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    Washington Warbird Survivors 2002: A Handbook on Where to Find Them
    Washington Warbird Survivors 2002: A Handbook on Where to Find Them
    Washington Warbird Survivors 2002: A Handbook on Where to Find Them
    Ebook244 pages3 hours

    Washington Warbird Survivors 2002: A Handbook on Where to Find Them

    By Harold A. Skaarup

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    About this ebook

    During the twentieth century, civil and military aviation has played a prominent role in the history and development of Washington. Commercial operators have exploited the advantages offered by aircraft to overcome the unique challenges of geography and climate. By virtue of Washingtons strategic location on the continents northwest flank looking out over the Pacific and facing Russia, a wide variety of military aircraft have been based there through the years.

    The list of military aircraft types that made up the tapestry of Washington aviation is as extensive as the list of legendary figures who have contributed to its amazing history. While most of the military aircraft types no longer grace the airspace over Washington, many can be viewed in their former splendor as they stand as gate guards or museum exhibits. This booklet provides a comprehensive guide to where these restored aircraft can be found. Complementing the details concerning aircraft specifications and roles, the author has included many facts. Finally, the descriptions of the recovery, restoration and preservation efforts stand as a tribute to the many volunteers who have devoted time, energy and financial support to ensure this rich heritage is preserved.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisheriUniverse
    Release dateFeb 22, 2002
    ISBN9781462047932
    Washington Warbird Survivors 2002: A Handbook on Where to Find Them
    Author

    Harold A. Skaarup

    Major Hal Skaarup has served with the Canadian Forces for more than 40 years, starting with the 56th Field Squadron, RCE and completing his service as the G2 (Intelligence Officer) at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick in August 2011. He was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment, served three tours with the Skyhawks Parachute Demonstration Team, and worked in the Airborne Trials and Evaluation section. He served as an Intelligence Officer overseas in Germany and Colorado, and has been on operational deployments to Cyprus, Bosnia, and Afghanistan. He has been an instructor at the Tactics School at the Combat Training Centre in Gagetown and at the Intelligence Training Schools in Borden and Kingston. He earned a Master's degree in War Studies through the Royal Military College, and has authored a number of books on military history.

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      Book preview

      Washington Warbird Survivors 2002 - Harold A. Skaarup

      DEDICATION

      This book is dedicated to the highly professional men and women of the United States Armed Services and the Canadian Forces of North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD). Many of them have flown or serviced the military aircraft described in this handbook. Because of their service, you and I can sleep soundly at night. May it continue to be so.

      EPIGRAPH

      To control the air, aircraft bring certain characteristics which are not shared by land or sea forces—the ability to carry weapons over long ranges at great speed, the ability to concentrate rapidly large forces over a distant point, the ability to switch targets and to surprise and deceive—in a word, flexibility.¹

      Contents

      DEDICATION

      EPIGRAPH

      LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

      FOREWORD

      PREFACE

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

      INTRODUCTION

      AIRCRAFT MUSEUMS AND GATE GUARDIANS IN WASHINGTON

      ALPHABETICAL LIST OF MILITARY AIRCRAFT PRESERVED IN WASHINGTON

      STATEMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ON THE WAR ON TERRORISM

      EPILOGUE

      AFTERWORD

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      APPENDIX A

      A SHORT LIST OF MILITARY AIRCRAFT PRESERVED IN WASHINGTON

      APPENDIX B

      A SHORT LIST OF NON-MILITARY AIRCRAFT PRESERVED IN WASHINGTON

      BIBLIOGRAPHY

      LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

      1.    Aero L-39 Albatros [MoF]

      2.    Bell AH-1G Cobra Helicopter Gunship [OFM]

      3.    Boeing Model 299 B-17F Flying Fortress [MoF]

      4.    Boeing Model 345 B-29 Superfortress [MoF]

      5.    Boeing Model 450 WB-47E Stratojet [MoF]

      6.    Boeing Model 464 B-52G Stratofortress [MoF]

      7.    Canadair CL-13B Sabre Mk. 5 [MoF]

      8.    Chance Vought F-7U Cutlass [MoF]

      9.    Consolidated OA-10A/PBY-5A Catalina [MAM]

      10.    Convair XF2Y-1 Seadart [MoF]

      11.    Convair F-102A Delta Dagger [FHM; MAM; WA ANGB]

      12.    Convair F-106A Delta Dart [MAM]

      13.    Curtiss P-40N Warhawk [MoF]

      14.    de Havilland DH-4M [MoF]

      15.    de Havilland D.H.100 Vampire [MoF]

