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Civic leaders get 'up close' look at maintenance

  • Published
  • By Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  More than 35 civic leaders from across Washington state got an 'up close' look at the 92nd Maintenance Group during a tour on June 25.
They were here as part of the Honorary Commanders & Eagles program that is designed to bring together Fairchild Air Force Base leaders with Spokane and surrounding area leaders in an informal program fostering mutual understanding and establishing long lasting bonds of friendship.

The 92nd MXG organized the tour for the group and ensured they saw a broad spectrum of their processes and procedures.

"I don't know how it could have been arranged in any better way," said Larry Godden, Moses Lake Million Air general manager. "The length of time at each section seemed very appropriate, the information shared was very interesting and I look forward to additional tours of other base operations in the future."

They first received a 92nd Air Refueling Wing mission briefing followed by a 92nd MXG mission briefing then proceeded onto the Periodic Inspection Dock, the Non-Destructive Inspection, Aircraft Metals Technology and Hydraulics sections wrapping up with a look at a KC-135 Static Display.

It was a learning experience for both the civic leaders and the maintenance Airmen who were involved.

"Touring Fairchild is always an educational and uplifting experience," said Catherine Brazil, Director of Public Affairs, Cowles Company. "To hear and see what these young Airmen are doing to maintain and keep our forces safe is inspiring. They were so knowledgeable and industrious."
Staff Sgt. Shane Goodhew, 92nd Maintenance Squadron Non-Destructive Inspection craftsman said. "I think that it was informative for the civic leaders as well as their partnering Fairchild commanders who were also unfamiliar with the sections they visited. The tour was also informative for me too due to the nature of the questions they were asking. I was able to gain a better understanding of how they view the Air Force."

The maintenance tour was a missing link for some of the civic leaders.

"The tour was a missing link in the Honorary Commander and Eagle program," said Dennis Clay, Columbia Basin area journalist. "We might know our assigned unit well, but not have knowledge or a feel for other Fairchild units - the tour helped fill in some gaps we had heard about, but not yet seen."

Because of the tour, connections were made.

"Events like this are extremely important to maintain the strong military and community relations that Fairchild has established with the public," said 2nd Lt. Paul Ruble, 92nd MXS Fabrication Flight officer in charge. "I thought it was a great opportunity for our Airmen to interact with civic leaders and demonstrate what they do to ensure our KC-135's are always mission-ready."

Each quarter, the Honorary Commanders and Eagles will be given the opportunity to visit other Fairchild groups and squadrons to continue to educate and foster good community relations.