TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- As America approaches its 250th birthday, we reflect on the Arsenals of Democracy that have continuously secured our freedoms across our defense enterprise. These arsenals have always been powered by the patriotism of our people. Tinker Air Force Base stands as the premier example of this legacy—forged not merely of military strategy, but of a symbiotic bond with our surrounding community who keep our aircraft flying and our nation safe.
In 1941, civic leaders and citizens united to purchase and provide the land that would become this installation. That historic act established a deep-rooted community partnership that remains the very foundation of our strength today.
While Team Tinker has undergone numerous mission changes since 1941, the enduring constant of our foundation remains the depot overhaul and repair mission within the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex. Although the Complex name and the signs on the historic Building 3001 have evolved over the decades, the incredible dedication of our military and civilian workforce has never faltered. Their efforts enabled Tinker to rapidly pivot from maintenance to manufacturing half of the C-47 Skytrains produced during World War II, before returning to our core, vital depot maintenance mission.
Tinker has supported every major conflict since 1941. Our warfighters depend on Team Tinker to deliver decisive combat airpower. We meet that trust by producing to promise with steadfast pride, absolute professionalism, and the lethal reliability our nation demands.
To continue delivering this combat airpower, our installation required massive expansion. From the original 960-acre purchase, we have grown to more than 6,000 acres. This growth could not have been achieved without the shared forethought and partnership between Air Force leaders, Oklahoma officials, and dedicated community support.
Today, Team Tinker is a mega-base comprising eight major commands, a center, six equivalent wings, three military services, and two countries with Airmen supporting a unified mission. Led by more than 27,000 great Americans, we stand as Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer, delivering an annual economic impact of more than $8.6 billion.
We know that we cannot sustain this immense mission without the profound, ongoing support of our local community. It is this resilient foundation that empowers us to execute our primary mandate: sustaining and projecting combat power globally.
For the last 85 years, we have supported our fellow Oklahomans through good times and bad—from the tragedy of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing, to recovering from some of the worst tornadoes in our nation's history. Likewise, Oklahomans have consistently provided Team Tinker the unwavering support necessary to execute our national strategic missions.
We have stood shoulder-to-shoulder every step of the way with our Oklahoma partners to secure a lasting legacy of liberty.
Perhaps no moment symbolizes this bond more powerfully than in 1993, when Tinker was placed on the realignment and closure radar. In a breathtaking display of solidarity, thousands of Oklahomans came together, reached out, and held hands to form a miles-long human chain completely surrounding the base. They shielded us then, just as we work to shield our nation now.
This unbreakable bond is the absolute bedrock that will sustain the next 250 years of Freedom in America and the reason why we are stronger together.
Editor’s Note: This is the first in a series of eight Op-Eds that will come from Tinker Air Force Base in celebration of Freedom 250.