TINKER AIR FORCE BASE Celebrating 75 years Delivering Air Power for America

Supplement to the Tinker Take O

ANNVERSARES Tinker AFB 7 years * AWACS E- years * 57th ARW years * TACAM 2 years 14400 S.E. 29TH ST. Building Quality Homes since 1982 Reroofing, Remodels & Commercial Construction 405.733.1169 Swmbuilders.com Email: [email protected]

WE WILL BUILD ON YOUR LAND OR OURS FIND YOUR NEXT EVENT AT 18145 OLD RANGELINE ROAD SHAWNEE, OKLAHOMA 74801 FIRELAKEARENA.COM BOX OFFICE: (405) 273-1637 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE Celebrating 75 years Delivering TINKER AIR FORCE BASE Air Power for America Air Power Celebratingfor America 75 years Delivering TINKER AIR FORCE Celebrating BASE 75 years Contents Delivering Air Power for America History of TINKER ...... 4 75 years of warfighter support

CE EBRATIN : * Tinker AFB 75 e r CE EBRATIN : * A507th ARW 5 e r * Tinker AFB 75 e r * AWACS E-3 0 e r * AWACS E-3 0 e r * N 5 e r * 507th ARW 5 e r A future so bright ...... 9 * Supplement to the Tinker Take O N 5 e r

ANNIVERSARIES: Supplement to the Tinker Take O Supplement to the Tinker Take O

75 years * AWACS E-3 40 years * 507th ARW 45 years * TACAMO 25 years Tinker AFB 552nd Air Control Wing ...... 10 Contributing more than 40 years to TINKER AIR FORCE BASE Tinker’s 75th Anniversary Celebrating 75 years ‘Okies’ celebrates 45th Anniversary ...... 12 Delivering Air Power to America REACT team builds About the cover: As public affairs practitioners and the design team, there were many different aspects state-of-the-art time capsule ...... 16 we had to think about for the cover of this magazine. Navy 25 years ...... 17 √ Is it interesting? √ Does it convey a message? √ Does it grab your attention? √ Does it meet intent? Man on the Street ...... 18 These are just some of the factors taken into account when we brainstormed how this cover should look. Osage Nation plays After much discussion and answering these five questions (plus pivotal role ...... 20 many more), everything seemed to narrow down to a single theme. That theme was echoed from leadership to our public affairs team Grandson of Tinker’s namesake vows to the Airmen and their families across Tinker – PEOPLE. to keep legacy alive We fix planes, sustain readiness, build structures and doall kinds of other jobs, but the most important thing to celebrate as we look back through our 75-year history and ahead 75 years Photo collage ...... 22 into our future is our people. When our 75th anniversary time capsule is opened in 75 years and this magazine is read, we want Security Forces ...... 24 the future generation to know that we were, first and foremost, about the people. Vision for the environment ...... 26 So, we took as many pictures of people from our past and present and we crammed them into the face of Tinker – Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker. There are pictures of Rosies, past Economic Impact ...... 28 and present, leaders, and about every cross section of people representing Tinker Air Force Base that we could squeeze in. We Tinker Strong ...... 31 even managed to include a Military Working Dog. We wish we could have put every face of every person who Land Acquisition ...... 38 ever worked or served here, as they all deserve recognition for being a part of our Tinker heritage. Delivering Combat Power for America – that’s what we have ‘Off We Go’ ...... 40 always done and will continue to do for generations to come. Mrs. Tinker helps select Air Force song

Published by e Journal Record Publishing Company, a private rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 72nd Air Base Wing commander. is civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Tinker Take O are not necessarily the ocial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. e appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or e Journal Record Publishing Company of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political aliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Aairs Oce of the 72nd Air Base Wing. 2 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 SEE A DOCTOR QUICKLY. OPEN 7 A.M., M F

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99860_MIDW_7amMn_7_75x10_25c.indd 1 11/14/17 11:54 AM Story by April McDonald 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

and Tinker History Office

4 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 75 years of warfighter support

or 75 years, Tinker the Bass Building. FAir Force Base has As February began, Colonel provided combat air Turnbull announced that the new air repair center would be power for America. known as the Oklahoma City It all started with a Air Depot. On March 1, 1942, group of Oklahoma the War Department officially City visionaries who activated the airfield. Hiring wanted to move their new workers accelerated as city out of the Dust the depot competed with the Douglas Aircraft Plant going up Bowl days and give east of the runway. people a hope for the During the war years, future. thousands of Oklahomans In October 1940, a dozen and military personnel from key businessmen formed across the United States laid the Oklahoma Industries the foundation of Tinker’s Foundation in an effort to attract reputation for excellence in a bomber base, an aircraft plant depot repair and maintenance. or an air repair depot to the At the employment high point Oklahoma City area. The group in late 1943, 13,500 people acquired 960 acres and offered the land to the government at no worked at the air depot, while cost. While holding the option another 23,000 worked for on another 480 acres, they Douglas Aircraft. Nearly half promised to provide necessary of all the Tinker and Douglas utilities, roads and a rail spur to workers were women who the airfield. Their hard work and exemplified the famed “Rosie- long hours paid off. On April 8, the-Riveter.” 1941, the order was officially Douglas employees built signed awarding the depot to more than 5,000 C-47s for Oklahoma City. World War II and at one On January 15, 1942, Lt. time produced 13 Skytrains Col. William R. Turnbull per day. Meanwhile, Tinker issued General Order No. 1 Toilers repaired, modified and marking the establishment of the Midwest Air Depot. maintained B-17, B-24 and Because the installation was B-29 bombers. Their important far from complete, operations “Eagle Project” enabled B-29 began in downtown Oklahoma Superfortresses to conduct high- City, first in the Commerce altitude precision bombing in Exchange Building and later in the Pacific theater of operation. Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 5 When victory came, completed a modification of domination. and B-52 Stratofortresses the Douglas Plant ceased Pres. Harry S. Truman’s C-54 The 1950s pulled the received depot repair and operations, and everyone airplane, the “Sacred Cow.” United States and Tinker AFB modification. wondered what would Subsequent to creation of into the Korean Conflict. On April 1, 1974, the become of the installation. the Department of the Air B-29s, B-50s and B-36s came Oklahoma City Air Materiel Soon word arrived that Tinker Force in 1947, the airfield to the base for modifications Area became the Oklahoma Field would not only survive, received its modern name, necessary to combat City Air Logistics Center. but would expand and take Tinker Air Force Base, communist aggression. The Three years later, the first over the three-quarter-mile- effective Jan. 13, 1948. work force increased in E-3 Sentry aircraft arrived long facility now known as The year proved to be one numbers as the depot work at Tinker AFB as the 552nd Bldg. 3001. In recognition of of the most notable in the load continued to expand. Airborne Warning and its permanent status, 150,000 installation’s long history. Soon, new aircraft types such Control Wing recognized people attended the formal Five days following a massive as the B-47, B-52 and KC-135 the merits of co-locating its dedication of Tinker Field tornado that caused more than were seen in Tinker hangars main operating base with on Nov. 18, 1945, and heard $10 million in damages to as Cold War deterrence its maintenance and repair Durant native Lt. Gen. Ira aircraft and facilities, another ushered in another generation center. The unusual-looking C. Eaker deliver the keynote tornado threatened central of weapon systems. radar and communications address. Oklahoma. On March 25, Base workers provided aircraft with a rotating dome In February 1946, depot 1948, base meteorologists logistics support during the on top of the fuselage became employees began modifying – Maj. Ernest Fawbush and Suez Crisis in 1956 and the a frequent sight in the Sooner B-29s for atomic testing Capt. Robert Miller – issued Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. skies and a sign of American near the Bikini Atoll, and the first official tornado The first C-141 Starlifter in interests around the world. the historic Enola Gay made warning in American history. the U.S. Air Force inventory, In the 1980s Tinker its first visit to Tinker for Another form of Tinker named the Spirit of Oklahoma returned to work force and an overhaul. On July 2, expertise took center stage City, was delivered to Tinker work load levels not seen since 1946, the depot received in late 1948 when the Soviet AFB in October 1964. For the the end of the Vietnam War. another name change as the Union blockaded Berlin, next 10 years all thoughts were Pride in aviation achievement Oklahoma City Air Technical and Oklahoma City depot on the war in Southeast Asia was demonstrated when an Service Command became leaders went to Burtonwood, as Vietnam-weary aircraft estimated 200,000 people saw the Oklahoma City Air England, to establish and Airmen passed through the space shuttle Columbia, Materiel Area. In 1947 Tinker procedures for the successful Tinker’s portals. During the riding atop a B-747, land at employees began working airlift mission that saved the period, more than 2,000 A-7 Tinker on April 27, 1981. In on jet engines and also German city from Russian Corsair IIs, F-4 Phantoms 1988 the first B-1B bomber

