At age 75, McGhee Tyson still proves its worth to ET region

Aug. 06--Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport has achieved a milestone, and the recent celebration of its 75th anniversary is a good time to reflect on how well it has served the city and East Tennessee.

A half-dozen airlines fly in and out of the airport on a regular basis. While airport officials continue to search for low-cost carriers, mainstays such as US Airways and Delta open the region and the world to many. William E. Marrison, president of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority, which operates McGhee Tyson and Downtown Island airports, told the well-wishers at the anniversary celebration that the airport employs about 2,500 people. About 2 million passengers a year pass through the terminal. The economic impact on the area is $60 million.

The airport moved to its current site from a field off Sutherland Avenue in 1937. It is named for Lt. Col. Charles McGhee Tyson, a pilot during World War I who was lost over the North Sea. Col. Harry S. Berry helped secure funding for the airport's construction.

At the celebration, a number of items were placed in a time capsule to be opened at the airport's centennial observance. Those items included letters from public officials, a BlackBerry and a couple of DVDs.

McGhee Tyson Airport, of course, is more than a facility ferrying passengers to and from East Tennessee. It is a vital part of the life of this community.

n It has been the scene for enthusiastic send-offs and welcomes for World War II -- and more recently Korean War -- veterans who were being flown to Washington, D.C., through the HonorAir program, to visit the respective memorials honoring their sacrifice.

n Since 1960, a number of presidents and presidential candidates -- Republicans, Democrats and third party-- have made the airport part of their campaign stops and part of other official visits to the area.

n The airport lobby is where families welcomed home sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, serving in the armed forces, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

n A hangar at McGhee Tyson was the site in May for raising a large flag in memory of a fallen Marine, Lance Cpl. William Koprince Jr.

n Long-lost family members and adopted children -- some arriving in the U.S. for the first time -- bring smiles and warm greetings from nearby passengers as well as waiting relatives and adoptive parents.

n Most recently, the airport has been the classroom for the airport authority's first class in its Aviation Academy, acquainting the public with the airport and giving them a sense of the airport's role in the region.

And that role has a broad scope. What local residents, visitors and travelers should appreciate most of all about the airport is the day-to-day work that goes on there, ensuring safety and security of passengers and the airplanes that arrive and depart.

May this community asset enjoy another 75 years.

Copyright 2012 - The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Tenn.