Allocated to the Oregon National Guard in 1940, activated on 18 April 1941 at Portland Municipal Airport. The newly formed unit began operations with two officers, 108 enlisted men and two aircraft, a North American BC-1A (like the AT-6) and a Douglas O-46A. The squadron flew observation missions primarily along the Pacific Coast and occasionally made mail flights.
World War II
Ordered to active service in September 1941 as part of the pre-World War II buildup of the United States Army Air Corps and assigned to the 70th Observation Group of Fourth Air Force. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, flew antisubmarine patrols along the Pacific Coast from airfields in Oregon and Washington, later becoming part of the air defense forces of Southern California. This included one of the first missions flown from a U.S. base on 7 December 1941. Flew antisubmarine patrols until mid-1943 when the mission was turned over to the United States Navy.
Reassigned to Third Air Force, sent first to Texas then to Oklahoma being trained for combat reconnaissance and aerial photography to support Army ground forces. Was deployed to Fourteenth Air Force in China as part of the China Burma India Theater, engaged in unarmed observation flights over Japanese-held territory supporting Chinese Nationalist forces. Flew North American B-25 Mitchells, Douglas A-20 Havocs and DB-7 Bostons originally built for the RAF. In late 1943, the 123d was redesignated that 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron. The men and aircraft flew from rough and remote airfields in China throughout the rest of the War, later flying unarmed high-speed long-range Lockheed P-38 Lightnings and F-5 reconnaissance Lightnings. The squadron received credit for participation in seven campaigns in World War II. Not all 123d personnel served with the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, as some were diverted to other units as early as 1942 and served elsewhere in the Pacific and in Europe.
As part of the large drawdown of forces after the war, the 35th PRS inactivated on 7 November 1945, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
Oregon Air National Guard
The wartime squadron, designated the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron redesignated as the 123d Fighter Squadron, Single Engine and was allotted to the Oregon Air National Guard, on 24 May 1946. It was organized at Portland Municipal Airport, Oregon, and was extended federal recognition on 26 June 1946 by the National Guard Bureau.
The 123d FS was assigned to the 142d Fighter Group at Portland Municipal Airport. Thus the 142d FG began fighter operations for the first time in the North American North American F-51D Mustang with 75 officers and 800 enlisted men. The unit had a mission of the air defense of the State of Oregon.
Korean War activation
The squadron was called to active duty on 10 February 1951 as a result of the Korean War. It was redesignated the 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron and assigned to the 325th Fighter-Interceptor Wing, which was stationed at McChord Air Force Base, Washington,[3] although the squadron remained at Portland Municipal Airport. However, Air Defense Command was experiencing difficulty under the existing wing base organizational structure in deploying its fighter squadrons to best advantage.[4] As a result, in February 1952 the 123d was assigned to the 4704th Defense Wing, which was organized on a regional basis.[5]
The squadron conducted air interception training missions with its F-51s until June 1952 when it was re-equipped with the North American F-86F Sabre daylight interceptor.[6] On 1 November 1952, the 123rd was released back to the Oregon ANG and its personnel, mission and equipment were absorbed by the newly activated 357th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.[7]
Cold War
F-101B Voodoo from the 123rd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron
Reformed as part of the 142d Fighter-Interceptor Group, retaining F-86F Sabres. It resumed its peacetime mission of the air defense of Oregon. Was upgraded by ADC in 1955 to the dedicated Lockheed F-94A Starfire all-weather interceptor. With this new aircraft, the mission of the 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron changed from day interceptor to day and night all-weather interceptor. In 1957 the 123d again upgraded to the improved Northrop F-89J Scorpion then in 1966 to the supersonic Convair F-102A Delta Dagger. In the summer of 1958, the 142d implemented the ADC Runway Alert Program, in which interceptors of the 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron were committed to a five-minute runway alert 24/7/365. The runway alert continues to this day.
In 1972 it received the Mach 2 McDonnell F-101B Voodoo. As an example of the unit's readiness and capability, in 1976, the unit won top honors at a pair of Aerospace Defense Command competitions, the Weapons Loading Competition and the William Tell Air Defense Competition. In William Tell 1976, the 142nd garnered first place in the F-101 category and Lt. Col. Don Tonole and Maj. Brad Newell captured the overall "Top Gun" title flying the McDonnell F-101B Voodoo.
