craigslist? :)

HA!

Maybe we should have put the GM plant on craigslist...

Now Why would a current serving TWO STAR GENERAL who certainly has more information on the status of Tinker be for a purchase like this and a two star general retired over twenty years be butting heads so publicly?????

Im sorry but I think I will go with the active duty officer at the base......

And lets not forget this self same retired general was dismissed from the Oklahoma CIty chamber of commerce for supporting positions the Chamber did not support.
:tiphat:

I will tell you why he supported the sTinker vote, the chamber has a nice cushy job or a few "speaking engagements" lined up for him as soon as he retires. Not mention I am sure a nice little thank you kick back is waiting for him after retirement.

Deleted

Hi Kevin, Nice to see someone using their own name. You are right about the numbers. Majority wins, but so few/by percentage are actually voting. Special elections massively favor special interests. It is for moneyed interest to sway and roll out a small subset of votes to get issues passed that benefit their interest. It is difficult for disparate opposition to battle against these kind of things. I believe if more people understood the issue the outcomes would be different - difficult to change but some of us are working on it.

Yes and those same Tinker officials have publicly committed $100million towards the necessary up grades to the plant in Federal monies....

How could this possibly have been budgeted in the current fiscal year when it wasn't even a proposal more than a couple of months ago?

Also, which upgrades, and when is work scheduled to begin? Which projects are these upgrades going to support at the GM facility? You don't have the answer to that, because you don't know what work - if any - is going there. Therefore you cannot know what kinds of upgrades are going in, and the "$100 million commitment" is a vapor commitment.



Further there are numerous old buildings currently on Tinker that will be shut down and torn down and the work moved to the facility.


Oh, I thought the GM plant was being purchased to bring Tinker thousands of new jobs, not just to shift the location of existing jobs.....



Further the Air Force is working towards private sector tenents for the unused portion of the building.


This is supposed to make the county's purchase of the GM plant and subsequent gift rental to Tinker sound better??? Listen to yourself - if the objective was to give it to private sector tenants, then county voters just got duped into the sacrifice of perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in facility rental revenue on top of the loss of property tax revenue formerly headed to the Mid Del school district? Now you've REALLY sold me on just how keen a project this was.

Further General Reno has also went through BRAC closures[/quote.]

He has never gone through a BRAC round as a Tinker commander.

[quote]
Further I would rather believe a current active two star general rather than a retired general that has been removed from several different positions because of his mouth.


Here we go again, crapping on Burpee. What in the world is your issue with him? His kid beat up yours and steal his lunch money or something? Burpee found hiimself at odds with the Chamber of Commerce because he refused to toe their line on several idiotic positions, and he was right in doing so. He spoke his mind about this most recent boondoggle, and again he was right in doing so.



Further when the move occurs and the jobs are relocated I will be sure to re-resurect this thread to show you .....you were wrong............maybe.
Time and only time will tell..........:tiphat:

If your buddies come through with the "thousands" of new jobs they promised in their advertising, you'll have every right to do so. But I'm not worried, because it isn't going to happen. And when that fails, your buddy Ray Vaughn and his minions won't have one shred of accountability for the Brooklyn Bridge they've sold the taxpayers.

Hey, I hope lots of jobs DO come here. But you've just said yourself they're going to transfer existing jobs in and fill the rest of the space with private sector tenants - doesn't sound like even a fraction of the "thousands of new jobs" your buddies promised. I'd love to think your idealized faith in our local county leaders were merited.

As someone else has pointed out, this debate is pointless, the vote has been taken, and everyone in Oklahoma county gets to foot the bill for this nonsense. Won't matter one penny to me, because I don't live in Oklahoma county, but scams like this still frustrate and annoy me to no end, for they prove that good ol' boy politics is alive and well.

I will tell you why he supported the sTinker vote, the chamber has a nice cushy job or a few "speaking engagements" lined up for him as soon as he retires. Not mention I am sure a nice little thank you kick back is waiting for him after retirement.

Oh pleezzeeee and next we have the sequel of the "Sky is falling"
:tiphat:

.
Here we go again, crapping on Burpee. What in the world is your issue with him? His kid beat up yours and steal his lunch money or something? [/I]

Dont think so. Son was 10th SF so I doubt a airforce wennie kid could do that.:tiphat:

You have an anger problem perhaps??????????? Or just dont like being contradicted????????

[QUOTE]The Air Force announced recently it is prepared to spend up to $100 million on moving operations to the plant and modifying the building for military manufacturing and repair uses
Tinker brass forecasting 5-year move to GM plant | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/article/3243764/)

See............Theres the commitment....Its in the paper.

Now back to the original premise.
Your argument is fallacious so you resort to retorts so childish as the above................

