PCS Guide: 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Published Sept. 6, 2011 By Senior Airman Anne Gathua 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Fairchild Air Force Base, located outside Spokane, Wash., is the host unit of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing and the Washington Air National Guard's 141st Air Refueling Wing. Tenant units include the 509th Weapons Squadron, the 336th Training Group, the 368th Recruiting Squadron, Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, Detachment 13, 373rd Training Squadron and Office of Special Investigations Det. 322. More than 5,000 people work on base. HISTORY 92nd ARW The 92nd ARW has a proud, rich history and has been a vital part of our nation's defense since its activation March, 1942 at Barksdale Field, La. Originally called the 92nd Bombardment Group, the 92nd flew the B-17 Flying Fortress. During the war years, the 92nd completed more than 300 combat missions. The 92nd BG was inactivated on February 28, 1946, at Istres, France, and remained inactive until Aug. 4 of that same year when it was reactivated as the 92nd BG. The Group arrived at what was then called Spokane Army Air Field, flying the advanced bomber of their day, the B-29 Super Fortress, July 15, 1947. With the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, the group deployed to Japan and Okinawa. After only a few months, General Douglas MacArthur released the 92nd to return to the states. Upon its return to Spokane, the 92nd was re-designated the 92nd Bombardment Wing. Spokane AFB was renamed Fairchild AFB in November 1950, in memory of the late Air Force Vice Chief of Staff General Muir S. Fairchild, a native of Bellingham, Wash. The formal dedication ceremony was held July 20, 1951, to coincide with the arrival of the wing's first B-36. 141st ARW Since its creation in 1924, the 141st ARW has trained, equipped, and deployed dedicated Citizen Airmen in response to national crises and state emergencies. The 141st ARW is a component of the Military Department of the State of Washington. In its federal role, the 141st provides worldwide air refueling to US and allied aircraft, counterdrug surveillance and interdiction, and combat support across the spectrum of conflict. Most recently, members of the unit were activated and deployed under Partial Mobilization authority for duty in support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Crews and aircraft are currently on alert in support of Homeland Defense. In its state role, the 141st mobilizes under the authority of the governor of Washington to protect life and property during state emergencies and natural disasters. The unit is equipped with 8 KC-135Rs (currently in conversion to 8 KC-135Rs) and one RC-26B. Fairchild AFB history and information are gathered from historical facts. Courtesy of the 17th Training Wing Public Affairs.