The U.S. Air Force continues moving forward steadily with the incorporation of the modern F‑15EX Eagle II strike fighter, marking a new milestone with the recent arrival of the fourth unit at the Portland Air National Guard Base, just ahead of the first anniversary of its integration on June 5.
The 142nd Wing, a pioneer in operating the F-15EX at the national level, received its first two aircraft in 2024, added a third last month, and has just incorporated the fourth unit. The ultimate goal is to form a fleet of 18 aircraft in the coming years, representing a historic transformation after more than three decades operating the F‑15C Eagle model. Boeing, the manufacturer of these aircraft, aims to reach a delivery rate of two jets per month by the end of 2026, ensuring a steady flow of the latest variant of the renowned Eagle.
A challenging but strategic transition
Colonel Daniel McAllister, commander of the 142nd Wing Maintenance Group, leads a team of 400 airmen responsible for maintaining fleet operability. “We’re asking a lot of our people, and that shows the level of experience and talent we have here in Portland. I’m truly proud of our personnel,” said McAllister.
The transition process hasn’t been without challenges. The first aircraft arrived with delays and without finalized technical orders, which forced technicians to work with provisional documents and direct support from Boeing. However, with the regular arrival of new aircraft and the completion of the technical manuals, the pace of adaptation has accelerated notably.
“We’re in the midst of combat coding these aircraft,” McAllister explained. “We’re still operating them in a test state… but we’re close.”
Pilot training and international projection
Major Jonathan Taylor, an instructor pilot experienced with both the C and EX models, highlighted the differences between the platforms: “It’s like flying two different aircraft. You have to stay very current on procedures and knowledge.” Taylor is part of a team of ten instructors responsible for training the pilots transitioning from the F-15C. So far, 14 of the planned 32 pilots have already been trained.
In addition to the local changes, the unit is preparing to provide support to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa (Japan), where the C model has already been retired. Portland will play a key role in training the first Japanese pilots and engineers who will operate the F-15EX.
“We’re receiving a steady stream of personnel from Kadena who come to train with the new aircraft, since they no longer have any F-15Cs available,” McAllister noted.
An evident technological leap
The incorporation of the F-15EX Eagle II is also advancing in terms of operational integration. In April, the 142nd Wing brought one of its fighters to Nellis Air Force Base to participate for the first time with a line unit in the Air Force Weapons School.
McAllister was full of praise for the new aircraft’s capabilities: “The engines, the flight controls, the sensors, the avionics, and its ability to carry more weapons… It’s another level. Just watch a takeoff to see the difference from the C model.” Taylor agreed: “It’s about 30% more powerful than its predecessor.”
The future of the F-15EX
With the arrival of the fifth aircraft expected this month, the focus will now be on completing squadron qualification, placing the F-15EX on alert status for national defense operations, and strengthening the strategic link with Japan.
The F-15EX Eagle II is thus consolidating itself as a key pillar of U.S. air power, considering that the United States Air Force plans to have a total of 104 of these aircraft available, and Portland is positioning itself at the forefront of this new technological and operational era.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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