The Oregon Air National Guard (OR ANG) is a component of the United States Air National Guard, which is a reserve component of the United States Air Force. The OR ANG is headquartered at Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon, and has a rich history dating back to 1946. The primary mission of the OR ANG is to provide trained units and personnel to support the national security objectives of the United States, while also supporting the state of Oregon during times of natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other emergencies.
History and Heritage
The Oregon Air National Guard was established on August 6, 1946, as the 142nd Fighter Group, with its headquarters located at Portland Municipal Airport (now Portland International Airport). The unit was initially equipped with the P-51 Mustang and later transitioned to the F-84 Thunderjet. During the Korean War, the 142nd Fighter Group was activated and deployed to Japan, where it flew combat missions in support of United Nations forces. In the 1960s, the unit converted to the F-102 Delta Dagger and later to the F-4 Phantom II. In the 1980s, the OR ANG began flying the F-15 Eagle, which it continues to operate today.
Units and Assignments
The Oregon Air National Guard is composed of several units, including the 142nd Fighter Wing, the 173rd Fighter Wing, and the 125th Special Tactics Squadron. The 142nd Fighter Wing is the largest unit in the OR ANG and is equipped with the F-15 Eagle. The wing is responsible for providing air defense and homeland security support to the state of Oregon and the nation. The 173rd Fighter Wing is a training unit that operates the F-15 Eagle and provides training to pilots and maintenance personnel. The 125th Special Tactics Squadron is a special operations unit that provides tactical air control and combat weather support to special operations forces.
| Unit | Assignment | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| 142nd Fighter Wing | Air Defense and Homeland Security | F-15 Eagle |
| 173rd Fighter Wing | Training | F-15 Eagle |
| 125th Special Tactics Squadron | Special Operations | Various |
Missions and Operations
The Oregon Air National Guard has a variety of missions and operations, including air defense, homeland security, training, and special operations. The unit is responsible for providing air defense support to the state of Oregon and the nation, and has been involved in several high-profile operations, including Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom. The OR ANG also provides training to pilots and maintenance personnel, and has a special operations unit that provides tactical air control and combat weather support to special operations forces.
Aircraft and Equipment
The Oregon Air National Guard operates a variety of aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, which is the primary aircraft used by the 142nd Fighter Wing. The unit also operates several other aircraft, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the C-130 Hercules. The OR ANG has a range of equipment, including radar systems, communication systems, and logistics systems, which are used to support its missions and operations.
- F-15 Eagle: a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter used for air defense and homeland security missions
- F-16 Fighting Falcon: a single-engine, multirole fighter used for training and combat missions
- C-130 Hercules: a four-engine, tactical transport aircraft used for logistics and special operations missions
What is the primary mission of the Oregon Air National Guard?
+The primary mission of the Oregon Air National Guard is to provide trained units and personnel to support the national security objectives of the United States, while also supporting the state of Oregon during times of natural disasters, civil disturbances, and other emergencies.
What aircraft does the Oregon Air National Guard operate?
+The Oregon Air National Guard operates a variety of aircraft, including the F-15 Eagle, the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the C-130 Hercules.
What is the role of the 142nd Fighter Wing in the Oregon Air National Guard?
+The 142nd Fighter Wing is the largest unit in the Oregon Air National Guard and is equipped with the F-15 Eagle. The wing is responsible for providing air defense and homeland security support to the state of Oregon and the nation.