6 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 arrived for programmed maintenance and overhaul. That same year the center assumed management responsibility for the B-2 stealth bomber. When Operation Desert Shield began in August 1990, Tinker associate units deployed to the Near East, and the base’s aerial port of embarkation began moving cargo and troops to areas of operations. In January 1991 conventionally armed, air- launched cruise missiles, modified at Tinker, were among the first weapons fired in the Gulf War. The Navy’s Strategic Communications Wing One relocated to Tinker in May 1992, allowing the unit’s E-6 Mercury aircraft to be maintained while providing communications to its worldwide fleet. Having the first naval operational unit assigned to an Air Force base, Tinker became a model Mark Smith, 565th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron B-52H crew chief runs to position himself in front of B-52H 61-0007, 'Ghost Rider,' in order to launch the aircraft on an attempted functional test flight at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Com- for defense inter-service plex, Aug. 29, 2016, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. 'Ghost Rider' is the first B-52 to ever be regenerated from long-term storage cooperation. The pace- with the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., and returned to fully-opera- tional flying status. (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis) setting practice was one of the factors enabling Tinker AFB to survive base closures After terrorists attacked the became the host site for the Air 135 Stratotanker. On July 26, in 1993 and 1995. The future United States in September Force Sustainment Center, one looked even brighter after 2016, leaders officially broke of six centers under AFMC the 1999 announcement 2001, heightened security ground on the new campus. and the supporting command that the public-private and urgency could be seen The first B-52H for readiness. The AFSC was team of the Oklahoma City all around the base. For Stratofortress to be resurrected ALC and Lockheed-Martin the first time since the activated on July 10, 2012, the from long term storage at the Corporation had won a $10 Revolutionary War, foreign same day the Oklahoma City Aerospace Maintenance and billion engine work-load bid troops were defending the Air Logistics Center was re- Regeneration Group spent designated as the Oklahoma competition. Tinker began homeland as North Atlantic nine months at Tinker in 2016 Treaty Organization Airborne City Air Logistics Complex. work on the F135 engine, before rejoining the active Warning and Control System The Burlington Northern which powers the F-35 Joint strategic bomber fleet. The aircrews began flying Santa Fe rail yard was Strike Fighter, in October historic Sept. 27, 2016, flight operational missions out of acquired in February 2015 for 2012. of tail number 61-007, known Always a community Tinker AFB. After seven conversion into the KC-46A as “Ghost Rider,” marked partner, Tinker supported months here, NATO crews left maintenance campus. The the end of the warbird’s relief efforts after the Tinker on May 15, 2002. railyard will be transformed bombing of the Alfred P. In late 2011, the Air Force into the maintenance repair 19-month transformation Murrah Federal Building announced an initiative to and overhaul home for the KC- from a mothballed 55-year- in Oklahoma City in April restructure Air Force Materiel 46A Pegasus, America’s next- old, eight-engine jet parked in 1995 and after a devastating Command from a 12 center generation aerial refueler. The the Arizona desert to a fully tornadoes struck Oklahoma configuration to a new five- Pegasus is being built from the updated conventional- and County in May 1999, 2003 center structure. Under this Boeing 767 airframe and will nuclear-capable global strike and again in May 2013. organization Tinker AFB eventually replace the KC- bomber platform. Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 7 Tinker AFB’s 76th turn spectators away due Aircraft Maintenance to reaching its capacity. Group handed over the More than 200,000 people plane 90 days ahead of attended the two-day event schedule to Air Force that featured the U.S. Global Strike Command. Air Force Thunderbirds The team working to demonstration team. bring Ghost Rider back In addition to the base’s to life was made up of anniversary, the 552nd Air members of the OC-ALC, Control Wing celebrated 76th Aircraft Maintenance 40 years of the E-3 Sentry Group, 76th Propulsion at Tinker, Strategic Maintenance Group, 76th Communications Wing Commodities Maintenance ONE celebrated 25 years Group, 848th Supply at Tinker and the 507th Air Chain Management Group, Refueling Wing celebrated Air Force Life Cycle its 45th anniversary at Management Center, 10th Tinker. Flight Test Squadron and The 567th Aircraft Defense Logistics Agency. Maintenance Squadron 2017 has been yet another was named the 2017 big year for Team Tinker Robert T. Mason award for as the base celebrates depot maintenance. its diamond anniversary, It’s that kind of along with the Air Force’s excellence that will enable 70th birthday. The Star Team Tinker to continue Spangled Salute Air Show its tradition of enabling was one of many 75th the warfighter for decades anniversary events held to come. throughout the year. For (John Parker, Tinker the first time ever, Tinker Take Off staff writer, had to close its gates and contributed to this article.)

(U.S. Air Force photo/April McDonald)

8 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 A future so bright… Kimberly Woodru 72nd Air Base Wing Public A airs Picture it: Tinker is, the people will make the nation’s wars. It is a math) education is key. Air Force Base, sure the mission absolutely huge responsibility making “Weapons systems, people, happens. Whatever it is sure the workforce is ready economy, and education are Oklahoma, in the they are working on — to do what this nation’s all interconnected, and we year 2092 — 75 unmanned systems or the leadership asks of it at a can’t remove one without years from now. B-21 bomber, KC-46A or moment’s notice. affecting the other,” said It might look something something not yet dreamed Leaving Tinker AFB Levy. “All of those things like this … The base no up — the Oklahomans who and Oklahoma better than must grow and mature so longer has fences, but now a work on it will make it we found it is also very Tinker can stay the critical laser boundary guard system amazing. I’m 100 percent important for General Levy. strategic node that it is protects the perimeter. sure on the quality of the “As a citizen, an American today. When the workforce Surrounding areas have been fifth and sixth generation and an Oklahoman, it is the is dedicated, capable and acquired by the government, workforce of Oklahomans to responsibility of the AFSC motivated, the community is so the base’s footprint has provide extraordinary, lethal to make sure Oklahoma thriving and flourishing. We expanded. As that space runs weapons systems capable of continues to thrive and are citizens of Oklahoma defending our nation.” out, new work areas were grow economically and to and we have an obligation to leave Oklahoma better than carved out underground and we found it.” braced with new engineering “Weapons systems, people, Recruiting the next technology discovered by economy, and education are all generation of Airmen is also Tinker engineers. Everyone important to Levy. drives hovercraft, so interconnected, and we can’t “We’ve really pushed potholes in the roads are no remove one without affecting the STEM in the colleges and it longer an issue. Personnel other. All of those things must has made a huge difference all wear hover boots to move and has been an accelerator around easily and save time grow and mature so Tinker can to our workforce,” he said. in the workplace. stay the critical strategic node “It’s about total force As for weapons systems, that it is today. Airmen — active duty, legacy aircraft has finally contractors, and civilians. — Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Air Force Sustainment been retired and moved to I can’t deliver what the Center Commander the boneyard or memorial Air Force demands, the parks. In their place, new readiness and lethality for aircraft will be unmanned, The general had plenty of sustain the workforce,” he the world’s preeminent lethal machines feared by great things to say about the said. “If Tinker is better, airspace and cyberspace the rest of the world. workforce at Tinker AFB, the community is better. without all the total force That’s just one idea of but used just one emphatic Economic diversity creates Airmen working in tandem.” what the future might hold. word to describe what the strength which creates more The vision that But, no matter what the base would look like 75 opportunities, which creates Oklahomans had in 1942 physical world looks like, years from now: “Crowded!” a better workforce … as Air — the forethought to get Air Force Sustainment Tinker is a 5,500 acre base Force grows more and more the land and to imagine a Center Commander Lt. surrounded by a densely complex and sophisticated, premier depot maintenance Gen. Lee K. Levy II said he packed urban area and space all of Oklahoma and the rest base is the kind of spirit believes the people will still is definitely a premium. of the nation will benefit.” that has made Tinker AFB be making it happen here at The general said the lack of Building a better a success for the state of Tinker AFB. adequate real estate today workforce in Oklahoma Oklahoma and the Air “People are more is limiting the ability to do requires one thing very dear Force. important than hardware,” some things on the base and to the general’s heart — “We can see the Oklahoma said Levy. “In 75 years, the challenge will still be education. With everything spirit reflected even today, what will we be doing at there in the decades to come. requiring advanced and I know it will shine Tinker? I have some ideas, The general knows his software, STEM (science, brightly 75 years from but whatever the mission first job is to fight and win technology, engineering and now,” Levy said. Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 9 (U.S. Air Force photo/Greg L. Davis)

552nd Air Control Wing: Contributing more ARS OF AW E AC than 40 years toY Tinker’s 75th SAnniversary 40 Story by Ron Mullan Curtis Swi 72nd ABW Public A airs 552nd ACW Historian The 552nd Air Control trol Centers, search and res- measures mission, which last- borne warning and control Wing has been located at Tin- cue, and maritime operations ed until April 1, 1985. The di- operations in Southwest Asia, ker AFB, Okla., for more than beginning in October 1977. vision then returned to a wing August 1990–March 1991. 40 years. Prior to that, the In January4 1979, the wing0 designation and was relieved In 1990, the wing provided wing was based out of March expanded its air operations of the countermeasures duty. airborne command, control AFB, Calif., and was known with the addition of drug inter- The 552nd flew Airborne support for Counter-Drug as the 552nd Airborne Early diction missions in support of Battlefield Command, Control Operations while deployed to Warning & Control Wing. But US Customs. Other highlights and Communications mis- Roosevelt Roads Naval Air that all changed during Amer- of the 552nd during this period sions on airborne alert during Station, Puerto Rico, and pro- ica’s bi-centennial celebration included: •Advising NATO on the invasions of Grenada, in vided navigational support for year when on July 1, 1976, the the activation of its Airborne November 1983, and Panama, USAF units to and from over- wing was redesignated as the Early WarningTINKE RsystemAF Band December 1989. The wing seas deployments. 552nd Airborne Warning and trained NATO crews in E–3 trained Royal Saudi Air Force The 552nd received its cur- Control Wing and activated at Sentry aircraft5 5to2 improveACW the aircrews in the operations of rent designation – 552nd Air Tinker AFB, Okla. Allied air defense system in ABCCC missions, April 1985. Control Wing -- on Oct. 1, It was eight months later, in Europe, from January 1980– The 552nd performed air- 1991. In January 1993, the March 1977 that the first E-3 December 1982. AWACS Sentry aircraft, tail •Aiding in the search and number 75-0557, arrived here. salvage operations Sept. 1– The wing provided airborne Oct. 9, 1983, of the Korean early warning, surveillance, Airlines flight 007 shot down command, control and com- by a Soviet fighter over the munications, and battlefield Sea of Japan on Sept. 1, 1983. services for US Armed Forces •Flying intelligence mis- and its allies. sions with E–3s in Saudi Ara- Besides operating at its bia during the Iran-Iraq War, primary station, the wing ful- Oct. 13, 1980– April 17, 1989. filled its mission from- oth •The wing was elevated to er geographical locations, the division level on Oct. 1, worldwide, by participating in 1983, with the activation of numerous tactical exercises, the 41st Electronic Combat such as joint training in elec- Squadron at Davis-Monthan tronic warfare environments, AFB, Ariz. The division took airborne battlefield command on the Command, Control and and control for Tactical Con- Communications Counter- 10 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 wing supported deployed air- ACG lost two of its four air mand, declared the aircraft mous and widespread rescue craft and crews to Southwest control squadrons, when HQ had reached OIC in June 2014. and recovery efforts in the Asia to ensure that Iraq com- Air Combat Command inacti- Also in June 2014, mem- state of Florida. plied with ceasefire terms. It vated the 728th ACS as part of bers of the 552nd ACW began The 552nd Air Control also provided airborne com- a force reduction measure, and flying missions in support of Wing stands poised to rapidly mand and control operations transferred the 607th ACS to combat operations against deploy forces world-wide and over the United States imme- HQ Air Education and Train- ISIS, later ISIL, forces in Iraq provide sustained world-class diately following terrorist at- ing Command. and Syria. These operations command and control opera- tacks on Sept. 11, 2001. In early 2011, the men and continue today. tions to ensure US dominance From October 2001 through women of the 552nd ACW In November 2015, the over the battlefield well into 2009, the 552nd provided air- deployed in support of Opera- 552nd ACW deployed the first the future. borne command and control tion UNIFIED PROTECTOR, Block 40/45 E-3 to the CENT- Awards of Operation NOBLE EAGLE which later changed to Oper- COM AOR. Within two days Since arriving at Tinker in and continues to routinely pro- ation ODESSEY DAWN, in of arriving, E-3 crews flew the 1976, the USAF has awarded vide support for presidential support of operations in Libya. first 40/45 combat sortie. the 552nd ACW a total of 18 support missions around the In March 2012, the first of In August 2017, 552nd E-3 Air Force Outstanding Unit world. The wing played a ma- the E-3G Block 40/45 aircraft crews began flying sorties Awards, two with valor, and jor role by providing airborne returned to the 552nd ACW in support of rescue and re- four Meritorious Unit Awards. command and control sup- following upgrade. From covery operations following Prior to arriving at Tinker, port for US and Allied forc- April 2012 until June 2014, the devastation of Hurricane the 552nd was awarded seven es during Operations IRAQI members of the 965th Air- Harvey in East Texas and the AFOUAs bringing the total FREEDOM, from March – borne Air Control Squadron Gulf Coast. Within a few days, to 25 (four with Valor), four May 2003, and NEW DAWN flew the Block 40/45 aircraft Hurricane Irma devastated the Meritorious Unit Awards and from 2003-2011. as part of the Operational Test Caribbean and the state of the Southwest Asia: Defense Part of the 552nd ACW and Evaluation period, before Florida and the 552nd ACW of Saudi Arabia; Liberation current mission is to provide Gen. “Mike” Hostage, com- was once again tasked to fly and Defense of Kuwait cam- airborne warning and con- mander, Air Combat Com- sorties supporting the enor- paign streamer. trol support for counter-drug operations from Curacao. The wing also provided airborne command and control opera- tions for US and Allied Forc- es in Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM from 2002-2003, and 2007- 2014. In May 2008, the 552nd gained four geographically separated air control squad- rons, better known at CRCs (Control and Reporting Cen- ters). Since that time, the Air Control Group and Wing have worked to improve CRC ca- pabilities, fostering a mass effort to adopt best practices from one another while creat- ing modern, relevant, lean and lethal air control squadrons available to combatant com- mander’s around the world. The men and women of the CRCs have deployed to the CENTCOM AOR regularly since 2004, providing unsur- passed air control and com- munications to US and allied forces. In 2013, the 552nd

