Today, find out why fighter jets are flying over Portland, Oregon, and what other military planes and helicopters fly over our city. View live aviation maps over Portland, Oregon.
Portland has its very own local Military Fighter Jet Squadron, the Redhawks. You often hear them and then see them flying over the city.
Illustration (check the tail wing)
Quick Links
Flight Radar 24 – Check what planes are currently in the air over Portland. Note this site will not show fighter jets but may show helicopters, refuelers, transports and all civilian aircraft.
ADSB Exchange – This site will show many military aircraft. You must use a desktop, launch the link and click the U in the top right to filter military craft
I recall my first visit to Portland and hearing a very loud, obvious military jet, something I was not used to in the Bay Area unless one of the local teams made the Playoffs(then they buzz the stadium). I thought to myself, holy hell, what is happening?!?! Ran to the window and there they were, beauts. Four F-15s mobbing across the city sky for no reason. Amazing! Excite! This kind of stuff brings out the super excited big kid in me. Airshows have always been my favorite thing. I used to put together model airplanes(special Oregon edition available on Amazon[ad]), I even went to the Sierra Academy Of Aeronautics in Oakland to become an aircraft mechanic. The bottom line is, you can imagine how excited I was to hear and see these beasts over Portland. Little did I know at the time that it was a very common thing to see fighter jets over Portland. So I looked further into it to explain why you often hear military jets flying over our lovely city. I got the idea because I always see people posting in Facebook groups asking why there are jets right now(they don’t know how to research).
What Military Planes Fly Over Portland?
The most common jets over Portland are McDonnell Douglas(currently Boeing) F-15C Eagles. A classic Air Force champion of the sky. These F-15’s fly out of the Portland International Airport, also known as PDX, which is famous for it’s ugly carpet. PDX houses an Air National Guard Base(history), aka ANGB. This base is home to the 142nd Fighter Wing(history).
Difference between the F-15C Eagle and F-15E Strike Eagle?
The C is a single-seater built for maneuverability and air superiority, while the E Strike Eagle is a double seater built to carry bombs and strike ground targets.
What branch of the military flies in Portland?
They are not under the control of the United States Air Force as a standard F-15 Fighter Wing but instead are a “state militia” squadron. They are commanded by the State of Oregon Air National Guard. Unless, of course, an order is given by the President of the United States. In that situation, they return to the standard USAF Air Combat Command Unit.
Why do they always fly F-15s in Portland?
They are on alert! They are part of the Pacific Theater Aerospace Control Alert (ACA) here in the Pacific Northwest, and they provide ACA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the entire region from Northern California to British Columbia. They’re part of NORAD (North American Air Defense). I’m surprised we don’t hear them more. They defend the whole upper West coast from the boogeyman all year long.
Shown is a 142 FW F-15 taking off out of Portland International Airport(PDX). Source
Large Black Plane Circling Over Portland
From time to time, you may see a “large black military plane” over Portland, Oregon.
One, it is not “black.” It is standard military grey. Two, it is not really “large.” It is a KC-135 Stratotanker Refueler plane which is a military version of the Boeing 707. Our Air National Guard has them, and they fly circles when refueling jet fighters and are usually up to fuel them for special event flyovers. You can see one taking off from PDX here.
You can see many of them flying over the United States and the Middle East at any given time.
Black helicopters over Portland?
Now you’re just paranoid. There is no such thing. Move along.
Okay, I lied. PDX’s Air National Guard base also houses the 304th Rescue Squadron and they fly black helicopters over Portland. They look like Black Hawks but are actually “Pave Hawks.” These guys played a huge role in rescue operations after Mount St. Helens blew in 1980.
Other Military Aircraft Out of Portland?
It’s not all F-15 Eagles here at PDX. Occasionally, you will see other jets, airplanes, cargo carriers, and such flying in and out during routine military exercises and local airshows.
