07-20-2025 The Amazing Air Show at Kingsley Field

The mountains surrounding Kingsley Field made a perfect backdrop as we found our spot along the flight line.

Mo and I lived in Klamath Falls for many years, but during that time, we never saw an air show featuring either the Thunderbirds or the Blue Angels. I lived in town and loved the sound of the Tuesday morning practice of the F-15s, as the fighter pilots trained from Kingsley Field, the local Air Force base. The roar of those planes flying low over my house never failed to thrill me.

So when I learned that the Wings and Eagles Air Show at Kingsley Field was happening on a weekend in July, I told Mo, “We can’t miss this one. The Thunderbirds will be there — and so will our beloved F-15s and other fighter jets!”

The wide open skies of the Basin — a familiar landscape from our years in Klamath Falls.”

It was a sunny Sunday morning when we left Grants Pass to drive over the pass once again to visit the Klamath Basin. I don’t really miss living there, but I do love to return. I love seeing the open space of the Basin, driving along Klamath Lake, and remembering the years when Mo and I explored the refuges, full of migrating birds.

The day was forecast to be hot. The sun on the east side of the Cascades is stronger and brighter than where we now live on the west side, so we brought sunglasses and visors to enjoy the show. What we forgot was sunscreen. I paid for that later, and I’m sure my dermatologist would be aghast if she knew!

Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, located on the south side of Klamath Falls, has been an important part of the U.S. Air Force since the 1940s. Originally established as a training base during World War II, it has hosted a variety of aircraft over the decades, from P-38 Lightnings to F-4 Phantoms. Since the 1990s, Kingsley Field has been home to the 173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, with a primary mission of training F-15C Eagle pilots.

The Thunderbirds were the highlight of the show, but before that finale, we were treated to some amazing displays of U.S. Air Force capabilities. First, though, we needed a place to sit. We had folding chairs, but all the shady spots under the huge wings of display aircraft were already taken by savvy spectators. Instead, we set up along the fence separating the crowd from the flight line — a hot spot in the sun, but a perfect view of the runway.

The first demonstration came from the F-35 Demo Team, currently based at Hill AFB in Utah. Their maneuvers included the minimum-radius turn, a high-alpha loop, and an especially breathtaking slow-speed to power climb. Ironically, going slow in a fighter jet takes more skill than going fast.

We also learned that the F-35A Lightning II is replacing the F-15 training at Kingsley. The base is scheduled to receive 20 F-35As to replace its current 27 F-15Cs.

The F-15 Eagle demonstration was particularly thrilling — not only because of their speed and power, but also because these aircraft are nearing retirement at Kingsley. For decades, the base’s mission has centered on F-15 training.

We also saw the massive KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating aerial refueling maneuvers. Capable of carrying up to 83,000 pounds of cargo, it was impressive to see such a large aircraft move so gracefully. 

Between the military demonstrations, several civilian acts entertained the crowd — including the Smoke and Thunder Jet Show, Wingwalker Sam, the Mini-Jet Airshows, and Undaunted Air Shows. While entertaining, none quite matched the sheer thunder and spectacle of the Air Force jets.

Finally, the Thunderbirds rolled out onto the runway. Watching their precision formation take flight was beautiful, though honestly, I found the raw power of the F-35 and F-15 more exciting. One frustration was the long delay before they took off — half an hour of loud music and announcements before anything happened. Still, this was my first time seeing the Thunderbirds, and I was grateful for the experience.

By the time we drove back over the Cascades to Grants Pass, we were tired, sunburned, and thoroughly happy to have experienced such a spectacular air show at Kingsley Field.

And yes, I DID get a pretty good sunburn