142nd Wing Oregon Air National Guard Portland Air National Guard Base 9/10 October 2024

Story and photos by Ken Middleton

The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is located at the Portland International Airport, near the city of Portland Oregon. It is the first operational unit to receive the new F-15EX Eagle II, which was the focus of planning my visit for 10 October 2024.

I was able to get some approach photos on 9 October outside the airport, too.

First, I want to pass along special thanks to my great hosts: MSgt Steven Conklin and MSgt Stephanie Sawyer from the 142nd Wing Public Affairs office, and MSgt David Whitley and TSgt Aaron Hartley from the 142nd Maintenance Group, for their assistance and hospitality. You can see my article from my previous visit on 28 June 2022 here.

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II The 142nd Wing currently has 2 F-15EX Eagle II’s assigned – 20-0007 and 20-0008. There was an unveiling ceremony on 12 July 2024 at Portland Air National Guard Base. The jets do not currently have the Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs), which add more fuel and weapons stations. You can read more in Mike Colaner’s excellent article on the F-15EX Eagle II here. 

The first EX arrived at Portland on 5 June 2024, and the second on 2 July 2024. During my visit, unfortunately neither jet flew, but I got photos of 20-0007 as 0008 was tucked away in a hangar. The unit isn’t missing a beat, though, with its current operations and assigned duties, as numerous F-15C Eagles took flight, including some alert jets.

Training of pilots and maintainers on the new jet are currently progressing, while keeping the older C models available and flyable.

The unit expects their next EX in April 2025, and maybe 2 more by end of 2025.

As a bonus, on this visit, I was able to get photos of the 3 static aircraft on base – an F-15A Eagle, F-4C Phantom II and F-101B Voodoo. Thank you again to all the men and women of the 142nd Wing for a terrific visit!