TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- The enduring positive impacts of the Air Force Sustainment Center on the Midwest communities surrounding Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma was the focus of the keynote address by the center's senior leader March 15.
Lt. Gen. Gene Kirkland, AFSC commander, gave a State of the Air Force Sustainment Center to the Midwest City Chamber of Commerce, where he updated chamber members on the current state of Tinker Air Force Base as well as future plans and the overall effect the base has on the Oklahoma economy.
Kirkland referred to military bases economic engines for the communities they serve. Last year, Tinker awarded more than $1 billion in contracts to small Oklahoma-based businesses and another $2.7 billion to companies in Oklahoma. Tinker is also Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer, with 17,000 civilian and 9,000 military employees and an economic impact of $4.55 billion to the state.
Kirkland emphasized the importance of small businesses in the sustainment of the Air Force as well as their vitality in executing the agility and innovation called for by our National Defense Strategy. Kirkland went on to discuss a comprehensive 20-year organic depot infrastructure plan designed to ensure continued cost-effective sustainment for the warfighter.
These plans include Tinker continuing preparations for the KC-46 Tanker sustainment campus, which will consist of 14 different hangars and create 1,355 jobs under the quality job program, as well as the announcement that the base would become the sustainment home of the B-21 Bomber. The propulsion directorate is also evaluating options to re-engine the B-52 and Tinker is currently looking at a one-for-one replacement for the TF33 engine for the fleet of 76 B-52 Bombers the base houses.
Tinker’s $12.9 million air traffic control tower is also scheduled to open this summer and will provide unique training opportunities.
Kirkland addressed the ongoing challenge of improving mission capable rates on a number of weapons systems as Air Force senior leaders have announced an initiative referred to as MC-80. This initiative strives for 80 percent mission capable rates on the F-16, F-22 and F-35 fleets this fiscal year.
According to Kirkland, the AFSC is on its way to meeting that goal and the center is already taking steps to succeed when the initiative transitions to focus on other weapons systems with quick fleet modernization and acquisition reform playing a key role. Other areas of focus include robotics and automation, corrosion detection and repair, non-destructive inspection and advanced composite repair technologies.
Kirkland says that to keep the pace, Tinker needs to evolve with agility and speed, discussing hiring needs the base sees in regards to software and cybersecurity professionals. According to Kirkland, Tinker AFB could hire every electrical or software professional produced each year in the state of Oklahoma, and still not have enough to meet requirements. He emphasized the importance of advocating for science, technology, engineering and mathematics education programs that will improve the pipeline of students pursuing STEM degrees.
Senior Air Force leadership also has a priority of building a more lethal and ready force, which includes a goal of increasing the number of operational squadrons from 312 to 386 by 2030.
Kirkland says that the key to moving forward is in strengthening alliances with businesses, industry and academia and that to succeed in a new strategic environment, Tinker will continue to find ways to go faster, reduce the cost of acquisition and sustainment and continue to work toward innovation.