18th Air Force commander sees 20-year progress at Fairchild

Published Feb. 15, 2007
By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- In 1983, a young officer was transferred to Fairchild Air Force Base as a Strategic Air Command B-52 crew member. Assigned to what was then called the 92nd Bomb Wing, he and his wife spent three years at Fairchild.

That young officer returned this week; he's now Maj. Gen. James Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander. After touring base facilities and speaking with Fairchild personnel, the general and his wife, Linda Hawkins, walked away impressed, noting how the base and its mission have changed over the years.

"There are still some landmarks that I recognize, such as the 'White House' ... but a lot of the facilities have been greatly improved," said General Hawkins. "You would expect to see things evolve over 20-some years. The base looks really great today, and that's a tribute to the men and women of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing."

General and Mrs. Hawkins arrived at Fairchild Sunday, and Monday morning they began a whirlwind tour. The general's itinerary included a force protection demonstration at the main gate, a tour of the Airman's Center, and an on-camera interview for the wing's upcoming Air Force 60th Anniversary presentation. He also spent time at the 92nd Medical Group and Maintenance Squadron, and the Professional Expeditionary Airmen's Center of Excellence.

Mrs. Hawkins had her own full schedule, including stops at the Center of Excellence and the medical facilities. She also spent time at lodging, the library, the education center, and the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Along with her favorite activity of meeting people, she said one of the highlights of her time at Fairchild was the base child-care overview she received.

"Child Development Centers are close to my heart," said Mrs. Hawkins, adding she also visited the home of Teresa Landreth, Fairchild Family Child Provider of the Year for 2005 and 2006.

"This young lady had, for one, an immaculate home, in spite of taking care of so many kids - it was very impressive. (She was also) happy to do what she's doing. I think that says the most right there."

Of course, because of their history at the base, both the general and his wife were able to compare the Fairchild of the past to the Fairchild of the present. Mrs. Hawkins had high praise for the maintenance of buildings and the landscaping. "It's a very pretty base," she said.

General Hawkins added that he's impressed with the continued support of the local community, a strong tie he remembers from his tour here.

"The eastern side of Washington State is known very much for its great support of the military, and there's no exception here," he said. "The local community is fully behind the Airmen here at Fairchild. It's been nothing but positive in my experience, and I see that repeated even still today."

On an operational level, the general said that just as personnel at Fairchild "played a very big role in the Cold War and the winning of the Cold War" during his tour in the '80s, Airmen at the base today play a vital role in the Global War on Terrorism.

"The contributions of the 92nd are very important," said General Hawkins, "with the KC-135 tanker being needed around the world, especially in Southwest Asia to support the fighter aircraft, the bomber aircraft, the cargo aircraft, to refuel them so that they can come straight from the states over there to deliver supplies," he continued. "None of that could be done without the contributions of the 92nd ... It's a great team effort, and I really am appreciative of everything that the men and women of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing do today."