8y06NSBBRtY

Did anyone else happen to read the May 15th article by Bryan Dean? It was on the front page of the DOK Business section and titled, "Land use may put Tinker at risk". The jest of the story deals with the intent of City Officials in Del City to move forward with a plan, that would allow a proposed retail development to be built in an "Accident Protection Zone" located near I-40 and Sooner Road.

The proposed development will be too close to a runway at T.A.F.B. and would put the base at risk of being CLOSED. How crazy is that? Although I live in OKC, I also live in Clevland County. Thank God. But I would still feel sorry for, and hate to see you Oklahoma Countians spend $55,000,000. for nothing.

No, but the Midwest City Sun covered that back on the 11th of May.

The Sun - Del City retail site sits in accident zone (http://www.mwcsun.com/local/local_story_132200321.html)

I think MWC is just trying to keep Del City from developing competing retail from entering the area near Town Center.

If the crash zone were a true issue. I-40 would not exist, nor would the new Wal-Mart, the motel, the neighborhoods etc.

This nothing more than an issue of MWC saying "Hey Tinker, you scratch our back and play on the crash zone theory we will scratch yours and get you the funds for better gate access, your air show and any other thing you want to piss away tax dollars on."

I am sick of the corruption in our government on all levels. They pad each other's pockets while telling us "It is for the good of the economy." "We will lose jobs if X happens."

This crap right here is why people need to educate themselves and vote.

Spent the last few days getting ready to start work on the inside of the plant. I can't believe how much junk was left behind. I'm not sure it was such a good deal.:bright_id

Spent the last few days getting ready to start work on the inside of the plant. I can't believe how much junk was left behind. I'm not sure it was such a good deal.:bright_id

I'd like to get my hands on some of that junk, it's amazing how much good stuff the auto companies throw away.

I'd like to get my hands on some of that junk, it's amazing how much good stuff the auto companies throw away.

Yeah, like plans for GREAT cars.

Are those the same plans that paid employees an awesome pension and 60k a year to tighten the same two bolts on an assembly line?

It was five bolts. FIVE. And they only got four breaks and an hour for lunch.

Are those the same plans that paid employees an awesome pension and 60k a year to tighten the same two bolts on an assembly line?

Hence why they began having so many problems. The unions stopped doing what they were inteded to do and starting pissing and moaning about crap they didn't deserve. There is no reason why someone with only a high school education should have ever been paid even half that salary for assembly line work. Sorry, that may be harsh, but it's true. Why should I go get an education if I know I'll make more in some stupid screw on/off job?

Hey guys,

I just got a job offer to be an aircraft engine mechanic (wg 8602). Whats weird is they hired me over the phone without an interview or anything. I just have to go to the base on the 23rd and take a physical and fill out paperwork. Im a little caught off that the only person you get to talk to is an HR rep. I dont really know any true details of the job. Is this normal? I am a "special hiring authority" hire due to my VA preference points.

Im really hoping that someone on here can shed some light as to what the job really is? What are the work schedules like? I heard that I may get stuck on a 3 to midnight shift and they do a lot of mandatory overtime on saturday and stuff? If anyone can give me any insights what its like to work there I would really appreciate it.

Thanks

I sent you an email with some contact info. Hope it works out for you!

Whataya have to lose?

US Office of Personnel Management (http://WWW.OPM.GOV) This web site may help you. Go to search and type WG 8602.

http://newsok.com/u.s.-air-force-to-shut-down-600-employee-unit-at-tinker-air-force-base/article/3655139

Probably not a huge surprise as the Defense Department is facing some pretty serious cuts in funding. Sucks for the families that are effected by this.

thats one reason why ive never understood why so many oklahoma city residents consider themselves staunch republicans. this city is ran by government spending. then we turn around a pat ourselves on the back for getting more boeing jobs, those jobs are paid for by government spending...

cant yell and scream for budget cuts then get mad when they start cutting budgets.

There are big government Democrats and big government Republicans. The only difference is what they want to spend money on.

There are big government Democrats and big government Republicans. The only difference is what they want to spend money on.

Big government doesn't just mean spending either. For example, conservatives often like to get the government involved in an array of social issues like Oklahoma's drinking laws, contraception, or (gay) marriage. More involvement = big government, but conservatives often turn a blind eye to their big government priorities.

You might be confusing 'republican' with 'conservative'. No worries though, many 'republicans' mess that up also.

http://newsok.com/community-reacts-to-tinker-announcement/article/3655268

I think most Oklahomans don't realize how much federal government spending benefits the state, although some of that blame falls on local officials not telling people that this construction project was funded by federal money, or these jobs are here due to federal money. Heck, I gripe about federal spending but I love all the equipment that federal money buys us here at the lab I work at in the FAA. Frivolous spending is what most people complain about.