123d FIS McDonnell F-4C-23-MC Phantom about 1988
After the inactivation of Aerospace Defense Command in 1979 and the reassignment to Tactical Air Command (ADTAC), the 123d began receiving McDonnell F-4C Phantom II aircraft used in the interceptor mission beginning in 1981. Success came again at William Tell 1984 when the unit placed first in the F-4 category flying the McDonnell-Douglas F-4C Phantom II and beat many of its McDonnell F-15 Eagle and Convair F-106 Delta Dart rivals in the overall competition. Majors Ron Moore and Bill Dejager were the overall F-4 "Top Guns" of the competition.
In 1985, as part of the retirement of the F-4C from the inventory, the Oregon Air National Guard began to receive F-15A Eagles from active-duty units receiving the upgraded F-15C. Since the end of the Cold War, the 142d has served as the principal air defense unit of the Pacific Northwest. In 1992, as part of a large USAF reorganization, both the group and squadron were re-designated yet again as the 142d Fighter Group and the 123d Fighter Squadron, respectively. In 1995 the group was elevated to wing status, beginning its current designation as the 142d Fighter Wing.
The wing participated in a wide variety of expeditionary and humanitarian assistance missions in the turbulent post-Cold War environment while providing air defense of the Pacific Northwest. These included major deployments to Turkey in 1998 for Operation Northern Watch and to Saudi Arabia in 2000 for Operation Southern Watch, patrolling the no-fly zones then in place over Iraq. The wing deployed aircraft to Panama in 1998 in support of counter=drug missions, helping stem the flow of the drug trade by air. Wing personnel deployed on various other missions, sending medical troops to Belize, civil engineers to Macedonia, and to such places around the globe as Curaçao, Denmark, Germany, Guam, Kuwait, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Global War on Terrorism
On 11 September 2001, the wing was one of the first units to respond to terrorist attacks on the east coast with increased air defense to enhance security on the west coast, and subsequently participated in Operation Noble Eagle, the national military response to homeland defense.
In the 50th Year of William Tell Anniversary Competition held in 2004, the 142d Fighter Wing was rated first in maintenance, element attack and gun categories. These William Tell successes demonstrate Oregon's long history of excellent performance and readiness to accomplish the real world mission.
In 2004, unit personnel provided humanitarian aid in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the 2007 floods in Vernonia, Oregon. The wing also supported ongoing contingency operations in Southwest Asia, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, such as in the 2004 deployment of medical personnel to Qatar and the 2009 deployment of Security Forces Squadron personnel to Iraq.
In 2005, the early 1970s F-15A model were retired and the squadron received its current aircraft, the F-15C Eagle. With more than 1,000 officers and airmen, the 142d Fighter Wing guards the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canada–US border, on 24-hour Air Sovereignty Alert as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The wing also stands ready to participate in state and federal contingency missions as required.
In August 2010, two F-15 Eagles from this wing were dispatched in response to an airspace violation while the President visited Seattle, Washington. The jets produced two sonic booms over the Seattle skyline, the civilian Cessna 182 left restricted airspace before the jets arrived.
In August 2018, a Horizon Airlines Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 was stolen from Sea-Tac Int'l Airport by a mechanic. The plane was airborne for about an hour, and during that time performed several stunt maneuvers including a barrel roll. Two F-15C Eagles scrambled to intercept this aircraft to ensure it did not fly over any populated areas. They maintained communication with the pilot during his time in the air, but within minutes of their intercept, the plane nosedived and crashed into nearby Ketron Island, a sparsely populated island in the Puget Sound. There were no passengers or crew on board the plane, and the pilot was killed in the crash.
Lineage
Designated as the 123d Observation Squadron, and allotted to the National Guard on 30 July 1940
Activated on 18 April 1941
Ordered to active service on 15 September 1941
Redesignated 123d Observation Squadron (Light) on 13 January 1942
Redesignated 123d Observation Squadron on 4 July 1942
Redesignated 123d Reconnaissance Squadron (Bombardment) on 2 April 1943
Redesignated 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 August 1943
Inactivated on 7 November 1945
Redesignated 123d Fighter Squadron, Single Engine and allotted to the National Guard 24 May 1946[8]
Extended federal recognition on 26 June 1946
Federalized and placed on active duty, 10 February 1951[6]
Redesignated 123d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron[6] on 1 March 1952
Inactivated and returned to Oregon state control on 1 November 1952[6]
The 142nd Wing is a unit of the Oregon Air National Guard and the United States Air Force, stationed at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon.
The Oregon Air National Guard (OR ANG) is the aerial militia of the State of Oregon, United States of America. It is a reserve of the United States Air Force and along with the Oregon Army National Guard an element of the Oregon National Guard of the United States National Guard Bureau.
