The official name of the air force base located in Oklahoma is Tinker Air Force Base. However, its official name is tied to its rich history and the person it was named after. Tinker Air Force Base was named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, a career United States Army Air Forces officer and a major general who was the first Native American to attain the rank of major general in the U.S. Army.
History and Significance of Tinker Air Force Base
Tinker Air Force Base has a long and storied history, dating back to 1942 when it was established as the Midwest Air Depot. The base was initially used for the repair and maintenance of aircraft, and it played a critical role in the war effort during World War II. Over the years, the base has undergone several name changes, with its current name being adopted in 1942 in honor of Major General Tinker.
Major General Clarence L. Tinker
Major General Clarence L. Tinker was a distinguished career officer who served in both World War I and World War II. He was born in 1887 in Osage County, Oklahoma, and was a member of the Osage Nation. Tinker graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1909 and went on to serve in various roles throughout his career, including as a pilot, commander, and staff officer.
| Rank | Date |
|---|---|
| Second Lieutenant | September 14, 1909 |
| First Lieutenant | July 1, 1916 |
| Captain | May 15, 1917 |
| Major | August 5, 1917 |
| Lieutenant Colonel | October 1, 1932 |
| Colonel | March 1, 1936 |
| Brigadier General | October 1, 1940 |
| Major General | January 17, 1942 |
Tinker Air Force Base is a testament to the enduring legacy of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, and it continues to play a vital role in the United States military. The base is home to several major commands, including the Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the 72nd Air Base Wing.
Key Facts About Tinker Air Force Base
Here are some key facts about Tinker Air Force Base:
- Tinker Air Force Base is located in Oklahoma, approximately 8 miles southeast of Oklahoma City.
- The base covers an area of approximately 4,300 acres.
- Tinker Air Force Base is home to over 26,000 military and civilian personnel.
- The base has a total annual budget of over $3 billion.
- Tinker Air Force Base is one of the largest employers in Oklahoma, with over 30,000 jobs.
Key Points
- Tinker Air Force Base was named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, a career United States Army Air Forces officer and a major general who was the first Native American to attain the rank of major general in the U.S. Army.
- The base has a long and storied history, dating back to 1942 when it was established as the Midwest Air Depot.
- Tinker Air Force Base is home to several major commands, including the Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the 72nd Air Base Wing.
- The base covers an area of approximately 4,300 acres and is home to over 26,000 military and civilian personnel.
- Tinker Air Force Base is one of the largest employers in Oklahoma, with over 30,000 jobs.
In conclusion, Tinker Air Force Base is a vital installation with a rich history and a significant role in the United States military. The base is named in honor of Major General Clarence L. Tinker, a distinguished career officer who served in both World War I and World War II. With its diverse range of missions and its commitment to excellence, Tinker Air Force Base continues to play a critical role in supporting the nation's defense.
What is the official name of the air force base located in Oklahoma?
+The official name of the air force base located in Oklahoma is Tinker Air Force Base.
Who was Major General Clarence L. Tinker?
+Major General Clarence L. Tinker was a career United States Army Air Forces officer and a major general who was the first Native American to attain the rank of major general in the U.S. Army.
What is the significance of Tinker Air Force Base?
+Tinker Air Force Base is a vital installation with a rich history and a significant role in the United States military. The base is home to several major commands, including the Air Force Materiel Command, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, and the 72nd Air Base Wing.
