Klamath Falls — Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) is delighted to announce today that the Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Troy Meink, signed the Record of Decision, giving Kingsley Field Oregon Air National Guard Base, home of the 173rd Fighter Wing, formal authorization to begin preparations for a squadron of F-35A Lightning II jets.
The Record of Decision allows Kingsley Field to begin facility construction for F-35A Lighting II jets set to arrive in Summer 2027.
The Congressman and his staff have worked closely with Department of the Air Force, the Trump Administration, and Kingsley Field to identify and qualify the Kingsley Field airbase as the premier location for the jet.
The Congressman would like to thank the National Guard Bureau, Secretary Troy Meink, the Oregon National Guard, Colonel Adam Gaudinski (Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing), and Micah Lambert (Deputy Commander of the 173rd Fighter Wing) for their hard work and dedication in the transition of Kingsley Field from the F-15C Eagle to the F-35A Lightning II.
Said Congressman Bentz: “The decision by Airforce Secretary Meink is extraordinarily good news for Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, the State of Oregon, and our nation. The airspace in Southern and Eastern Oregon provides an immensely large and mostly empty airspace for absolutely essential training of the men and women who will fly one of the most amazing aircraft in the world, the F-35A Lightning II. This decision is also of significant importance to the economic future of the Klamath Basin and the people who live there. A huge thank you is due to the leadership at Kingsley Field, the Oregon National Guard, and the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.”
Said Colonel Gaudinski: “Kingsley Field is officially an F-35 base, securing its place at the forefront of American airpower for generations to come. From here, we will forge the fighter pilots who will deter our adversaries, defend our nation, and ensure America maintains air supremacy anywhere in the world. America’s Air Supremacy starts here. “Representative Cliff Bentz has been an incredible champion for Kingsley Field and the men and women of the 173d Fighter Wing. His leadership, advocacy, and unwavering support helped make today possible, ensuring Kingsley will train America’s F-35 pilots and strengthen our nation’s airpower for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for his commitment to Kingsley, Southern Oregon, and our national defense.”
Source: Office of Congressman Cliff Bentz, October 5, 2026.