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 11 ‘Okies’ Celebrate 45th Anniversary at Tinker

HICKAM AFB, HAWAII (July 15, 2010) U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Timothy Milliken, crew chief, assigned to the 507th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., marshalls in a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 465th Air Refueling Squadro, Tinker AFB, Okla., after a refueling mission in support of exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, on July 15, 2010. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve interoperability. RIMPAC includes more than 14 nations 32 ships, five submarines, more than 170 aircraft and more than 20,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kamaile O. Long/Released)

Story by Master Sgt. Grady Ep- war and national emergen- mately 200 members of the serve as a support cadre. perly cy. The 507th ARW trains 507th are traditional civilian The 507th ARW Reserv- 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs aircrew on the Reserve KC- employees or dual status Air ists fly two to three missions 135 and the Reserve C-17 Reserve Technicians who daily and off-load millions This year marks the 45th Globemaster III at a geo- Anniversary of the 507th graphically separated unit, Air Refueling Wing operat- the 730th Air Mobility ing out operating out of Tin- Training Squadron at Al- ker Air Force Base, Oklaho- tus AFB, Oklahoma, where ma. The 507th ARW is the KC-46 Pegasus flight largesf t Air Force Reserve training will begin in the Command flying unit in the near future. state of Oklahoma. Report- “With the diversity of ing to Fourth Air Force, the missions that the 507th 507th ARW performs daily and its subordinate units missions both locally and perform, you can bet that around the world in support our Airmen are an active of Air Mobility Command part of the nation’s defense and U.S. Strategic Com- and support,” said Gullion. mand’s national emergency “We support all types of war order requirements. missions; from domestic “We have been at Tinker disaster relief to the war for 45 of its 75 years, and against ISIS.” the support of the base and Today, the 507th ARW surrounding community is consists of three subordi- unlike any other in the U.S. nate groups and 11 squad- Air Force,” said Col. Doug- rons while employing las E. Gullion, 507th ARW more than 1,100 men and commander. women. The 507th ARW The wing operates and is made up of Reserve maintains eight KC-135R Citizen Airmen, many of Stratotanker aircraft, pro- whom live and work in our viding world-wide aerial Oklahoma communities in refueling to U.S. and NATO addition to their Reserve aircraft in times of peace, commitment. Approxi- 12 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 of pounds of fuel in support homa City Air Logistics erations Support Squadron periodic KC-135R inspec- of operations worldwide. Complex, the Air Force’s and the 730th Air Mobility tions, fabrication repairs, The 507th ARW flies over primary KC-135 engine Training Squadron. propulsion, air refueling 3,000 hours annually in maintenance facility, is a The 465th ARS is one of boom maintenance, aircraft support of national defense critical neighbor. The part- three flying organizations in fuel systems and aerospace requirements. Additionally, nership gives us the ability the 507th OG, incorporating ground equipment. the wing serves as the sup- to support depot requests pilots and traditional opera- The 507th Aircraft Main- port backbone for the 513th involving modification proj- tions functions. The squad- tenance Squadronis respon- Air Control Group, the Air ects and future upgrades to ron operates eight Boeing sible for directing all orga- Force Reserve’s only associ- the Air Force’s tanker fleet.” KC-135R aircraft. Reserv- nizational level maintenance ate E-3 Sentry Airborne and The 507th ARW operates ists, both pilots and boom and generation of KC-135R Warning Control System. a daily KC-135R Strato- operators, fly and maintain aircraft. The 507th ARW also pro- tanker aerial refueling alert worldwide mission-ready The Mission Support vides peacetime personnel capability in support of status and regularly deploy Group commander oversees and support functions for the U.S. Strategic Command. in support of contingency five squadrons: The 507th 35th Combat Communica- According to Quinlan, the operations. Security Forces Squadron, tions Squadron. Expedition- nuclear deterrent alert re- The 507th OSS incorpo- 507th Civil Engineer Squad- ary medical support rounds quirement could not be met rates traditional operations ron, 507th Logistics Readi- out the wing to make it one without support from the support functions such as ness Squadron, 507th Force of the Reserve Command’s U.S. Navy’s Strategic Com- Intelligence, Aircrew Flight Support Squadron and the most valuable assets. munications Wing ONE Equipment, Combat Crew 72nd Aerial Port Squadron. “We are fortunate to have which is also an associate Communications, Opera- The 507th SFS is tasked to strong partnerships with as- unit here on Tinker AFB. tions Plans, war plans and provide air base ground de- sociate units on Tinker Air The 507th Operations flight records maintenance. fense and to protect weapon Force Base,” said Maj. Jon Group oversees three subor- The 730th AMTS is a geo- systems and support person- Quinlan, 507th ARW chief dinate units: 465th Air Refu- graphically separated unit nel. The squadron’s Combat of public affairs. “The Okla- eling Squadron, 507th Op- operating at Altus Air Force Arms Training and Mainte- Base, Okla. The 730th nance section trains wing AMTS is charged with personnel in the use of small training aircrew on the arms. C-17, KC-135 and in the The 507th CES trains and future, KC-46 aerial refu- equips engineering teams eling aircraft. The Reserv- for worldwide combat sup- ists in the unit work next to port. The squadron’s person- active duty Airmen of the nel can perform rapid run- 97th Air Mobility Wing, way repair, structural bomb training aircrew members damage repair, firefighting for Air Education and and crash rescue. Training Command. The 507th LRS carries The 507th Maintenance out all other logistics staff Group brings all mainte- functions, including those nance support activities pertaining to transportation, under a single commander. supply, contracting, fuels, The group staff is small, maintenance training and consisting primarily of plans. quality assurance person- The 72nd APS personnel nel supporting interme- load, unload, and process diate level maintenance. airfreight arriving from Additionally, due to the and departing to locations deactivation of all Mainte- worldwide. nance Operations Flights, The 507th FSS provides group staffs now support personnel management and aircraft records, mainte- services support such as nance reporting, personnel lodging, fitness, food, rec-

The “Okies” of the “Fighting 507th” have seen many changes in its diverse history from support and military train- reation and mortuary affairs the P-47 Thunderbolts to the F-105 Thunderchief pictured here, to the KC-135 Stra- ing. to the entire 507th ARW totankers, the unit continues to play a important role in our national defense. (507th Fighter Wing, 507th Wing, 507th Tactical Fighter Group, 507th Fighter Group). The 507th Maintenance and the 513th ACG. Addi- Squadron is responsible for tionally, a communications Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 13 element consisting of wing knowledge operations, unit telecommunications, radio systems, and small comput- er support falls under the command. The 507th ARW has its own medical squadron. The 507th MDS monitors the medical, dental and mental health of all members in the 507th as well as the person- nel in the 513th ACG. Major focus areas are: Maintaining processes and records for annual physical and dental assessments, currency in im- munizations, and monitoring occupational environments. The medical squadron oper- ates out of Tinker Air Force nio-Lackland, Texas. Squad- 1st Aviation military and civilian instal- Base’s 72nd Medical Group ron members can be rapidly lations in the United States and integrates with the staff. deployed anywhere in the Standards Flight and overseas. The flight If mobilized, staff members world to set up, from scratch, The 1st ASF, located at operates from Will Rogers are trained to support a fixed a Theater Air Base to include: Will Rogers Airport in Okla- International World Airport, or mobile field hospital site. satellite communications, homa City. The 1st Aviation Oklahoma City and aug- telephone switching bands Standards Flight falls under ments the Air Force Flight 35th Combat Commu- and base computer networks. the 413th Flight Test Group, Standards Agency Detach- nications Squadron They can perform setup, op- Robins Air Force Base, ment 1, the on-site active (10th Air Force) eration and maintenance of Georgia. This unit, working duty unit. The 1st ASF con- The 35th CBCS, a stand- voice and data communi- in tandem with the Feder- sists of approximately 23 alone Air Force Space Com- cations systems essential to al Aviation Administration, people. They fly and help mand unit that reports to wing operations, including performs flight inspections maintain the FAA’s Bombar- the 960th Cyber Operations radio, telephones, teletype of navigational aid radar and dier “Challenger” 601, 604 Group, Joint Base San Anto- and computer systems. instrument procedures at and 605.

The men and women of the 507th Air Refueling Wing pose for a wing photo at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., Oct 23, 2014. (U.S. Air Force Photo/TSgt. Lauren Gleason) 14 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 TINKER AND GREATER OKLAHOMA CITY SOARING TOGETHER FOR 75 YEARS.

In 1941, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber spearheaded the donation of the land to build Tinker Air Force Base. Over the past 75 years, the business community and the base have worked hand-in- hand to ensure jobs and economic growth for our region. Tinker has grown to become Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer with more than 26,000 military and civilian employees. As we look to Tinker’s future growth and success, the Chamber and Oklahoma City remain committed to being a trusted partner for the next 75 years and beyond.

www.abetterlifeokc.com REACT team builds state- of-the-art

During the Air Force Ball on Sept. 16, Todd Bayles, mechanical engineer from the 76 CMXG REACT office and Jerry Bryza, media chief with the 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs office, stood by as Honor Guard member A1C Joshua Stuff placed the last flag to fly over bldg. 460, the building that housed the headquarters of Tinker Air Force Base for nearly 75 years. time capsule

Kimberly Woodru (U.S. Air Force photos/Kimberly Woodruff) 72 ABW Public A airs

Future generations cel- ebrating Tinker Air Force Base’s 150th Anniversary in the year 2092 will unearth a time capsule that the 76th Commodities Maintenance Group’s REACT team built using 3D printing technolo- gy. The team constructed an inner compartmentalized box or group of boxes that fit inside an outer box that

Phil Tinker, grandson of Gen. Clarence Tinker, and Jim Diehl, President of the Tinker Heritage Foundation placed the lid on top of the time capsule manufactured by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex REACT cell, a 3-D Additive Manufacturing team.

