- 1972 Portland ANG Base, Oregon In-garrison 15–29 July, Guard Strike IV (Westacs)
- 1973 Boise, Idaho Sentry Westacs II South of Gowen Field
- 1974 Portland ANG Base, Oregon In-garrison
- 1975 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon
- 1976 Portland ANG Base, Oregon In-garrison 14-28 Aug
- 1977 Coyote Lake, Fort Irwin, CA Brave Shield XVI 5–23 July
- 1978 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Taurus Beach 78 5-19 Aug
- 1979 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Taurus Beach 79 7–21 July
- 1980 North Bend AFS, Oregon Felix Brave 23 Feb - 1 Mar
- 1980 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Taurus Beach III 12–26 July
- 1981 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Felix Keynote 81-4 Sept
- 1982 Yakima Firing Range, Yakima, WashingtoGnolden Blade 82 1–15 May
- 1983 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Sentry Eagle 83
- 1984 Portland ANG Base/North Bend ANGS 14–28 July
- 1985 Kingsley Field/Swan Lake Peak Kingsley Field Deployment 85-1 7-22 Sep
- 1986 Portland, ANG Base, Oregon Inland Viking 11–27 July
- 1986 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Beaver Hunt 86 17–19 July
- 1987 Portland ANG Base, Oregon Road Warrior
- 1988 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Beaver Hunt 88
- 1988 Camp Rilea Unit Relocation October October
- 1988 Bear River Ridge
- 1989 Panama Sentry Eagle 89-3 Aug
- 1989 Pedro Dome, AK Brim Frost 89 18 Jan-4 Feb
- 1989 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Beaver Hunt 89\ 12-17June
- 1990 Camp Pendelton, California Sentry Eagle 90-3 4-19 Aug
- 1990 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Beaver Hunt 90 June
- 1990 Laredo, Texas Anchor Mark V Aug -1 Oct (?)
- 1991 Angie III\ Feb - May 91
- 1991 Puerta Plata, Dominican Republic
- 1992 Dominican Republic Angie III
- 1992 Tonopah, NV Green Flag 92-5
- 1993 Letica Columbia,
- 1993 Tonopah, NV Green Flag 93-3
- 1994 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon In-garrison
- 1995 Tonopah, NV Green Flag 95-3
- 1996 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon In-garrison
- 1997 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon In-garrison/ORI
- 1998 Italy Operation Deliberate Guard May-July (Personnel Only)
- 1998 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Weasel Hunt 98
- 1999 Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon Sentry West 99
- 2000 Pedro Dome, AK Cope Thunder, Northern Edge
- 2000 Jackson, WY Noble Eagle 2000
- 2001 NAS Whidbey Is. WA Noble Eagle Oct 2001-2002
- 2001 Nevada Red Flag
- 2002 Neah Bay, WA & Mt Hebo, OR May (?) - June (?) 2002
- 2002 Jackson Hole, WY 2 July 2002 - 9 Sep 2003
- 2003 Grand Teton National Park, WY Operation Noble Eagle
- 2004
- 2005
- 2006 Afghanistan 06 Sep 2006 - 07 Jan 2007
- 2007 US/Mexican border Operation JumpStart
- 2008 US/Mexican border Operation JumpStart, Afghanistan ONE
- 2009 Afghanistan ONE Sep 2008 - Feb 2009
116th timeline
Air Control Squadron
Allotted: 24 May 1946 to ANG
Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron (Tactical),
Marietta Army Air Base, Georgia
Sewart Air Force Base, Tennessee
July 1951 – 8 October 1952
Tactical Control Squadron
Portland, Air National Guard Base, Oregon
Relocated: Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon October 1988
9 June 1971 – 1 May 1987
Tactical Control Flight
Portland, Air National Guard Base, Oregon
Relocated: Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon October 1988
1 May 1987 – 16 June 1992
Air Control Squadron
Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon
Redesignated: ACS 16 June 1992
Equipment: MPS-11A, TPS-40, TPS-43E, TPS-75, replacement radar August 1975 due to structural failures.
123d Fighter Squadron
Previously designated as the 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, the squadron was renamed the 123d Fighter Squadron123d Fighter Squadron
The 123d Fighter Squadron is an active unit of the Oregon Air National Guard which flies the F-15 Eagle. Its parent unit is the 142d Fighter Wing....
in 1992. The 123d Fighter Squadron reports to the 142d Fighter Wing.
The squadron converted to the F-15
F-15 Eagle
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas to gain and maintain air superiority in aerial combat. It is considered among the most successful modern fighters with over 100 aerial combat victories with no losses in dogfights...
aircraft in 1989/90, with most of those planes coming from the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
The 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was with 25th Air Division based at McChord AFB, Washington. The squadron was inactivated on December 7, 1989.-World War II:...
at McChord AFB, which was being disbanded.
