Photo By Staff Sgt. Nichole Sanchez | A 142nd Wing F-15EX Eagle II, tail 008, takes off from Portland Air National Guard...... read more read more
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McMinnville, Ore.--Last weekend, aviation enthusiasts and spectators were treated to a historic moment at the Oregon International Airshow (OIA) in McMinnville as the F-15EX took to the skies for the first time in a public air show. The appearance of the aircraft marked the culmination of a years-long effort to bring the EX to Portland and offered Oregonians a chance to see the next-generation fighter up close.
During the three-day event, the 142nd Wing conducted multiple flyovers and flybys with F-15EX Eagle II and F-15C aircraft. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Friedman, 123rd Fighter Squadron commander, says that being able to illustrate the EX's capabilities to the public for the first time makes the long journey to receive the aircraft worthwhile.
"It was an honor to showcase the F-15EX at the [Oregon International] Air Show, " said Friedman. "A lot of people internal and external to the 142nd Wing have worked for many years to make this conversion a reality, [and] it's a privilege to get to represent all those folks and all their efforts at an event like this."
At first glance, it's easy to mistake the EX with a standard F-15C given how similar the airframes look. But make no mistake, the EX is a generational leap into the future, featuring a bevy of technological upgrades.
"The F-15EX brings better sensors, computers, flight controls, and more power to the fight than the F-15C," said Friedman. "It's been designed with a 'digital backbone' that should enable rapid fielding of new technology and expand the current mission sets of the F-15C."
While pilots and aircraft often take center stage at any air show, it's important to remember that the various aerial feats wouldn't be possible without the dedicated team of maintainers ensuring everything performs flawlessly.
Master Sgt. Quentin Manley, the alert chief enlisted manager for the 142nd Maintenance Squadron, oversaw maintenance operations in support of the air show. Manley reflected on the role of maintainers in supporting community events like this.
“I’ve been doing this for 28 years and it still tickles me pink whenever I see them take off,” said Manley. “It’s nice having us broaden that bridge, going out into the community, especially introducing our new aircraft.”
Airshows like the OIA offer an opportunity to showcase new aircraft like the F-15EX, but also give Airmen a chance to connect with the public and highlight the Air National Guard’s contributions to the local community.
“As Air National Guard members, we are…always looking for ways to invest in our local community,” said Friedman. “It's a lot of fun to fly in local airshows and showcase a bit of Wing's mission in front of our community.”
For those that missed the F-15EX; don’t worry. When asked if the 142nd Wing and the EX would return to the OIA in the future, Lt. Col. Friedman answered emphatically.
“Absolutely!” said Friedman. “By this time next year, we expect our fleet to be almost entirely comprised of F-15EX's”
| Date Taken: | 09.12.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.12.2024 16:01 |
| Story ID: | 480718 |
| Location: | MCMINNVILLE, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 278 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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