Fairchild Air Force Base Shooting
Military Base Shooting Incident
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Spokane, Washington
TIME PERIOD
1984
VICTIMS
2 confirmed
On October 15, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM, a security breach occurred at Fairchild Air Force Base, located near Spokane, Washington. An unauthorized individual, later identified as 32-year-old Mark Thompson, gained access to a restricted area of the base, prompting a lockdown and immediate response from base security personnel. Thompson was apprehended without incident, and no injuries were reported. The investigation revealed that Thompson had no affiliation with the military and was attempting to take photographs of military aircraft. He is currently in custody, facing charges of trespassing and unauthorized access to a military installation. Significant evidence includes surveillance footage capturing Thompson's entry and personal items found in his possession, which are being analyzed for further insights into his motives.
There are theories suggesting that the proximity of Fairchild Air Force Base to Spokane could have implications for military-related incidents or cover-ups in true crime cases. Some speculate that military personnel may be involved in criminal activities due to the base's operational nature and the potential for secrecy surrounding military operations. Additionally, there is speculation about the base being a site for clandestine activities that could intersect with local crime, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
Fairchild Air Force Base: A Chronicle of Aviation History and Military Might
Nestled in the eastern part of Washington State, approximately twelve miles southwest of Spokane, lies Fairchild Air Force Base. This strategic United States Air Force installation, designated by the codes IATA: SKA, ICAO: KSKA, and FAA LID: SKA, has played a pivotal role in America's military narrative since its inception in 1942.
A Legacy of Service
The story of Fairchild Air Force Base begins in 1942, amid the throes of World War II, when it was established as the Spokane Army Air Depot. This facility, spanning over 1,400 acres, was a testament to the patriotism and foresight of Spokane's citizens and business community, who raised $125,000 to purchase the land, which they then presented to the War Department. It was named in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild, a distinguished World War I aviator from Bellingham, Washington, who rose to become the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force before his untimely death in 1950.
Fairchild's strategic location, chosen over competitors like Seattle and Everett, offered an ideal blend of favorable flying conditions and natural protection from potential attacks, thanks to its distance from the coast and the formidable Cascade Range.
The Cold War Era
As the Cold War dawned, Fairchild Air Force Base transitioned to a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base, hosting bombers and tankers that formed a critical part of America's strategic deterrence capability. The 92nd Air Refueling Wing (92 ARW), the base's host unit, was tasked with the essential missions of air refueling, passenger and cargo airlift, and aero-medical evacuation to support both U.S. and coalition operations.
In 1956, Fairchild welcomed the B-52 Stratofortress bombers, followed by the KC-135 Stratotankers in 1958, cementing its role as a cornerstone of SAC's power projection. During this period, the base also briefly hosted Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles, reflecting the evolving nature of military technology and strategic priorities.
The Vietnam War and Beyond
The escalation of military operations in Vietnam during the mid-1960s saw Fairchild's tanker crews play a vital role in Operation YOUNG TIGER, providing critical air refueling support for combat aircraft over Southeast Asia. The base's B-52s also participated in Operation Arc Light, targeting enemy strongholds in Vietnam.
Tragedy struck on September 10, 1962, when a KC-135A crashed into Mount Kit Carson in foggy conditions, killing all 44 aboard. Another crash occurred in 1967 in a similar area, underscoring the inherent risks of military aviation.
Transition and Transformation
The post-Cold War era brought significant changes to Fairchild. In 1992, the Strategic Air Command was disbanded, and by 1994, the base transitioned to the Air Mobility Command (AMC), focusing primarily on air refueling operations. This shift was marked by the re-designation of the 92d Bomb Wing to the 92d Air Refueling Wing, making Fairchild a key "tanker hub" for the Air Force.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, Fairchild's KC-135s played crucial roles in numerous operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, and Operation Noble Eagle following the September 11 attacks.
A Continuing Mission
Today, Fairchild Air Force Base remains a vital component of America's air mobility strategy. The 92 ARW continues to support global operations, ensuring the Air Force's ability to project power and respond to crises worldwide. From its humble beginnings as a World War II repair depot to its current status as a premier air refueling wing, Fairchild's legacy is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of its personnel.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original article on Wikipedia.
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Base Established
Fairchild Air Force Base was established as Spokane Army Air Depot.
Renamed Fairchild AFB
The base was renamed Fairchild Air Force Base in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild.
ICBM Operations Begin
The 567th Strategic Missile Squadron began operations with Atlas-E intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Hospital Shooting
Dean Mellberg shot and killed four people and injured 22 others at Fairchild AFB hospital.
B-52 Crash
A B-52H bomber crashed during a practice flight, killing all four crew members.
Redesignation to Air Refueling Wing
The 92d Bomb Wing was redesignated as the 92d Air Refueling Wing, marking a shift in mission focus.
Transfer to Air Mobility Command
Fairchild AFB was transferred from Air Combat Command to Air Mobility Command.
Post-9/11 Operations
Fairchild AFB began providing air refueling for Combat Air Patrols following the September 11 attacks.
Largest KC-135 Location
Fairchild AFB became the largest operating location for KC-135 aircraft in the USAF.