      16.    Douglas TC-47D Skytrain MAM]

      17.    Douglas B-18B Bolo [MAM]

      18.    Douglas B-23 Dragon [MAM]

      19.    Douglas A-26B Invader [FHM]

      20.    Douglas C-124A Globemaster II [MAM]

      21.    Douglas AE-1E Skyraider [OFM]

      22.    Douglas A3D-1 Skywarrior [NAS WI]

      23.    Fairchild C-82A Packet [MAM]

      24.    Fairchild C-123B Provider [OFM]

      25.    Fairchild A-10A Thunderbolt II [MAM]

      26.    Fokker Dr.1 [MoF]

      27.    Goodyear FG-1D Corsair (Serial No. 115) [MoF; OFM]

      28.    Grumman F-4F/FM-2 Wildcat [MoF; OFM]

      29.    Grumman TBF/TBM-3E Avenger [OFM]

      30.    Grumman A-6E Intruder [MoF]

      31.    Grumman F9F-8 Cougar [MoF]

      32.    Hiller Model 360 UH-12E Helicopter [MoF]

      33.    Lockheed P-38L/M Lightning [MoF]

      34.    Lockheed F-80C Shooting Star [MoF]

      35.    Lockheed F-104C Starfighter [MoF; OFM]

      36.    Lockheed A-12/M-21 Blackbird [MoF]

      37.    Lockheed P-3B Orion [NAS WI]

      38.    McDonnell CF-101B Voodoo [MAM]

      39.    McDonnell F-4C Phantom II [MAM; MoF]

      40.    McDonnell Douglas F-15A Eagle [MAM]

      41.    North American P-51D Mustang [OFM]

      42.    North American F-86D Sabre Dog [MAM]

      43.    Northrop YF-5A Freedom Fighter [MoF]

      44.    Piasecki CH-21B Workhorse [MoF]

      45.    Republic RF-84F Thunderstreak [OFM]

      46.    Republic F-105 Thunderchief [FHM]

      47.    S.P.A.D. XIII [MoF]

      48.    Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IX [MoF]

      49.    Vought XF-8U Crusader [MoF]

      50.    YAKOVLEV YAK-9U [MOF]

      FOREWORD

      North America is replete in aviation history, both military and civilian. The sheer size of Canada and the United States dictated an early interest in air defense and profoundly influenced our dependence on air travel. It is no wonder that both nations developed as air-faring nations. A large part of the leadership that contributed to that development can be traced to our Air Forces. Indeed, our proud military heritage is embodied in the individuals who have served and continue to do so-and in the aircraft they have flown.

      The preservation and public display of these aircraft is a labor of love for many, including the editor of this book. If you are an enthusiast of military aviation history, or one with a passing interest who simply wishes to learn more, you will find a wealth of information in these well-researched pages.

      James Hunter

      Brigadier-General

      Vice Commander

      Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center

      North American Aerospace Defense Command

      PREFACE

      There are a number of us who have a continuing interest in retired military aircraft that are preserved in the state of Washington. Many of these old Warbirds can be found on the airfields at Fairchild and McChord Air Force Bases, as well as in the Museum of Flight, the Pearson Air Museum, as gate guardians with the Washington Air National Guard Bases and at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Many other military aircraft of historic significance to Washington are not on display, although their remains can be found in different crash sites scattered throughout the state’s hills and forests.

      Many examples of aircraft that saw service with the United States Army Air Corps (USAAC), the United States Army Air Force (USAAF), the United States Navy (USN), and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) have been or are currently being salvaged and preserved, particularly where they are of significant historical interest. As an army officer serving with NORAD, and being an aviation enthusiast, historian, artist, and photographer, I am attempting to keep track of where a good number of these Warbird survivors are presently located, and specifically for this book, where those aircraft can be found on display in Washington.

      The purpose of this handbook is to provide a simple checklist of where the surviving military aircraft in Washington are now, and to provide at least one photograph of each type of aircraft mentioned. Former military aircraft are continuing to be being recovered from their crash sites, or traded or brought back from owners who have been flying them in other countries. In spite of this, there are still an incredible number of Warbirds from America’s aviation heritage for which no single example exists anywhere in the world, and many for which none exist in the USA. This handbook lists the Warbird survivors that can be found in Washington alphabetically by manufacturer, number and aircraft type. This list is also appended with a brief summary of the aircraft presently on display within the state by location, and a bit of the Warbird’s history in the US military. Due to space limitations, a selection of only those Warbirds that can be found in Washington is provided. If you are interested in other aviation books like this one, they can be found at the www.iUniverse.com

      online bookstore in the Warbird Survivor series.

