The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
41°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report

Color Scheme

Subscribe now

City of Spokane cleared for takeoff

Col. Scott Hanson and Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession attended ceremonies at Fairchild Air Force Base on Wednesday. Hanson, who commands the 92nd Air Refueling Wing based at Fairchild, joined Hession in unveiling a KC-135 refueling tanker named for Spokane. (photos by Christopher Anderson / The Spokesman-Review)
By Amy Cannata amyc@spokesman.com
Col. Scott Hanson and Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession attended ceremonies at Fairchild Air Force Base on Wednesday. Hanson, who commands the 92nd Air Refueling Wing based at Fairchild, joined Hession in unveiling a KC-135 refueling tanker named for Spokane. (photos by Christopher Anderson / The Spokesman-Review)

The City of Spokane can now visit cities and countries all over the world.

Fairchild Air Force Base officials Wednesday dedicated a new KC-135 tanker named City of Spokane, in honor of the base’s community.

The plane, an almost 40-year-old veteran of conflicts including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and recent Iraq missions, is now decorated with an outline of Washington state, the Riverfront Park clock tower and pavilion, and lilacs on its nose.

“This is the embodiment of the relationship between Fairchild Air Force Base and this community,” said Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession.

Another KC-135 flew low and slow overhead to mark the ceremony, attended by both airmen and local officials just three days before the kick-off of Fairchild’s annual Skyfest air show and open house.

Dedicating key base aircraft to their local communities is an Air Force tradition, said 2nd Lt. Tristan Hinderliter, with Fairchild’s public affairs office.

Nose art is also a large part of Air Force heritage, said 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander Col. Scott Hanson.

The pictures tell a story and represent the aircraft and wing’s place in the community and nation, said Hanson.

“The city of Spokane has a tradition of tremendous community support of the base,” he said, adding, the plane is a show of appreciation for that support.

Staff Sgt. Victor Storms designed the nose art based on previous designs and his own inspiration.

“It’s pride in your base, pride in your job,” he said.

This isn’t the first City of Spokane tanker to fly out of Spokane. Three previous KC-135s have been given the designation. A B-29 bomber also carried Spokane’s name in the 1940s.

The last KC-135 named after Spokane is still at Fairchild, but the newest designee has the tail number 58-0092, which ties directly to the 92nd Air Refueling Wing at Fairchild, said public affairs officer Maj. Carol Gering. That gives this plane more significance and prestige than others in Fairchild’s fleet, Gering added.

“It’s our showcase plane,” she said.