Governor visits Altus, touts ag and Air Force

Gov. Mary Fallin toured Altus Air Force Base Thursday afternoon and then served as keynote speaker during the annual Altus Chamber of Commerce banquet that evening.

Fallin was led on the tour by base officials that included visits to a new dormitory complex under construction, the fire rescue center, the base hangars and a simulator of the C17 aircraft.

The governor said that the importance of Oklahoma's military installations cannot be overemphasized.

"Our military installations are very important to the state and certainly to our national defense, but also a driver to Oklahoma's economy," she said. "We had a great tour of Altus Air Force Base and its facilities."

Fallin said that one project currently being pursued by base officials, the KC-46, could be especially beneficial to the base and the area's economy as it would provide more than 2,000 jobs and an economic impact of $360 million per year.

"We are very hopeful that Oklahoma will get a continuation of the expansion to Altus Air Force Base," she said.

Col. Tony Krawietz, commander of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at the base, said that local and regional support make it possible for Altus Air Force Base to succeed in its mission.

"We appreciate strong support not only from the Altus community, but from the entire state of Oklahoma," he said.

To read more, click on to the Lawton Constitution website -- http://www.swoknews.com/news-top/local/item/1436-governor-visits-altus-touts-ag-and-air-force