Oregon Air National Guard

Introduction to the Oregon Air National Guard

The Oregon Air National Guard (ORANG) is a component of the United States Air National Guard, operating under the umbrella of the Oregon National Guard. As a reserve component of the United States Air Force, the ORANG plays a critical role in supporting both state and federal missions. With its headquarters located at Portland Air National Guard Base, the ORANG is composed of approximately 2,200 airmen, making it one of the largest and most advanced Air National Guard units in the country.

Mission and Responsibilities

The primary mission of the Oregon Air National Guard is to provide air power support to the state of Oregon and the United States. This includes participating in homeland defense, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance efforts, both domestically and internationally. Some of the key responsibilities of the ORANG include: * Providing air defense and combat air support to ground units * Conducting aerial refueling and transportation operations * Supporting search and rescue and medical evacuation missions * Participating in cybersecurity and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations

Units and Equipment

The Oregon Air National Guard is comprised of several units, including the 142nd Fighter Wing, the 173rd Fighter Wing, and the 272nd Civil Engineering Squadron. The ORANG operates a variety of aircraft, including: * F-15C/D Eagle fighter jets * F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets * MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) * RC-26B reconnaissance aircraft The ORANG also utilizes various equipment and systems, such as advanced radar systems, communication networks, and cybersecurity tools, to support its operations.

Unit	Aircraft	Location
142nd Fighter Wing	F-15C/D Eagle	Portland Air National Guard Base
173rd Fighter Wing	F-15E Strike Eagle	Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base
272nd Civil Engineering Squadron	N/A	Portland Air National Guard Base

Training and Exercises

The Oregon Air National Guard participates in various training exercises and operations throughout the year. These events help to maintain and improve the unit’s combat readiness and operational capabilities. Some notable exercises include: * Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada * Maple Flag exercises at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada * National Guard Bureau (NGB) training exercises The ORANG also conducts regular drills and inspections to ensure compliance with Air Force standards and regulations.

🚀 Note: The Oregon Air National Guard is subject to deployment in support of federal missions, and airmen may be required to participate in overseas operations.

Community Involvement

The Oregon Air National Guard is committed to community outreach and engagement. The unit participates in various local events and charity functions, such as: * Air shows and open houses * Parades and festivals * Food drives and toy donations The ORANG also offers youth programs and educational initiatives to promote STEM education and career development among young people.

As the Oregon Air National Guard continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the state and the nation, its dedicated airmen remain committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence and service. With its rich history, advanced capabilities, and strong sense of community, the ORANG is poised to meet the challenges of the future and defend the interests of Oregon and the United States.

In summary, the Oregon Air National Guard plays a vital role in supporting state and federal missions, with a strong focus on air power, homeland defense, and community engagement. Through its various units, equipment, and training exercises, the ORANG remains a critical component of the United States Air National Guard and a source of pride for the state of Oregon.