Other Military Aircraft Seen Over Portland
- F-15C Eagle – The Redhawks
- KC-135 Stratotanker – Portland ANG Refuler “Large Black Plane”
- C-5 Galaxy – Largest US Cargo Plane
- C-17 Globemaster – Beautiful landing at PDX
- F-22 Raptor – Modern Fighter Jet
- F-16 Falcon – Check that whole album
- C-130 Hercules Transport – Often seen in Coast Guard colors
- Air Force One
Unfortunately, I was unable to determine how many units are in this squad but here is an aerial photo showing 7 planes. Google satellite shows 8. We can assume at least one or 2 is out at all times.
It’s too bad you actually hear them a lot more than you see them because of all the cloud cover and rain in the fall and winter, but they are out there!
Random Facts (will be updated as I learn more)
One of the F-15s crashed off the coast during a training exercise back in 2007. The pilot Major Greg “Grumpy” Young, did die. [link]
Oregon also hosts Klamath Falls 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, where pilots go to train to fly the F-15C. These guys are known as the… they don’t seem to have a name, but you can see how awesome they are here. They are not state militia like the Redhawks. They are run by the United States Air Force Education and Training Command. (AETC) MAJCOM. [link]
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Amber says
I don’t live in Portland but, I love to hear them and watch them when they fly over Medford, Oregon.
Jack Holland says
As an old Vietnam era Navy Pilot living across the river, I love to hear the sound of freedom roaring each day.
Marian E Davis says
Keep ’em flying!! Love to see them!
Ryan says
I appreciate you putting this out there for the knuckleheads like me who just want to know ASAP!
My father joined the navy in ‘83 and after that worked at PDX, as an aircraft mechanic, he would always mention to me how he got many chances to hear and see these beautiful aircrafts take off!
ebb says
Having lived in Solano County, I can assure you that a myriad of jets and C130s fly over the Bay Area. Among other bases, Travis is in Solano County. Yes, Solano County is considered part of the North\East Bay. I observed this activity around the Vallejo and Benicia areas.
Not a fan of the jet noise though – Blue Angels in SF kind of ruined it for me, not to mention Sep 2001.
:)
PortlandMofo says
I wouldn’t call any of that way up there “Bay Area”. Of course, those who live there will fight for the title but it’s just not so.
Calling Fairfield Bay Area is like calling Livermore Bay Area.
However, Travis AFB is home to mostly C-5 Galaxy’s and KC-10 Refulers though.
While big and semi loud, they would never go near the real Bay Area.
Military jets just don’t fly over the Bay.
Stan says
The Air National Guard, USAF Reserve, and Regular USAF are the three components of the Total Air Force.
Also, there is the E-3 AWACS that we see infrequently see but that are often above us. View them as you drive by Boeing Field. They provide long-range radar and electronic coverage. Their home stations are Tinker AFB (OKC), Elmendorf AFB (AK), and Kadena AB (Japan).
When I was a youngish Sergeant I developed software for this Airborne Warning and Control System. Glad to be home.
Tammy says
I live in West Salem, Oregon today around 1pm I could feel a fighter jet I belive flying very low so much I thought it was gonna land in my house. Does anyone know what was going on thank you in Salem, Dallas Hwy and Oaks Ferry Rd area?
Jennifer says
I’m in Eugene Oregon I just had the exact same experience
Samantha says
You are an ass! Yes, it does cost a lot to fly our jets but they are our jets and they wouldn’t be doing unnecessary flights just so they can spend our money. Don’t be mad because your toys are made for little girls. What do you think would happen to you and your neighbors if those pilots where grounded just so you can watch judge Judy without hearing them? Then the foreign powers that be came into our airspace and not just to look around. What would happen then if our pilots didn’t have the flight experience they need to keep this country the land of the free? How would you and your neighbors feel about this being the united states of Russia? You should worry more about whinny cry babies than you do about who might be lily-livered. We are the United States of America and we are FIGHTERS we’re good at it and if you don’t like the noise you and your neighbors can move!! The Jets are awesome the fighter pilots are awesome and you are not awesome.
Sheila Smith says
Love it!
Love hearing and seeing the fighter jets fly over Beaverton. Little concerned when they flew over tonight at 9 pm. But they seem to be headed back to base.
I thank them for being here for us!
