My brother works for the Port of Portland (port also runs the airport) and was invited to attend the Oregon Air National Guard Open House. He invited me to come along and I jumped at the chance. The 142nd fighter wing is stationed at PDX and my brother interacts with them on at least a weekly basis. The day started with a briefing about the history of the 142nd and 123rd fighter squadron. Then onto a safety briefing and then out onto the ramp. We rode along on a KC135 while it refueled some of the F15s from the 142nd nicknamed the Red Hawks. Then we got to meet some of the staff that maintains the planes and gear along with the mechanics. Way too cool of a day and hats off to all of those who have served our country.
KC 135 serial number 60-0333. That first number is year of construction, ie it is a 51 year old plane still going strong.
Boom in stowed position
Business end of boom
Fan view of engine
View out right seat of another KC 135 and F15. Damn glad this one came out as well as it did.
Damn small office, but still seats for three
F15 easing up for a top off
Flight and Safety gear for F15 pilot
F15 on ramp, notice Boise St theme plane in background at Horizon ramp
Loud end of the F15 engine
Engine Test Shop with F15's F100-220 engine on the test stand
Inside the "Hush House" before they tested the engine, this whole "Building" can be disassembled and shipped anywhere in the world
Full Afterburner
