Kingsley Field · Klamath Falls, Oregon
WINGS &EAGLES2027.
The sky is calling. Experience the thunder, precision, and wonder of aviation at Southern Oregon's signature airshow. Presented by the David R. Kingsley Foundation.
More than an airshow
THE SKY.
THE SOUND.
THE STORY.
Wings & Eagles brings our community together to celebrate the people, aircraft, and spirit of aviation. From breathtaking aerial demonstrations to up-close encounters on the ground, there's something unforgettable for every generation.
Hosted at Kingsley Field and presented by the David R. Kingsley Foundation, the event honors aviation heritage while inspiring tomorrow's pilots, maintainers, and innovators.
Kingsley Field: From Navy Wings to Modern Fighters
What began as Klamath Falls Municipal Airport became a U.S. Naval Air Station during World War II. From 1943 until the Navy's departure in 1946, naval aviators trained here for combat in the Pacific. The Klamath Basin's favorable flying weather and nearby ranges made it ideal for practicing torpedo bombing, dive bombing, and strafing. Aircraft associated with this era included torpedo bombers, dive bombers, and Corsair fighters.
During the Cold War, the U.S. Air Force returned to the airfield in the 1950s to defend the West Coast. Fighter-interceptor aircraft, including the F-101 Voodoo and F-106 Delta Dart, stood ready to protect the airspace between Portland and San Francisco. In 1956, the installation was dedicated as Kingsley Field in honor of Oregon's World War II Medal of Honor recipient, 2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley.
As the Cold War mission changed, the Oregon Air National Guard established a presence at Kingsley Field in 1971. In 1983, the base became a fighter training schoolhouse, preparing pilots and weapons systems officers in the F-4 Phantom II. Training transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1988.
The 173rd Fighter Wing was activated in 1996, and Kingsley Field transitioned to the F-15 Eagle in 1998. For more than 25 years, the base trained F-15 pilots, continuing its long tradition of aviation excellence. Its next chapter is the F-35A Lightning II training mission—carrying that legacy into a new generation of fighter aviation.
Sources: 173rd Fighter Wing history, 173rd Fighter Wing historical feature, and Oregon historic resources documentation.
David R. Kingsley & the DRK Foundation
Second Lieutenant David R. Kingsley was a World War II hero from Oregon whose name and legacy are honored at Kingsley Field.
Founded in 1999 in his memory, the David R. Kingsley (DRK) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to assist military members of Kingsley Field and people in Klamath County facing difficult circumstances.
The foundation helps Oregon Air National Guard members and local community members with short-term needs, including rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, food insecurity, medical expenses, and other urgent assistance.
Its board is comprised mostly of full-time volunteer members from Kingsley Field. Local churches, public service agencies, and rental agencies help connect people in need with the foundation.