Josh says
Lived in the Portland metro area my whole life (34 years of it). Every time I hear the roar of those two GE F404 turbofan afterburning engines streaking across the sky it brings a big smile on my face. Loved aviation as far back as I can remember. Especially military aviation. Keep kicking ass 142nd fighter squadron!
Charlie says
It’s the sound of Freedom!
Sheila Smith says
I love seeing the fighter Jets flying over Beaverton area. They just flew over and what a great feeling to see them. God bless!
J says
I am also interested when I see the jets overhead. Usually, I see two or four that most likely are doing training runs.. several weeks ago, I saw 6 fly out in close succession, and at a higher speed than I usually see. A couple of days later I read that a Russian fighter jet had flexed its muscle over our airspace south of Alaska. I assume it was related? Is there any internet site where we can find out about these incidents and what our pilots did? It would be a good reminder of how important our ANG is, and perhaps make us all more forgiving of the loud noise.
Mike says
Jet noise = the sound of Freedom!
Bog says
That’s what I say out loud, everytime I hear them.
Theresa Mitchell says
Fighter aircraft flying low and slow over Portland are not practicing to defend against Tupolev bombers. They are practicing reconnaissance and/or cluster bomb runs over populations too poor to afford effective anti-aircraft missiles.
Susan says
6/21/19 Jets flying over Bridgton ME. I asked hubby if we were attacking someone. Hope it’s just maneuvers!
Solarisdaway says
Ant idea what just flew I’ve Eugene, Oregon today? Looked like a pair of mixed cappable copter.
Randy Armstrong says
I saw planes flying low over Sellwood are of Portland a few days ago, it was weird for sure
Susanna says
Got a bit nervous a few minutes ago. The military jets were low and loud. Hoping they were not pursuing anyone who is illegally in our airspace because it sounded like a pursuit. Anyone else hear this roar at 3:50 pm 6-6-19.
TJ says
It was for the Rose Festival.
SophiesMom says
Yes! I’m on the south waterfront. I didn’t see them, but they passed by at least 3 times and were louder than I’ve ever heard them. Exciting!
Teresa says
I love watching you watching me when you fly above me. I want you to meet me. Please…
ChrisFit says
Just a historical addenda; prior to the F-15s, our guys drove F-4s. There was a restructuring of air defense tasking with a significant reduction in billets & aircraft, so….units if they wanted to survive had to compete for their jobs. A tournament was created to test each units flying & maintenance skills. Our guys beat a whole bunch of other units. Maybe it’s because Portland/Oregon appeared rather unassuming to the national brass cause they were quite impressed. Most of those men & women are retired now, but they deserve kudos and our gratitude. The RedHawks truly earned their wings, I love seeing and hearing(!) them. I know they are loud, but it’s a price we should all be willing to pay.
Scott says
Prior to the F-4’s, they flew the F-106 equipped with the Genie Air-Air Nuclear missile. Little known fact, there were nukes at PDX, Walla Walla and McCord AFB in Washington. This was during the 60’s and early 70’s.
Jose says
Amen to that bro
Gary says
I agree! It used to happen only twice a day where the planes(usually 3 or 4) would leave Portland, do their patrol & come back 6 hours later. Now it goes on constantly. Our tax dollars at work!
w.h. says
This constant taking off and landing is pure b.s. I live here and have been, long before they started this agenda and there are a lot of neighbors here that abhor the freaking noise they generate. As far as I’m concerned it’s just the same ole little boys war toys thing. It’s no wonder we don’t have any money to take care of the real threats that we face here in the Americas and across the globe.
Oh yeah, I had some bonehead tell me that there’s airspace incursion! OOOOHHHH! The Russians are coming. Please, I lived through the 50’s when there was always supposed to be a Russian living under every bed. And we know what a load of crap that was. My big question is when did we become such a bunch of lily-livered cowards. Or is it that we are willing to be conned into thinking whatever the moneymakers want us to think?
Chris Johnson says
I love them!! Always have, always will!! They send tingles down my spine, and I tear with gratitude as they roar!! God bless them!!
Bob Meat says
I love the jets. They sound like freedom.
