142nd Fighter Wing

142nd Fighter Wing
Oregon National Guard · CC BY 2.0 · source
Unit name	142nd Fighter Wing
Caption	Emblem of the 142nd Fighter Wing
Dates	1942–present
Country	United States
Branch	Air National Guard
Type	Wing
Role	Fighter
Size	~1,200 personnel
Garrison	Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Oregon

142nd Fighter Wing is a unit of the Air National Guard based at Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland, Oregon. The wing traces its origins to World War II predecessor organizations and serves as a tactical fighter force equipped and trained for air superiority, air defense, and expeditionary deployments. It supports state and federal missions, integrating with the United States Air Force, the Oregon National Guard, and joint partners.

History

The unit's lineage begins with a World War II group activated during the Asiatic-Pacific Theater campaigns and later reconstituted in the postwar National Guard structure alongside units from United States Army Air Forces, Air Defense Command, and the early Tactical Air Command era. During the Korean War the wing's antecedents were federalized and provided personnel and aircraft support to operations connected with Far East Air Forces and homeland defense missions under Western Air Defense Force. In the Cold War, the wing transitioned through aircraft and mission changes influenced by strategic shifts following the Berlin Crisis, the establishment of North American Aerospace Defense Command, and deployments tied to Vietnam War support and Tactical Air Command rotational deployments. Post–Cold War restructuring, including Base Realignment and Closure actions, reshaped basing and force posture; the wing later participated in operations connected to Operation Desert Shield, Operation Southern Watch, and Operation Northern Watch. Following the September 11 attacks the wing contributed to homeland air defense under North American Aerospace Defense Command and expeditionary rotations for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The unit's history reflects interaction with federal mobilizations under presidential executive orders, state emergency responses alongside the Oregon National Guard, and cooperation with regional civilian authorities during events invoking the Stafford Act.

Mission and Role

The wing executes air superiority, air defense, close air support, and combat air patrol missions in support of the United States Air Force and joint force requirements. It maintains readiness for federal mobilization under the Total Force concept, integrates with Air Combat Command taskings, and fulfills state-directed emergency response missions coordinated with the Governor of Oregon and Adjutant General of Oregon. Operational responsibilities include 24/7 alert postures for homeland defense under North American Aerospace Defense Command directives, expeditionary force generation for United States Central Command and United States Northern Command contingencies, and participation in multinational exercises such as Red Flag, Northern Edge, and COOPERATIVE DEFENDER.

Units and Organization

The wing comprises operations, maintenance, mission support, and medical groups with subordinate squadrons aligned to flying, logistics, and civil support tasks. Primary subordinate units include the 123rd Fighter Squadron and the operations group; maintenance squadrons provide aircraft sustainment under standards from Air Force Materiel Command. The wing's organizational framework follows Air National Guard structures consistent with guidance from the National Guard Bureau and coordination with state-level agencies such as the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

Aircraft and Equipment

Over its history the wing operated legacy and modern fighters, transitioning through types that reflect doctrinal evolution: piston-engined fighters of the World War II era, early jet fighters of the Korean War period, Cold War interceptors, and fourth-generation multirole fighters. In recent decades the wing has flown variants of the F-15 Eagle configured for air superiority and homeland defense, equipped with avionics suites interoperable with Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System assets and compatible with air-to-air weapons like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder. Ground systems include support equipment aligned to Combat Logistics Support standards and airbase defense capabilities integrated with regional Federal Emergency Management Agency planning.

Deployments and Operations

The wing has conducted domestic and international deployments supporting coalition operations, homeland air patrols, and contingency response missions. Notable engagements include rotations tied to Operation Noble Eagle homeland air defense, expeditionary deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, and participation in multinational training such as Red Flag and bilateral exercises with regional partners including Canada under NORAD frameworks. The wing has also responded to state emergencies such as wildfire suppression coordination and disaster relief missions invoked by the Governor of Oregon.

Base and Facilities

Headquartered at Portland Air National Guard Base, the wing shares infrastructure with Portland International Airport and integrates base operations with local civil authorities, regional air traffic control centers, and logistic partners. Facilities include flightline maintenance hangars, munitions storage meeting Defense Threat Reduction Agency standards, squadron administrative buildings, and training ranges accessible through coordination with United States Air Force Weapons School and regional training complexes. Base support functions coordinate with the Oregon Air National Guard and municipal entities in Portland for installation security and community relations.

Awards and Honors

Throughout its history the wing and its predecessor units have received campaign streamers, Air Force unit awards, and recognitions tied to operational excellence, readiness, and community service. Decorations reflect participation in major campaigns and support for national defense initiatives endorsed by the Secretary of the Air Force and honors administered through the National Guard Bureau. Additional commendations have come from state-level proclamations by the Governor of Oregon for disaster response and public service.

Category:Wings of the United States Air National Guard Category:Military units and formations in Oregon