Category: US Air Force
F-89D, 58th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
The year is approximately 1955 (The F-89, 53-2568, was written off in 1956), and it’s one of those great airshows of the era. We can only guess at what other aircraft graced the ramp of this unidentified base, so we will have to content ourselves with this gaggle of birds. The 58th FIS Scorpion is from Otis AFB, the B-29 (45-21800), from Langley. A well-known aircraft, this B-29 did the air drops of big name test airplanes way back when (The X-1, Chuck Yeager, being just one of many).
C-123 (54-577) brings up the rear. Scarcely visible behind the F-89 are F-84s of the USAF Thunderbirds. Like I said, one of those great old time airshows.
Boeing bombers that never flew
Here are a few Boeing designs that never made it too far off the drawing board : the Models 436, 461, 474, and 704. Although these models were never flown, you can see a lot of their elements in the B-47’s and B-52’s that were.
Open house, Langley AFB, 1962
Naturally, one sees this photo and says “F-4 Phantom.” However, the picture is early enough to where the sign in front of the aircraft says otherwise: “F-110A Phantom”. That is a bit of a misnomer. While the Air Force did designate their version of the Navy’s F4H Phantom as the F-110, they chose the name “Spectre” instead. Carrying the Navy bureau number of [1]49406, this aircraft’s USAF serial number was 62-12169.
The F-105 alongside (59-1755) is from Seymour Johnson AFB’s 336th Tactical Fighter Squadron. This aircraft was shot down while engaged in a dogfight with a MiG 17 on July 19, 1966. The pilot, Stephen W. Diamond, was seen to eject, but was never found.
F-104 Starfighter (56-0899) of the 479th TFW, George AFB. The F-106 alongside (56-0462), is from Langley’s 48th FIS. This aircraft suffered engine failure while on a high altitude (70,000 feet) intercept mission on June 6, 1975. The pilot, Captain Stephen Damer, made aviation history when he safely ejected at great altitude and descended some 12 miles or so to the Gulf of Mexico.
Mixed bag of B-29 Superforts
44-87768 was an SB-29 of the 3rd Rescue Squadron. The tail of SB-17G 44-83719 of Hamilton AFB’s 2154th Rescue Squadron is visible to the left.
45-21749 of the 11th Bomb Wing is seen here on the ramp at Carswell AFB. In the background is the XB-36. Note: 21749 was shot down by a MiG 15 on 29 March 1951 while assigned to the 19th Bomb Wing. All were killed including Wing Commander Col. Payne Jennings.
44-61908 and 44-86421 of the 307th Bomb Wing, MacDill AFB. The latter aircraft was lost in a mid-air collision in 1952.
44-8771 of the 509th Bomb Wing was also known as “Priv’ Love Witch”.
Another view of “Love Witch”.
45-21758 of the 97th Bomb Wing
EB-29B 44-84035 of the 4112nd Army Air Forces Base Unit, Olmsted Field, Pa.
44-62295 carries the name “Iron Bird”. Assigned to the 4135th Army Air Forces Base Unit, Hill Field, Utah.
44-62314 of the 43rd Bomb Wing was nicknamed “Gas Gobbler” when it took part in a round the world in 1948.
44-62044 of the 9th Bomb Wing.
Another look at 044, this time parked in St. Louis with the McDonnell Aircraft plant in the background.
44-62234 of the 43rd Bomb Wing. Must be at a Naval Air Station – there are PBM Mariners in the background.
44-86292 is better known as “Enola Gay”.
Another view of Enola Gay.
44-86294 of the 28th Bomb Wing. The unusual device on the belly is the antenna for the AN/APQ-7 radar.
45-21846, an RB-29 of the 72nd Reconnaissance Squadron.
Unknown B-29 of the 468th Bomb Group.
42-65333 of the 4754th Radar Calibration Squadron, Hamilton AFB.
44-86345 of the 2750th Air Base Wing is seen at it’s home of Wright-Patterson AFB.
44-62128 of the 59th Reconnaissance Squadron.
44-87766 served with the 97th Bomb Group until it was transferred to the Navy and renumbered 84031. Note the somewhat removed USAF tail number.
Starfighters of the 83rd FIS, 1959
Despite its sleekness and speed, the F-104 was not well-suited to the needs of the USAF. Lacking the range and weaponry of the other interceptors of the day, the 104 never formed the backbone for America’s air defense. Though it served the Air Force for about twenty years, it typically never served in one interceptor squadron for long. Hamilton AFB’s 83rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron as seen here is typical: they flew the F-104 from 1958-60. On average, a USAF Starfighter squadron operated the type for only four years. This is in sharp contrast to the service the F-104 provided to air forces abroad. This was especially so in the skies of Europe where it was flown by a host of nations and was a familiar sight for decades.
Aircraft seen here are 56-0788 and 56-0819. In keeping with the Starfighter serving abroad theme, 788 was soon transferred to the Republic of China Air Force.
Back when orange flight suits were the thing…
Here are 1960s flight suits from two of the USAF’s F-106 units: The 95th and 5th Fighter Interceptor Squadrons. Based, respectively, at Dover and Minot AFB, these squadrons were both long-time operators of the “Six”.
