Rogue Valley AirWatch

Little spotting session out at the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport / Jackson CO. Airport Authority this afternoon with a good variety of aircraft.

Exciting news – we’re tracking a special visitor tonight. Santa, operating a Sleigh (Registration HOHOHO) from the North Pole Parcel Service, callsign R3DN053, is on his way!

🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Rogue Valley AirWatch!

Remember, he’s got a tight schedule and likes to stay on the down-low. It’s bedtime for the little ones to ensure a smooth flight for Santa. 🎅

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Rogue Valley International Medford Airport / Jackson CO. Airport Authority
Million Air Medford

Alaska's "Honoring Those Who Serve" livery arriving into Rogue Valley International Medford Airport / Jackson CO. Airport Authority this afternoon.

The KC-135 from the 134th Air Refueling Wing, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base departing MFR this morning back home to Knoxville.

KC-135 Stratotanker from the 134th Air Refueling Wing, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base out of Knoxville, Tennessee arriving into MFR earlier today.

The KC-135 was the USAF's first jet powered refueling tanker with it's introduction in 1957. It's scheduled to remain in service till around 2030 with partial replacements already being made with the new KC-46.

Arrival shots of the four T-38's out of Whiteman Air Force Base into MFR Tuesday afternoon. Both pairs performed an Overhead approach maneuver to help slow their aircraft into the landing pattern.

Located near K**b Noster, Missouri, Whiteman Air Force Base's 509th Bomb Wing is a crucial unit in the United States Air Force. The 509th Operations Group, a key flying component of this wing, manages all of the USAF's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.
Additionally, it operates a significant fleet of T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, renowned for their design efficiency, ease of maintenance, high performance, and safety. These T-38s, primarily used for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training, are equipped with advanced avionics and capable of rapid ascent, preparing pilots for various front-line aircraft.
Reactivated in 1993, the 509th Operations Group has a storied history and continues to be an integral part of the 509th Bomb Wing, significantly contributing to its strategic and training missions. This includes ongoing enhancements to the T-38 fleet, such as the Pacer Classic sustainment program, ensuring these aircraft remain essential in modern pilot training and air force operations.

𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞! 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 👋 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬! This page has seen incredible growth over the last few months, and we just wanted to pause for a moment to extend a hello and a huge thank you for the support you've shown!

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡. Founded in August 2023 by Scott and Tim, two long-time local plane spotters, RVAW has become the go-to source for local and regional aviation insights and curious minds. Our content has reached over 326,000 people, growing our following to more than 3,000!

Our initial goal to share our passion for aviation and photography took a turn last summer. During the wildfire season, RVAW emerged as a key source for real-time updates on aerial wildfire operations from Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport. This included over 250 updates, live streams from the Air Tanker Base, photo tours of air tanker aircraft, and insights from the pilots working on those regional fires that impacted the communities where many of our followers live.

We continue to cover the arrival of unique aircraft, general aviation, and special liveries, including the newly painted Horizon Air E175 liveries, and military planes like the P-3 Orion, T-38, F-18, AH-64 Apaches, and so many more aircraft we can't possibly name them all. Regularly spotted around the airport, we're always happy to meet and chat with those who share our passion or are new to the exciting world of aviation.

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝? MedfordAlert did an article on us in August: https://medfordalert.com/2023/08/26/rogue-valley-airwatch-a-passionate-teams-vision-takes-flight/

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬

Facebook:
Instagram:
X:
Scott IG:
Tim IG: .crippin21

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𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐖 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧!

Medford Alert
Million Air Medford
RogueWeather.Com
RyanWeather.Com

Today, Rogue Valley International Medford Airport and Million Air Medford welcomed four T-38s out of Whiteman Air Force Base that had departed from Boeing Field. Before heading into the Rogue Valley, they performed what were surely visually pleasing low passes over Crater Lake and other mountains.

Located near K**b Noster, Missouri, Whiteman Air Force Base's 509th Bomb Wing is a crucial unit in the United States Air Force. The 509th Operations Group, a key flying component of this wing, manages all of the USAF's B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.

Additionally, it operates a significant fleet of T-38 Talon trainer aircraft, renowned for their design efficiency, ease of maintenance, high performance, and safety. These T-38s, primarily used for joint specialized undergraduate pilot training, are equipped with advanced avionics and capable of rapid ascent, preparing pilots for various front-line aircraft.

Reactivated in 1993, the 509th Operations Group has a storied history and continues to be an integral part of the 509th Bomb Wing, significantly contributing to its strategic and training missions. This includes ongoing enhancements to the T-38 fleet, such as the Pacer Classic sustainment program, ensuring these aircraft remain essential in modern pilot training and air force operations.

Scott & Tim from the Rogue Valley AirWatch team got two of their photos ( #6 & #10) as finalists in the ! There are a lot of amazing shots, but if you think ours stand out, we'd really appreciate your vote by going to the voting post on 10 Tanker Air Carrier page.

Scott: #6
Tim: #10

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/wpwf3p6CgqZyQ7uH/?mibextid=WC7FNe

𝐖𝐡𝐨'𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐯𝐬 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲?

Tracing its roots to 1894, this rivalry stands as one of the longest-standing in football. With 126 games, Oregon and Oregon State have faced off almost every year, with a few exceptions.

Currently, the Ducks have the upper hand with 67 wins against Oregon State's 49, plus 10 matches that ended in ties.

Below are photos of when Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air had the university liveries on the Bombardier Dash 8 - Q400, which the airline has phased out. We hope to see these two liveries return on the Embraer 175's in the future!

A Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion from the HMH-772 (Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 772) arriving into MFR Sunday afternoon.

