Photo By Master Sgt. Daniel Reed | The173rd Fighter Wing conducted an elephant walk, lining up 16 F-15C/D Eagle aircraft...... read more read more
KINGSLEY FIELD, Ore. — On July 14, 2025, 16 F-15C/D Eagles thundered down the runway at Kingsley Field in a tight, unyielding formation. This commanding display of air superiority and combat readiness marked the 173rd Fighter Wing’s inaugural “elephant walk” — a historic testament to the unit’s unrivaled strength and its critical role in forging the nation’s elite fighter pilots.
Home to the Air National Guard’s and U.S. Air Force’s premier F-15C/D pilot training program, Kingsley Field plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of fighter pilots. The “elephant walk” — a tightly coordinated taxi formation of multiple aircraft — served as both a visual demonstration of strength and a testament to the wing’s ability to generate combat power at a moment’s notice.
“No other base can do what we do here at Kingsley Field, and we prove it day in and day out through our actions,” said Col. Adam Gaudinski, 173rd Fighter Wing Commander. “From the skies over our homeland to missions abroad, the superior pilots we produce embody our unwavering commitment to defending our borders and allies.”
Coordinating the event required precision teamwork from hundreds of personnel across multiple squadrons. Every aircraft launch, every movement on the flight line, was executed with exacting detail — a clear sign of the wing’s operational readiness.
“Bringing together so many aircraft in such close formation takes flawless communication and teamwork,” said Gaudinski. “Every pilot and ground crew member had to be perfectly synchronized to ensure a safe and powerful demonstration of our combat readiness.”
The milestone was more than a ceremonial first for the 173rd Fighter Wing; it was a statement of capability. With its proven training program, skilled Airmen, and unmatched focus on readiness, Kingsley Field continues to stand as a cornerstone of the nation’s air defense, ready to answer the call — anytime, anywhere.
“Kingsley Field serves as the heartbeat of a mission that resonates worldwide, preparing Airmen to deliver combat power across the globe,” said Gaudinski.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.22.2025 19:00 |
| Story ID: | 549003 |
| Location: | OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Kingsley Field's Inaugural Elephant Walk, by MSgt Daniel Reed, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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