Military Bases in Oregon

Oregon’s Air Guard Stronghold

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to Oregon, Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls is the state’s premier Air National Guard base, home to the 173rd Fighter Wing, the nation’s leading F-15 pilot training school transitioning to F-35A Lightning II training by 2025. Located at Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport, this base anchors Oregon’s military presence. This guide to military bases in Oregon offers insights into Kingsley Field’s role, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Beaver State.

Historical Foundations

Oregon’s military history began with early 20th-century airfields. Kingsley Field traces its origins to 1928, when Klamath Falls citizens funded a municipal airport with $50,000 in bonds, creating gravel runways. In 1942, it became a Naval Air Station, transitioning to U.S. Air Force control in 1954 and dedicated in 1957 as Kingsley Field for 2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley, an Oregon WWII hero killed in 1944. The Oregon Air National Guard took over in 1978, establishing the 173rd Fighter Wing in 1996. These bases reflect Oregon’s evolving defense contributions.

Economic Impact

Kingsley Field is a vital economic driver for Klamath Falls, employing 485 full-time personnel and surging to 750 during monthly drills, contributing $200 million annually through contracts and local spending. The base’s 61-acre campus at Crater Lake-Klamath Regional Airport supports local businesses, with 111 based aircraft boosting aviation services. Families access 100 housing units, DoDDS schools (Klamath Falls City Schools partnership), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, including 2025 Crater Lake tours, enhance community life. A 2024 STARBASE funding concern highlights the base’s STEM education role for local youth.

Key Military Facilities

• Kingsley Field (Klamath Falls): Home to the 173rd Fighter Wing, training F-15C/D Eagle pilots and transitioning to F-35A training in 2025, with the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron managing air operations.

• Portland Air National Guard Base (Portland): Hosts the 142nd Wing with F-15C Eagles, set to receive the Air Force’s first operational F-15EX unit in 2025, supporting 1,200 personnel.

• Camp Rilea (Warrenton): A National Guard training center for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, hosting 2,000 trainees annually for joint exercises.

Strategic Importance

Kingsley Field’s 173rd Fighter Wing is the sole F-15C/D Formal Training Unit for the U.S. Air Force, producing 100 pilots annually for air superiority missions, with a 2024 shift to F-35A training for 20 aircraft by 2025. The 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron manages 35,123 annual aircraft operations, supporting NATO and homeland defense. Portland Air National Guard Base’s 142nd Wing conducts 1,000 F-15 missions yearly, preparing for F-15EX integration. Camp Rilea trains 2,000 Guard members for domestic response, including wildfire support in 2024. These bases strengthen regional security.

Notable Distinctions

Kingsley Field, spanning 61 acres, is the Air Force’s premier F-15 training school, set to become the third F-35A training unit, with 484,981 square feet of facilities. Portland Air National Guard Base will host the first operational F-15EX unit, a milestone for Air Guard modernization. Camp Rilea is Oregon’s largest Guard training site, with a 2,000-acre range. Kingsley’s 100 housing units, school partnerships, and MWR events like Klamath Falls’ 2025 air show, alongside Portland’s cultural vibrancy, offer families an exceptional quality of life.

U.S. service members on PCS to Oregon or TDY in Oregon will find mission-critical roles and welcoming communities at Kingsley Field. From Klamath Falls’ scenic Crater Lake to Portland’s urban energy, Oregon’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and unforgettable experiences for military families.