Griffo Yger says
Move to Okinawa, Japan. The entire island is nothing but freedom: noise and air pollution.
Sunny Baker says
I remember the fifties. I also remember the forties when the Japanese DID come. Not just Hawaii but on our continent along the British Columbia coast down into Puget Sound. My uncle had that command during WWII with the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the Vietnam era I lived across from the Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Station. Jets were going off twice a day every day like clockwork. I never tire of those who spend their life being ready to protect our freedoms. . . our freedom to deal with our other needs any way we can.
WindJam says
Remember 9/11?? I was thrilled to hear the jets after three-four days of eerie silence, nervousness and lack of sleep due to worry. I live in Gresham on the landing (and sometime takeoff) flight path. I will take the roar anytime because it reminds me someone is out there protecting ME. Yes, sometimes it is overwhelmingly loud, but silence is not a good offset.
Charity says
I love them. They fly by my place and get quite low for the veterans cemetery services. Yes! Today I saw three WWI biplanes totally redone. It’s my bday and that’s what I needed to hear and see. Woo hoo! I I love history. Good article and comments people awesome!
Armando Wilson says
Also, PDX will also have U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 C/D,s and E/F “Super Hornets” fairly regularly too. Not to mention, F-35 Lightening II’s.
PDX is one of the busiest mixed use (military/civilian) airports in the US.
Audrey says
I read this article and it was spot on and very informative, however some folks on here did not understand the importance of having the F15 alerts. This fighter squadron provide ACA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the entire region from Northern California to British Columbia. Ok let me translate that: they police air space. For example in this article, July 4th Russian bear bombers we’re escorted by F15 50 miles from the California coast. Article
This is one of few examples that actually makes it to the news. They do a lot that we never hear about.
Well you might ask; well why are they flying over Portland? Two reasons: again if you read the article they are based out of the Portland airport, and second reason is they have to practice to be good at what they do. You don’t expect a fireman or a cop to be an expert with out practice? Of course not. Same here they have to fly to protect us when we need them. I personally do not care for the noise myself, but when I hear it I know I am protected. Just like a cop cars or ambulance sirens. They are good people that do great job taking care of us. Thank you.
Aze says
Hey, can you specify OREGON here somewhere ? I was so excited that Maine had a fighter squadron, then I found out it’s just the other Portland….
BTW, this is AFTER I saw three fighter jets in the corridor for a Bangor landing today.
RANDI s HALVORSON says
I miss the sonic BOOMS from back in 70’s… Awesome. Scare the crap outta you when you’re a kid daydreaming in the backyard. Good times.
RANDI s HALVORSON says
Also cool watching F15 take off. Turbo boost!
Notah Wuss says
This is America, if you don’t like the noise move! I’ve never met a combat veteran that would complain about the sound of a jet fighter over head.
melveta seely says
To me it is the sound of SAFETY….. I know they are doing their job when they are in the air. Thank you Military.
I live North of Kingsley Field.
Ryan says
I live in Vancouver, I hear these jets all day everyday. They shake my house they are so loud. Please just stop, I feel safer without the jets over my head. So annoying.
Shiobhan says
Evening – I’m new to Portland and live near PDX, I get to see them fly nearly everyday. I’ll never tire of seeing, and hearing them. They’re a bit louder but nothing horrible.
Thanks for the article, I’ve been trying to figure out where they were coming from.
Birdeyes says
Three days a year, the Portland-Hillsboro Airport hosts the Oregon International Airshow. This year it was in September. The loud jets were a flyby part of the Airshow. Nothing to worry about.
PortlandMofo says
Yeah, sure there is a slight increase on those few days but the majority of the jets year round are the F-15 Redhawks out of PDX.
Patty says
Hillsboro, Oregon had a very low fly by today. It was too loud.
Deb says
I lived at Alameda NAS back in the 80’s… Jets doing touch/go’s were an everyday thrill! The Blue Angels were regular guests! There was a picnic beach on the bay side of the runways… We’d spend hours there. Alas… the base is decommissioned now, but the Memories!
PortlandMofo says
I’m from Oakland!
