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Date: 9/2/2020
WESTFIELD – On Aug. 17, the Air Force announced in a press release that it would be replacing F-15C’s in Florida and Oregon as the first step in a nationwide effort to upgrade to F-35A’s or F-15EX’s.
The F-15C and F-15D were initially introduced into service back in 1979 and are set to be retired in the next decade in favor of the newer models.
In the release, the Director of the Air National Guard, Maj. Gen. Mike Loh said that upgrading to the new class of fighter jets would set the Air National Guard up for future success.
“The Air National Guard has consistently stepped up to meet the challenges of countless national contingencies over recent years. Transitioning to these new weapon systems will maintain our effectiveness as a member of the Total Air Force into the future,” he said.
The bases set for the first upgrades include Jacksonville Air National Guard Base in Florida in 2024, Kingsley Field in Oregon in 2022, and Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon in 2023.
Barnes Air National Guard Base is also slated to upgrade its F-15Cs and F-15Ds to the newer models, but no date was given and there was no indication which of the new models would be used at the base.
Before the upgrades go into place, the Air Force will be surveying each base to decide which newer model will be more effective.
“The Air Force will now conduct on the ground site surveys at each of these locations to assess operational requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, infrastructure and manpower, and costs before deciding which aircraft will replace the F-15C mission,” the release said.
Along with the on-site surveys, the Air Force will complete the Environmental Impact Analysis process before making the final decision on the upgrades.
When contacted, Barnes had no additional comment at this time.