But to get back on topic, its good to see that the article ljbab posted said most people with the 3rd Herd will be moved someplace else so they're not out of a job. The brain drain is what will hurt the most. Interesting quote from the article as well, “Yes, it's a bummer,” he said. “But I believe there's going to be some good news down the line that will offset this.”

This is what happens when you go broke. Expect more of the same in the future. 48% of all federal spending is borrowed money.

this is not a done deal .. and might get some blow back in the house and senate ..

:omg:The military drawdown is terrible, our military is already stretched too thin, our equipment is getting used up and tired, this is a terrible decision.

As far as the civilian jobs are concerned, it's not a large percentage of those employed and can probably be handled with early retirements.

:omg:The military drawdown is terrible, our military is already stretched too thin, our equipment is getting used up and tired, this is a terrible decision.

As far as the civilian jobs are concerned, it's not a large percentage of those employed and can probably be handled with early retirements.

Of course the concern isn't just the immediate jobs that might be lost. Keep in mind that any of those people who might leave will affect other businesses that rely on them. It's a big trickle down effect.

And this is a positive spin on this by local officials.

http://newsok.com/midwest-city-chamber-official-says-tinkers-loss-could-be-central-oklahomas-gain/article/3655599

I think most Oklahomans don't realize how much federal government spending benefits the state, although some of that blame falls on local officials not telling people that this construction project was funded by federal money, or these jobs are here due to federal money. Heck, I gripe about federal spending but I love all the equipment that federal money buys us here at the lab I work at in the FAA. Frivolous spending is what most people complain about.


FWIW there was a Washington Post article written during the budget crisis last spring that focused specifically on OKC and the amount of government jobs here.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-okla-a-beneficiary-sours-on-federal-spending/2011/04/10/AFd24AHD_story.html

In regards to Tinker, my heart certainly goes out to people who will lose their jobs. But considering the amount of defense cuts coming down the pike (including another round of BRAC) this was almost a given.

FWIW there was a Washington Post article written during the budget crisis last spring that focused specifically on OKC and the amount of government jobs here.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/in-okla-a-beneficiary-sours-on-federal-spending/2011/04/10/AFd24AHD_story.html

In regards to Tinker, my heart certainly goes out to people who will lose their jobs. But considering the amount of defense cuts coming down the pike (including another round of BRAC) this was almost a given.

This article reinforces the fact that Oklahoma in spite of all the Republican leadership harping on big spending, is a major beneficiary of big government spending (talk about two faced). I hate to say it but Oklahoma may need to experience large federal cuts to its job base to truly understand the impact the dispised federal goverment contributes to the Oklahoma economy. The truth is Oklahoma is not sufficiently diversified to stand economically w/o government support. Without big oil, Oklahoma would have no significant industrial base. I wish uber conservative Oklahomans would stand by their voting patterns and give back all those high paying government jobs and rely solely on the private sector.

This article reinforces the fact that Oklahoma in spite of all the Republican leadership harping on big spending, is a major beneficiary of big government spending (talk about two faced). I hate to say it but Oklahoma may need to experience large federal cuts to its job base to truly understand the impact the dispised federal goverment contributes to the Oklahoma economy. The truth is Oklahoma is not sufficiently diversified to stand economically w/o government support. Without big oil, Oklahoma would have no significant industrial base. I wish uber conservative Oklahomans would stand by their voting patterns and give back all those high paying government jobs and rely solely on the private sector.

finally, im glad to hear a fellow oklahoman who actually 'gets' it.

Everybody wants government spending cut unless it affects them personally or their immediate community.

The problem is, no matter where the cuts are made, it affects lots of people so the local politicians do their best to stop it from happening or getting the decisions reversed, which pleases their constituents and keeps them in office. No mater if this particular program is really needed, especially when compared to thousands of others.

Everybody harps on about budget cuts but no one is willing to make any sacrifice. It's a broken system spiraling out of control.

this is pretty much a surgical cut. an entire unit. it doesn't starve ongoing operations creating a hollow force.

best wishes to members of 3rd Herd. They will continue to do great work until they retire the unit.

If i remember right, it wasa only 177 civilian jobs too and they weren't sure how they would re-distribute the military positions. Not that anyone is happy about losing that many residents of OKC, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that at least the majority of those employed by this group are not losing their jobs and that less than 200 civilian local jobs will be effected. Just trying to keep some positive outlook on the grim reality.

Anyone notice the giant arms and cables all around the water tower on Tinker? There's a giant cloth around the base. I guess it's being hoisted by the cables to cover the tower while they do maintenance.

They're more or likely painting them.

Like Soonerman said, They are painting the towers. They used the same setup when they painted the one on the base I was stationed on in Gulpfort, Ms. back in 1998.

WASHINGTON — Tinker Air Force Base officials are hoping 750 blue-collar employees will accept buyouts this fall as the aircraft maintenance center tries to align its workforce with the workload.

