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.
123rd Fighter Squadron UAE
Deployment
by
Staff Sgt. Aaron Perkins
142d Fighter Wing
11/6/2010 - Portland Air National Guard
Base, PORTLAND, Ore. -- Six F-15's from the 142nd Fighter Wing Portland
Oregon Air National Guard Base deployed October 2, 2010 for a month long
deployment to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support the training
exercise called Iron Falcon.
Airmen of the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Fighter
Wing prepare six F-15 Eagles to depart for a 30-day overseas training tour
in support of Exercise IRON FALCON to the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare
Center on October 2, 2010. Along with the six jets, 131 members of the
Oregon Air National Guard also deployed to the UAE in support of Exercise
IRON FALCON . (U.S. Air Force Photograph by Staff Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd
Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office)
The month long training deployment will be provide weapons training for a
number of 142nd FW pilots as well as good training for the aircraft
maintainers. The will be able to train alongside a number of partner nations
with multiple aircraft that have never been engaged before.
The deployed aircraft will fly from Portland to Barnes Air National Guard
Base, Massachusetts, then to Spain then on to the UAE.
The 142nd FW will be attached to the 363rd Air Expeditionary Wing and will
be staying at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
Four U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagles from the 142nd Fighter
Wing prepare for take on on October 2, 2010 for a 30-day overseas training
tour in support of Exercise IRON FALCON to the United Arab Emirates Air
Warfare Center. A total of Six jets and 131 members of the Oregon Air
National Guard deployed to the UAE in support of Exercise IRON FALCON. (U.S.
Air Force Photograph by Staff Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Public Affairs)
Oregon Air National Guard Major Adam Sitler goes through
the pre-flight check of his F-15C Eagle prior to take off on October 2nd,
2010 at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore. (US Air Force
photography by Staff Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
An Oregon Air National Guard F-15C Eagle takes off from
the Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., on October 2nd, 2010.
(US Air Force photographby Staff Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public
Affairs)
An Oregon National Guard Airman from the 142nd Fighter
Wing marshals several F-15C Eagles at the Portland Air National Guard Base,
Portland, Ore., on October 2nd, 2010. (U.S. Air Force photograph by Staff
Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)
