Air Force designates Klamath Falls’ Kingsley Field for F-35A pilot training
The Air Force approved Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls to host an F-35A Lightning II training squadron, replacing its former F-15 mission.
On Oct. 5, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink authorized Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls to become a training hub for the F-35A Lightning II, ending the base’s long-standing role as an F-15 Eagle training site. The decision, part of a multi-year transition, will see the 173rd Fighter Wing host a squadron of 26 F-35s, along with pilots and support personnel, with the first jets expected in the summer of 2027. Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty highlighted the mission’s importance for the region’s economic stability, while Col. Adam Gaudinski noted the broader benefits for the community and the nation.
The shift will require substantial infrastructure upgrades, and officials anticipate a boost to Southern Oregon’s economy as construction and operations begin. The approval follows extensive environmental reviews and marks a significant step in modernizing the Air Force’s training pipeline.
Why it matters
The new F-35 training mission will bring jobs and long-term economic growth to the Klamath Falls region.
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