Kingsley Field to host Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise open house Published July 20, 2015 KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. -- Kingsley Field will host the 15th Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise and open house Aug. 1. We are inviting the public to enjoy a wide variety of fighter jets, military operations, and static displays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is free. Sentry Eagle, the Air National Guard's largest air-to-air exercise, provides military pilots of the Active and Reserve components a forum to test their flying skills including air-to-air combat tactics against different types of aircraft, as well as large force employment training. "This exercise is a fantastic opportunity for different Fighter Squadrons across the country to take advantage of our exceptional airspace, weather, and hospitality and allow the pilots to train as they would fight in combat," said 173rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Kirk Pierce. "Sentry Eagle allows units to set the objectives of the exercise to meet their unit's training objectives." Participating aircraft will take-off and land at Kingsley Field and will conduct mock air-to-air combat operations over the desert of eastern Oregon. Take-off times for the aircraft will be between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Aircraft landing will be between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and between 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The air-to-air combat exercise, which begins July 29, is not just about training, according to Pierce. "Sentry Eagle is one way for Kingsley Field personnel to say 'thank you' to our community for their phenomenal support year in and year out." State, community, and civic leaders, as well as the public are invited to Kingsley Field to participate in this public appreciation open house Aug. 1, he said. Sentry Eagle is an opportunity for the public to visit the base for an up-close look at high-tech fighter aircraft, complex air traffic control operations and other state of the art military aircraft. Aircraft participating this year include F-15s, F-16s, F-18s, and KC-135s. The open house will feature static displays from the Army and Air Force and other civilian organizations. Additionally, more than 45 non-profit organization vendors will sell merchandise and food during the open house. Free parking is available near the front gate and Kingsley Airmen will direct traffic. If you require handicapped parking they will direct you on-base, your vehicle must have a state handicap placard. For more information about the Sentry Eagle air-to-air combat exercise and Kingsley Field open house contact the 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (541) 885-6677. Sentry Eagle 2015 Schedule of Events Saturday Aug. 1, 2015 0900 - 1600 Theater shows Aircraft Static Displays Military Equipment Displays 0930 - 1000 AM Jet Launch 1030 - 1145 AM Jet Recovery 1145 National Anthem 1330 - 1400 PM Jet Launch (1:30 PM - 2:00 PM) 1500 PM Jet Recovery (3:00 PM 1500 End of Open House (3:00 PM) 1530 Gates Closed (3:30 PM) (Times are all subject to change)