Force Sustainment Center, nology. When the capsule Oklahoma City Air Logis- is unearthed in 2092, that tics Complex, 552nd Air technology will be more Control Wing, Strategic than 75 years old, but it is Communication Wing ONE, exciting and new today. 507th Air Refueling Wing, At this year’s Air Force 448th Supply Chain Man- Ball, Sept. 16, the items Col. Kenyon Bell, 72nd Air Base Wing Commander observes as Todd Bayles and Jerry Bryza place the middle section of the time capsule. agement Wing, Defense In- were placed inside the time formation Systems Agency, capsule. In the top layer, is the first time capsule nine 6 inch by 9 inch boxes Defense Logistics Agency, Honor Guard member, A1C approved container that is on the bottom layer with a and 38th Cyberspace Engi- Joshua Stuff placed the last flame, smoke and toxicity middle layer for the Amer- neering Installation Group flag to fly over building resistant. It has been rat- ican flag and a top layer all included items such as 460. Phil Tinker, grandson ed to withstand the test of for larger flat items such as letters, coins, pins, letters of Gen. Clarence Tinker, time. magazines and newspapers. and even small parts. and Jim Diehl, President of Conceptualized by Gerald Nine of the largest units The capsule was print- the Tinker Heritage Foun- Bryza, 72nd Air Base Wing on base were each given a ed using the most modern dation placed the cover Public Affairs media chief, box to fill with items spe- technique of manufacturing with the 75th Anniversary the inner containers feature cial to that unit. The Air to showcase the latest tech- logo on the time capsule. 16 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 Strategic Communications Wing ONE celebrates 25 years

Story by Jillian Coleman the list, it wasn’t even on the list. impact of the base expanded for example, underwent heavy Sta Writer To the surprise of many, Tinker from the addition of SCW-1, as modifications six years after the was announced as the chosen roughly 1,200 military personnel Wing’s commission and became Tinker Air Force Base is home location in July 1986 following would re-locate. Subsequently, the new E-6, referred to as the to 6,712 Airmen, but it’s not the E-6 project office’s prelim- major infrastructure and con- E-6B. The E-6B has remained confined to one branch of the inary site survey. According to struction would ensue, large predominately unchanged since Department of the Defense. The an official in the Office of the facilities and hangars would be its transition from A to B, and military installation is also home Assistant Secretary of the Navy built, and thus a hiring frenzy have been employed in critical to the United States Navy and for Shipbuilding and Logistics, would begin. More jobs would missions for Strategic Command Strategic Communications Wing Tinker offered several operation- filter through the Oklahoma in Iraq, providing communica- ONE. al advantages over other con- pipeline naturally with the devel- tions for ground forces. As the installation celebrates tenders.* Perks of the Oklahoma opment of the Navy’s new inland The E-6 Mercury is the Wing’s 75 years in Midwest City, the installation revolved around the location, and the state would aircraft responsible for convey- Navy too, has had a milestone AWACS frame that was also flourish as a result. ing instructions to fleet ballistic year – 2017 marks the 25th an- used for the Navy’s E-6, as well After a couple of years coor- missile submarines, which is niversary of the Red Dirt Sailors as the depot level maintenance dinating design and construction commonly referred to as the Na- joining Team Tinker. Twen- performed through the Air Lo- details, Fleet Air Reconnaissance vy’s TACAMO, which signifies ty-five years in Oklahoma dates gistics Complex. The ALC’s ca- Squadrons Three and Four (VQ- Take Charge and Move Out. A the Wing’s commission back to pabilities for the E-6, its airframe 3 and VQ-4) stood alert at Tinker key weapon in the Navy’s arse- May 1992, but its history tracks and engine repairs maintenance in May 1991. Their homeport nal, the E-6 provides command it back a touch further. have largely contributed to the changes would occur in July and control of nuclear forces in When the need for an inland Red Dirt Sailors remaining in 1992 and 1993, respectively, the event that ground forces be- naval base became dire, Tinker Oklahoma for the last 25 years. each year bringing approximate- come inoperable. wasn’t initially a top contender. As Oklahoma’s largest sin- ly 480 Sailors, accompanied TACAMO has several com- Not only was it not at the top of gle-site employer, the economic by eight E-6 aircraft. Another ponents which comprise the squadron, VQ-7, would join the military system assigned to link forces down the road in 1999. and maintain communication Each squadron operates E-6A between National Command jets, providing airborne and alert Authority and strategic nuclear coverage of the communications weapons delivery systems. With link to strategic nuclear deter- its ability to communicate with rence forces. Like the Air Force radio frequency bands of any and other branches of service, the frequency level, Tinker’s TA- aircraft evolved and progressed CAMO facility conducts the air- alongside the technological ad- borne portion of the mission, as it vancements. The E-6A aircraft, is an inland base. Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 17 Men & Women on the Street

Jillian Coleman here, George W. Bush, [Bill] Sta Writer Clinton and [Barack] Obama. It’s pretty special. “I’ve been stationed at Tin- There’s been a lot of positive ker since Oct. 1998, so I’ve change in my time here, and I seen the base through a lot of know it will continue to change changes. When I first got here, after I leave. Progression never there was the old BX, and that stops, and people are always was pretty small, and old hos- thinking about what is next; pital clinic. When they built the they are creative and smart. new BX that we’re standing in Being a part of the 552nd, I now, this is like Wal-Mart. It’s have deployed 14 times in 20 huge and has everything you years and I will retire in Janu- need. The new clinic, I remem- ary. We will move back to the ber, was built after the 1999 tor- east coast, where we’re from, nado hit the old one. And now but Oklahoma will always have it’s really nice and I know the a warm place in my heart. The ‘Oklahoma Standard’ is a real people, especially those who Maj. Alex Frisch, 964. (Photos by Kelly White) worked in the old clinic, really thing, and I experienced that enjoy it. Something I will real- first hand after the 1999 torna- and nowhere else will I work resources, and I’d like to see ly miss is the old headquarters do and going out in the commu- that the people, whether above us being more proactive rather building (Bldg. 460). It was a nity to help and support. me or below me, will care than having to always be reac- cool building and I loved driv- To retire in the military, it’s not about me and I, them. It isn’t tive. Let’s focus on efficiency.” ing through the gates and seeing like quitting a job and going to about the guy in the uniform, –Chris Clark that first thing in the morning. the next. The Air Force is in me it’s about the uniform.” –Tech. “We’re continuing to press for- I’ve seen three presidents land and in my heart. It is a family Sgt. Daniel Neff, 552 ward, and the future of PMXG is “In the last 12 years I’ve been going to be the next generation [at Tinker], I’ve seen a dynam- of fighters out there, what we’re ic shift, with leadership, in calling ‘Fifth Generation.’ The integration. Logistics is an es- goal is, in the next five years, to tablished integrating unit, and consolidate the workload of all to have someone like [Lt. Gen. outside partnerships and move Lee K. Levy II] actually push- that workload to our back shop. ing to streamline how we op- Right now we contract out all erate as a business, as opposed of the sustainable workload and to how it used to be, that is a we are – as we speak – working significant positive change.” – on moving all of that work to be DeCarlos Sanders, AFSC LG done house. We have the capa- “I started at Tinker in 2004 as bilities now to work and build Active Duty, and have been engines here.” –Steve Stoner, on base with the Air National 548 PMXS Guard, Reserve and now in the “[Tinker] is the best base I’ve Complex Quality Office. The been on in comparison to Navy biggest difference I’ve seen is training bases. The Exchange the directives that come down and the commissary are great from the Secretary of the Air and it’s just nicer overall. I love Force and trying to get rid of the community and the running excess AFIs and additional trails here…love that I can take Staff Sgt, Rashonique Jackson, 72 ABW duties. They take up time and my dog out, which I haven’t felt 18 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 like I could do other places.” –Lt. JG Eric ian population is the majority. Specifically as wing support that mission, and the peo- Warrington, VQ-4 for the chapel, we have so many restric- ple are who get the mission done.” –Phyllis “It is a great base, the only thing I’m dis- tions and limitations with who we can and Atkins-Johnson, 72 ABW appointed in is not having an indoor pool. cannot offer support to, unless it’s a crisis situation. I’d like to see changes in regula- That would be at the top of the list of things tions and allow for more bodies or resourc- I would like to see change in the next 75 es to help us help more people. Drawing a years. For [the Sailors] especially, we swim line between business and compassion can in our physical fitness tests, so having in- take a toll on you, especially when individ- door facilities for that would be awesome.” uals are in need.” –Staff Sgt, Rashonique –Lt. JG Andy Husted, VQ-4 Jackson, 72 ABW “I first got here in 2002. I was gone for four “I have been in the Air Base Wing for 13 years, and now I’m back and I’ve seen a lot years and have experienced and been a of changes both on the aircraft side as well part of many changes. Physically, the wing as the community and personnel side. The headquarters recently relocated from Bldg. biggest difference I’ve seen is the young- 460 to Bld. 1002. I’ve been on Active Duty, er generation of our Airmen. They have a was in the squadron level in a leadership different mentality and view their career position and now I work in the wing head- paths differently. They are more innovative quarters with commanders and senior lead- and they are more determined to figure out ers. I will say that every wing commander how to make things better and do their jobs brings something different to the table as more efficiently. My job as a navigator, for far as their vision for the wing, but peo- example, is changing as more and more ple have always remained the top priori- technological advancements are made and ty. Every commander has built upon what electronics are used more, instead of things the previous commander has done, which being done in a manual way.” –Maj. Alex ultimately takes the wing to another level. Frisch, 964 There may be new missions constantly, and “This base is very unique in that the civil- missions may belong to other units, but we Phyllis Atkins-Johnson, 72 ABW

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Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 19 Osage Nation plays pivotal role Grandson of Tinker’s namesake vows to keep legacy alive

