Fresno Air National Guard Base -- The Department of the Air Force announced April 18 that the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing based in Fresno, California has been selected as one of the preferred locations to receive the F-15EX Eagle II. The F-15EXs will replace the aging F-15C/D Eagles currently in operation.
“The F-15EX is a great fit for Fresno,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Clark, 144th Fighter Wing commander. “Our unit has provided air defense for the west coast of the United States since 1954 while based right here in Fresno. We expect the transition from F-15Cs to F-15EXs to be seamless, which is a real testament to the exceptional performance and work ethic of our Airmen.”
The decision to host the F-15EXs at the Fresno Air National Guard Base came after conducting site surveys at multiple locations, assessing the location’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, while accounting for community support, environmental factors and cost.
“Congressman Jim Costa and Mayor Jerry Dyer, with their unwavering support, were instrumental in securing the latest fighter capabilities for the 144th’s homeland defense mission,” said Clark.
The Department of the Air Force will conduct environmental impact analyses at each base, which are expected to be completed in spring 2024 before a final decision is made.
For more information, please contact the 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at (559) 454-5246 or via email at 144fw.hq.publicaffairs@us.af.mil.