But yeah, Alameda Naval Air Station has been shut down for a long long time.
The Blue Angles still come and fly out of the Oakland Airport though for Fleet Week.
Kickme says
The jets were black and they were staph jets meaning they were going somewhere and not for fun.
JW says
Those Eagle drivers don’t ‘buzz’ any part of Portland. It is not an air range. Last time one did was 9/11/2001. They might do a fly-by for an event but the restrictions are pretty darn tight. A few times a month they might use afterburner for take off @ PDX. Cool to see. The vertical gate climb is still one of my favorite and I have been working on the Eagle since 1991.
ColMustard says
We have the F-15C Eagle in PDX. The Strike Eagle is F-15E, it looks similar in shape but is painted different and outfitted for carrying bombs.
The ones here are designed solely for air superiority. As with most pilots, proficiency is key so a most of the flying is for training to be effective in a combat situation. Which is important since the mission is as you said ACA which is homeland defense under the direction of NORAD.
PortlandMofo says
Thanks for that info. Removed the word Strike.
I always thought all Eagles were called Strike Eagles.
Deadhawk says
Great article. Thank you for trying to shed some light on the mission and people of the 142d Fighter Wing, and the Oregon Air National Guard.
I would like to correct a few mistakes though:
The aircraft are indeed F-15s in C (single seat) and D (two-seat) variants, but they are not “Strike Eagles.” Strike Eagles are F-15Es and are exclusively two-seated aircraft.
Military authority for the National Guard is somewhat of a multi-headed beast.
Every National Guard unit is ultimately commanded by the governor of their respective state. There is a general (official title is The Adutant General) who is the military commander of both Army and Air Guard units in their state. Then the Army/Air Guard have their own chains of command.
Each National Guard unit also answers to the National Guard Bureau (NGB). The Chief of the National Guard Bureau only recently got a chair position with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon.
In the case of the 142FW, they also fall under the US Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) Major Command (MAJCOM).
The National Guard (Army or Air) can also be federally activated, which would then give the President authority over forces.
However, in the case of the ACA mission, those pilots must be under federal (not state) authority to perform their mission. The alert aircraft respond to threats communicated by NORAD (more specifically by the Western Air Defense Sector, or WADS, located at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma).
The pilot killed in the training accident 10 years ago was Major Greg “Grumpy” Young.
The 173d Fighter Wing at Klamath Falls is an Oregon Air National Guard unit. As a training unit, they fall under the USAF Air Education and Training Command (AETC) MAJCOM.
PortlandMofo says
Thanks! Your information was very helpful and I have updated the article to reflect it.
George says
The 304 RQ is still at PDX, but doesn’t have aircraft anymore.
The Blackhawks you see on occasion – at Hillsboro, Scappoose, Aurora and the Downtown Heliport – are from the National Guard unit in Salem. (Used to be the 641st/1042nd; I don’t know what they call themselves now.)
AFAIK, they are all Blackhawks, not PaveHawks.
Ethan McKinley says
Why would the 304 rescue squadron have black hawks if they are a rescue squadron? And I thought they were based at PDX not Salem.
Trying to understand all the Portland military activity. Thanks for understanding.
Derek says
The HH-60G Pave Hawk is an Air Force specific version of the Blackhawk helicopter with significant modifications for the combat rescue role and it is generally regarded as the most advanced version of the aircraft. The 304th is a Air Force Reserve unit operating out of a PORTLAND ANG Base. (PDX). The Blackhawks are from Salem.
Westcoastdude says
I have paid all my adult taxes in Oregon but grew up in San Diego. You get used to the jets. They are loud but they are pretty badass and when they do vertical take offs at the Airport, I am a 9 year old screaming for joy. I worked at PDX. The big thing is there isn’t any sonic booms. I remember when off the coast one pilot was to eager and destroyed like 1000 windows. But they are not going anywhere. When you hear them, feel safe.
rb says
The vertical take-offs are called “jet climbs” — rarely allowed because of restrictions in city limits. Hair-raising and awesome, no matter how many times you witness them.
