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SecAF visits Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mackenzie Richardson
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, visited Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington to obtain a better understanding of daily operations at the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wings and 336th Training Group April 27, 2016.

During her visit, James observed 336th TRG Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape water survival training, toured the 92nd ARW alert facility and met with Airmen from the 92nd and 141st Maintenance Groups.

"I wanted to thank you all for the work you are doing," James said. "The work you do every day is vitally important to our Air Force and our country."

During the SERE water survival training demonstration, James observed SERE specialists as they simulated an emergency aircraft landing and a variety of parachuting situations.

After the SERE demonstration, James toured the 92nd ARW alert facility.

The alert facility maintains two KC-135 Stratotankers that are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide support to Operation Noble Eagle, which entails operations related to homeland security and supporting federal, state and local agencies.

James also discussed the importance of the maintenance mission at Fairchild. While the aircraft technology at Fairchild dates back to the 1950s and 1960s, the training, care and professionalism required to keep them flying is state-of-the-art.

A tour of the 92nd Maintenance Squadron metals technology shop also took place, where James learned the proper procedures for completing a weld.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to help her weld," said Senior Airman Mary Cannon, 92nd MXS metals technology journeyman. "As a senior airman, an opportunity like this rarely presents itself. I can't begin to explain how awesome this visit was."