Darren D. Heusel wasn’t until he became an to talk about. His dad’s fa- Phil said he always knew adult that the desire to learn ther, Gen. Tinker; Gen. Tin- his grandpa was a general The legacy of Tinker Air more about his grandfather’s ker’s son and Phil’s uncle, officer and had an Air Force Force Base is alive and well, service began to burn deep Clarence Tinker Jr., a.k.a. based named after him. But as base and community lead- within him. Uncle Bud; and Gen. Tin- it wasn’t until he was in ers continue to celebrate the “As a kid, it doesn’t mean ker’s brother-in-law, Bryon his 20s that he really began base’s 75th anniversary by what it means now – the his- E. “Bill” Brugge, had all wanting to learn more about hosting events throughout torical significance,” said been killed-in-action. his granddad - his heritage the year to commemorate the Phil Tinker, of knowing his “Bill was shot down in and his connection to the occasion. grandfather. “When I be- World War II, captured by Osage Nation, of which Gen. Phil Tinker, grandson of came an adult, that’s when it the Japanese, put in a con- Tinker was a member. Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tin- started kicking in.” centration camp and tortured Phil said when he retired ker, for whom the base is Phil said his dad didn’t to death,” Phil said. “So, it from being a welder on KC- named, has attended a num- discuss the family history was painful for my dad to 135 “Stratotankers” in 2012, ber of those events and has much because it was painful talk about.” wanting to know more about vowed to do what he can to keep his grandfather’s lega- cy alive for the next 75 years – and beyond. Gen. Tinker was shot down on June 5, 1942 near Wake Island while leading a squadron of LB-30 Liber- ators against the Japanese, making him the first U.S. general officer and high- est-ranking Native Ameri- can killed-in-action during World War II. On Oct. 14, 1942, the Oklahoma City Air Depot was renamed Tinker Field at the direction of Gen. Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, Chief of the Army Air Forces. Phil Tinker, 58 of Campo, California, located about 45 minutes east of San Diego, said he’s pretty much known his entire life he was relat- Phil Tinker, grandson of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker for whom Tinker Air Force Base is named, pours over artifacts preserving his grandfather’s legacy during a recent visit to the base’s history office. In this photo, Phil is holding a book entitled “Osage General: ed to Gen. Tinker. But, it Major General Clarence L. Tinker” written by Dr. James L. Crowder, former Tinker historian. (Photo by Darren D. Heusel) 20 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 his grandfather became his No. 1 mission in life. Phil said the first time he visited Tinker was in 1997, when Midwest City and Tinker were celebrating 55 years of coexistence and the Air Force was celebrating its 50th birthday. “It wasn’t long after the Oklahoma City bombing (April 19, 1995),” he re- called. “I still have the plaque where we were grand marshals of the Midwest City parade.” Phil said he remembers being “blown away” at the enormity of the base and it’s impact on the community. “Everywhere we went, it was Tinker this and Tinker that,” he said. “I knew at Phil Tinker, grandson of Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker for whom Tinker Air Force Base is named, right, visits that point I was going to do with Air Force Sustainment Center and Tinker Air Force Base Historian Howard "Hooch" Halvorsen, during a recent visit to the base's history office. Phil was in town in September to attend the Air Force Ball and stopped by the office to learn more about his everything I could to keep grandfather. (Photo by Darren D. Heusel) granddad’s legacy alive.” Phil said he’s been “very niversary Kickoff Luncheon called us both up on stage Gen. Tinker. It’s one of the humbled, very honored and back in January, the Tinker and asked us to be part of the few songs where everyone very blessed” by all the at- and Community Dining Out unveiling. can participate. Otherwise, tention he’s received over in April, the Midwest City “From that point on, Chief you have to be in traditional the years, particularly this 75th Anniversary Gala later Standing Bear was instru- garb, or regala.” year, having been invited to that month, the Star Span- mental in helping me get my Phil said the visits to Okla- participate in a number of gled Salute Air Show and Indian name.” homa have allowed him to the 75th anniversary events. Open House in May, and the Phil said when he was giv- build some fond friendships However, he insists, “This Air Force Ball in September. en the name Mo Shita Moi, and establish some great re- isn’t about me. My grandfa- Phil also returned in June an Osage elder from the Bald lationships. ther was a great man, who at the invitation of Osage Eagle Clan, of which he is “I feel so honored to be died for his country. I just Nation Principal Chief Geof- apart, told him he’d been treated so well by the com- want to keep his legacy frey Standing Bear to attend waiting more than 20 years munity,” he said. “The hos- alive.” their annual pow wow in to give someone that name. pitality shown by everyone Since 2012, Phil and his Pawhuska, something he “It was such an honor,” he has just been overwhelming. wife, Dawn, and the cou- said he’d been looking for- said. Again, this isn’t about me. ple’s two children, Luke ward to for quite some time. Phil said when his grand- It’s about granddad. I’ve Tinker and Amanda Neves, At the pow wow, Phil and father passed, he was given been received with open have visited the base a cou- his daughter, Amanda, were the name Tse Tse Moi, which arms beyond my wildest ple times - once for a brief given their Indian names, means Walking Elk. dreams.” tour and another to take part which he says is “a big “Its something that’s en- Phil went on to say he in a videoteleconference deal.” Phil’s Indian name is grained in me now,” he said, only hopes he’s represented when 7th Air Force renamed Mo Shita Moi, which means of his Native American her- the Air Force and the Tinker its headquarters conference Flies Up Above. Amanda’s itage. “I won’t miss another family name in an honorable room in honor of Gen. Tin- name is Mi Tse Xi, which pow wow.” and respectful way. ker, who served as the orga- means First Daughter. Phil said the Osage people Moving forward, he said nization’s commander at the “I first met Chief Stand- have a ceremonial dance in he would like to continue to time of his death. ing Bear at the Dining Out honor of Gen. Tinker, one he visit the base and be apart of In 2017, things really start- and we really hit it off,” Phil said he got to participate in future events. ed coming together for Phil. said. “They were unveiling at the pow wow. “I would be honored,” he He has visited Oklahoma on a mural and (Air Force Sus- “It was one of the last said. “I’d like to continue multiple occasions this year, tainment Center Command- songs near the end,” he said. this relationship. I’d like to beginning with the 75th An- er) Lt. Gen. (Lee K.) Levy “Everyone stands in honor of return as often as I can.” Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 21 Rosies 1944

Circa 1957 Circa 1945 Official Tinker Field dedication by Lt. Gen Ira Eaker

22 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 Circa 1939

Circa 1962-63

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 23 72nd Security Forces defending Tinker AFB

Jillian Coleman tions and was no longer to rely Sta Writer on security from the Army. So, the Air Force opened the doors The United States Air Force to the first Air Police school defenders are members of Secu- three years later. Throughout rity Forces, the force protection the next few years, the training and military police for the entire center bounced around trying Air Force. As the defenders, Se- to cement its place at a home curity Forces are keenly aware base. Beginning at Tyndall Air of base demographics – every- Force Base in Florida, transfer- thing from acreage, gates, zones ring to Parks Air Force Base in and procedures. At Tinker, the California, where it became the 72nd Security Forces Squadron Air Base Defense School, train- allocates all of its resources to ing eventually put the wheels defending and protecting near- down at Lackland Air Force ly 5,000 acres in the Oklahoma Base in Texas. There, the school With one threat identified, a Tinker Airman continues to sweep the area for more City metro, and the base which evolved into Security Police subjects during active shooter training. (Air Force photo by Kelly White) hosts 31,000 civilian and mil- training before becoming what itary Airmen who live, work, it is today, the U.S. Air Force a 65-day intensive at Lack- escaping blows, maintaining and play on Tinker Air Force Security Forces Academy. land, where Defenders-to-be and escaping the mount, pass- Base. Defenders secure and pro- Stylistically, what separates are taught basic military police ing and maintaining the guard, tect the base with its squadron a Defender from other Airmen functions. Students study and and preventing and assuming comprised of Military Work- is the distinctive blue beret. A engage in everything pertaining the mount, all involving a vari- ing Dogs, fire departments and navy blue beret with the crest to the installation’s safekeeping. ety of situations and dominant/ emergency responders. and motto, “Defensor Fortis,” That includes missile security, non-dominant positions. Differ- Security Forces, which is the was officially part of the Secu- convoy actions, securing or re- ent maneuvers and takedowns largest career field in the Air rity Forces uniform in 1976. It covering nuclear weapons, as allow for a greater working Force, has its own story to tell was first worn by Strategic Air well as regular law enforcement knowledge of hand-to-hand as the squadrons have changed Command’s Elite Guard 20 and conducting and directing combat to aid an evasion. throughout history, updating ev- years prior. traffic. Trained to protect and Security Forces personnel erything from training to man- Defenders are stretched to defend the nation at home and are additionally certified to use power to uniforms. They are the limit, with their demands abroad, Security Forces are Tasers effectively as another responsible for missile security, making them arguably amongst equipped and train to use both nonlethal training force option. defending bases worldwide, the busiest in the Air Force. De- lethal and nonlethal tactics The 72nd was able to acquire 75 providing law enforcement on ployments have varied in length through various combat training Tasers in 2016 through excess said bases, combat arms and throughout the duration of their and use of force courses. Department of Defense fallout handling Military Working existence, with an increase in The 72nd Security Forces funds, which allowed Defenders Dogs. combat deployments occurring Squadron conducts combatives more opportunities to train more Dating back to the early in 2011, typically stabilizing a training to enhance Defenders’ efficiently. Again the squadron 1940s, the Army officially estab- defender to six months. capabilities as security and law excelled in training, this time lished Army Air Forces Military Defenders are armed with an enforcement officers for Tinker through lucrative spending. Police, branching away from apt and knowledge in weapons Air Force Base. This specific Other methods of training the Army Military Police units systems, antiterrorism, law en- training regimen boosts basic may be more elaborate. which previously existed. When forcement, air base defense and skill sets as well as builds and Active shooter exercises en- the National Security Act of combat arms. Changes in train- maintains self-defense skills in sure first responders, medics 1947 created the United States ing, tactics and procedures align close-quarter combat. and essential personnel are up Department of Defense, the Air with the mission, but keep the Security Forces person- to speed on the proper protocol Force was formed as its own Defenders steps ahead of adver- nel hone their techniques in and procedures in the event that entity and was completely sep- saries. Security Forces Squad- hand-to-hand combat training real-world events occur. The arate from the Army Air Corps. rons effectively update training through various exercises in 72nd Security Forces Squadron As its own branch, the Air Force methods and procedures as the submissions, restraints, strikes assigned to Tinker also empha- was then responsible for the nature of warfare shifts. and weapons retention. This in- sizes tactical training with joint safekeeping of its own installa- Joining the force begins with cludes several techniques from operations, including Midwest 24 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 City SWAT officers and emergen- by enduring 12-hour shifts, the cy responders. Sharing training 72nd Security Forces Squadron’s strategies has allowed Security manpower is now better used Forces to increase on and off base to provide more base coverage. response, as well as bolster the re- Since the adjustments were en- lations with our community part- forced, Defenders have had more ners. energy during a shorter period, Testing the base’s readiness is thus allowing for not only a better consistently challenged, as there quality of life, but an all-around are multiple training exercises healthier, more focused member conducted throughout the year. of the squadron. Four extra hours Man-made mayhem has over- in a day resulted in Defenders whelmed first responders, causing having more time to go to the a multitude of life-threatening sit- gym, excusing failure to train for uations, and taking the right pre- physical fitness tests, subsequent- cautions could be the difference ly improving test scores. Further, between life and death. members could put more time Defenders, consistently striving into preparing healthier meal op- for improvement and living the tions instead of grabbing fast food core value of excellence in all they or sugar-filled snack foods for do, found themselves presented quick fixes. This also meant more with an opportunity to refresh and time to spend with family, friends recharge when the Department of or engaged in other hobbies. All the Air Force officers began shift- things that positively contribute to ing schedules and hours around. a physically and mentally fit De- In 2015, Security Forces better fender, ultimately providing and allocated its manpower by operat- sustaining a better beret-wearing ing on eight-hour shifts. Previous- member of the elite, 72nd Securi- ly burning the candle at both ends ty Forces Squadron.

