Introduction to Fairchild AFB
Fairchild Air Force Base, located in Washington state, is a United States Air Force base that serves as the home of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing. The base is situated approximately 12 miles west of Spokane, Washington, and is named after General Muir S. Fairchild, a World War II commander. Fairchild AFB has a rich history, dating back to 1942, and has played a significant role in the country’s military operations.
History of Fairchild AFB
The history of Fairchild AFB is a long and storied one, with the base being established in 1942 as the Spokane Army Air Field. During World War II, the base served as a training facility for B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator bomber crews. In the post-war period, the base was renamed Fairchild Air Force Base in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild. Over the years, the base has undergone several transformations, with various units and commands being stationed there. Today, Fairchild AFB is home to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, which operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.
Mission and Operations
The primary mission of Fairchild AFB is to provide air refueling and transportation services to support the country’s military operations. The 92nd Air Refueling Wing is responsible for operating and maintaining the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which is used to refuel other aircraft in mid-air. The wing also provides aerial port and passenger services, as well as medical evacuation and humanitarian assistance support. Fairchild AFB also hosts several other units, including the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard and the 336th Training Group.
Quality of Life
Fairchild AFB offers a high quality of life for its personnel and their families. The base is located in a scenic area, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and fishing. The base itself has a range of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, fitness center, and child development center. The surrounding area also offers a range of cultural and entertainment options, including the city of Spokane, which is home to several museums, theaters, and festivals.
Getting There and Getting Around
Fairchild AFB is located approximately 12 miles west of Spokane, Washington, and is accessible by car via Highway 2. The base is also served by the Spokane International Airport, which is located about 10 miles east of the base. Once on base, there are several options for getting around, including a shuttle bus service and a bicycle rental program. Personnel and their families can also use their personal vehicles to get around the base and surrounding area.
Base Amenities
Fairchild AFB has a range of amenities to support the needs of its personnel and their families. Some of the base amenities include: * Commissary: a grocery store that offers a range of food and household items at discounted prices * Exchange: a department store that offers a range of products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods * Fitness center: a gym that offers a range of equipment and classes to support physical fitness * Child development center: a childcare facility that provides care and education for children from birth to age 12 * Medical clinic: a medical facility that provides routine and emergency medical care * Dental clinic: a dental facility that provides routine and emergency dental care
Off-Base Housing
Personnel and their families who are assigned to Fairchild AFB have several options for off-base housing. Some of the surrounding communities include: * Spokane: a city located about 10 miles east of the base, which offers a range of housing options, including apartments, houses, and condominiums * Airway Heights: a city located about 5 miles west of the base, which offers a range of housing options, including apartments, houses, and condominiums * Medical Lake: a city located about 10 miles west of the base, which offers a range of housing options, including apartments, houses, and condominiums
Education
There are several education options available to personnel and their families who are assigned to Fairchild AFB. Some of the options include: * On-base schools: Fairchild AFB has several schools located on base, including an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school * Off-base schools: there are several schools located in the surrounding communities, including public and private schools * Higher education: there are several colleges and universities located in the surrounding area, including Gonzaga University and Washington State University
Healthcare
Fairchild AFB has a range of healthcare options available to personnel and their families. Some of the options include: * Medical clinic: a medical facility that provides routine and emergency medical care * Dental clinic: a dental facility that provides routine and emergency dental care * Mental health services: a range of mental health services, including counseling and therapy * Pharmacy: a pharmacy that provides prescription medications and over-the-counter medications
👉 Note: Personnel and their families should always check with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific needs.
Recreation and Leisure
There are several recreation and leisure options available to personnel and their families who are assigned to Fairchild AFB. Some of the options include: * Outdoor recreation: the base is located in a scenic area, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, and fishing * Base amenities: the base has a range of amenities, including a fitness center, pool, and library * Surrounding area: the surrounding area offers a range of cultural and entertainment options, including the city of Spokane, which is home to several museums, theaters, and festivals
| Activity | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hiking | Riverside State Park | Free |
| Skiing | Schweitzer Mountain Resort | $50-$100 |
| Fishing | Spokane River | $20-$50 |
In summary, Fairchild AFB is a great place to live and work, with a range of amenities and services available to support the needs of personnel and their families. From its scenic location to its range of recreation and leisure options, Fairchild AFB has something for everyone.
What is the primary mission of Fairchild AFB?
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The primary mission of Fairchild AFB is to provide air refueling and transportation services to support the country’s military operations.
What types of aircraft are operated at Fairchild AFB?
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Fairchild AFB operates the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft, which is used for air refueling and transportation missions.
What amenities are available at Fairchild AFB?
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Fairchild AFB has a range of amenities, including a commissary, exchange, fitness center, child development center, medical clinic, and dental clinic.
What are the surrounding communities like?
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The surrounding communities, including Spokane, Airway Heights, and Medical Lake, offer a range of housing options, schools, and cultural and entertainment activities.
How do I get to Fairchild AFB?
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Fairchild AFB is located approximately 12 miles west of Spokane, Washington, and is accessible by car via Highway 2. The base is also served by the Spokane International Airport.
