Henley High School aerospace and engineering students visited Kingsley Field last week for a rare opportunity to watch two F-15 fighter jets take off and meet the pilots who flew them — Col. Tyler “Tiny” Cox and Lt. Col. Quentin “Dawg” Lebkowsky of the 173rd Fighter Wing.
The students also presented base officials with a handmade commemorative bench honoring the legacy of the F-15 Eagle at Kingsley Field. The aircraft has been a fixture at the base from 1998 to 2025. The visit marks the last time students will observe the F-15s in flight as the base prepares to transition to the F-35.
“The students wanted to create something meaningful to honor the retirement of the F-15s here at Kingsley Field,” said Kristi Lebkowsky, Henley aerospace and engineering teacher. “The bench symbolizes the Eagle’s long service in our community and its impact on generations of students who grew up hearing and seeing these jets overhead.”Kingsley 173rd Fighter Wing Commander Col. Adam “Axe” Gaudinski thanked the students in an email after the visit and said the bench will be placed on permanent display at the base.
“Your handmade bench honoring the legacy of the F-15 is far more than a gift. It is a testament to the spirit, pride, and unity of this incredible community,” he said. “As this bench shows so clearly, the F-15 wasn’t just an aircraft assigned to the 173rd Fighter Wing — it was part of the very identity of Klamath Falls. Its impact reached far beyond the flight line and deep into the schools, families, and hearts that make this valley what it is.
“Thank you for reminding us that the legacy of the Eagle lives not only in the skies, but in the hands, hearts, and talent of the community it protected.”
For the past decade, Henley aerospace and engineering students have toured the base annually, exploring potential career pathways and learning firsthand about Air Force operations. During those tours, students meet with Air Force personnel from a variety of specialties — including avionics, civil engineering, medical services, and life support — to learn about technical career fields. During a visit in November, students were able to participate in virtual-reality simulations demonstrating how pilots manipulate parachute systems during an ejection.
A second group of students from aerospace engineering, principles of engineering, and engineering design and development returned Dec. 4 for a special visit to honor the end of the F-15 era at the base.
After presenting the bench, students observed Cox and Lebkowsky — both F-15C instructor pilots — suiting up, asked questions, and watched portions of the preflight walk-around before riding a military bus to the runway to watch the takeoffs.
“For the last 10 years, our students have watched the F-15s take off and learned what happens behind the scenes on a military flight line,” Kristi Lebkowsky said. “This visit was the last time they’ll see an F-15 launch from Kingsley Field, and that made this visit truly special.”
One of the fighter jet’s backseat riders Dec. 4 was Benjamin Lebkowsky, who flew with his uncle, Quentin Lebkowsky. Benjamin grew up in Klamath Falls and graduated from Mazama High School. He has been selected for an F-35 fighter pilot position at Kingsley Field. While waiting for his training dates, he’s gaining experience riding in the back seat.
“We’ve had an incredible partnership with Kingsley Field for the past decade,” Kristi Lebkowsky added, “and we’re excited to continue that connection as the F-35s arrive. Our students are fortunate to have a world-class training base in their own backyard, and Kingsley has always welcomed them with open arms.”
