Spokane-area civic leaders visit Travis Air Force Base

Published July 24, 2015
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- More than 20 civic leaders from Spokane, Washington and surrounding areas participated in a civic leader tour to Travis Air Force Base, Calif. July 21 and July 22.

The purpose of the tour was to increase civic leaders' opinion and understanding of Air Mobility Command and the Air Force's role in national security.

With Col. Brian McDaniel, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, at the controls of a KC-135 Stratotanker, they headed down to California to witness firsthand the various weapon systems and programs Travis brings to the fight.

The tour was an eye-opening experience for the group.

"This event provided great perspective and insight about the multi-faceted missions of AMC and the Air Force," said Steve Stevens, CEO of Greater Spokane Incorporated and 92nd ARW honorary commander. "It provided another piece of the puzzle for us and was a great opportunity to meet and learn from Travis' civic leaders. A year ago I was not very familiar with the Air Force; now I'm much more knowledgeable and extremely impressed with the expertise and professionalism of our Air Force Airmen."

Upon landing, they received mission briefings, toured a C-5 Galaxy and a C-17 Globemaster III, and wound up the day meeting with civic leaders who represent Travis.

The next day, they learned about the mission of the 621st Contingency Response Wing. The CRW's personnel can quickly open airfields and establish, expand, sustain and coordinate air mobility operations at a moment's notice. Following that, they toured the 60th Aerial Port Squadron and David Grant USAF Medical Center, the Air Force medical service's flagship treatment facility. They ended their visit by learning about Travis' air traffic control tower and radar approach control facilities.

The civic leaders were impressed with the tour and the Airmen.

"This week's visit to Travis has strongly reinforced my belief that the Air Force continues to recruit and train the best and brightest of our young people to serve this great country," said Kevin Twohig, Spokane Public Facilities CEO, 336th Training Group honorary commander and chair of Forward Fairchild. "We witnessed a lot, learned a lot and enjoyed our new friends from Travis - definitely a great tour."

Molly Allen, a Spokane radio personality and 141st honorary commander, said she was overwhelmed by the experience and is extremely proud of the men and women who protect her freedom by serving the country.

Travis leadership appreciates what civic leaders bring to the table.

"The strong partnership between Fairchild and their surrounding community was evident throughout their visit to Travis Air Force Base, and it was an honor to host this group and educate them about our mission," said Col Corwin Pauly, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander. "The resources and the people outside the fence line of military installations are vital."

Fairchild leadership thought the tour was a huge success.

"The trip to Travis AFB was a great opportunity for Spokane civic leaders to learn about the broader mission of the AMC and the Air Force," McDaniel said. "I think they learned a lot while being treated to a great tour of another Air Mobility Command base - the trip was a huge success."

ARTICLE SEARCH