F-35A fighter jets are scheduled to arrive at Kingsley Field in Oregon in summer 2027

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Air Force Secretary Troy Meink has signed a Record of Decision giving Kingsley Field Oregon Air Guard Base formal authorization to prepare for a squadron of F-35A Lightning II fighter jets.

The authorization allows the base, located in Klamath Falls, Ore., to commence facility construction for the advanced jet aircraft.

Field is home to the 173rd Fighter Wing, which is transitioning its primary aircraft mission from the F-15C Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II. The decision follows coordination between congressional representatives, the Department of the Air Force, the National Guard Bureau and local base leadership.

U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Oregon, highlighted the significance of the airspace and the regional economic impact of the base's new mission. “The decision by Airforce Secretary Meink is extraordinarily good news for Field, Klamath Falls, the State of Oregon and our nation,” Bentz said. “The airspace in Southern and Eastern Oregon provides an immensely large and mostly empty airspace for absolutely essential training of the men and women who will fly one of the most amazing aircraft in the world, the F-35A Lightning II. This decision is also of significant importance to the economic future of the Klamath Basin and the people who live there. A huge thank you is due to the leadership at Field, the Oregon National Guard and the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.”

Military leadership at the installation includes Col. Adam Gaudinski, commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing and Micah Lambert, deputy commander of the wing. Gaudinski emphasized the long-term impact of the new aircraft assignment for the base. “Field is officially an F-35 base, securing its place at the forefront of American airpower for generations to come,” Gaudinski said. “From here, we will forge the fighter pilots who will deter our adversaries, defend our nation and ensure America maintains air supremacy anywhere in the world. America's Air Supremacy starts here. Rep. Bentz has been an incredible champion for Field and the men and women of the 173d Fighter Wing. His leadership, advocacy and unwavering support helped make today possible, ensuring Kingsley will train America's F-35 pilots and strengthen our nation's airpower for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to Kingsley, Southern Oregon and our national defense.”

The signing of the Record of Decision allows Field to begin construction on base facilities to accommodate the incoming aircraft. The squadron of F-35A Lightning II jets is scheduled to arrive at the base in Summer 2027.