Congressman Cliff Bentz voted on May 15 in favor of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which includes $80 million for an Academic Training Center at Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls. The legislation now moves to the Senate.
The funding aims to support the transition of the 173rd Fighter Wing to its new mission as an F-35A Lightning II training base. This investment is intended to strengthen military readiness, pilot training capabilities, and contribute to Southern Oregon’s economy.
Bentz said he has worked closely with Air Force leadership, the Oregon Air National Guard, and local stakeholders to support this transition and maintain Kingsley Field’s role in national defense. “I voted YES for the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which includes $80 million for Kingsley Field’s Academic Training Center. This funding is an important step forward as the 173rd Fighter Wing prepares for its future mission as an F-35A training base. Kingsley Field plays a critical role in our nation’s defense and remains an essential economic driver for Southern Oregon. I look forward to continuing to support the 173rd Fighter Wing and the Klamath Falls community as preparations for the training mission move forward,” Bentz said.
Colonel Gaudinski described the significance of this facility: “Kingsley Field’s Academic Training Center is more than a building. It is a forge for America’s future Air Warriors. As one of only three facilities in the entire United States Air Force dedicated to shaping and sharpening F-35 pilots, it stands as a national treasure where excellence becomes readiness, and readiness becomes Air Supremacy. Through the steadfast leadership of Rep. Cliff Bentz and the unwavering support of our Southern Oregon community, Kingsley Field continues to project global combat power from our hometown heroes. The world-class facility does not simply train pilots. Rather, it builds the confidence, discipline, and dominance required to defend our nation anytime, anywhere. Kingsley is Always Ready, Always There.”
The planned Academic Training Center will provide infrastructure needed for future F-35 pilot instruction at Kingsley Field.
Cliff Bentz has served in Congress representing Oregon’s 2nd District since replacing Greg Walden in 2021; he previously served in both chambers of Oregon’s state legislature according to Wikipedia.
