Legislators visit Tinker AFB, learn about Air Force's mission

  • Published
  • By Kandis West
  • 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFPN) --  A cross-section of state legislators from Arkansas, Kentucky and Oklahoma visited Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., in November as part of the National Council of State Government Officials conference.

The group received a briefing of the organizations on base and their roles in supporting national defense. They also toured the maintenance wings before traveling to the 552nd Air Control Wing, where they were greeted by the 552nd ACW Commander, Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson.

"The Air Force is engaged every single day in global operations, fighting the global war on terror, defending our homeland, providing strategic deterrence, and giving our nation unparalleled global vigilance, reach and power," General Robinson said. "America's Airmen cannot accomplish this mission without the support of our community. Team Tinker enjoys a great relationship with our friends in the greater Oklahoma City area and cannot excel without their unfailing support."

The lawmakers were able to view a static display of the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft used to carry out airborne surveillance and communications functions for both tactical and air defense forces.

"We had the opportunity to showcase what is going on at Tinker so people across the country can understand how critically important Tinker is to the nation's defense," said Oklahoma Rep. Gary Banz. "Most people don't know the extent of the work that goes on at an installation like Tinker."

The visiting legislators are members of the Council of State Government Officials, and the tour was a part of the four-day Annual State Trends and Leadership Forum held in Oklahoma City.

The Council of State Governments is a multi-branch organization established in the 1930s that forecasts policy trends and champions state sovereignty. It also alerts state elected and appointed officials to emerging social, economic and political trends.

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