The 173rd Fighter Wing is a unit of the Oregon Air National Guard, stationed at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 173d Fighter Wing is responsible for training combat pilots and support personnel on the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle for the active duty Air Force and the Air National Guard. If activated to federal service, the wing is gained by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) of the United States Air Force.
The 325th Fighter Wing is a wing of the United States Air Force based in Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida.
The 359th Fighter Group was a United States Army Air Force fighter unit that was active during World War II. Following organization and training in the United States, the group deployed to the European Theater of Operations, operating from RAF East Wretham. The fighter group flew 346 combat missions over continental Europe and claimed 373 enemy aircraft in aerial combat and strafing attacks; probable destruction of 23; and damage to 185. It was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions. The group flew its last mission on 20 April 1945, then returned to the United States for inactivation.
The 121st Fighter Squadron is a unit of the District of Columbia Air National Guard 113th Wing located at Joint Base Andrews, Camp Springs, Maryland. The 121st is equipped with the Block 30 F-16C/D Fighting Falcon.
The 142d Airlift Squadron is a unit of the Delaware Air National Guard 166th Airlift Wing located at New Castle Air National Guard Base, Delaware. It is equipped with the C-130H Hercules.
The 126th Air Refueling Squadron is a unit of the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard stationed at General Mitchell Air National Guard Base, Wisconsin. The 126th is equipped with the KC-135R Stratotanker.
The 116th Air Refueling Squadron is a unit of the Washington Air National Guard 141st Air Refueling Wing located at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Washington. The 116th is equipped with the KC-135R Stratotanker and RC-26B Metroliner.
The 54th Fighter Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its last assignment was to the 3d Operations Group, being stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. It was inactivated on 28 April 2000.
The 95th Fighter Squadron, nicknamed the Boneheads, is an active squadron of the United States Air Force. Last activated on 15 June 2023 as a Lockheed Martin F-35 squadron stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Previously the 95 FS was an F-22 equipped squadron, but in 2019 the squadron's aircraft and personnel were distributed across other bases in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018 and its destruction of large parts of Tyndall Air Force Base. It was subsequently disbanded in 2019. In August 2023, the unit received its first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft.
The 122d Fighter Squadron is a unit of the Louisiana Air National Guard 159th Fighter Wing located at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana. The 122d is equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle.
The 114th Fighter Squadron is a unit of the Oregon Air National Guard 173d Fighter Wing located at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, Klamath Falls, Oregon. The 114th is equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle.
The 113th Air Support Operations Squadron is a unit of the Indiana Air National Guard 181st Intelligence Wing located at Terre Haute Air National Guard Base, Indiana.
The 127th Command and Control Squadron was a unit of the Kansas Air National Guard 184th Intelligence Wing stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas. The 127th was a non-flying squadron operating the Distributed Common Ground System. The unit was inactivated on 29 September 2014.
The 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron is a unit of the Georgia Air National Guard 116th Air Control Wing located at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. The 128th is equipped with the E-8C Joint STARS.
The 550th Fighter Squadron is an active United States Air Force unit. Its current assignment is with 56th Operations Group, at Kingsley Field, Oregon.
The 433rd Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit, assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Portland Air National Guard Base is a United States Air Force base, located at Portland International Airport, in Portland, Oregon.
The 186th Airlift Squadron is a unit of the Montana Air National Guard 120th Airlift Wing located at Great Falls International Airport, Montana. The 186th is equipped with the C-130H Hercules.
References
Notes
Explanatory notes
↑ Exercise Iron Falcon was held at the United Arab Emirates Air Warfare Center on 2 October 2010 and lasted 30 days.
↑ Approved for the 35th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron 23 October 1944. Reinstated for 123d Fighter Squadron.
↑ Aircraft is McDonnell F-101B-105-MC Voodoo, serial 58-270, taken in 1974.
↑ Aircraft is McDonnell F-4C-23-MC Phantom II, serial 64-776. Aircrews flying this aircraft during the Vietnam War were credited with the destruction of three MiGs.
Watkins, Robert A. (2017). Insignia and Aircraft Markings of the U.S. Army Air Force In World War II: China-Burma-India & The Western Pacific. Vol.VI. Atglen,PA: Shiffer Publishing, Ltd. ISBN978-0-7643-5273-7.
Further reading
World Airpower Journal (1992) US Air Force Air Power Directory, Aerospace Publishing, London, UK. ISBN1-880588-01-3
Rogers, Brian. (2005). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. Hinkley, UK: Midland Publications. ISBN1-85780-197-0.
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