Altus Air Force Base (Altus AFB, AAFB) is a United States Air Force base located approximately east-northeast of Altus, Oklahoma. The host unit at Altus AFB is the 97th Air Mobility Wing (97 AMW), assigned to the Nineteenth Air Force (19 AF) of the Air Education and Training Command (AETC). The wing's mission is to provide C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus formal initial and advanced specialty training programs for up to 3,000 flight crew and aircraft maintenance students annually. Altus AFB was established in 1943 as Altus Army Airfield (AAF). The 97 AMW commander is Colonel Blaine L. Baker. The Vice Commander is Colonel Jason P. Pavelschak. The Command Chief Master Sergeant is Chief Master Sergeant Randy Kay II. Role and operations The 97 AMW consists of the following major units: 97th Operations Group Plans and executes C-17 and KC-135 formal school, initial and advanced specialty training programs for up to 3000 students annually. Sustains Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker and Boeing KC-46 Pegasus airland, airdrop and air refueling mobility forces, providing global reach for combat and contingency operations. Provides air traffic control and weather forecasting for flying operations. 97th Mission Support Group Provides mission, infrastructure, and community quality of life support for personnel and all assigned organizations on Altus AFB. Supports worldwide USAF taskings with deployment ready personnel and equipment. 97th Maintenance Group Provides maintenance and support to all assigned aircraft and provides the same maintenance support to transient aircraft, engines and associated ground equipment. To provide backshop support to all three aircraft while continuously improving environmental awareness and effectively managing maintenance resources, allowing the 97th Air Mobility Wing to perform its aircrew training mission. 97th Medical Group Ensures maximum wartime readiness and combat capability by promoting the health, safety and morale of active duty personnel. Staffs, trains, mobilizes and provides medical services in support of contingency operations worldwide. Develops and operates a prevention-oriented, cost-effective managed healthcare system for over 9,500 people. Based units Flying and notable non-flying units based at Altus Air Force Base. United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command (AETC) Nineteenth Air Force 97th Air Mobility Wing Headquarters 97th Air Mobility Wing 97th Comptroller Squadron 97th Operations Group 54th Air Refueling Squadron – KC-135R Stratotanker 56th Air Refueling Squadron – KC-46A Pegasus 58th Airlift Squadron – C-17A Globemaster III 97th Operations Support Squadron 97th Training Squadron 97th Maintenance Group