The Unit has been flying the F-15 Eagle fighter since 1989 . - The 142d Fighter Wing
142d Fighter Wing
The United States Air Force's 142d Fighter Wing is a unit located in Oregon.-Mission:To serve the nation, State, and community by providing mission-ready units, personnel and equipment for:* Air defense of the Pacific Northwest....
has 15 PAI and 3 BAI/AR F-15A and F-15B Eagles. The unit is presently converting to F-15C and F-15D Eagles. Two of its aircraft sit alert in support of NORAD 24 hours a day.
125th Special Tactics Squadron
Located on Portland Air National Guard Base (PANGB). It is one of only two of this type of unit in the Air National Guard. It was officially established on 1 May 2005. As of that date, it is the Air National GuardAir National Guard
The Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...
's newest unit. Located at the Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport is a joint civil-military airport and the largest airport in the U.S. state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of passenger travel and more than 95% of air cargo of the state. It is located within Portland's city limits just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah...
, the 125 STS is currently hiring Special Operations Weather Team members (SOWT), as well as Combat Controllers (CCT). SOWT candidates at the 125 STS have the unique requirement to integrate fully into the existing CCT team structure, as well as perform the historical function of Special Operations Weather support to ALL SOF capable military units, particularly Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Special Forces.
142d Fighter Wing
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
when the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, monitoring the war raging in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, began focusing less on neutrality and more on preparedness. Answering the call to arms, Major G. Robert Dodson, an Oregonian serving with the 321st Observation Squadron Reserve at Pearson Field, Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington. Incorporated in 1857, it is the fourth largest city in the state with a 2010 census population of 161,791 as of April 1, 2010...
, requested the National Guard Bureau's authorization to form an Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
flying unit. His short, official request- "We've got people, we've got a place, and we're ready!"- launched the 123d Observation Squadron on April 18, 1941.
Five months later the squadron was federally activated under different unit designations flying the O-47, BC-1A and later the F-5 reconnaissance version of the P-38 in the China-Burma theatre and with others serving in Europe. At the war's end, the unit regrouped as the 123d Fighter Squadron. By 1946, the ever-expanding unit was redesignated the 142d Fighter Interceptor Group.
In 1951, the group mobilized in support of the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
. After supporting the Korean War it remained very active in air defense matters through the intervening Cold War years, eventually becoming a Fighter Wing in 1995. Since its creation the wing has flown the O-47, BC-1A, F-5, F-51, B-25J, F-86, F-94
F-94 Starfire
The Lockheed F-94 Starfire was the United States Air Force's first operational jet-powered all-weather interceptor aircraft. It was a development by Lockheed of the twin-seat T-33 Shooting Star trainer aircraft.-Design and development:...
, F-89
F-89 Scorpion
The Northrop F-89 Scorpion was an early American jet-powered fighter designed from the outset as an all-weather interceptor. Though its straight wings limited its performance, it was among the first USAF jet fighters with guided missiles, and notably the first combat aircraft armed with air-to-air...
, F-102, F-101, F-4C, T-33
T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an American-built jet trainer aircraft. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948, piloted by Tony LeVier. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then designated T-33A. It was used by the...
and a host of support aircraft. Today the fighting "Redhawks" are proud to continue service as a component of the Total Force in defense of our nation flying the F-15C/D, providing both continuous air defense and air superiority capabilities. With more than 1,000 officers and airmen, the unit guards the Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a region in northwestern North America, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, by the Rocky Mountains on the east. Definitions of the region vary and there is no commonly agreed upon boundary, even among Pacific Northwesterners. A common concept of the...
skies from northern California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to the Canadian border, on 24-hour alert as part of the North American Air Defense system.
As a vital asset to Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command
Air Combat Command is a major command of the United States Air Force. ACC is one of ten major commands , reporting to Headquarters, United States Air Force ....
and Air Expeditionary Force structures, the 142d Fighter Wing participates around the globe supporting drug interdiction where needed, USAFE air defense, as well as contingency operations.
173d Fighter Wing
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Klamath Falls is a city in Klamath County, Oregon, United States. Originally called Linkville when George Nurse founded the town in 1867, after the Link River on whose falls this city sat, although no falls currently exist; the name was changed to Klamath Falls in 1892...
. The 173d Fighter Wing provides training for new pilots and pilot instructors on Air to Air combat tactics and basic flight instruction on the F-15. Also, Flight Surgeons, Dentists, and Optometrists receive specialized training on treating the unique physiological problems of pilots. The base in Klamath Falls is the more modern of the two major ANG installations in Oregon.
270th Air Traffic Control Squadron
Located on Kingsley Field.272d Combat Comm. Squadron
Located on Portland ANGB. Slated for closure due to the reset of Air National Guard resources.See also
- Oregon Military DepartmentOregon Military DepartmentThe Oregon Military Department is an agency of the government of the U.S. state of Oregon, which oversees the armed forces of the state of Oregon...
- Air National GuardAir National GuardThe Air National Guard , often referred to as the Air Guard, is the air force militia organized by each of the fifty U.S. states, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the territories of Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia of the United States. Established under Title 10 and...