About the Air National Guard
The Air National Guard's federal mission is to maintain
well-trained, well-equipped units available for prompt mobilization during
combat and to provide assistance during national emergencies, such as natural
disasters or civil disturbances. During peacetime, Air National Guard units
carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, and
humanitarian and contingency operations.
The purpose of the Proposed Action is to maintain combat
capability and mission readiness for the Air National Guard's 173 Fighter Wing
(173 FW) in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Beddown and operation of the F-35A to
replace the aging F 15C/D fleet at the 173 FW would enable this goal. This
beddown action and associated training would ensure availability of
combat-ready pilots in the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, as the
F-15C/D fleet is reaching the end of its service life.
The F-15C/D aircraft currently based at the Kingsley Field Air
National Guard Base (ANGB) face increased maintenance issues due to the age of
the aircraft that limit flying ability. The fighter aircraft need to be
replaced due to attrition, decreasing service life, and because new F-15C/D
aircraft are no longer being manufactured. The F-35A is a solution to the
F-15C/D that maintains capacity to conduct the mission and adds capability to
the DAF while preserving the Air Superiority and Homeland Defense missions. The
F-35A aircraft offer next-generation technologies, including an advanced
cockpit, active electronically scanned array radar, digital electronic warfare
suite, the world’s fastest mission computer, and modern sensors to remain ahead
of current and evolving threats.
Proposed Action
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the National Guard
Bureau propose to maintain the combat capability of the ANG fighter wings
currently flying the F-15C/D aircraft. These aircraft have reached the end of
their lifespan and will be phased out due to future safety and maintenance
concerns. The proposal is the beddown, operation, and associated infrastructure
construction of one Formal Training Unit squadron of F 35A aircraft at Kingsley
Field ANGB.
Project Website
Please visit the project website
at https://www.kingsleyfieldf35eis.com/
for more information. The website provides information regarding:
- information on the status and schedule of the EIS
- documents and references available for review
- opportunities for public involvement
- methods to submit comments during the designated
public comment periods
This website will be updated
throughout the project. Please check back often for updates.