The 123rd Fighter Squadron is stationed at Portland IAP, Oregon. The
123rd was designated as the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron when it
received their first F-15A/B's in 1989-1990. The F-15's received used to fly
with the deactivated 318th FIS at McHord AFB, Washington. The 123rd FS
report to the 142nd Fighter WIng.
The 142nd Fighter Wing mission is to serve the nation, state and
community by providing mission ready units, personnel and equipment for:
Domination in the air superiority arena; Federal augmentation in support of
national security objectives; Response to state and local contingencies; and
n Pro-active involvement in activities that add value to the people and
communities.
The unit was established April 18, 1941, and activated in World War II
and the Korean War. It is the grandfather to Oregon's other Air Guard units
-- 173 FW, 270 ATCS, 116 ACS, 244 CBCS and 272 CBCS. The repertoire of
aircraft has included F-51, B-25J, F-86, F-94, F-89, F-102, F-101, F-4C,
C-131, C-130A, T-33.
Personnel strength includes 475 full-time employees (112 AGRs, 252
federal technicians, 58 Title 5 civilians, 53 state); 645 drill-status
guardmembers; 1009 total authorized; 940 assigned (93.16% includes student
flight); Officer: 102 authorized, 92 assigned (90.20%); Enlisted: 907
authorized, 786 assigned (86.66%); Student Flight: 62.
It is rully integrated into "Total Force" -- Air Expeditionary Force #9.
The location in the Pacific Northwestern United States is key for air
defense of the nation. The Air National Guard Base is co-located with
civilian international airport. The base has numerous military and civilian
support agreements to benefit state and local government agencies. Hence,
Portland Air Base is a BIG operation. It is not a typical ANG facility
because it is host to an Air Force Reserve Wing and several other ANG/ARNG
units. The actual facility employs and/or supports nearly 3,000 employees.
The unique operating environment and permits provides many services to area
active duty military families and retirees since the nearest active duty
military installation is nearly 200 miles away.
Previously designated as the 123rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, the
squadron was renamed the 123th Fighter Squadron in 1992.
The squadron converted to the F-15A/B aircraft in 1989/90, with most of
those planes coming from the 318th FIS at McChord AFB, which was being
disbanded.
The Unit has been flying the F-15 Eagle jet fighter since 1989. - The 142
FW has 15 PAI and 3 BAI/AR F-15A and F-15B Eagles.