Civilian workers targeted for the early retirement and voluntary separation programs began receiving notices early this month to gauge interest. The effective dates for those who accept are expected to be in October or November.
This is the fourth round of buyouts at the base since 2011 but the first extended to mechanics and other “wage-grade” workers. The first three rounds resulted in about 210 early departures. Should base officials meet their goal this round, the state's largest single-site employer will have shed nearly 1,000 people in less than two years through buyouts.
The survey of workers began just before they were scheduled to take the first of 11 furlough days that will cost them 20 percent of their pay through September.
James Schmidt, the union representative for workers at the aircraft depot, said he thought the goal of 750 employees accepting the buyouts would be met. ...



source: http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3862036

House Approves Bid by Rep. Tom Cole to Prevent Some Furloughs | News OK (http://newsok.com/house-approves-bid-by-rep.-tom-cole-to-prevent-some-furloughs/article/3865174)

Rolls-Royce To Open Facility At Tinker Air Force Base
Posted: Oct 02, 2013 11:10 AM CDT Updated: Oct 02, 2013 11:10 AM CDT

By Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -
Global power systems provider Rolls-Royce plans to open a new engine depot services facility at Tinker Air Force Base to support the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle fleet.

The London-based company said Wednesday that the facility will be the first for Rolls-Royce at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex. The company has received a $49 million contract to establish the new facility, which is expected to begin operations in 2015.

Paul Craig, president of Rolls-Royce's defense services, says the new facility will permit the company to deliver the latest advances in support, tooling and design at the heart of its customer's operation.

The service facility will be created in an existing building and include new support equipment, tooling, work stations, assembly platforms and modification of an existing test cell

This sounds like a good win for the metro. Excellent news!

Excellent news, any word on how many jobs this may add?

What is the Rolls Royce building in Midwest City? What do they do specifically? I know I have seen one. I figured it was something to do with engines, just didn't know if they serviced them or sold them.

Rolls Royce is one of the larger aircraft engine manufacturers. Love a good 'roller'. Sounds like they will use this plant as a support facility for that engine platform. Perform upgrades as the technology advances. Most likely they will also overhaul those engines at this plant. Basically take them completely apart, repair and clean the engine, replace items that need to be replaced, and then return it to service as a refurbished engine.

Good new for new spending and ongoing missions at Tinker as well as Altus AFB.

Defense bill OKs more than $100 million for two Air Force bases in Oklahoma | News OK (http://newsok.com/defense-bill-oks-more-than-100-million-for-two-air-force-bases-in-oklahoma/article/3915824)

Tinker is a silent monster...

27,000 jobs not including Boeing and growing all the time.

They are also looking to acquire the huge rail yard that sits between the main base and the old GM plant.


I need to create a whole thread on this with aerials and such, because there is a ton going on there that few people know about.

Please do (create a general Tinker thread). Surprised there isn't one already.

Tinker is a silent monster...

27,000 jobs not including Boeing and growing all the time.

They are also looking to acquire the huge rail yard that sits between the main base and the old GM plant.


I need to create a whole thread on this with aerials and such, because there is a ton going on there that few people know about.

Just be careful about what you post and how specific. The Air Force takes their operation security (OPSEC) very seriously and wouldn't be thrilled about intimate details on the site. Sources and anonymous info is a different beast when it comes to national security (I'm sure you're well aware of all of this, just wanted to make sure it was in the open).

Please do (create a general Tinker thread). Surprised there isn't one already.

Actually, this is one. :)

Just be careful about what you post and how specific. The Air Force takes their operation security (OPSEC) very seriously and wouldn't be thrilled about intimate details on the site. Sources and anonymous info is a different beast when it comes to national security (I'm sure you're well aware of all of this, just wanted to make sure it was in the open).

Shucks, does that mean I can't post everything that Edward Snowden told me about?

Just be careful about what you post and how specific. The Air Force takes their operation security (OPSEC) very seriously and wouldn't be thrilled about intimate details on the site. Sources and anonymous info is a different beast when it comes to national security (I'm sure you're well aware of all of this, just wanted to make sure it was in the open).

Pretty sure he was planning on using new sources, press releases, and Google Earth. :D

Shucks, does that mean I can't post everything that Edward Snowden told me about?

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i199/imawingnut/Edward_Snowden_Mole_zps674767fc.jpg

Shucks, does that mean I can't post everything that Edward Snowden told me about?

A move to Moscow is in your future? Lol

Pretty sure he was planning on using new sources, press releases, and Google Earth. :D

It was more for people who might post what they know than Pete. I didn't think Pete would go rogue on us (but that would make this much more James Bond-ish).

Shucks, does that mean I can't post everything that Edward Snowden told me about?

Absolutely! Just don't do it from your cell phone so the NSA can't find you. (I'm starting to imagine them more as the old lady in Monsters, Inc than Orwellian: "Always watching...")