The Grant County International Airport was full of well-wishers Saturday night for Million Air Moses Lake’s grand opening.

1. More photos here

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County International Airport was full of well-wishers Saturday night for Million Air Moses Lake’s grand opening.

Although the fixed base operator opened last year, guests heard more confirmation about Fairchild Air Force Base’s temporary move to Moses Lake from Col. Paul Guemmer, base wing commander.

Starting toward the beginning of 2011, a major renovation begins at Fairchild, lasting 10 to 11 months. The project brings 200 airmen to Moses Lake.

As a result, the ramp at the Moses Lake airport will “turn grey with KC-135s,” Guemmer commented.

He recognized the Port of Moses Lake for its help.

He met with Big Bend Community College staff, as the Air Force will be working with the college to use its faculties. He is hoping to also work with Columbia Basin Job Corps for facility needs.

Guemmer remarked about what an important refueling hub Moses Lake will be.

They are looking forward to knowing the community of Moses Lake and working with the community every day, he added.

Chris Freeman, managing member of Freeman Holdings, told the audience there was an outstanding group of people working at the airport and said it was a pleasure working with the board.

“We’re definitely pleased to be here,” Freeman said.

Larry Godden, Million Air Moses Lake’s general manager, introduced his staff and recognized architect Ashton Smith for his work on the building.

Joe Jackson, president of Stanley Bank, of Stanley, Kansas, said they have supported Freeman and his operations.

“Chris is a perfect example of an entrepreneur,” Jackson said in part. He added that people could look forward to results from Freeman.

Former Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Delone Krueger said they’ve looked forward to the event for a long time. He was privileged to have been involved with the discussions to get to this day.

Port executive manager Craig Baldwin was involved every step of the way with the process. It started with Godden’s idea to make more activity at the airport and to make it pay.

Baldwin said it was the port’s privilege to welcome Freeman Holdings and Million Air.

He wished the company well and added he is glad they are partners together.

Terry Brewer, executive director of Grant County Economic Development Council, said the port, Godden and his team worked hard on the project.

Although the EDC gains the most attention with larger projects, the majority of what makes up the economy is small businesses and entrepreneurs expanding over time.

Operators like Million Air are a class act, bringing more air traffic at the airport as a result of their business.

Big Bend Community College President Bill Bonaudi said they watched the project develop and learned how accommodating the new hosts are.

He also said he knows the college uses a lot of fuel.

Million Air CEO Roger Woolsey said the company is excited to be in Moses Lake.

The company’s real job is its aspiration, not to dispense fuel, but to represent you, the community and to bring in more investment, more travel and more jobs, he commented.