Tinker leaders outline future mission, workforce needs at AERO Oklahoma

Published April 16, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Joseph Luther Callaway Jones
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Leaders from Tinker Air Force Base engaged Oklahoma lawmakers, aerospace representatives, students and community members across multiple events at the State Capitol April 1, 2026, during Aviation and Aerospace Day, highlighting the role of the state’s aerospace industry and its impact on national defense.

AERO Oklahoma is an annual event at the Oklahoma State Capitol that brings together military, industry and government leaders to engage lawmakers and promote the state’s aviation, aerospace and defense sector. The event serves as a key opportunity to strengthen partnerships between state leadership, industry and the Department of the Air Force.

group of people and photographers — Air Force personnel listen to opening remarks alongside civilian attendees at the Aviation and Aerospace Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City, April 1, 2026. AERO Oklahoma is an annual event that focuses on aviation, aerospace, and defense awareness, with Tinker Air Force Base providing a central role in Oklahoma’s $44 billion aerospace and defense industry. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice)

The event featured engagements across multiple venues, including keynote remarks in the Capitol rotunda, a military appreciation luncheon and the Aerospace Commerce Economic Services legislative briefing, where leaders from Tinker Air Force Base and the Air Force Sustainment Center connected with lawmakers, industry partners and educators.

Tinker AFB, the state’s largest single-site employer with more than 25,000 personnel, plays a central role in Oklahoma’s $44 billion aerospace and defense industry, the second-largest sector in the state behind energy, said Col. Cisco Harris, Tinker installation commander.

“But our true value isn't just in today's numbers; it’s in tomorrow’s vision,” said Harris. “As we look towards the next decade, we are pivoting to software development, B-52 modernization, and becoming the future depot home of the B-21 Raider.”

Wide shot showcasing speaker and artwork — Col. Cisco Harris, Tinker Air Force Base installation commander, speaks at the military appreciation luncheon during the Aviation and Aerospace Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City, April 1, 2026. AERO Oklahoma provided service members a chance to glimpse aerospace and aviation from a different perspective and engage with state legislators and elected officials. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice)

The addition of the bomber campus is expected to create new opportunities for employment while expanding Tinker’s role in global power projection.

Throughout the event, leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration between military, industry and state partners to support Oklahoma’s aerospace sector and ensure continued mission readiness.

Air Force General in front of screen with her name — Lt. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, speaks on the components of maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft to attendees of the Aviation and Aerospace Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol in Oklahoma City, April 1, 2026. Hammerstedt voiced her enthusiasm for the next generation that want to make airplanes part of their career. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sarah Brice)

Lt. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt, AFSC commander and Brig. Gen. Lindsay Droz, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex commander, discussed efforts to strengthen Oklahoma’s industrial base and workforce pipeline, reinforce Tinker’s role in national defense, and capitalize on alignment between state policy, industry and installation leadership to ensure long-term capability.

large room of circle tables — Brig. Gen. Lindsay Droz, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex commander, speaks at the Aerospace Commerce Economic Services annual legislative briefing and luncheon during the Aviation and Aerospace Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City, April 1, 2026. Droz spoke on workforce development, the role Tinker Air Force Base has in supporting national defense and opportunities where the state can better align to support the Tinker mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ashley Roberts)

Tinker AFB serves as a critical hub for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, supporting global operations and national defense through its no-fail missions and multi-capable workforce.