Fairchild Air Force Base, situated just west of Spokane, Washington, near the town of Airway Heights, is a cornerstone of global reach for Air Mobility Command (AMC). Established during World War II, Fairchild AFB has a distinguished history and currently serves as one of the largest aerial refueling tanker bases in the U.S. Air Force. Its strategic Inland Northwest location provides excellent access for supporting operations across the Pacific and globally.

The host unit, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing (92 ARW), operates a large fleet of KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. The wing’s primary mission is to provide rapid and reliable aerial refueling, extending the range and endurance of U.S. and allied combat, transport, and surveillance aircraft worldwide. This “tanker hub” capability is essential for power projection and maintaining global mobility. Fairchild also works in close partnership with the 141st Air Refueling Wing of the Washington Air National Guard, which also flies the KC-135, exemplifying Total Force Integration.

Beyond its critical refueling mission, Fairchild AFB is home to another vital Department of Defense asset: the 336th Training Group, which conducts all Air Force Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training. This highly specialized school prepares aircrew members and other at-risk personnel to survive and return with honor from any isolating situation. The rugged terrain of Eastern Washington provides an ideal training environment for these demanding courses.

Military personnel and their families stationed at Fairchild AFB benefit from a strong relationship with the welcoming Spokane community and access to diverse four-season outdoor recreational activities, from nearby lakes and mountains to the urban amenities of Spokane. Fairchild remains committed to excellence, providing essential global air mobility support and world-class survival training.