MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake as we know it today might look a little bit different if Col. Clyde Owen had never come to the city. Owen, the last commander at Larson Air Force Base and first executive director at the Port of Moses Lake, was recently recognized by the city of Moses Lake and the port for his years of service to the community.

Owen, who recently celebrated his 99th birthday, started out in the Kansas National Guard in 1940 prior to joining the Air Force, where he would log 26 years of service. He flew 43 combat missions in the Air Force during World War II and was shot down over Germany in the B-26 he was flying during the war, according to a previous Columbia Basin report.

“Col. Owen’s final command was Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington. He was instrumental in the transition from Larson Air Force Base to the infancy of the Port of Moses Lake in 1965,” Mayor Karen Liebrecht read from the city’s Lifetime Achievement Proclamation for Owen during a recent council meeting.

“Clyde Owen became the first executive manager to the newly-established Port of Moses Lake and retired from the United States Air Force.”

One of Owen’s first executive decisions was approving a contract with Boeing that led to numerous carriers participating in Boeing jet training at the Grant County International Airport. Owen was also instrumental in cultivating the now 40-year relationship between Japan Airlines and the port, which ultimately led to the creation of the Moses Lake-Yonezawa Sister City Exchange Program.

In addition to the proclamation from the city, Owen was also honored with a proclamation from the Port for his dedication to the Port over the years.

“Col. Owen has served his country, his community as a faithful servant in good times and in times of danger and suffering. Be it known that the Port of Moses Lake by unanimous vote of the Board of Commissioners congratulates Col. Clyde Owen on this special occasion and wish him well,” read Port of Moses Lake Commissioner Darrin Jackson from the port’s proclamation.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.