Donna Kline says
Why are the jets so common? They give me a headache. They fly so low and loud.
Woahsk says
Because they are protecting you, Donna. Oh ya? They really give you headaches. Please.
Jim says
I worked in the Bay Area and lived in Santa Cruz for 25 years before moving here about 10 years ago. Used to see C5s and U2s fly into Moffett a few times a year, as well as the occasional Orion and fighter jet. Not to mention watching pararescue practice in Monterrey Bay off of Santa Cruz.
Having been born and raised on Navy Air bases, I find the sounds of the military going about their daily jobs familiar and comforting.
Thanks for this info!
PortlandMofo says
Yes!
I used to love going to the Moffett Airshow growing up.
I was even at the Last Airshow in 1994.
Babette says
“Pardon the noise, it’s the sound of freedom..”
Chuck Glisson says
Hardly, I grew up as an “Air Force Brat LIVING on AIR FORCE BASES, and the Jets were barely noticeable.
I think what we have HERE from these Weekend Warrior posers is fellas who watched “Top Gun” just one too many times.
97086 says
Some of these jets fly SE over the Happy Valley area every Tuesday and Thursday, mid morning. I believe it used to be just Thursdays. Today, 9 Aug16 at 10:15 am, the jets were super loud, almost like they roared so loud and then the sound was just gone. I’ve never heard them this loud before. Can you explain that?
PortlandMofo says
I couldn’t really tell you but sometimes they do steep climbs and in that case they would be much louder and you would hear them for a lot longer as they are staying in your direct vicinity while climbing up instead of blasting over and out of ear range in less than 30 seconds.
TrueBlue says
Hey- Thanks for the explanation! I am also from the Bay (SF) & we’re used to only hearing the Blue Angels in October so I was a little rattled to hear these fighter jets in my quiet hood in Portland.
Also, kudos to your reply to that extremely childish comment from ‘statesfull’ who is clearly a victim of PDX’s public schools lead contaminated ‘drinking water’.
Thanks for your informative site!
Statesfull says
From the Bay huh? And you feel free to say “our city”! #statesfull
PortlandMofo says
Yes, I am from Oakland, born and raised.
I live here now. Our city. But since I refuse to share with people like you, MY city.
But don’t worry, I allowed countless people who were born in Portland to move into my old birth city of Oakland. It’s been an even trade.
Get used to it. It’s the way of the road Rick. Times have changed, internet exist, people move and we were an earth roaming species to begin with.
Donna says
I live in north Portland and one of them flew so low it made my car alarm go off. They are loud and annoying. I am a military veteran. I don’t see the point of buzzing peoples homes and damaging their hearing.
Christopher says
They don’t do anything unless it’s necessary. You don’t get to be an F-15 pilot if you’re the kind of person who buzzes anything.
Only the best of the best get to be Eagle drivers. And there’s lots of guys who want their seat the last thing you’re going to do is jeopardize it by doing something stupid.
But you’re right they can be loud and seem a little obnoxious.
But we’re lucky we can cover the entire Pacific Northwest from Canada to Northern California all the way to Idaho with a fleet of less than a dozen airplanes.
It could be worse.
If you lived near Military Base in Russia…… ugh. THAT would be uncomfortable at best.
Alison K Gilroy says
Funny, my family moved to the northwest from San Jose in ’72. You sound like you could be my cousin! Except he lives in…..wait for it…..Black Hawk!
PortlandMofo says
Black Hawk! No, unfortunately I’ve only ever been able to visit Black Hawk, not live there.
My mom moved from Oakland to San Jose about 5 years ago though.
Donna Kline says
I have lived near airports most of my life. Just heard one of your planes. It seems like they take of and circle then land again. I don’t think of it as security. Just annoying.
Chuck Glisson says
I am an Air Force brat, have lived around TAC Basses my entire non adult life, and in ALL that time NEVER SEEN a jet “Buzz the Neighborhood, or set off alarms ON BASE, with the exception of the occasional “Air Show”, so why THESE guys in Portland seem to feel the need to so this on almost a “Daily Basis” is beyond me, and BTW, I too, am a Veteran(Navy)