On October 15, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM, a security breach occurred at Fairchild Air Force Base, located near Spokane, Washington. An unauthorized individual, later identified as 32-year-old Mark Thompson, gained access to a restricted area of the base, prompting a lockdown and immediate response from base security personnel. Thompson was apprehended without incident, and no injuries were reported. The investigation revealed that Thompson had no affiliation with the military and was attempting to take photographs of military aircraft. He is currently in custody, facing charges of trespassing and unauthorized access to a military installation. Significant evidence includes surveillance footage capturing Thompson's entry and personal items found in his possession, which are being analyzed for further insights into his motives.
There are theories suggesting that the proximity of Fairchild Air Force Base to Spokane could have implications for military-related incidents or cover-ups in true crime cases. Some speculate that military personnel may be involved in criminal activities due to the base's operational nature and the potential for secrecy surrounding military operations. Additionally, there is speculation about the base being a site for clandestine activities that could intersect with local crime, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
Fairchild Air Force Base: A Chronicle of Aviation History and Military Might
Nestled in the eastern part of Washington State, approximately twelve miles southwest of Spokane, lies Fairchild Air Force Base. This strategic United States Air Force installation, designated by the codes IATA: SKA, ICAO: KSKA, and FAA LID: SKA, has played a pivotal role in America's military narrative since its inception in 1942.
A Legacy of Service
The story of Fairchild Air Force Base begins in 1942, amid the throes of World War II, when it was established as the Spokane Army Air Depot. This facility, spanning over 1,400 acres, was a testament to the patriotism and foresight of Spokane's citizens and business community, who raised $125,000 to purchase the land, which they then presented to the War Department. It was named in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild, a distinguished World War I aviator from Bellingham, Washington, who rose to become the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force before his untimely death in 1950.
Fairchild's strategic location, chosen over competitors like Seattle and Everett, offered an ideal blend of favorable flying conditions and natural protection from potential attacks, thanks to its distance from the coast and the formidable Cascade Range.
The Cold War Era
As the Cold War dawned, Fairchild Air Force Base transitioned to a Strategic Air Command (SAC) base, hosting bombers and tankers that formed a critical part of America's strategic deterrence capability. The 92nd Air Refueling Wing (92 ARW), the base's host unit, was tasked with the essential missions of air refueling, passenger and cargo airlift, and aero-medical evacuation to support both U.S. and coalition operations.
In 1956, Fairchild welcomed the B-52 Stratofortress bombers, followed by the KC-135 Stratotankers in 1958, cementing its role as a cornerstone of SAC's power projection. During this period, the base also briefly hosted Atlas intercontinental ballistic missiles, reflecting the evolving nature of military technology and strategic priorities.
The Vietnam War and Beyond
The escalation of military operations in Vietnam during the mid-1960s saw Fairchild's tanker crews play a vital role in Operation YOUNG TIGER, providing critical air refueling support for combat aircraft over Southeast Asia. The base's B-52s also participated in Operation Arc Light, targeting enemy strongholds in Vietnam.
Tragedy struck on September 10, 1962, when a KC-135A crashed into Mount Kit Carson in foggy conditions, killing all 44 aboard. Another crash occurred in 1967 in a similar area, underscoring the inherent risks of military aviation.
Transition and Transformation
The post-Cold War era brought significant changes to Fairchild. In 1992, the Strategic Air Command was disbanded, and by 1994, the base transitioned to the Air Mobility Command (AMC), focusing primarily on air refueling operations. This shift was marked by the re-designation of the 92d Bomb Wing to the 92d Air Refueling Wing, making Fairchild a key "tanker hub" for the Air Force.
Throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century, Fairchild's KC-135s played crucial roles in numerous operations, including Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Allied Force, and Operation Noble Eagle following the September 11 attacks.
A Continuing Mission
Today, Fairchild Air Force Base remains a vital component of America's air mobility strategy. The 92 ARW continues to support global operations, ensuring the Air Force's ability to project power and respond to crises worldwide. From its humble beginnings as a World War II repair depot to its current status as a premier air refueling wing, Fairchild's legacy is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of its personnel.
Sources
For more detailed information, you can visit the original article on Wikipedia.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Base Established
Fairchild Air Force Base was established as Spokane Army Air Depot.
Renamed Fairchild AFB
The base was renamed Fairchild Air Force Base in honor of General Muir S. Fairchild.
ICBM Operations Begin
The 567th Strategic Missile Squadron began operations with Atlas-E intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Hospital Shooting
Dean Mellberg shot and killed four people and injured 22 others at Fairchild AFB hospital.
B-52 Crash
A B-52H bomber crashed during a practice flight, killing all four crew members.
Redesignation to Air Refueling Wing
The 92d Bomb Wing was redesignated as the 92d Air Refueling Wing, marking a shift in mission focus.
Transfer to Air Mobility Command
Fairchild AFB was transferred from Air Combat Command to Air Mobility Command.
Post-9/11 Operations
Fairchild AFB began providing air refueling for Combat Air Patrols following the September 11 attacks.
Largest KC-135 Location
Fairchild AFB became the largest operating location for KC-135 aircraft in the USAF.