Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gary Sowa, 56th Air Refueling Squadron operations flight chief, briefs Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, on the capabilities of the KC-46A Pegasus at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. The KC-46 is one of two aerial refueling aircraft at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, greets Capehart housing community representatives at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. The team visited homes on base to discuss plans for future construction and renovation projects during a tour with the 97th Air Mobility Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Boyd (left), 56th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) commander, and Tech. Sgt. Amy James (right), 56th ARS chief of student management, gives a tour of a KC-46A Pegasus to Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, and his team at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. The KC-46A’s modernized cargo deck can accommodate a mixed load of passengers, patients and cargo and brings enhanced safety features to the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Marc Cotledge, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen dorm leader, presents a newly built dorm room to Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. The new dorms will provide more living areas for current Airmen in training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

Leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing brief Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, during a base tour at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. Congressman Lucas represents Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District, which includes 32 counties in northern and western Oklahoma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

Roe Worbes, Altus Public Schools superintendent, and Judith Mott, 97th Force Support Squadron school liaison program manager, discuss Mendel Rivers Elementary public school on a military installation report with Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. Worbes discussed the conditions of local schools and plans to rebuild and improve the learning environment for children at Altus AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

Rep. Frank Lucas, Oklahoma congressman, poses for a photo with members of his team, community and 97th Air Mobility Wing leaders in a KC-46 Pegasus at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022. The team discussed the next generation aircraft’s ability to provide aerial refueling by using a 3-D vision system, among other topics, ensuring the Air Force’s ability to respond globally and sustain the fight. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray)

Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas visits the ‘Mighty 97th’

Published May 3, 2022
By Airman 1st Class Miyah Gray
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.-- Oklahoma Representative Frank Lucas and his team visited Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 22, 2022, to learn about the base’s training mission, surrounding community impact, and future installation infrastructure improvements.

After an initial briefing, 56th Air Refueling Squadron aircrew members hosted Lucas and gave a first hand-tour of a KC-46 Pegasus to demonstrate the wing’s newest weapon system capabilities and modernization of the United States Air Force’s next generation aircraft.

Col. Blaine Baker, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, said Lucas’ visit to Altus provided him a valuable glimpse into the wing’s newest mission, as the sole training location of all USAF KC-46A Pegasus aircrews.

“We were thrilled to welcome Congressman Lucas back to Mobility’s Hometown,” Baker said. “It is important for him to spend the time seeing how we train the most inspired, proficient, and adaptive mobility Warriors. Our hopes for his visit are that he gained a better understanding of our unique mission here at the Mighty 97th and the mobility airpower we provide America."

Lucas’ team saw new installation updates to the base gate, the growth of base housing and future building plans to update Mendel Rivers Elementary school.

“It’s important that we show leaders that we don’t only train Airmen,” said Maj. Karissa Greene, 97th Force Support Squadron operations officer. “We also have a large presence in the community and we’re ready to help wherever and whenever we can.”

Lucas finished his tour by visiting base dormitories. The dorms are currently under construction, but when completed, will house over 100 Airmen.

Lucas’ said his visit to the 97th AMW is indicative of the need for Congress to support the base’s mission and the Airmen stationed here.

“We'd like to think that our commitments in Congress are meeting both the equipment and technology needs of Altus AFB, and also the quality of life requirements,” said Lucas. “We will step up to help you address the things that you're going to have to step up to. We have to be prepared in every way.”