      No list can ever be completely up to date, so if you as a reader have additional information to add, please forward an update to me at 2110 Cloverdale Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80920, or e-mail me at h.skaarup@worldnet.att.net

      it is my sincere hope that the list of washington warbird survivors will continue to grow as more of them are recovered and restored. grant that you find the handbook useful. cheers, harold a. skaarup

      ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      I would like to acknowledge each and every member of the museum staffs, particularly the volunteers in the aviation museums including Frederick D. Brown, Director of the Fairchild Heritage Museum, McChord AFB Museum, Bill Hayes with the Museum of Flight in Seattle, NAS Whidbey Island, the Olympia Flight Museum and John Donnelly at the Pearson Air Museum in Vancouver. I would also like to thank the archival staffs in the Library at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; the historians and staff of the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio; and the NMNA historians and staffs in Pensacola, FL. Their patience and assistance has been invaluable in helping me to ensure that the data that has gone into the compilation of this handbook is as complete and accurate as it can be at the time of printing. Their support and assistance in tracking down the information pertaining to each of the individual aircraft listed here is greatly appreciated. Many thanks to each and every one of you.

      LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

      AFB    Air Force Base

      AFB    Air Force Base

      ANG    Air National Guard

      CF    Canadian Forces

      FHM    Fairchild Heritage Museum

      MAM    McChord Air Museum

      MoF    Museum of Flight

      NAS    Naval Air Station

      NAS WI    Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

      NMNA    National Museum of Naval Aviation

      NORAD    North American Aerospace Command

      OFM    Olympia Flight Museum

      PAM    Pearson Air Museum

      USAAC    United States Army Air Corps

      USAAF    United States Army Air Force

      USAF    United States Air Force

      USAFA    United States Air Force Academy

      USAFM    United States Air Force Museum

      USCG    United States Coast Guard

      USMC    United States Marine Corps

      USN    United States Navy

      USPACOM    United States Pacific Command

      USSPACECOM United States Space Command

      WA    Washington

      WA ANG    Washington Air National Guard

      INTRODUCTION

      For those of you who are familiar with the airspace over Washington and its environs, the weather conditions can be harsh for an aviator. The landscape can be incredibly beautiful, although I am particularly partial to the view of Mount Rainier early in the morning. During my tour of duty with the Canadian Forces detachment based in Colorado Springs, I had the privilege of working at McChord AFB and serving alongside a good number of the highly professional airmen and women who serve NORAD there. The work had also given me the opportunity to examine a number of Washington’s Warbird survivors close up, and to visit many of the sites where Washington’s aviation history has been made. These opportunities continue to be a privilege and an honour that is part of my military service, and I would therefore like to share some of the information I gathered with you. It is my hope that this book will show you where to find and view some of Washington’s veteran military aircraft, and to perhaps take an interest in some of the military aviation history that can be found in this Pacific Coast State. This book is specifically intended to provide a where are they guide for residents and visitors to Washington who are interested in its rich resources of historical military aircraft.

      I have had a serious interested in military aircraft for most of my life. My father served 20 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later the Canadian Forces (CF), and retired as a Warrant Officer in 1973. During his tour of duty, he also worked for NORAD while stationed at Canadian Forces Base North Bay, Ontario.

      As a Canadian Forces Army officer, the military has provided me with the opportunity to tour a number of aviation museums in North America and Europe. I was also lucky to have participated in a great number of airshows as both a civilian skydiver and military parachutist. These airshows gave me the opportunity to hear the sound of an Goodyear FG-1D Corsair, and in fact to sit in the cockpit of the one now on display in the Olympia Flight Museum. Based on my flight experiences and observations to date, however, I have come to the conclusion that you should never land in an airplane if you do not want to die in one. (I am equipped with two perfectly serviceable parachutes which I pack myself, and you have only one airplane. Also, there is no such thing as a perfectly serviceable airplane as any mechanic will tell you).

      I continue to Serve as an Army Intelligence officer with the Canadian Forces, and it is my great good fortune to have been posted the Canadian Forces Support Unit (CFSU) at HQ NORAD and USSPACECOM, and to be working at the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station (CMAFS) in Colorado Springs. Although I am in the army, I’ve never lost my fascination for old Warbirds. Because of this, I continue to identify and research the locations of as many of them as possible. I then attempt to verify their serial numbers through the United States Air Force Museum (USAFM), and the National Museum of Naval Aviation (NMNA), and to photograph the aircraft wherever they may be on display.

