ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque is the fifth largest base in the United States Air Force, and one of the ‘crown jewels’ of national security. This week, two guests from KAFB join Chris and Gabby to explain some of the critical missions happening on base.
Ever wonder about KAFB’s economic impact in New Mexico? Colonel Jason Okumura, Commander of the 377th Mission Support Group at Kirtland AFB, and Chief Master Sgt. Justin Romo, the 377th Air Base Wing Inspector General and Wing Staff Agency SEL, explains how the 52,000-acre base supports roughly 25,000 military and civilian personnel.
Listeners can also learn more about the public’s upcoming chance to get up close and personal with aircraft at Kirtland’s first air show in six years. The Kirtland Air Fiesta takes place from May 31 to June 1, 2025.
What should people expect to see? And what makes Albuquerque such a unique training environment for pilots? Those questions and more are addressed in the full interview above.
Stay informed with the latest news by subscribing to the New Mexico News Insiders podcast wherever you listen. Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean, among others.
You can also watch our podcasts in video form, both on-air and online. Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE’s YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13.
Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term “KRQE” or “New Mexico News Insiders” (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.
If you have a question, comment, or suggestion for who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email your hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com.
