New headquarters unveiled at Fairchild Published March 24, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Janelle Patiño 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Team Fairchild hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony March 20 to commemorate the opening of the new headquarters building designed for both the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wings. Present during the ceremony were Fairchild leaders Col. Brian Newberry, the 92nd ARW commander, and Col. Daniel Swain, the 141st ARW commander, along with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Spokane, Wash. Mayor David Condon and Airway Heights, Wash. Mayor Patrick Rushing. The construction of the new building started the summer of 2013 with a $12 million construction which was awarded to Jackson Construction Group in Missoula, Mont., and design contract awarded to Tetra Tech in Seattle, Wash. Murray shared a few remarks during the ceremony, noting how the development of the new headquarters is indicative of the base's future. "Fairchild is truly one of the top installations anywhere in the country," said Murray. "Today's about so much more than replacing an old building; the opening of this new facility is a statement about the future of Fairchild. This new facility wasn't built for a base that's going to fade away or become irrelevant; this facility was built for a base that's going to be the home of thousands of men and women in uniform for years to come." The old Fairchild headquarters, also known as the "White House," was built in 1943 which cost more than $2 million in today's standards with respect to the cumulative rate of inflation. McMorris Rodgers also expressed her thanks and praised Team Fairchild for their hard work and dedication during the ceremony. "I'm proud to join today in this special ceremony to dedicate the new headquarters and I'm thrilled to see the vision of a new headquarters fulfilled," McMorris Rodgers said. "After many years of hard work, this association has really become the model for the entire Air Mobility Command and this accomplishment is one for the rest of the country to look at for inspiration and guidance." As a "classic-association" base, the active-duty and National Guard wings and staff will occupy the new building. "I look forward to see how this new headquarters will even better integrate the active duty Airmen and the Air National Guardsmen," McMorris Rodgers added. "I also know it will lead to better collaboration and an exchange of ideas." Lastly, both Newberry and Swain also thanked the people involved in making the new headquarters happen. According to Swain, the ribbon cutting marks a significant point in history for the partnership between the 141st and 92nd ARWs. "This ceremony is the culmination of many years of hard work and planning," Swain said. "With the cutting of this ribbon and the opening of the new combined wing headquarters, we take another step towards strengthening the bonds and partnerships between the two magnificent organizations." Echoing his counterpart, Newberry said he's excited for Team Fairchild and the Airmen that'll work alongside him in the new facility. "This first day of spring symbolically represents a new beginning for our base not just for bluer skies ahead, but for newer beginnings," said Newberry. "I want to celebrate the people on stage, the Airmen in the audience as being the first of many generations of Airmen to follow who will shape the legacy of excellence that will most certainly follow in years to come." Following the speeches was the ribbon cutting which signifies the opening of a new chapter for generations of Airmen to come.
