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Air Force chooses Tinker AFB as maintenance hub for new bomber fleet


Secretary of the Air Force Heather A. Wilson makes announcement at Tinker Air Force Base. (Caroline Vandergriff/KOKH)
Secretary of the Air Force Heather A. Wilson makes announcement at Tinker Air Force Base. (Caroline Vandergriff/KOKH)
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Tinker Air Force Base will play an integral role in maintaining the new B-21 Raider fleet.

“It is a wonderful base with a very important mission, and today I want to announce that its mission will be expanding,” said Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson.

Sec. Wilson visited Tinker AFB on Friday to share the news.

Tinker will become the hub for B-21 sustainment when the new bomber rolls out. The B-21 will eventually replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers. It’s a long-range, highly survivable aircraft capable of penetrating air defenses and conducting a range of critical missions. Tinker will be responsible for rebuilding parts and overhauling or upgrading equipment when necessary.

“When we look at the cost of aircrafts, 70 percent is in sustainment,” Wilson said. “It’s not just buying it, it’s the long term - what we do with those aircrafts to make sure they’re in tip top shape.”

Wilson said the Air Force chose Tinker for this mission because of its experience and expertise in maintaining large aircrafts.

“They’re saving time, they’re saving money, and they’re leading the way,” she said.

Wilson believes the move could potentially bring more than 1,000 new jobs to the base.

The new bombers will come on board in the mid-2020s. There is expected to eventually be more than 100 B-21s in the fleet.

Tinker will receive support from Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and Hill Air Force Base, Utah, to ensure the B-21 is maintained. They will support Tinker to overhaul and upgrade the B-21 when necessary.

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