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 173d Fighter Wing (173 FW)’s mission is to produce the best air-to-air combat pilots, intelligence specialists, and healthcare professionals and serve the state of Oregon and the nation in times of peace and war. The 173 FW’s training mission falls under the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and 19th Air Force. The Wing’s assigned aircraft fall under the purview of Air Combat Command (ACC), which is responsible for all Department of the Air Force (DAF) combat aircraft. As an integral component of AETC, the 173 FW trains F-15C/D air combat pilots to defend the homeland of the U.S., as well as deploy forces worldwide to meet threats to ensure the security of the U.S. To fulfill this role, the pilots must train as they would fight, which means that they must simulate battle conditions in a training environment.

Proposed Action

NGB and DAF propose the beddown and operation of one formal training unit (FTU) squadron of F-35A aircraft at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB), including associated infrastructure construction.

The Draft EIS also evaluates the No Action Alternative, as required by NEPA. Under the No Action Alternative, the Proposed Action would not occur. The Draft EIS evaluates ongoing base operations and considers facility and infrastructure construction projects needed to support continued base operations. Before any future construction or repair project is implemented, DAF and NGB would determine whether the project constitutes a Major Federal Action and whether additional NEPA analysis is required.

Why the Proposed Action is Necessary

The F-15C/D aircraft previously assigned to the 173 FW have been retired as part of the DAF’s transition from aging legacy aircraft that had reached the end of their service life. At the same time, DAF has an ongoing need to increase F-35A pilot training capacity to support national defense requirements.

The Proposed Action would establish a new F-35A FTU at Kingsley Field ANGB, expanding F-35A pilot training capacity and providing an integrated training environment for pilot qualification.