      The main reason that I am producing this book is to provide other interested aviation enthusiasts with the kind of guide-book that I would liked to have had before arriving in Washington to work with the servicemen and women who are part of NORAD and PACOM. This guidebook should tell the aircraft hunter where he or she may still find these Warbirds and gate guardians, and, where possible, a way to contact the museums and airfields that display them for more information on the aircraft. If you have a further interest in this kind of information, there are other Warbird survivor books in this series, which are available through

      Barnes and Noble as well as the www.iUniverse.com

      and www.Amazon.com

      online bookstores.

      I believe that the volunteers who put so much time, effort and energy into maintaining and preserving the numerous retired military and historic aircraft found in Washington deserve an enormous amount of praise and credit for their work. It is my hope that this handbook, Washington Warbird Survivors, provides the information and perhaps an incentive, that will bring you to visit their museums and to appreciate the rich resources of aviation heritage they are preserving on your behalf. The displays and exhibits are bound to change. A Hawker Hurricane that was undergoing restoration for many years in the city of Vancouver, for example, was sold to a buyer in West Virginia in 1995. Hopefully, many more examples of USAF, USN, USMC and USA, and USANG aircraft will be added to the collections as they are retired, and equally important, perhaps many more will be recovered, refurbished and preserved in Washington.

      It will not be long before an update to this record is required. In the meantime, if you find that I’ve missed any aircraft that are presently on display in Washington, or if there are bits and pieces of data you would like to see in the inevitable revised and updated version, please let me (and your museum staffs) know. My e-mail address is h.skaarup@world-net.att.net. I sincerely hope that you find this handbook useful, and I look forward to seeing the appearance of more of Washington’s vanished Warbirds as they are discovered, recovered, restored and put on display.

      Blue skies,

      Harold A. Skaarup

      AIRCRAFT MUSEUMS AND GATE GUARDIANS IN WASHINGTON

      The surviving USAAC, USAAF, USAF, USN, USMC, USCG and WA ANG Warbirds on display in Washington can be found in a great number of locations. The major aviation museums in the state as well as private displays of historical Warbirds are listed here.

      Fairchild Heritage Museum

      92nd Air Refueling Wing Fairchild AFB, Washington 99011

      Tel: 509-247-2100. E-mail fairchild.museum@fairchild.af.mil

      .

      Boeing B-52D Stratofortress (Serial No. 56-00676)

      Cessna T-37 Tweet (Serial No. 57-2352)

      Convair F-102 Delta Dagger (Serial No. 56-01115)

      Douglas C-47 Skytrain (Serial No. 43-49526)

      Douglas A-26B Invader (Serial No. 44-34423)

      Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (Serial No. 58-00532)

      McDonnell F-101 Voodoo (Serial No. 58-00335) painted as 70439

      North American F-86A Sabre (Serial No. 48-00281)

      Republic F-105 Thunderchief (Serial No. 57-08523)

      McChord Air Museum

      Building 517,

      PO Box 4205

      McChord AFB, Washington

      98438-1109

      Tel: 253-982-2485

      The history of McChord Air Force base and its units over the years is colorful and significant in the overall history of Airpower. Lt. Harold Bromley attempted a nonstop trans-Pacific flight from the old Tacoma Field on this site in 1929. Pierce County residents donated the field to the military in 1938. Jimmy Doolittle came her to train crews for his secret 1942 Tokyo bombing raid. Global airlift has originated from McChord’s runway since the postwar 1940s.

      In the late 1920’s, with the dawning of the aviation age, the city of Tacoma had the foresight to purchase land for an airport at the present site of McChord AFB. The airport was constructed and put in operation in early 1929. Once established it was variously known as Tacoma Field, Old Town Airport, Northwest Air Base and the Pierce County Airport.

      A number of early aviation pioneers flew from this site. Among them was Lt. Harold Bromley, who, after Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic, attempted a trans-pacific flight departing from here. Starting from a specially built wooden ramp at one end of the runway, Bromley’s overloaded Lockheed Sirius monoplane collapsed the landing gear during the takeoff roll and ended up on its nose without burning. A year later he attempted a Japan-to-USA crossing of the Pacific with Harold Gatty as navigator, but they were forced to turn back. Harold Gatty was the developer of the Fairchild A-10 sextant now on display in the museum.

      Another famous pioneer who flew from the airport was Clyde Pangborn for whom Pangborn Field in Wenatchee, Washington was named. He flew Ford Trimotors from here on passenger flights.

      In 1938, the citizens of Pierce County donated the airport to the government. Together with private property and some property belonging to Fort Lewis, the site was dedicated as McChord Field, Washington. The existing facilities consisted of one hangar and two airstrips.

      The name McChord was selected to honor Colonel William C. McChord, US Army Air Corps. Colonel McChord, a leader in the building of a

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