The CH-53E Super Stallion's role in the Marines as a heavy lift helicopter consists of hauling heavy weapons, equipment, supplies and troops.

This CH-53E arrived yesterday and proceeded to one of the Erickson Incorporated hangars for maintenance. The maintenance Erickson provides ranges from modification kit build and installations; recovery of downed aircraft; repair of aircraft and components, engine overhauls and depot level maintenance.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon from the VP-69 Totems out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island conducting multiple touch and goes at MFR earlier today.

Established on November 1st 1970, the VP-69 Totems are a anti-submarine / maritime patrol aircraft squadron. They phased out the P-3's for the P-8's at the end of September 2022.

Couple of the local Pilatus PC-9's arriving back at MFR Friday afternoon after a flight over towards Klamath Falls.

These 2 Pilatus PC-9's used to be part of the The Roulettes which is the Royal Australian Air Force aerobatic display team.

Also an AirLink Critical Care Transport AS350 departing the Million Air ramp after a fuel stop after a patient drop off at RVMC.

Rogue Valley AirWatch was down at MFR today while a U.S. Navy Lockheed P-3 Orion from Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron One (VQ-1) conducted multiple training maneuvers, which included touch-and-goes with various approaches and flyovers.

Established on June 1, 1955, VQ-1 specializes in aerial reconnaissance and signals intelligence. Nicknamed the "World Watchers," the squadron is based at NAS Whidbey Island. The P-3C Orion is expected to be phased out in 2023, concluding over six decades of service for this line of aircraft.

The 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field out Klamath Falls, conducted a Veteran's Day flyover yesterday over the Southern Oregon University Raider Stadium in Ashland for the SOU Raider Athletics football game against The College of Idaho.

Thank you to local photographer, Tim Hallam for allowing us to share his photos! You can find more of his incredible work at www.hallamphoto.com

City of Ashland Oregon
Jackson County Oregon USA
Medford Alert

“True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” - Arthur Ashe

2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion flew into Rogue Valley International Medford Airport today and Rogue Valley AirWatch was there to capture the action. The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade is an aviation brigade of the U.S. Army. It is subordinate to 7th Infantry Division and I Corps and based at Gray Army Airfield part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

F-15 Eagle fighter jets from the 173rd Fighter Wing out of Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon will conduct Saturday Veterans Day flyovers for ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon on Nov. 11, 2023.

11:00 a.m. Veterans Park, Klamath Falls

11:20 a.m. Jubilee Park, Cave Junction

11:30 a.m. Canyonville City Hall, Canyonville

11:35 a.m. Downtown Roseburg, Roseburg

11.55 a.m. Veterans Day Parade, Redmond

12:20 p.m. Southern Ore. University Raider Stadium, Ashland

"My heroes are those that risk their lives to protect the world and make it a better place.” Sidney Sheldon, displayed on the side, next to the forward entry door of Alaska Airline (Horizon Air), "Honoring Those Who Serve" livery is shown here at Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.

The third aircraft in the 'Honoring Those Who Serve' series, tail number N651QX, is a Horizon Embraer 175 that stands as a tribute to the U.S. military's active duty members, veterans, and fallen soldiers, along with their families. The aircraft's distinctive livery, a concept from Alaska maintenance technicians, is a gesture of respect for both present and past service members.

The design features a blue fuselage with a red stripe, symbolizing the American flag; the fuselage prominently displays the phrase "Honoring Those Who Serve." Symbolic insignias that represent the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program are placed near the rear cargo door on the right and behind the aft service door on the left.

Additionally, the "Horizon Air Salutes" badge, located at the front, and the five stars—and corresponding stripes on the engine cowlings—pay homage to the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

USAF KC-46 Pegasus made a short visit into MFR this afternoon to do some touch and goes. First time a KC-46 has been into MFR.

The KC-46 is a refueling tanker for the USAF which is replacing the aging KC-10 USAF fleet. This KC-46 came from Travis AFB down in California.

The KC-46 is built off of the Boeing 767 airframe. This specific aircraft was delivered to the USAF back in July.

2 of the 4 Sikorsky CH-54A Skycranes from Helicopter Transport Services Inc that stopped into MFR the last couple of days for fuel on their way home to Aurora, OR.

Like Erickson, Helicopter Transport Services Inc has contracts for the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE for aerial fire fighting and also do heavy lift construction and logging jobs.

Around this time of year with wildfire season winding down they usually stop into MFR for fuel on their way home from California.

Today we celebrate National First Responders Day, taking the time to recognize and appreciate the hard work of our local Rogue Valley and regional Southern Oregon aviation first responders. These dedicated individuals play a key role in keeping our community safe, always ready to respond to emergencies and offer vital help whenever it’s needed.

Their courage and commitment to ensuring safety truly make a difference, and we are grateful for their service. We want to thank these first responders from the bottom of our hearts for their selfless efforts in protecting and serving our community.

Have a photo of a company we’re missing? Share it with us!

Mercy Flights Inc
REACH Air Medical Services
AirLink Critical Care Transport
LifeFlight
Jackson County Sheriff
And many others!

Million Air Medford (support)
Rogue Valley International Medford Airport / Jackson CO. Airport Authority (support)

The Moon rising from behind Roxy Ann last night made for some great arrival shots with Horizon flight 2070 and Allegiant flight 771 arriving into MFR.

P-3C Orion from the VQ-1 World Watchers out of NAS Whidbey Island performing touch and goes at MFR Thursday afternoon.

The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engine, turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft, it's mission for the US Navy consists of maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

The P-3 is one of only a handful of aircraft that have been in service for over 50+ years for the US Military. It's in the process of being replaced by the P-8 Poseidon with a final retirement date of 2025.