Have you had dreams of being a fighter pilot? Don’t tell me you watch Tom Cruise in Top Gun every weekend because of your obsession….
The F-15 is one “bad ass” fighter plane and there are some Air National Guard units who have F-15’s to use in their units.
In today’s post, I will tell you what National Guard units in the USA have F-15’s. If you have the passion to fly an F-15, you may want to consider joining the Air National Guard in one of these States.
About The F-15
The F-15 is a twin engine American fighter plane that was designed by McDonnell Douglas and made its first flight in 1972. It was put into service for the United States military in 1976.
The F-15 is considered the most successful fighter planes ever with a 100+ victory rating and 0 losses. Other countries that use the F-15 are:
- Israel
- Japan
- and Saudi Arabia
It was during the Vietnam War that the Air Force began calling for a fighter aircraft that could maintain speed and control with the Soviet MIGs.
We can say some good came from the war in Vietnam as the F-15 created a path to air superiority for the United States.
There are many variants of the F-15. The majority can carry these weapons:
- Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barrel Rotary cannon, 940 rounds
- Missiles: 4× AIM-7 Sparrow, 4× AIM-9 Sidewinder, 8× AIM-120 AMRAA
The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. ~ Air Force
List Of National Guard Units With F-15s
This is the list as I could find it. If you know of any others, feel free to share in the comment’s section at the end. Some are at minimal use while others are slated to transition.
114th Fighter Squadron
The 114th Fighter Squadron is an Air National Guard unit based at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Their motto is: The Land of no Slack.
They were first activated in 1942 as a bombardment unit and took part in World War II and the invasion of Italy.
When returning from Italy, they were allotted to the Oregon National Guard but soon moved to New York. Because of financial restraints, the 114th was inactivated in 1958.
In 1983, the 8123d Fighter-Interceptor Training Squadron was organized in Oregon but was soon changed to the 114th again. In the late 1980’s, the 114th was equipped with F-16s which were retired and F-15s became the Squadron’s air vehicle. They now use F-15 Eagles.
During the North African Campaign, the squadron engaged in tactical bomb strikes of enemy targets, primarily in eastern Algeria and Tunisia, including railroads, airfields, harbor installations, and enemy shipping along the Mediterranean Coast. ~ Wikipedia
122nd Fighter Squadron
Part of the Louisiana Air National Guard, the 122nd is based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The 122nd Fighter Squadron is a direct descendant of the 122nd Observation Squadron which was formed in 1940.
In 1957, they became the 122nd Fighter Squadron and started with the F-86s. They flew some missions over Iraq during the Gulf War and after 9-11, the 122nd was tasked to fly regular missions over major U.S. cities in defense mode.
123rd Fighter Squadron
This is another Squadron the descended from a World War II Observation Squadron. The 123rd Observation Squadron was formed in 1940… One of the original Observation Squadrons formed in the US National Guard.
Headquartered at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, one of their first missions was protection of the West Coast after Pearl Harbor.
The 123rd has won several “Top Gun” awards at competitions. They have also deployed to both Turkey and Saudi Arabia to fly missions over Iraq. They also deployed to Panama to participate in counter-drug missions.
The 123rd continues consistent air defense of the West Coast and is a Squadron no one should reckon with.
The squadron is a descendant organization of the 123d Observation Squadron formed on 30 July 1940. It was activated on 18 April 1941. The squadron is one of the 29 original National Guard Observation Squadrons of the United States Army National Guard formed before World War II. ~ Fandom
131st Fighter Squadron
Based at Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield, Massachusetts, the 131st was originally formed in 1942 as the 333rd Fighter Squadron in Hawaii. They fought in the island jumping tasks during World War II in the Pacific.
Because of their abilities, they were given P-51 Mustangs and deployed to Iwo Jima. In 1946, they were inactivated. That same year they were activated as the 131st in the Massachusetts Air National Guard to defend the East Coast.
For many years, the 131st flew A-10 Thunderbolts but in 2005, the Department of Defense ordered the A-10s to be sent to the Maryland, National Guard and the 131st received F-15s.
The Squadron has deployed several times to provide air support in the Middle East.
The 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard located in Westfield, Massachusetts, is an operational flying unit assigned to the Air Combat Command, and proudly claims the honor of being one of the oldest flying units within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Tasked to provide operationally ready combat units, combat support units and qualified personnel for active duty, the 104th Fighter Wing supports Air Force wartime contingency requirements and performs a variety of peacetime missions required by the Air Force and compatible mobilization readiness. ~ 104th Fighter Wing
159th Fighter Squadron
Formed during World War II in 1942, the 159th is based at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida.
The 159th provides air defense for the Southeast United States.
During World War II, the Squadron flew escort on many bombing missions. In 1946, the unit became a part of the Florida National Guard.
The 159th was deployed to serve in missions over Korea and was awarded the Korean Service Citation with Bronze Service Stars.
The 159th has had many fighter aircraft…
- T-6 Texan,
- B-26 Invader,
- C-45 Expeditor,
- C-47 Skytrain,
- C-54 Skymaster,
- F-51H Mustang,
- T-33 Shooting Star,
- F-80 Shooting Star,
- F-86A Sabre,
- F-102A Delta Dagger,
- F-106 Delta Dart
- and the F-16,
But changed over to the F-15 in 1995.
194th Fighter Squadron
A unit of the California Air National Guard and based at Fresno Air National Guard Base, the 194th was formed in 1943. It was originally a pilot training unit.
The 194th earned great respect as one of the Air Force’s most respected aerial gunnery competitors.
They are known as the Griffins and the pilots manning those F-15s are ready and able to defend the West Coast.
Final Thoughts
Those are the National Guard F-15 Units I am aware of.
Has any of you been attached to any of these units?
Just post any comments and questions below. Thank you!
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Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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