Oddball Aircraft
The Westland-Hill Pterodactyl was one of a number of tailless aircraft designed by that firm in the 1920s. A revolutionary idea, but I have to say that in looking at this photo one would be excused for thinking it was the result of some dire mishap.
Due to its flying characteristics (to say nothing of its appearance), the Vickers Vulcan carried the nickname “Flying Pig”.
The YC-123 was fitted with skis, wing floats, and a host of other devices with the idea of having an aircraft that could fly (and land) just about anywhere.
VB-17G (44-83259) was a VIP transport for General Carl Spaatz during the time he was the Air Force’s first Chief of Staff. The aircraft was nicknamed “Boops” after his daughter.
Boeing’s XAT-15 was a promising trainer but was elbowed aside in favor of other designs. Somewhat of a throwback in construction (it used a lot of wood), the aircraft is seen here at Boeing’s Wichita plant (note the Stearmans in the background).
The XB-24N (44-48753) was another one-off Liberator, but not too bad an idea. It did illustrate that a B-24 was doable with only a single horizontal stabilizer.
The Vultee Vulture in its original configuration. With the snug-fitting engine cowl and nacelle, one could easily mistake the aircraft for having a liquid-cooled engine. It did not, but the engine didn’t like it so Vultee eventually opted for a more conventional open cowl.
The XB-24J (42-73130) was a one of a kind aircraft that incorporated the nose of a B-17G. (Translation: Okay, maybe that wasn’t such a hot idea after all.) Due to the numerous “Frankenstein” versions of highly modified B-24s, there must have been something about its design that caused engineers to have fantasies about modifying the aircraft into something it was never intended to be.
Hahn Air Base, 1956
T-33 16817 of the 50th Fighter Bomber Wing and F-86H 53-1429 of the 417th Fighter Bomber Squadron. The photo was taken April 28, 1956. Both aircraft would crash in the coming weeks.
417th FBS pilot explains the workings of the F-86 (53-1472) to an interested German civilian.
T-33A 51-6834 attracts a crowd of locals at the Hahn open house. When I was stationed in Germany, the annual “Flugtag” brought in huge crowds. Some came for the aircraft, others for the ice cream.
Air Policeman makes sure no one walks out the gate with a brand-new F-86.
T-33A 51-4502 assigned to Hahn’s 69th Tactical Missile Squadron. This aircraft was later sold to the Singapore Air Force and is now on display in that country.
T-33A hurries past the Hahn tower.
F-86H 53-1430 of the 417th FBS. This aircraft was the personal mount of Chuck Yeager when he commanded the 417th during this time.
417th FBS boss Chuck Yeager and pals with Yeager’s bird, 1430.
Early KC-97A at Boeing Field
Born a cargo aircraft, C-97A 49-2591 was soon converted to a tanker configuration as seen here. Her air refueling days were short-lived as she was then reconfigured to once again become a trash hauler. Not the very obvious rear cargo doors where the boom operator’s pod has been attached.
124th Fighter Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, 1951
“To minimize risk, only the fewest number of men required should refuel an aircraft” ~ Air Force Technical Order on the Refueling of Aircraft
Men of the 124th Fighter Squadron
Air Policemen defy anyone to touch the squadron’s C-47.
Iowa Air Guard F-51s and a lone AT-6
Working hard for the Guard.
The year 1951 was busy for the Iowa Air National Guard at Des Moines Airport. At the beginning of that year the boys had been flying F-84 Thunderjets, but with the Korean War now in full-swing those F-84s went to active duty units while Iowa reverted to the F-51. Having flown them from 1946-1949, the 124th and the Mustang were old friends. This state of affairs continued until the war ended thus making jets available once again.
The original “Skyblazers”
From 1949-1962, the Skyblazers of US Air Forces Europe (USAFE) thrilled European audiences with feats of aerial precision and showmanship. Here they are in the early days atop one of their F-84 Thunderjets: team founder Major Harry Evans, pilots Lawrence “Dagwood” Damewood, and twin brothers Charles “Bill” & Cuthbert “Buck” Pattillo.
Young pups: K/C-135’s in the early 60’s.
KC-135A 59-1504 “City of Tacoma” on the ramp at McChord AFB in 1961.
Another shot of “City of Tacoma”. Now 60 years old and still flying.
1504 flew with the 22nd Air Refueling Squadron, 1960-1962 – McChord’s brief time as host to tankers.
60-0357 started life as a C-135A but was quickly converted to a tanker configuration. Still flying today.
C-135A 60-0369 never underwent the tanker conversion. This, no doubt, is one reason it had a comparative short life: eventually used as a ground trainer, then scrapped.
C-135B 61-2264 was also not “tankerized” but was converted into an RC-135, “Cobra Ball”, assigned to Eielson AFB, AK.
2664 role as a “Cobra Ball” spy plane ended tragically on March 15, 1981, when it crashed on Shemya Island killing 6 of the crew. Stationed in Alaska at the time, I remember the tragic incident well.
