Wyden Objects to Potential Loss of Critical Fighter Aircraft

A senator from Oregon says he is standing up for the nation’s air sovereignty and the strength of Oregon’s Air National Guard.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Ron Wyden says he has written a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of the Air Force Michael Bruce Donley objecting to rumored plans for early retirement of more than 300 fighter aircraft up to 11 years ahead of schedule.

Plans were in place to begin a phased retirement of these fighter aircraft beginning in 2014, but news reports are circulating that Air Force officials are considering eliminating the aircraft from their fleet as soon as 2010.

"I must voice my objections to any plan that could negatively impact the National Guard’s vital air sovereignty mission…," wrote Wyden.

"While many of the aircraft assigned to those units need to be replaced, this must be done only when replacement aircraft are ready to continue the mission. To do otherwise would be tantamount to eliminating this crucial mission and the critical safeguard it provides."

Wyden says he has long been an advocate for keeping our nation’s air defense strong and for Oregon’s Air National Guard, which is vital to both our country and the state. He successfully fought to save Oregon’s 142nd Fighter Wing during the most recent base closure and realignment process.

In today’s letter, Wyden asked Gates and Donley for details of their plans to replace the aircraft in question and the Secretaries’ proposed timeline for the aircrafts’ replacement.

Salem-News.com has followed the issues relating to the F-15 and the Oregon National Guard. Here are several links to F-15 related articles:

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Vic November 12, 2008 11:06 am (Pacific time)

I should add that I have a lot of respect for those who sign up for the National Guard. From floods to forest fires, they are an important and vital part of domestic society. What I do have a problem with is them being used for wars of conquest and profit thousands of miles away from Oregon I honestly do not see where fighter planes are relevant for the Oregon National guard, tho. What would they be used for? Is the very high cost of operationa and maintainance justified? I think not.

Vic November 12, 2008 8:25 am (Pacific time)

OK, Respect..enlighten me. When exactly did the Oregon Air National Guard save our butts or do ANYTHING that made a difference that justified the cost? And btw, I did not receive a rejection letter because I opted to be a producung part of society and think for myself. I have repeatedly stated thatI do not hate the military. I do not, however, think that the military is so important that all else should be sacrificed for it...economy, schools, roads and our standard of living. I think our founding fathers intended our military to be for defensive, not offensive purposes. I have no problem at all with that. There are many other ways to serve ones country, but you die hard warmongers cant see that. And please, answer my question.

Respect all Veterans! November 11, 2008 5:50 pm (Pacific time)

You sure don't know much about the Oregon National Guard or anything military do you Vic. Is it the rejection letter you got as a high school dropout that was the genesis of your hate for the military? Or is it that now you just can't get over the fact that Veterans Day is still celebrated and people like you are simply nonessential in any regard?

Vic November 11, 2008 5:30 am (Pacific time)

Oregon needs fighter planes like I need a 105mm artillery piece.Scrap the planes and use the money saved for something worthwhile that we actually get a return from, like schools or roads. People are losing their homes and Wyden wants to keep funding this waste of resources. How many times have the Oregon Air National Guard saved us from anything?? Id bet not once.

Joe November 10, 2008 7:02 pm (Pacific time)

Wyden is your typical liberal democrat who only supports the military when something in his own state or district is threatened. Classic...

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