Gov. Kotek attends unveiling of first F-15EX Eagle II advanced fighter jet at 142nd Wing of Oregon Air National Guard

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek joined the National Guard Bureau and the Oregon Military Department on Friday for the unveiling of the first F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet at the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard.

“Oregon’s location in our nation places us in a critical position for national air defense. Today’s unveiling is a historic moment for our state and our nation,” Governor Kotek said. “The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is the sole defender of our skies in the Pacific Northwest. The deployment of the F-15EX to Oregon, and specifically to the Oregon Air National Guard, will enhance our region’s ability to respond to potential threats, strengthening homeland defense for our region and for our nation.”

"The F-15EX's arrival at the 142nd Wing significantly enhances Oregon's defense capabilities,” Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “This advanced fighter strengthens our ability to protect our communities and bolsters our interoperability with active forces. It exemplifies why the Oregon National Guard is truly the 'military service of choice' for Oregonians – offering the unique opportunity to serve both state and nation with cutting-edge technology." 

The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is the first operational unit to receive the F-15EX fighter jets. The 142nd Wing is one of three Air National Guard units set to operate the EX. The others are the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, and the 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans Air National Guard Base, Louisiana.

The 142nd Wing will ultimately receive an entire fleet of EXs over the next year or two, replacing the unit’s C-model F-15s.