EH 10-18-17 Tinker 75th.indd 1 10/19/17 12:35 PM Tinker’s Vision for the Environment Kimberly Woodru 72nd Air Base Wing Public A airs Tinker Air Force Base was er Maj. Gen. Joseph K. Spiers green long before being green said, “It is now our philosophy was cool. that natural resources steward- The green vision started back ship is our responsibility, and the in March 1965 when the Okla- Air Force and this stewardship homa City Air Materiel Area is not mutually exclusive. They established some a wildlife ar- can be worked together and they eas by planting 12,000 seedling can be integrated for everyone’s trees and shrubs. However, that benefit.” vision wasn’t fully realized until Talking about base expansion decades later. and industrialization, Spiers said In 1989, the area in the south- he didn’t think past base leader- west corner of the base was ship “paid attention to the wild- mostly just a field of tall weedy life we have here and we often grass, marked to become ball overlooked the conservation of fields. John Krupovage, Natu- natural resources. Today we are ral Resources manager with the celebrating a different kind of 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engi- commitment not to expand into neering Directorate, pointed out certain parts of our base.” that it was their responsibility to ensure proper and sustainable Benefits management of manage the While planting trees does land and its resources as devel- a great deal for the environ- opment occurred. That land and ment and the ecosystem, it also the land where the seedling trees screens out the developed areas, and shrubs were planted became making the base a greener and portions of today’s 150-acre Ur- more livable community for res- ban Greenway. idents, campers and other trail At the Greenway dedication users. in 1993, then Oklahoma City “As a land holder, the feder- (Photo by Kelly White) Air Logistics Center Command- al government should be lead- ing the way and setting a good more resilient. He also points by example,” said Krupovage. to the oaks, a trees that hosts “We need to be smart and bal- more lepidopteran, or moths and ance our developed and unde- butterflies, larvae than any oth- veloped spaces. Just because it er trees. More oaks in the area isn’t a building doesn’t mean equates to more food for the that it doesn’t have value.” We wildlife that make Tinker Air should look at our woodlands, Force Base their home. wetlands, floodplains and other “It’s our responsibility to natural spaces, not as constraints maintain a healthy ecosystem,” to development, but as opportu- said Krupovage. nities to create a more vibrant, He added that by planting a higher quality installation. mix of flora native to our region, To illustrate his point, Kru- it creates the foundation of a povage points to the undevel- healthy ecosystem. “The greater oped prairie and woodland areas the diversity of native plants, the along the creeks. These areas greater the diversity of native serve to provide great outdoor wildlife,” he said. recreational space as well as re- According to Krupovage, duce negative flooding impacts there are more than 350 docu- (Photo by Kelly White) on the mission. This makes us mented fish and wildlife species 26 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 on the base. Among those spe- ing the protected Texas horned flying insects. That means bats of Tinker’s land back to its origi- cies are deer, squirrels, coyotes, lizard. control the mosquito population nal prairie state. Forty-five acres foxes, bobcats, beavers, owls, Tinker AFB is also home to because they eat half their body in the old base housing area sits scissortail flycatchers, paint- eight different species of bats. weight in bugs. According to in the 500-year flood plain and ed buntings, bobwhite quail, That alone is great for the en- the Oklahoma Department of are among the lands that will go snakes, spiders, bats, small vironment because bats are the Wildlife and Conservation, bats back to prairie. That land will be mammals and lizards, includ- only major predator of night reduce the pesticide costs to the converted to meet the federal re- state by $6 million to $24 mil- quirement to restore floodplain lion, proving they are not only functions and values; to reduce good for the ecosystem, but eco- mowing, saving approximately nomical for the base. $25,000 annually; and to meet “By building a healthy, native the mitigation requirement to urban ecosystem, we strengthen replace wildlife habitat to be our warfighter and the surround- lost by construction of the new ing community by enhancing KC-46A site north of the Tinker base employees’ and residents’ Aerospace Complex. quality of life, while demon- “We are three years in and strating responsible stewardship almost have the foundation of our natural world,” said Kru- of prairie with grasses estab- povage. lished,” said Krupovage. Wild- (Photo by Kelly White) Tree City USA flowers are now being planted. Though it’s not always been “The ultimate long-term vision easy being green, Tinker AFB is of a self-sustaining, ecologi- has been recognized as a Tree cally healthy prairie.” City USA for the past 24 years. Though it will take several Krupovage said that they have years to get back to the prairie -- had to think of creative ways to which will include an occasion- preserve the tree areas. When al prescribed burning to kill off the a gas company wanted to the remaining unwanted weedy clear-cut 1/3 of a mile through grasses and sustain prairie vig- the Greenway to replace a gas or -- Krupovage believes the main, his team stepped in and efforts will result in a rich, bal- worked with the company to anced urban ecosystem provid- develop alternatives. In the end, ing wildlife habitat, recreational the gas line was installed and not benefits, enhanced water quali- a tree was lost. ty, and a reconnection with our (Photo by Kelly White) Today’s plan is to restore some Oklahoma prairie heritage.

(Photo by Mark Hybers)

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 27 (Photo by Greg L. Davis) Tinker’s Economic Impact

Jillian Coleman, metro, Tinker has evolved al 480 acres optioned at the produce major numbers in Staff Writer as its abilities in maintain- government’s promise to the Air Force fleet. Seventy-five years is ing, repairing and overhaul- provide the necessary util- Meanwhile, this meant quite the milestone in any ing a significant number of ities and roads to develop Oklahoma was bringing in regard. When it benefits a aircraft has skyrocketed. the installation and airfield. more jobs, stimulating more state’s people and prosper- It’s difficult to understand Construction on Tinker wages, more taxes and pro- ity, the recognition through the magnitude of the impact Field launched in the be- ducing a greater number discussion becomes even the military installation has ginning of 1942 and the of goods and services – all greater. Over the course of had on the state without War Department officially components helping to sta- 75 years, the mere presence recognizing its history, both activated the installation a bilize, and strengthen, an of Tinker Air Force Base trials and triumphs that couple months later, thus economy. has expanded Oklahoma’s brought Tinker to where it the slew of hiring work- Employment would in- economy, experiencing an stands today. ers began and the influx of crease naturally as the de- impact in everything from When the gates first economic impact ensued. mand for production and wages and taxes to goods opened in 1942, what is A critical time for devel- deliverables became great- and services. With the in- now Tinker Air Force Base opment, much of the Unit- er. With 13,500 employees creased numbers in facility was known as Tinker Field. ed States was still looming a year and a half after its ac- and production capabilities, A movie ticket cost 27 cents in and recovering from the tivation, the depot worked employees have applied the in 1942, and the average Depression, and the U.S. competitively with Douglas Art of the Possible mantra wages per year ran around involvement in World War Aircraft in the manufac- to further the cost effec- $1,880. A loaf of bread II changed drastically with turing of 5,000 C-47s that tive readiness that not only ran about nine cents and the declaration of war to would deploy in support of continues to support the the average cost of a new Congress Dec. 11, 1941. the War in Europe and in warfighter, but keeps the house was $3,770. Initially, Bringing a major depot the Pacific. B-17, B-24 and economy thriving. according to the Oklaho- to the American Midwest B-29 bombers were also in As the state’s largest em- ma Historical Society, 960 would be no easy feat, but the arsenal maintained at ployer situated right in the acres of land were acquired proved essential in its abil- Tinker Field. heart of the Oklahoma City at no cost with an addition- ities to repair, modify and After staking its claim 28 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 (Photos by April McDonald) and proving its worth, Tin- ker Field continued on post-World War II, official- ly renaming itself as Tinker Air Force Base when the Department of the Air Force was established and the branch separated from the Army. Simultaneously, the 1940s saw further increase and expansion, as employ- ees began working on jet engines. Progressively, the next decade brought the U.S. in- volvement in Korea, which subsequently meant more – both numerically and va- set up camp and the ro- the Navy’s Strategic Com- tions Wing ONE. riety – of aircraft. New air- tadome aircraft became a munications Wing ONE re- As illustrious as the last craft included B-50s and staple in Oklahoma skies. located to Tinker, and the 75 years of Tinker have B-36s, B-47s and B-52s and eventually the KC- So, in the first thirty years base became a pace-setter been to the state, the next 75 135 Stratotanker. The 60s of Midwest City hosting a in joining forces with what years look even more prom- included the first C-141 major military installation are lovingly referred to as ising. The Air Force will Starlifter’s addition as well handfuls of aircraft and en- the “Red Dirt Sailors.” continue to flourish natu- as logistical support de- gines were added to the Air Fast forward to present rally with advancements of manded during the trying Logistics Complex’s col- day and much has changed. technology, but the Art of times of the Cuban Missile lection, spurring thousands Spanning across 5,000 the Possible initiative and Crisis. Additionally, more upon thousands of both acres, Tinker now hosts the ability to save time and than 2,000 A-7 Corsair IIs, workers and revenue. two 10,000 foot runways, money via modernization F-4 Phantoms and B-52s re- A decade known for its seven thousand military of information technolo- ceived depot maintenance. grooves didn’t hinder Team personnel and 15,000 civil- gy, will only return heaps A hefty load requiring a Tinker from surging onward ian employees. As one of of funds back into the Air substantive workforce, and upward. The 80s saw the largest installations in Force. The value in saving depth both in quality and the B-1 and B-2s onto Tin- the nation, Tinker is home money through moderniza- quantity. ker’s campus, as the stealth to the OC-ALC, the 552nd tion and development will The 70s kept Tinker bomber and its counterpart Air Control Wing, 72nd end up boosting the support booming – quite literally – were assigned to the Okla- Air Base Wing, 507th Air of the warfighter. Having with the acquisition of the homa City Air Logistics Refueling Wing, 513th Air the resources and abilities E-3 Sentry. The Airborne Complex. The 90s further Control Group, and the Na- to do that are undoubtedly Warning and Control Wing expanded its range when vy’s Strategic Communica- integral in the United States Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 29 remaining a global super- novation labs and engine Force. Continued strength grams and operations. power. test facilities so that the and success in the Air Force Much progress has been In February 2015 Tinker United States Air Force will depends on innovation and made through Tinker’s marked another accom- have the full capabilities to technical excellence, which 75 years, both in terms of plishment in its acquisition take care of the platform for comes from invaluable production and mainte- of land for the new KC-46A the decades ahead.” STEM education resources. nance capabilities as well Pegasus campus. Procuring The KC-46A addition to As an employer, Tinker as workforce and resource the real estate was a joint Tinker will be part one of benefits by helping feed availabilities. Producing effort involving the U.S. three in replacing the Air the STEM pipeline and the more aircraft, turning flow Air Force, the City of Okla- Force’s aging tanker fleet. state reaps the rewards in days into astronomically homa City and Oklahoma For comparison, the KC- the job market as the Air low reduction days, main- County, for a grand total 135 turned 61 this year. Force is in dire need for taining and repairing en- of $44 million. The future Groundbreaking occurred individuals with an apti- gines, and keeping parts on home to the next-generation July 2016 and new aircraft tude for science, technolo- the shelf all go towards sup- aerial refueling tanker will is slated to arrive in 2018. gy, engineering and math- porting the warfighter and cover nearly 160 acres of Beyond the construction ematics. sustaining combat readi- land on the south side of the of facilities, the mainte- As an Air Force, missions ness at all times. Having the installation and is expected nance, repair and overhaul revolve around and depend workforce that is capable of to generate approximately of aircraft, and the surplus upon elements of science, achieving those tasks in a 1,300 jobs; something that of parts netted through sup- technology, engineering manner that drives the cost will further boost the com- ply chain, a large economic and mathematics. Over its down and provides better munity and state’s econom- booster comes through the 75 years, the force has ad- efficiency is what keeps the ic growth. recent push for STEM ed- vanced and modernized U.S. warfighter dominant. Air Force Sustainment ucation and STEM careers. simultaneously with tech- Both aspects have prov- Center Commander Lt. Gen. Science, Engineering, nology. Having the proper en to be significant factors Lee K. Levy II has said that Technology and Mathemat- educational resources to to the economic growth of the new addition to Tinker ics have been core compo- propel STEM initiatives Oklahoma, and will contin- Air Force Base “will bring nents in driving a future forward will allow the Air ue to drive the state – and a number of hangars, ramp that can sustain and sur- Force to better develop, co- the United States Air Force infrastructure, software in- pass the needs of the Air ordinate and asses its pro- – onward and upward.