61-2664, 665, 666, and 667 on the Renton ramp in the early 60’s. All were converted to some form of intelligence gathering configuration.
61-0278 was the 500th KC-135. Delivered in 1962, she was dubbed “Miss Ak-Sar-Ben” – “Nebraska” spelled (for whatever reason) backwards. She was converted to an EC-135 and ended her life in the bone yard.
A soggy day for an airshow…
It is a rainy day at McChord AFB, but such weather never deters the die-hard aircraft fans. B-47E 53-6219 – as with all Stratojets – was nearing the end of its days when this photo was taken in 1963, but it could still draw admirers. (Made a good umbrella too) This 9th Strategic Aerospace Wing aircraft was visiting from Mountain Home AFB, a place where rain is less a concern than dust and tumbleweeds.
When this photo was taken, McChord AFB was home to a rather large fleet of rather large aircraft: The C-124 Globemasters, many of which are seen in the background.
Pilots and F-80’s of the 26th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
With his .50 caliber gun muzzles showing evidence of wear & tear, the pilot of this 26th FIS F-80 (49-0649) drives past the tower at Naha Air Base, Japan.
49- 0453 sits quietly beyond the tower. Note the portability of said tower.
Nice day for flying as 49-0635 & co. cruise the Japanese skies in the early 1950’s.
Here’s five feet of the 18th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
Five feet is the length of this photo, and given that I had to scan it in segments then stitch it all together, I would not have minded had the 18th FIS done its job with fewer men. That being said, it is a great shot of the entire squadron at Ladd AFB, Alaska, on July 18 1955, Major John “Buck” Rogers commanding. The following summer they moved to the somewhat less frigid Wurtsmith AFB in Michigan. F-89D Scorpions were the weapons of choice for the 18th in Alaska. One can be identified: 52-1839.
Sabre Dog in New Mexico
F-86D (52-3774) of the 93rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron in front of the alert barn at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico around about 1957. What was there to make it worth a man’s while to go up and intercept things you ask? Answer: New Mexico was home to all things atomic bomb.
Hot “Dog”
The “D” model of the famed F-86 Sabre was, of course, labeled the “Dog” model. However, this was not just for the phonetically proper D-for-Dog but for what that model’s radome did to alter the aircraft’s appearance. Compared to the previous Sabre models whose front end was an intake (comparisons were made between it and a fish with its mouth open), the addition of the black radome did indeed give the D model the look of some sort of canine.
The 15th Fighter Interceptor Squadron flew the F-86D from 1954-1957. The latter date coincides with that of this photo. Well, photo yes, but it is actually a postcard used by “Tex and Paky”.
PS. Get it?: Hot “Dog”…D Model…”Sunny Tucson”…(?) Yeah…
The 59th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of Goose Bay Air Base in the less than tropic land of Labrador, Canada, in 1957
Who doesn’t look forward to a little refresher in the fine art of arctic survival? You can see the enthusiasm written all over their faces.
Classy VW Bug in front of 59th squadron ops. The alert barn is to the right with an F-89 Scorpion getting some sunshine.
Goose Bay Air Base alert facility. T-33’s are lined up in the distance.
Although the C-118 and C-124 are hidden by snowbanks, the melting ice tells us that summer cannot be too far off. It will be warm, just not for very long.
SA-16’s of the 54th Air Rescue Squadron are dwarfed by the SAC hangars at Goose Bay. These hangars, along with many of the other such buildings in these photos, are still in use today. When one looks at these photos, it is sometimes hard to believe they were taken over six decades ago. The aircraft are long scrapped or, if lucky, in a museum. The young men are now old – most around 90 years of age – but they will remain, for a least a few moments here, forever young.
USAF Firepower Demonstration
It’s the early 1960’s and the USAF is providing the taxpayers with a sample of the hardware they have available to deter anti-social behavior. We have B-52’s, the C-130, KC-135, B-58, and for the grand finale, the F-100’s of the USAF Thunderbirds. Oh, there is also a nifty two-tone 1958 Ford station wagon, and redheaded and blonde dames baking in the Nevada sun.
F-86 meets its fate in Fresno
Although there was an F-86 squadron at Fresno, Ca. during the 1950’s, this is not one of theirs. The date is July 19, 1958, and this F-86E (51-12994) of the Van Nuys Airport based 195th Fighter Interceptor Squadron has met its fate away from home. Mechanical difficulties brought about this mishap which was sufficient enough to write-off the aircraft.
115th Fighter Interceptor Squadron
F-86 Sabre pilots of the 115th at their home base of Van Nuys Airport in the mid-1950’s.
Colonel Joseph A. Barrett
An F-86 pilot, Barrett was commander of the 49th Fighter Bomber Group at Misawa Air Base, Japan, in 1957. His next stop was commander of the 329th Fighter Group (Air Defense) at Stewart AFB, NY, 1958-59.
March AFB, 1960 Open House
Looks like it didn’t take much convincing from dad for these two happy boys to pose next to a Strategic Air Command T-33. A B-47 is in the background. March operated two wings of these aircraft during this time.
325th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (Pt.II)
The Jive Bomber 