Article by Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Shirar, 173rd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. – A squadron of F-35A Lightning II’s from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. will be flying with the 173rd Fighter Wing, arriving Tuesday, May 9 for a two-week stay.
“This is the second time Luke Air Force Base is traveling here to use our outstanding airspace with their F-35s,” said Col. Lee Bouma, 173rd FW commander. “Our local airspace is a national treasure in terms of size, location, and availability for use compared to many other Military Operating Areas that are much smaller and overcrowded.”
Luke AFB came out last fall for two weeks to train out of Kingsley Field.
Bouma also notes that integrating the F-35s and F-15s together for training flights gives the pilots the opportunity to practice in a more complex environment, enhancing their skill set.
“This will allow them to fully train to the capabilities of the F-35 and at the same time, continue to strengthen the relationship between our two units,” said Bouma.
Because of the additional aircraft and flights, the community may experience an increase of aircraft noise during this time.
Luke AFB is home to the 56th Fighter Wing, an F-35A training wing in Phoenix, Arizona.
The 173rd FW has an established relationship with the 56th FW. Since 2014, the active association at Kingsley Field, the 550th Fighter Squadron, is a detachment of the 56th Fighter Wing.
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