Tinker Air Force Base History

The Air Force Sustainment Center's History Office serves as the official archive of the Air Force Sustainment Center, as well as Tinker Air Force Base. It is occupied with numerous duties connected with the preservation and writing of the history of the Center and the local installation in Oklahoma.

Its primary responsibility is to prepare an annual history of the AFSC. This detailed historical document serves as a vital management tool for Air Force, military and civilian leaders and personnel.

Other duties include the preservation of historical artifacts, preparation of books and written studies on topics related to AFSC, Tinker AFB, the Air Force and the region. Historians prepare oral histories of key AFSC, Tinker AFB and locally retired Air Force and military personnel, as well as answer numerous requests for information on the history of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFSC, Tinker AFB and Oklahoma for other government agencies and service commands, as well as national and local scholars, college and high school students.

The Air Force Sustainment Center History Office can be reached at: 405-739-7338 (DSN 339-7338)

Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker

Picture of Maj. Gen. TinkerTinker Air Force Base is named for Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker, a native Oklahoman who lost his life while on a combat mission against Wake Island in the Pacific, during World War II.

Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker (PDF)

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie the Riveter PictureFrom early 1942 to the end of World War II, the urgent need for labor to support the war effort opened up a wide variety of jobs for women. While there were many who worked in "traditional" occupations such as janitorial or clerical positions, most held production jobs such as aircraft and engine mechanics, welders, electricians, sheet metal workers, instrument repair technicians, quality control inspectors, equipment operators, security guards, warehouse workers, etc. At Tinker, women workers helped perform maintenance on such aircraft as the B-17, B-24 and B-29 and aircraft engines such as the R1820, R2600 and R3350. To the east across the north/south runway, the Douglas Plant (now Bldg 3001), with a 50.6 percent women workforce, built half of all C-47 Skytrains produced for the Allied war effort. Most were laid off to make room for veterans returning home from the war. Some left willingly to become homemakers or pursue other endeavors while others did not volunteer to be let go. However, there was a significant portion that remained in government service that went on to enjoy long careers.

Historical Rosie the Riveter Articles