Introduction to Fairchild Air Force Base
Fairchild Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located in Spokane County, Washington. The base is approximately 10 miles west of Spokane, Washington, and is the largest employer in the Spokane area. Fairchild Air Force Base is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, which is part of the Air Mobility Command. The base plays a critical role in the nation’s defense and is a key player in the global air refueling mission.
History of Fairchild Air Force Base
The history of Fairchild Air Force Base dates back to 1942, when it was established as the Spokane Army Air Field. The base was named after General Muir S. Fairchild, a World War I ace and commander of the Northwest Air District. During World War II, the base served as a training facility for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bomber crews. In the 1950s and 1960s, the base was used as a Strategic Air Command base, with a focus on bomber and refueling operations.
Mission and Operations
The primary mission of Fairchild Air Force Base is to provide air refueling and airlift support to US military forces and coalition partners around the world. The base is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, which operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The wing is responsible for refueling fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft in support of combat operations and humanitarian missions. Fairchild Air Force Base also hosts a variety of other units, including the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard and the 336th Training Group.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Fairchild Air Force Base covers an area of approximately 4,300 acres and has a total of over 200 buildings and structures. The base has two runways, with the primary runway being 12,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. The base is also equipped with a variety of aircraft maintenance facilities, fuel storage tanks, and other support infrastructure. Fairchild Air Force Base is also home to a base exchange, commissary, and other morale, welfare, and recreation facilities to support the quality of life for airmen and their families.
Environmental Concerns
Fairchild Air Force Base has been the subject of environmental concerns in recent years, particularly with regards to contamination of the local water supply. The base has been identified as a source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, which has been linked to health problems such as cancer and reproductive issues. The Air Force has been working to remediate the contamination and provide safe drinking water to local residents.
Economic Impact
Fairchild Air Force Base has a significant economic impact on the local community, with an estimated annual economic output of over $1 billion. The base is the largest employer in the Spokane area, with over 5,000 military and civilian personnel working on the base. The base also supports local businesses and stimulates economic growth through procurement and contracting activities.
| Unit | Mission |
|---|---|
| 92nd Air Refueling Wing | Air Refueling and Airlift Support |
| 141st Air Refueling Wing | Air Refueling and Airlift Support |
| 336th Training Group | Aircraft Maintenance and Training |
📝 Note: The information provided in this article is subject to change and may not reflect the current status of Fairchild Air Force Base.
In summary, Fairchild Air Force Base plays a critical role in the nation’s defense and is a key player in the global air refueling mission. The base has a rich history, dating back to World War II, and has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the US military. With its strategic location and modern facilities, Fairchild Air Force Base is well-positioned to continue supporting US military operations and humanitarian missions around the world. The base’s economic impact on the local community is significant, and it will likely remain a vital part of the Spokane area for years to come.
What is the primary mission of Fairchild Air Force Base?
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The primary mission of Fairchild Air Force Base is to provide air refueling and airlift support to US military forces and coalition partners around the world.
What units are based at Fairchild Air Force Base?
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Fairchild Air Force Base is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard, and the 336th Training Group, among other units.
What is the economic impact of Fairchild Air Force Base on the local community?
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Fairchild Air Force Base has a significant economic impact on the local community, with an estimated annual economic output of over $1 billion and over 5,000 military and civilian personnel working on the base.
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