TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
As 2023 prepares for takeoff let’s look again on the onerous work, accomplishments and enjoyable had at Tinker Air Drive Base.
This was a busy yr for the 552d Air Management Wing: “America’s Wing” supported each geographic combatant command, whereas sustaining homeland protection readiness and a really sturdy train and coaching schedule. We additionally stated goodbye to Plane 0560, the primary E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Management System plane which arrived at Tinker March 23, 1977. By retiring 13 E-3 plane, the 552d targeted on prioritizing the well being of the remaining fleet. Twelve of these are actually on the 309th Aerospace Upkeep and Regeneration Group in Tucson, Arizona, and can be utilized to assist preserve remaining plane.
After 4 lengthy years we hosted 301,000 individuals the Tinker air present. Households from throughout Oklahoma and past spent their Fourth of July vacation weekend with eyes to the sky, able to witness United States navy air capabilities in motion and meet the service members who fly and preserve the gear.
Tinker Air Drive Base and its off-base group welcomed a brand new staff member, ‘Tink’. As Tinker Air Drive Base’s official mascot his essential mission is to help with group outreach and encourage Oklahomans to be enthusiastic about STEM packages, in addition to create a buzz as to how a lizard can imply a lot to the bottom.
We welcomed Chief Grasp Sgt. of the Air Drive JoAnne S. Bass and Air Drive First Sergeant Particular Obligation Supervisor Chief Grasp Sgt. John Alsvig to Tinker AFB for the primary time to be taught extra in regards to the mission and Airmen on base. Throughout their go to, Bass and Alsvig met with key leaders from Tinker and the group to handle challenges Airmen and their households face. Bass was fast to level out the extent of range amongst workers.
The U.S. Navy Strategic Communication Wing One held a birthday ball celebrating 248 years! The theme of this yr’s celebration was “248 Years of Energy, Presence, and Safety,” which highlights the U.S. Navy’s historic and long-standing dedication to being ahead deployed, extremely educated, and devoted to defending American pursuits at sea, on land, and within the sky.
A big contingent throughout the 507th Air Refueling Wing deployed this yr in assist of Operation Inherent Resolve in addition to Operation Spartan Protect, a joint mission below U.S. Central Command, offering capabilities equivalent to aviation operations, logistics, and drive safety. The 507th ARW additionally took half in Train AGILE BLIZZARD UNIFIED VISION, an arctic-based Agile Fight Employment train, whereas executing numerous missions across the globe, from Alaska to Poland.
Former Tinker Air Drive Base Defender and Vietnam hero was honored for his service by the Oklahoma Army Corridor of Fame. Senior Grasp Sgt. (Ret.) William “Pete” Piazza was inducted into the group’s ranks each for his service throughout the Vietnam Battle in addition to his service to the Safety Forces group later in life. Members of the Tinker group acknowledged Piazza’s identify as one in every of Tinker AFB’s entry gates, named for him throughout a ceremony held in 2014.
All year long we celebrated range throughout Black Historical past Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Native American Month. We devoted a day to resiliency for the bottom together with numerous different base-wide actions for comradery.
Thanks for an important yr, Tinker, we are able to’t wait to see what 2024 has aboard.
