TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker Air Force Base launched its 75th anniversary celebration on Jan. 30, during a luncheon at the Tinker club with a room full of Tinker senior leaders, distinguished congressional and civic leaders to celebrate the milestone.
Among the guests were Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, the Principal Chief of the Osage Nation, and Phil Tinker, grandson of the installation’s namesake, Maj. Gen. Clarence L. Tinker.
Lt. Gen. Lee K. Levy II, Air Force Sustainment Center Commander, spoke at the event and reflected upon what the last 75 years have meant to Oklahoma and our nation’s defense, and pressed forward looking to what the next 75 years will bring.
General Tinker, a member of the Osage Nation and native of Pawhuska, Okla., was the first general officer killed in combat during World War II. The general lost his life leading a flight of LB-30 “Liberators” on a long-range strike against Japanese forces during the early months of the Second World War.
The installation’s inception came in 1940 when local businessmen grasped an opportunity to bring an aircraft depot to Oklahoma learning the War Department (now, Department of Defense) was considering a central location in the United States to host a maintenance and supply facility. In April 1941, that depot was officially granted to Oklahoma City when the United States was considered to be in “isolationist mode” and aware of the conflict in Europe and Asia, but not yet engaged in World War II.
Only 33 years after Oklahoma became the 46th state to join the nation, Oklahoma City gained its first federal maintenance depot. Oklahoma was struggling, trying to recover from the Depression and Dust Bowl that overwhelmed the 1930s. A time when the economy was suffering and employment and agriculture was down, the base became a significant opportunity to bring growth to the state.
General Levy described the installation’s namesake as an individual who led from the front, not from behind. General Tinker was one who fought and led bravely and courageously, emulating a leadership style that set the example for all Airmen then, now and in the future.
“Bravery and courage are timeless qualities,” the general said. “We serve on a base with his [General Tinker’s] name, one who truly epitomized service before self.”
“Not only is the 75th anniversary monumental for Tinker Air Force Base, but it is also a celebration of our relationship with Oklahoma City and Midwest City and our shared special interests. Additionally, 2017 marks the 70th year of the United States Air Force, breaking barriers since 1947, making it a huge year to celebrate,” the general said.
One of the base’s most significant contributions to national defense, General Levy noted, is its direct support to nuclear deterrence. “Tinker AFB directly underpins strategic nuclear deterrence for national defense by supporting all three legs of the nuclear triad – bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The Air Logistics Complex sustains B-52, KC-135 and Navy’s E-6, among many others, all playing a vital role in national defense.”
The general went on and said, “Tinker Air Force Base is a power projection platform for key Air Force and Navy operations. What makes this installation exceptional, he said, is the confluence and collaboration from the community and all levels of government – county, city, state and federal.”
“The history of Tinker could not have been written without achieving the art of the possible; something only realized by the partnership between the community, county, city state and federal leaders, all coming together,” General Levy added. “It helps underpin our nation’s security and pays tribute to those who have given their lives. This kind of support does not exist everywhere.”
In the next 75 years, General Levy hopes that the installation will not just provide warfighting capabilities, but war winning capabilities.
“It’s important to reflect on the past and it’s important to build for the future” the general said.
Two of the installation’s largest projects in the coming years include next generation aircraft. The campus for KC-46A Pegasus sustainment is already under construction. It is set to be the future home of maintenance, repair and overhaul operations for the new aerial refueling tanker, and is estimated to bring 1,300 jobs to the state. Tinker will also have a role in the B-21 Raider, the next bomber.
Chief Standing Bear of the Osage Nation offered his appreciation to General Levy as well as installation commander, Col. Stephanie Wilson for continuing the open lines of communication. “This act ensures hope and progress, moving forward together,” said the chief. He also acknowledged the high level of leadership and prestige within the installation.
“There’s no greater model of success than right here on this base,” the chief said. “Our young people look to you as models for the future.”
Mr. Phil Tinker, General Tinker’s grandson, concluded the event with brief remarks regarding the legacy his grandfather left with him.
“My grandfather is my hero. I grew up always wanting to be a leader like he was, and I think we should all strive to be that kind of leader. Tinker Air Force Base has grown tremendously over the years, helping the community in so many ways. I know my grandfather would be very proud. Thank you for your service to this country and to Tinker Air Force Base.”
For a list of and more information on 75th anniversary events, visit www.tinker.af.mil/home/tinkerafb75thanniversary.aspx