PORTLAND, Ore. – More than 100 Airmen from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing have departed from the Portland Air National Guard Base en route to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, to conduct joint training with the U.S. Air Force’s new F-15EX Eagle II.
The Oregon Airmen traveling to Nellis A.F.B. are also bringing along up to seven Oregon F-15C model Eagles, and will spend the next two weeks supporting test and evaluation missions for the F-15EX while gaining operator and maintainer exposure to the new aircraft.
“This two week event provides a window into the future of 142nd Wing flying operations by introducing our Airmen to the F-15EX Eagle II,” said Colonel Aaron Mathena, 142nd Operations Group commander. “Their direct support of this flying test and evaluation brings that reality closer than ever, while taking advantage of unique training opportunities needed for today.”
The 142nd Wing, based in Portland, Oregon, is set to become the first operational flying unit in the Air Force to operate the F-15EX, which are slated to arrive in 2024.