K-46 groundbreaking Air Force (Photo by Kelly White)

30 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 The events that made Tinker Strong

Kimberly Woodru 72nd Air Base Wing Public A airs and Tinker History Oce

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 31 Tinker firefighters respond to May 20, 2013, torna- do in Moore, Oklahoma.

hrough the years Tin- Additionally, seven C-54s ker Air Force Base has transport aid and return 90 Tencountered its share victims, 74 of who are crit- of life changing events. Tor- ically injured, to Oklahoma nadoes, fires, snow and ice, City for treatment. and an act of terrorism didn’t According to the National break the Oklahoma spirit Weather Service, the Wood- of the people who live and ward tornado is the deadliest work at Tinker. In fact, it is tornado in Oklahoma’s his- that spirit that keeps Tinker tory leaving 169 dead (101 Strong. in Oklahoma), and property damages estimated at $9.7 million across three states. Tornadoes Just months after being With Tinker Air Force Base named Tinker Air Force situated in tornado alley, it Base, a devastating torna- is no wonder that tornadoes do struck the base in the have affected the base and its late evening of March 20, personnel through the years. 1948. Fifty airplanes were Tinker’s generous nature destroyed and 50 others shined April 9, 1947, when damaged, eight people were then Oklahoma City Air injured and damages were Materiel Area sent 148 doc- estimated at $10 million. tors, nurses, and Red Cross Just five days later, a sec- workers along with 5,000 ond tornado strike hits the pounds of medical supplies base and damages 84 planes, Damage from a tornado that and blankets to aid victims 35 beyond repair. One per- hit Tinker Air Force base on of a destructive F5 tornado son was injured and damages March 20, 1948. in Woodward, Oklahoma. were estimated at $6 million. 32 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 Tinker remained unscathed Circa 1948 until 1999. On May 3, 1999, a massive F5 tornado roared through Moore, Oklahoma and sur- rounding areas leaving 44 dead and hundreds of others injured. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed across 19 counties. At the time, the Tinker TakeOff reported that Tin- ker’s own devastation in- cluded damaged dormito- ries, a missing section of the Tinker hospital roof, the outer-western security fence plucked from the ground, cars crashed into one anoth- er and horse stables yanked from the ground. Several horses were killed in the di- saster. Tinker came to the aid of many victims displaced by the storm. The 72nd Medical Group opened a triage center in a nearby warehouse and ser- viced roughly 200 Del City victims, whose homes were damaged by the storm. The 507th Air Refueling Wing Airmen moved a KC-135 Stratotanker out of a hangar and opened the facility as a shelter. And, the 3rd Combat Communications Group set

Circa 1948 1999 tornado

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 33 Exhausted firefighter takes break from Bldg. 3001 fire in 1984. up 300 cots for displaced vic- were affected by the loss of earth. During one patrol, five The other Tinker personnel tims. Additionally, military property, but in the days fol- days after the storm, Staff killed by the storm include members and dependents lowing the storm, 72nd Se- Sgt. James Day patrolled the Robert Siano, of the Materiel volunteered food, drinks and curity Forces patrolled the perimeters, and lost his life Systems Group Tinker Soft- necessities. outer boundaries, where the when his all-terrain vehicle ware Development Activity; Many Tinker personnel fence was ripped from the struck an obscured object. Suzanne “Sue” Cox, of De- 34 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 commander to close the base except for essential employ- ees. Closing the base has a heavy financial conse- quence, but one thing Tin- ker’s leadership agreed on is that people come first and people are more important than hardware.

Fire January 28, 1946, a tragic fire raged through building 230 claiming the lives of ten Tinker Field workers. In a combined effort, firefighters from Tinker, Oklahoma City and Midwest City brought the fire under control. Bldg. 230 fire, 1946 November 17, 1976, a se- vere fire rages in the second pot Support in Bldg. 3705; AFB once again stepped up en’t as destructive as a torna- floor administrative center Loretta Richard, a greeter at to assist with cleanup in the do, but it can affect the base of building 3001. The dam- the Tinker Base Exchange; town of Moore, Oklahoma nonetheless. In December ages exceed $4.2 million. and Tech. Sgt. Glynda Stan- and surrounding areas. 2007, a major ice storm hit Almost to the day 8 years field, of the 507th ARW. According to the National central Oklahoma and Tin- later, November 12, 1984, While every season pro- Severe Storms Laboratory, ker AFB. The installation a major 40-hour fire began duces tornadoes, Tinker AFB 46 people died and 800 were suffered severe tree damage, on the north end of building wouldn’t see that kind of injured. In all the 2013 tor- sagging power lines, and 3001 when a spark from a destruction again until May nado left more than 8,000 leaning utility poles. Per- welders cutting torch ignites roofing material. In 1989, the 20, 2013, when a massive homes destroyed. Property sonnel were allowed to stay F5 tornado struck the area home rather than risk their Justice Department approved damages were estimated at just south of Tinker AFB. lives driving to work. a $4.2 million settlement of $1.5 billion. There were 23 lives lost and February 2, 2011, a 10- the building 3001 fire mak- thousands of homes either inch snow, significant -ic ing it the largest pro-Air destroyed or severely dam- Snow and Ice ing and winds exceeding 50 Force tort (negligence) set- aged. Personnel from Tinker Snow and ice certainly ar- mph, caused the installation tlement in history.

3001 fire, 1984 A couple consoles each other after the Moore 2013 tornado damages their home. (Photo by Jonathan Snyder)

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 35 Alfred P. Murrah ery and relief operations. Building Bombing Tinker personnel donat- ed blood and gave money in April 19, 1995 was a beau- support of the rescue efforts. tiful, sunny day until 9:02 The chaplains, Navy Strate- a.m. when a truck bomb ex- gic Communications Wing ploded outside the Alfred P. ONE, the 552nd Air Control Murrah building in down- Wing and the 38th Engineer- town Oklahoma City, killing ing Installation Wing sent 168 people. Until September troops and equipment to the 11, 2001, it was the worst bomb site. act of terrorism to occur on Tinker’s Fire Department American soil. personnel assisted with the Tinker AFB lost two of task of search and rescue in- their own that day, Airman side the bombed building. st 1 Class Lakesha Levy of the Security Forces played a 72nd Medical Group and Air- role in the aftermath of the man 1st Class Cartney McRa- bombing. The bomb squad ven of the 32nd Combat scoured the area for addition- Communications Squadron. al bombs. Dog handlers, spot- Within hours of the bomb- ters and trained Belgian Ma- ing of the Alfred P. Murrah linois dogs searched the area Federal Building in Oklaho- and fortunately, no additional ma City, Tinker AFB workers bombs were found. rush to the scene aiding in the In addition to personnel, response. More than 1,000 the base provided 146 vehi- military and civilian person- cles to include ambulances, nel took part in rescue, recov- buses, general purpose and

Alfred P. Murrah bomb site, 1995.

36 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 security police vehicles. Sur- approximately 200 Feder- geons from the 72nd Medical al Emergency Management Group helped in local hospi- Agency and civilian law en- tals in Oklahoma City. forcement officials. Additionally, the base pro- The Logistic Directorate vided all weather equipment supplied 10,987 gallons including boots, wet weather of fuel, $96,546 worth of gear and hard hats so crews general supplies and indi- could continue to work in vidual equipment items, adverse weather conditions. along with $69,335 in vehi- Tinker supported 29 air- cle-related costs. Addition- craft, including two T-43 ally, more than 11,000 man aircraft transporting doctors, hours were attributed to this nurses and medical person- operation. nel from Wilford Hall Medi- In addition to the 168 cal Center at Lackland AFB, people who were lost in the Texas; 15 C-141s and 11 C-5 Oklahoma City bombing, aircraft transporting FEMA 600 people were hospital- and law enforcement teams ized, 30 children orphaned, and equipment, and Air 219 children lost one parent, Force One when President 24 buildings were demol- Bill Clinton came to visit the ished, 333 structures were victims and their families. damaged, 462 people were Tinker also hosted active left homeless and 2,000 ve- duty and Reserve person- hicles were destroyed. nel from Washington, Cali- The estimated cost at the fornia, Virginia, Maryland, time was exceeding $650 New York, Los Angeles and million, though a price can’t Texas who came to help. be placed on the loved ones Quarters were provided for that were lost that day. Airman 1st Class Cartney McRaven Airman 1st Class Lakesha Levy

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 37 6624 35 604 50414 413 52 13 404403 6 400 11 35916 35921 414 16 591 590 592 23 937 40592 928 662 504

