East Oregon News

Washington, D.C. – On May 31, 2023, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02) released the following statement regarding the future of Kinglsey Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon.

“I am extremely pleased to say that I have just been informed by General David Allvin, Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, that Kingsley Field will have a next mission, and it will be training pilots to fly the F-35A Lightning II jet. For nearly seventy years, Kingsley’s missions have been absolutely essential to our country’s air superiority and the Klamath Falls community. Since day one in Congress, I have made Kingsley Field’s future missions a top priority, including securing the F-35 mission. I was very happy last year to have had an amendment included in the FY23 NDAA that requires the United States Air Force to submit public plans for the future of bases operating with the F-15 Strike Eagle, like Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls. The Air Force’s decision to provide Kingsley with the F-35 is great news for our country, Oregon, and Klamath Falls, and I look forward to seeing the amazing work of the 173rd Fighter Wing in continuing to train the best air-to-air combat pilots in the world.”

Kingsley Field is named after Lt. David R. Kingsley, an Oregon World War II hero killed in action in June of 1944. In 1954, the United States Air Force selected Klamath Falls for the establishment of an all-weather-fighter-interceptor-squadron and an aircraft control and warning squadron. Kingsley is now home to the 173rd Fighter Wing, which was activated on June 27, 1996. 

Original source can be found here.