TANG pumps $73M into Memphis

MEMPHIS - The 164th Airlift Wing of the Tennessee Air National Guard (TANG) does exactly what one would expect of an airborne unit operating out of the world's second largest cargo airport – moves supplies and equipment around the world. It operates at the NE corner of Memphis International Airport. The base has an economic impact of about $73 million it pumps directly or indirectly into the region. TANG provides jobs and payroll, and makes local purchases and capital improvements into the area - like a $1.2 million flight simulator and training facility unveiled last week. The 164th AW has 870 employees and annual payroll of about $43 million, says base commander, Col. Mark Devine. The flight simulator marked one of the final steps in the wing's conversion to C-17 Globemaster III from the C-5 Galaxy aircraft. Devine believes the Air Force has increased utilization of the wing to support combat operations and missions such as combat-related medevac flights between the Middle East, Germany and the U.S. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, 12/06/14)