KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. -- The 173rd Fighter Wing will host a Sentry Eagle Open House on Saturday, June 25 and admission is free.
“As a thank you to the city of Klamath Falls and the surrounding area, we are opening our gates to the community to come out and share some exciting events,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd Fighter Wing commander. “Events like this let us share our mission, providing air superiority as the premiere F-15C training base, and to say thanks for the strong support from the community.”
This year, the wing has partnered with Klamath County Fairgrounds and Basin Transit Service to provide bus shuttles between the fairgrounds and the base every half hour. Cars may park off Arthur Street behind Hanscom’s Bowling Alley. Buses are scheduled to begin running at 8:30 a.m. with the last bus leaving Kingsley Field at 3:30 p.m.
“We know that parking at the base during this event can often get backed up and take a long time,” said Capt. Brandon McGraw, Sentry Eagle 2022 project officer. “We hope that providing shuttle service to the event will help alleviate a lot of those issues and we highly encourage people to use the parking at the fairgrounds for ease of access.”
During the Open House the Kingsley Field gates will be open to the community, providing a behind the scenes look at what the Airmen accomplish every day at the 173rd Fighter Wing.
Additionally, there will be multiple aerial demonstrations, static display aircraft, flight line operations viewing opportunities, recruiting events, and local vendors.
“This year the Sentry Eagle Open House is the showcase event and provides the opportunity for the public to get an up close and personal look at our mission and meet the Airmen who make it happen day-in and day-out,” said Bouma.
It is important to note that there are restrictions to what items individuals may bring on base as this is an active military instillation. Large bags, coolers, and the like will not be allowed on base. Purses, handbags, small camera bags, and diaper bags are allowed, but will be inspected upon entry. Strictly prohibited items include: weapons, firearms, explosives, alcohol, illegal drugs, pets, and drones. A final note, please have official identification ready as you may be asked to present it upon entry. This includes driver's license, passport, etc...
The Sentry Eagle Open House is being held in conjunction with the Klamath Freedom Days events.
Additional details such as schedules, parking plans, and more are available online at https://www.173fw.ang.af.mil/Home/Sentry-Eagle/ or on the 173rd FW Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/173FW.
For more information about the Sentry Eagle Open House contact the 173rd FW Public Affairs Office at (541) 885-6677.
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