6611 690 18

412 6612 513 10 506 3 35913 665 510 416 1 61019 685 5942 503 508

5929

5935 56601 420 61018 5931 6603 6642 6026 467 15930 5922 460 229 290 339 919 6604 472 200 5930 473 208212 5924 469 3904 5914 5913 5915 272 201 210 6601 272 214 15904 5897 5907 764 478 117 15908 6004 213 251 5905 6640 216 215 6620 285 247250 3900 43120 5908 5904 3903 5899 280 282 3120 6001 288 284 202 244 241 5815 5909 5903 6006 233 5946 5947 952 2230246 45815 885 62513 62501 6002 477 6251662517 255 296 62515 283 3001 3507 62528 62509 62501 5701 487 488 230 62528 240 62527 62501 220 62503 221 5711 5603 62502 934 62501OK 265 268 11289 6252562512 5715 61289 295 5703 5702 279 289 62526 62501X 5605 933 3509 65627 260 62542 5704 5604 5830 5826 62540 5832 5828 5824 5800 5811 5730 62543 5804 5606 3535

5510 43610 3610

911 901 3001

3113 33001

911 3305 3311 906 3316 3308 45520 3334 1002 916 3307 45134 7003 5520 7016 7005 1014 3303 3320 43609 3604 45134 8000 7013 7007 1001 55300 7037 7014 3123 3205 70417038 31173125 3204 3221 994 3127 7042 7028 990 3124 32063207 7043 3705 7017 3213 926 3224 3105 1029 1051 1083 1054 3220 1012 3707 1055 71086 1062 3202 71089 3706 1049 3225 3905 1097 1050 3102 1023 3708 3902 3907 3228 3211 3703 1101 1025 53902 1024 3712 1025 3715 3234 43774 3761 3114 1022 3774 1077 1027 3772 3774 1130 1099 1102

1021 3209 948 1020 2283 2280 2211 1017 1156 2210 1084 2212 8400 1071 1085 2128 1082 948 8437 8438 8430 8436 1030 8433 1053 8432 935 8435 1078 1032 1068 2121 2122 1095 1069 1044 1091 1067 1066 1070 1110 1088 61089 1103 1058 1056 1036 1043 1111 1086 2136 1034 1089 2113 2119 1059 1112 2135 2123 1048 1131 1035 1047 2112 21402137

1127 32101 1126 1115 1134 1140 1124 1046 1072 1133 1128 1145 1146 1094 1122 1104 1118 1119 1139 2143 1137 1087 1135 1107 1132 1105 2110 1093 1100 1157 2109 41157 1106 42116 41163 2116 1162 1163 4000 807 860 4045 997 995 805 44045 811 808 4002 4019 Tinker Land Acquisition 810 809 4036 801 851 837 838 4057 Acquisition Year 989 4004 847 829 817 11824 4031 824 820 818 4005 4064 848 1941 821 4006 830 819 987 812 988 956 4008 849 3801 4044 1942 825 986 40784077 4023 832 985 4028 4029 4048 1951 930 4012 4032 4049 930 4058 4069 4079 40014068 1952 976

963 1954 964 3810 3809 1955 3808 3807 3806 1956 3802

5000 1957 3805 1969

1970 3811 9309

9306 3803 1975 9307

9302 9400 3804 1982 9101 9301 9303 9201 1987 93059304

1988 3812 943

1989 942

9003 1992

9002 9001 1993 µ 1996 9008 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE 2012 9888 2014 LAND ACQUISITION BY YEAR 06 SEP 2017 2015 1:6,360 2017 1 inch = 530 feet

38 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 6624 35 604 50414 413 52 13 404403 6 400 11 35916 35921 414 16 591 590 592 23 937 40592 928 662 504

6611 690 18 412 6612 513 10 506 3 35913 665 510 416 1 61019 685 5942 503 508

5929

5935 56601 420 61018 5931 6603 6642 6026 467 15930 5922 460 229 290 339 919 6604 472 200 5930 473 208212 5924 469 3904 5914 5913 5915 272 201 210 6601 272 214 15904 5897 5907 764 478 117 15908 6004 213 251 5905 6640 216 215 6620 285 247250 3900 43120 5908 5904 3903 5899 280 282 3120 6001 288 284 202 244 241 5815 5909 5903 6006 233 5946 5947 952 2230246 45815 885 62513 62501 6002 477 6251662517 255 296 62515 283 3001 3507 62528 62509 62501 5701 487 488 230 62528 240 62527 62501 220 62503 221 5711 5603 62502 934 62501OK 265 268 11289 6252562512 5715 61289 295 5703 5702 279 289 62526 62501X 5605 933 3509 65627 260 62542 5704 5604 5830 5826 62540 5832 5828 5824 5800 5811 5730 62543 5804 5606 3535

5510 43610 3610

911 901 3001

3113 33001

911 3305 3311 906 3316 3308 45520 3334 1002 916 3307 Tinker Land 45134 7003 5520 7016 7005 1014 3303 3320 43609 3604 45134 8000 7013 7007 1001 55300 7037 7014 3123 3205 70417038 31173125 3204 3221 994 3127 7042 7028 990 3124 32063207 7043 Acquisition 3705 7017 3213 926 3224 3105 1029 1051 1083 1054 3220 1012 3707 1055 71086 1062 3202 71089 3706 1049 3225 3905 1097 1050 3102 1023 3708 3902 3907 3228 3211 3703 1101 1025 53902 1024 3712 1025 3715 3234 43774 3761 3114 1022 3774 1077 1027 3772 3774 1130 1099 1102

1021 3209 948 1020 2283 2280 2211 1017 1156 2210 1084 2212 8400 1071 1085 2128 1082 948 8437 8438 8430 8436 1030 8433 1053 8432 935 8435 1078 1032 1068 2121 2122 1095 1069 1044 1091 1067 1066 1070 1110 1088 61089 1103 1058 1056 1036 1043 1111 1086 2136 1034 1089 2113 2119 1059 1112 2135 2123 1048 1131 1035 1047 2112 21402137

1127 32101 1126 1115 1134 1140 1124 1046 1072 1133 1128 1145 1146 1094 1122 1104 1118 1119 1139 2143 1137 1087 1135 1107 1132 1105 2110 1093 1100 1157 2109 41157 1106 42116 41163 2116 1162 1163 4000 807 860 4045 997 995 805 44045 811 808 4002 4019 Tinker Land Acquisition 810 809 4036 801 851 837 838 4057 Acquisition Year 989 4004 847 829 817 11824 4031 824 820 818 4005 4064 848 1941 821 4006 830 819 987 812 988 956 4008 849 3801 4044 1942 825 986 40784077 4023 832 985 4028 4029 4048 1951 930 4012 4032 4049 930 4058 4069 4079 40014068 1952 976

963 1954 964 3810 3809 1955 3808 3807 3806 1956 3802

5000 1957 3805 1969

1970 3811 9309

9306 3803 1975 9307

9302 9400 3804 1982 9101 9301 9303 9201 1987 93059304

1988 3812 943

1989 942

9003 1992

9002 9001 1993 µ 1996 9008 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE 2012 9888 2014 LAND ACQUISITION BY YEAR 06 SEP 2017 2015 1:6,360

2017 1 inch = 530 feet

Tinker Air Force Base 2017 | Celebrating 75 years 39 ‘Off We Go’ Mrs. Tinker helps select Air Force song

April McDonald Col. Clarence Tinker and his wife, Madeline, were on hand to see their son, 2nd Lt. 72nd Air Base Wing Public A airs Clarence L. Tinker Jr., graduate from Flight School at Kelly Field in February 1939. Most Tinkerites know the legacy of the base’s namesake and the “Air we conquer thee, tho the end be eternity contributions he made to the Army Air Corps. However, few know that his wife also made a contribution which continues to this day. And we will fly and fight with all our might Madeline Tinker, wife of Maj. Gen. Clarence Tinker, played a piv- Hail to our Air Corps.” otal role in choosing the Air Force Song. In late 1937, Army Air Corps officials organized a publicity cam- One day in June 1939, Mrs. Tinker and Mrs. Yount paign to find a theme song. They approached the editor of Liberty were looking over music they hadn’t returned Magazine, which had shown support of aviation, to sponsor a contest. when a young man and his wife showed up on the The $1,000 song contest was announced in the April 1938 issue and more than 300 entries were received within the first month. The con- Tinker’s doorstep with a song. The women invited test garnered more interest after popular radio host Kate Smith used Robert Crawford to sit at the piano and play. They her national program to solicit more entries. Though they received were pleasantly surprised with “Off We Go.” numerous entries, not one song appealed to headquarters officials. In August 1938, a “Ladies Song Committee,” made up of wives “Now play yours, Madeline,” Mrs. Yount urged. of prominent Air Corps officers in Washington, D.C., was formed to As Mrs. Tinker prepared to play, she inadvertently hit a note when take on the search for the perfect song. The committee was chaired she put her hand on the keys. The zealous young composer offered a by Marilla MacDill, the wife of Col. Leslie MacDill, who was a re- bit of advice. “No, no,” he said. “You never start a march with a note; spected music teacher. you start it with a chord.” Mrs. Tinker didn’t join the committee until Nov. 8, 1938, when Though Mrs. Tinker politely said, “That’s very true,” her mind Colonel MacDill asked if she would like to help his wife. “I’d love thought, “You young squirt!” to,” Mrs. Tinker said after learning about the contest. Unfortunately, She removed her hands from the piano and announced, “We’ll take Colonel MacDill died in a plane crash the very next day and Mrs. yours.” MacDill never did anything else about the song. General Arnold approved the song choice on Aug. 19, 1939, but In fact, no one thought about the song until the next year when the official announcement of the decision wasn’t made until Sept. 2. Gen. Hap Arnold tapped Mildred Yount to lead the committee. Mrs. (Information for this article came from the book “Osage General: Yount, an accomplished violinist, was the wife of Maj. Gen. Barton Major General Clarence L. Tinker, written by James L. Crowder) Yount. By that time, more than 700 songs had been entered into the contest and the six committee members had a lot of work to do. As the women searched through the pile of submissions, they had to return the rejects with a “thank you” note. It wasn’t an easy task. According to Mrs. Tinker some of the entries were “really pitiful.” Others were good, but none had the same spirit and dignity as the Army Song, which was written by Col. Edmund Guber when he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, with the Tinkers. As the burden of trying to find the perfect song grew, commit- tee member Ruth Spaatz – who was married to Gen. Carl “Tooey” Spaatz – encouraged the women to simply write some words to the tune of “LaCucuracha.” Thankfully, Mrs. Yount and Mrs. Tinker didn’t agree, though they were starting to regret ever accepting the “fun” assignment. Mrs. Tinker even tried her hand at composing a song. With her mother at the piano and General Tinker and a friend marching, sing- ing and humming along with her, Mrs. Tinker put a few words down on paper. She wasn’t thrilled with their effort and couldn’t imagine what she titled “The Air Corps Song” ever being sung by aviators. This Tinker family photo was taken in California around 1935. From left are Midge, Tim, The last three lines were: Colonel Tinker, Clarence Jr. and Madeline.(Photo courtesy of Tinker History Office) 40 Celebrating 75 years | Tinker Air Force Base 2017 2301 S. Douglas Blvd. Suite 110 Midwest City, OK 73130 405-582-2040 househuntok.com

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Congratulations, Tinker Air Force Base, for celebrating 75 years of service!

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