75 years of contributions by Tinker Air Force Base
efore we cheered the Thunder, before Bud Wilkinson led national championship teams, there was a part of Oklahoma known across the nation for its accomplishments. That part, now called Tinker Air Force Base, began its operations 75 years ago and significantly contributed to the victory in World War II.
The vision of the city fathers that turned 1,500 acres of fertile farm land into a massive aerospace and military complex in just a few months is remarkable. What Tinker AFB became in the years going forward is just as remarkable. Through the manufacture, overhaul and operation of legions of bombers, fighters, tankers, transports and the instruments, structures and engines that propel them, Tinker has been indispensable in the defense of our nation.
Tinker is composed of miles of runways and taxiways. It has some of the largest parking ramps in the Air Force. The massive buildings that stand on the complex house an array of equipment and high-tech systems establishing it as the largest military maintenance repair and overhaul facility in the world. But those attributes only tell part of the story. It’s the people who have worked there since its founding that have made its mark on Oklahoma and are the signature achievement of the visionary leaders who created this crown jewel.
From Tinker’s 1942 beginning through today, as many as 250,000 personnel have called Tinker their home. Some were assigned there as part of their military careers. Some were local residents who sought and gained employment. Many moved to the Oklahoma City and Midwest City areas seeking jobs and careers in what was seen as both stable and advanced careers. They brought with them the ability to perform in the technical and changing aerospace environment that transitioned from the propeller age
Hundreds of thousands of people have been part of Tinker, bringing with them or acquiring skills with a lasting impact on Oklahoma. They developed the teamwork and leadership so essential to a large operation.
of World War II, to the supersonic jet age, to the software-driven stealth of the world’s most advanced aircraft.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been part of Tinker, bringing with them or acquiring skills with a lasting impact on Oklahoma. They developed the teamwork and leadership so essential to a large operation. They learned the theory and operation of advanced systems and hardware. They were mechanics, engineers, pilots and aircrew members, managers, and administrators. They have been supported by Oklahoma’s education systems that supplied the science, technology, engineering and math to sustain their enterprise. They have been a magnet for creativity and quality.
More importantly, they came here because of Tinker but stayed here because of Oklahoma. Oklahoma has embraced the soldiers, sailors and airmen assigned or employed at Tinker and been blessed by their presence. Thousands and thousands through the years came to Tinker but stayed in Oklahoma long after their assignments ended. They stayed and continued to contribute to the state. This pattern has continued unbroken for 75 years.
This year we celebrate the accomplishments and mission of Tinker Air Force Base and, importantly, the people who occupied the former 1,500 acres of farmland and truly helped shape the fabric of what Oklahoma is today.