ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing hosted U.S. Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, member of SASC, for a visit at Altus Air Force Base Oklahoma, April 12, 2024.
The SASC is a senate committee that holds legislative jurisdiction over the nation’s military, including the Department of Defense, military research, benefits for military members and more.
Reed and Mullin’s visit to Altus AFB was one of several stops they made while touring Oklahoma’s military installations. They were able to gain insight into the wing’s mission and installation updates at Altus AFB.
During the engagement, attendees met with 97th AMW leadership for a mission brief and toured a KC-46 Pegasus static display to learn about staffing and maintenance needs.
Col. Jeff Marshall, 97th AMW commander, shared his thoughts on the impact the visit played in providing insight and continued support.
“It is an honor to have Senator Reed and Senator Mullin visit Mobility’s Hometown,” said Marshall. “Visits like this are important to ensure that our nation’s leaders understand our current priorities and challenges, as well as the exceptional mobility Airmen we produce to deliver airpower for America and its allies.”
The tour concluded with a visit to Hangar 285 and the new firehouse to view construction updates while highlighting mission readiness at Altus AFB.
The significance of the visit was clear, as expressed by Mullin.
“I was glad to welcome Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed to Altus Air Force Base so he could see firsthand how Oklahoma’s Airmen and civilian employees are strengthening the future of the Air Mobility Command,” said Mullin. “As the committee considers annual defense funding for this upcoming fiscal year, I am confident the Chairman understands Altus’ critical role in maintaining our nation’s military readiness.