Proposed Action
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 ANG’s 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 ANG installation 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 DAF and NGB 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 FTU squadron of F 35A aircraft at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB). The No Action Alternative is also considered as required by 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 1502.14(c). Under the No Action Alternative, the 173 FW would continue to conduct their current mission using existing F-15C/D aircraft. Any previously planned construction and repair projects required for the current mission would be implemented. These projects reflect requirements to sustain the 173 FW mission regardless of the airframe that is being flown.