'A special place': Outgoing commander values time in Fallon

During his three years in the Lahontan Valley as the commander of Naval Air Station Fallon, Capt. Shane Tanner immersed himself not only the local community, but also in his duties as a naval officer.

When he reported in March 2022 to what the Navy calls that hidden jewel in the Nevada desert, Tanner rolled up his sleeves, set out to improve the quality of life for the sailors assigned to the air station and became a familiar face at numerous events in the Lahontan Valley.

Now, Tanner and his family said their farewells after Friday’s change of command ceremony at NAS Fallon, and the family is on their way to Norfolk, Virginia, where he will be the chief of staff of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. Naval Station Norfolk is the headquarters and home port of the Navy’s Fleet Forces Command.

Looking back at his time in Fallon, Tanner discussed the future of NAS Fallon and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center and what the approved modernization of the Fallon Range Training Complex means to the Navy’s overall mission. Fallon, though, holds an additional spot in the Tanner family. Three daughters graduated from Oasis Academy and are attending Texas A&M University, and his wife Carli taught at Oasis.

The friendships mean much to Tanner.

“When you build those relationships, they can be more personal,” he said several days before his change of command. “You can build more personal and meaningful relations here. It seems like they have meant more.”

One daughter was also born in Fallon during his first tour here 20 years ago, and for each time Tanner came to Fallon for some type of flight training, he was coming to his second home. Tanner was first stationed at Fallon from 2004-7.

Tanner became an active member of the Rotary Club of Fallon and spoke at various events about his role as the commander — or what some would say — the mayor of Churchill County’s second largest city.

“Fallon is a special place, the people are special,” he said. “It’s going to be hard leaving.”

Tanner set out to improve the amenities available to sailors assigned to the sprawling military installation that stood up on the Nevada desert during World War II.

“You build a championship team and get the right people. Then you turn the services back on,” he said.

Tanner beams when discussing the importance of NAS Fallon. He said the mission in Fallon is training the fleet, both individuals and the unit. He said all the sailors and aviators are the standard bearers for the entire fleet and the training includes the numerous weapons schools that have been established. Additionally, Fallon has become a major training school for the Navy SEALs.

Tanner said 85% of the ordnance is exploded on the Navy ranges.

When Tanner arrived in Fallon three years ago, study after study had been completed on the feasibility of expanding the Fallon range to meet the current threats of the world. In order to do so, the Navy worked with the different tribal communities that were impacted with modernization.

“The 2023 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) passed legislation to update and modernize the FRTC to account for modern weapons systems and sensor technology to include long range standoff weapons, increasing the range from 230,000 acres to 790,000 acres of a live ordnance bombing range,” he said.

Tanner said the major key to success was bringing together the stakeholders and agencies from the federal, state, county and tribal levels by agreeing to language that would lead to the legislation’s passage.

Tanner said many facets of training occur at Fallon and involve different aircraft ranging from jets to fixed wing.

While NAS Fallon and the Navy look the future, Tanner said the 21st Century Fallon Campus has been planning for 35% growth in the tenant mission, materiel and personnel.

“This comprehensive space management and FRSM (facility sustainment, restoration and modernization) plan reorganized the entire base into functional campuses centered on mission and customer support and improved quality of service,” he said.

Tanner said the 10-to-20-year-old master plan is in alignment with the commander-in-chief’s FRSM objectives. At Fallon, he said the unaccompanied housing completed a modernization involving environmentally efficient windows, vinyl plank floors, furniture, artwork and stoves. The Child Development Center underwent improvements as well as the Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System, the food services and a complex housing the thrift store, consignment uniform store and a training classroom.

Tanner said NAS Fallon is different because 50% of the people train here but don’t live at the base.

“All personnel train here, but (they) don’t figure into the permanent party,” he stressed.

Tanner calls the temporary housing area of NAS Fallon as the community of champions. The housing is grouped within walking distance of many of the base’s services including the Navy Exchange, commissary, the Warrior Fitness Center, food establishments and base theater.

‘We built a championship team that produced championship results, no matter the challenge or obstacle,” he said.

As part of the Community of Champions program, Tanner said there was an increase in public outreach, environmental stewardship with the Navy hosting 164 Nevada Department of Wildlife personnel and volunteers to construct a 20,000 gallon “big game guzzler” or rain collector on the B-17 bombing range, conduct a wellness check once per year and make the RV park available for both a recreational and temporary lodging facility.

“This relieves the burden on sailors and families by providing a unique alternative for those who meet specific requirements while they wait for available housing,” he said.

For the permanent party, Tanner said 172 additional housing units have been approved and the phase is also tied into 16 units approved for Naval Air Weapons Station China Lakes 325 south of Fallon.

“We don’t have enough housing,” he said, citing the county is between 1,200 to 1,600 units short. “This is an issue for our junior sailors.”

Tanner said the units built within two to three years could be a boost for NAS Fallon. NAS Fallon last opened new housing before the COVID pandemic.

During his time in Fallon, Tanner has been a proponent of the local education community. Almost three years ago, the Churchill County School District received a Purple Star designation for all of its schools. The Purple Star program recognized the school district’s commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. He said Oasis Academy is moving in that direction and also provides a quality education at all levels.

“Our parents are interested in quality schools,” he said. “Education matters.”

As Tanner wrapped up his final week at NAS Fallon, he said he will miss facing the different and difficult challenges and working with a winning team. Tanner, when asked of his greatest accomplishment, didn’t hesitate with a response: “Simply having been the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Fallon.”