From Portland, at the Oregon Air National Guard Base, Colonel Adam Sitler, 142nd Wing Commander, said the redesignation highlights the prestige of becoming a Wing.
“The Wing redesignation is an important step to recognize the diverse mission sets within the 142nd Wing. The governing Air Force Instruction specifies that the nomenclature of a Wing reflect what it is designed to do. In our case, we are fortunate to have a Special Warfare Mission, and a Fighter Aircraft Mission. When a Wing has multiple mission areas, the proper designation is “Wing” which reflects both the Special Operations, and the Fighter mission.”
Sitler went on to clarify that the name change does not change the unit’s mission.
“We are still fully committed to flying fighters, and we’ll continue to excel in that mission area. We are fortunate to have one the two Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadrons. The 125th Special Tactics Squadron will continue to thrive, now, and into the future.”
A ceremony planned for April 5, 2020 was canceled due to considerations with Oregonians practicing health and safety standards regarding the ongoing COVID-19 response.
In commemoration with the 142nd Wing redesignation, the unit has produced a retrospective video to celebrate our history and current mission.
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/746052/142nd-fighter-wing-re-designates-142nd-wing
The 142nd Wing has redesignated numerous times since the unit was founded. Our past designations are posted below.
– July 1943 – 371st Fighter Group
– May 1946 – 142nd Fighter Group
– April 1951 – 142nd Fighter-Interceptor Group
– August 1961 – 142nd Fighter Group
– October 1972 – 142d Fighter-Interceptor Group
– March 1992 – 142nd Fighter Group
– October 1995 – 142nd Fighter Wing
– March 2020 – 142nd Wing