Fairchild Air Force Base Guide: History & Support
This guide is important to you if you are a member of the Fairchild Air Force Base or if you are considering life at the Air Force Base. Military life is associated with huge changes, hard work, and even tough emotions such as stress, worry, or even alcohol or drug use. You are a proud […]
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on February 4, 2026 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy
This guide is important to you if you are a member of the Fairchild Air Force Base or if you are considering life at the Air Force Base. Military life is associated with huge changes, hard work, and even tough emotions such as stress, worry, or even alcohol or drug use. You are a proud member of our country, and you need some help when everything seems tough.
Fairchild Air Force Base is located in eastern Washington State, near Spokane. It is important in maintaining our Air Force as strong through air refueling and training. There are a lot of courageous individuals who work here daily.
We want to share clear facts about Fairchild AFB history, Fairchild military base info, Fairchild Air Force Base facilities, and fun facts about Fairchild AFB. The guide will make you feel more at home and will indicate where one can obtain help in case they require it in matters relating to mental health issues or addiction.
Table of Contents
What Is the Location of Fairchild Air Force Base?
The Fairchild Air Force Base is located approximately 12 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington. It is located in Airway Heights near expansive land and magnificent mountains. Its base area is approximately 4,300 acres with a height of approximately 2,463 feet.
It is easily accessible via Interstate 90 or US Highway 2. Spokane is a welcoming city with stores and parks, rivers and four seasons of weather. It is warm and dry in the summer, snowy in winter, and the fall color is amazing.
A lot of families are fond of living here as nature is close, and people living in the community are friendly towards military people.
Fairchild AFB History
Fairchild Air Force Base began in 1942 during World War II. Initially, it was the Spokane Army Air Depot. Planes were fixed by workers and parts were provided in combat in the Pacific.
The base became large after the war. It got new names over time:
Spokane Army Air Depot (1942)
Spokane Air Force Base (1948)
Fairchild Air Force Base (1950) -after General Muir S. Fairchild, a Washington pilot who assisted in spearheading the Air Force.
Main Units and Missions at Fairchild
Fairchild performs a significant task in defense in America. The main units include:
92nd Air Refueling Wing (active duty): This is a group that operates on KC-135 Stratotankers. They also fuel fighter jets, bombers, and other aircraft in the air, in order to extend missions further and extend their duration. They promote international connectivity and fast assistance in any place.
141 st Air Refueling Wing (Air National Guard): This Washington Guard force collaborates with the 92 nd. They practice and take refueling flights as well.
336 th Training Group: This is the school of SERE. The airmen are taught survival skills in the land, water and enemy grounds. This training saves lives.
Other organizations assist in medical assistance, security, and personnel recovery among others. Team Fairchild is comprised of approximately 8,600 active duty, Guard, reservists, and workers.
We all do it to ensure that we are safe and prepared by our forces.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077
Fairchild Air Force Base Facilities
There are numerous convenient locations to work and live in the base.
Key facilities include:
KC-135 runway and flight line.
Maintenance shops, fuel areas and hangars.
Check-up, mental health hospital, and medical clinics, emergency facilities.
Sports fields, fitness centers, and gyms.
Shopping and exchange at lower prices.
Restaurants, day care facilities, and children’s schools.
It has a library, a chapel, and community centers, which are used to support groups and events.
On-base or local housing for families.
There are also family programs available in the base, such as youth activities, spouse groups and relocation assistance. There are public bus routes, and it is cheap to save money using a vanpool.
Life at Fairchild: What to Expect
Residing in Fairchild is adventurous and communal. Spokane has entertainment activities such as hiking, skiing, fishing rivers, and zoos. There are events, museums and good food in the city.
According to military families, the place is usually welcoming. Nature assists people in taking a break after hectic days.
Stress can come with service life. Hours on duty, deployments, and absence of family weigh up. There are individuals who resort to drinking or drugs. In case that happens to you or to a close person, you can know that someone is here to help immediately. We know how you are under pressure. Reaching out shows strength.
Mental Health and Support for Fairchild Service Members
The Air Force is concerned with not only your physical health but also your mental health at Fairchild. On-base teams have counseling services, stress management services, and PTSD, anxiety, depression, or substance use assistance.
In case addiction turns into an issue, such as alcohol, opioids, or other substances, special programs may help to detox, rehabilitate, and recover with safe regimes. Most service members do not only come back better, but they also come back stronger.
We Level Up Washington is located in close proximity to Spokane Valley. We support addicted and mentally ill military personnel and veterans. Our service is familiar with military life and provides warm, personal attention.
We provide:
- Medical detox to stop safely.
- Inpatient recovery through treatment and assistance.
- Two-fold diagnosis treatment of addiction and other conditions, such as depression.
- Aftercare is necessary in order to remain robust in the long term.
- You have served us–do we serve you now? Anytime call and talk freely and with care.
- Get to know more about our treatment programs for addiction.
Learn about mental health support for veterans.
Fun Facts About Fairchild AFB
Here are some cool things:
- Fairchild services more aircraft than nearly any base – it gets its title of Tanker Hub of the Northwest.
- The SERE training facility imparts the skills that are applied by the pilots and the special forces globally.
- The base had made its largest takeoff in the history of the 20 KC-135s taking off sequentially.
- It is located close to the great outdoor activities, such as Mount Spokane, where there is hiking and snow sports.
- Fairchild has been involved in large operations such as Desert Storm and continues to support it today.
These facts indicate the significant role that Fairchild plays.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the location of Fairchild Air Force Base?
It is located 12 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington in Airway Heights. Conveniently located on major highways.
What is the primary mission in Fairchild AFB?
Air refueling with KC-135 planes. The 141st and 92nd Wings have fighters and bombers that are flying long distances.
And what are the units that are home to Fairchild?
SERE school of 92nd Air Refueling Wing, 141 st Air Refueling Wing (Guard), and 336th Training Group.
What is the start date of Fairchild Air Force Base?
It started in World War II in 1942 as a repair shop. Named Fairchild in 1950.
Is Fairchild well supported mentally?
Yes! Counseling in on-base clinics. Close by facilities such as We Level Up WA assist in addiction, as well as stress.
Is there adequate family living at Fairchild AFB?
Yes. There are fun activities, housing, schools, and other amenities in Spokane, and nature is nearby.
Take a Step Forward
Fairchild Air Force Base is a history-rich and team-built place with significant missions. You and your family contribute and help a lot. When you feel stressed, sad or using drugs, you can find relief here.
A lot of service members get hope and are healed. You can too. Call now and have a good no-pressure talk. At We Level Up Washington, we understand the challenges military personnel face, and we want to help you recover. Call (509) 348-4077 now. A single step brings calmness, power, and a brighter future. You have a right to it, we are there to help you.
End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.
Hotline: (509) 348-4077