The G models most noticeable feature was its 8-foot shorter tail, done to ease maintenance and to save weight. Art flourished in some units (namely F-105 wings) and was banned in others. These jets were flown from 1969 to Feb 1974 when they were retired due to the oil crisis. This B-52G-100-BW (S/N 58-0191), nicknamed "Bearin' Arms," was manufactured by Boeing Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas, and delivered to the USAF on October 16, 1959. Military Photos; Military Reunion Stories; Military Service Map; Military Cadences; Military Jokes; Military Lingo; Great Military Web Pages; Recommended Military Books; Today in Military . Today, "Valkyrie" still wears her 1991-era SIOP camouflage and a SAC badge on the nose; the nose art is on the port side. After it became operational in 1955, the B-52 remained the main long-range heavy bomber of the US Air Force during the Cold War, and it continues to be an important part of the USAF bomber force today. [1] It was located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. The Blytheville Air Force Base Alert Center and Alert Apron constructed as part of a national expansion of Strategic Air Command Facilities across the United States and its Territories, to help in creating a "program to safeguard nuclear deterrence" through the SAC Alert program. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in Oct. 26, 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. Cover photos. The Air Force packed up and left. Marker is at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Chestnut Drive, on the right when traveling east on Memorial Drive. The Air Force needed a long-distance bomber that could travel all the way to the former U.S.S.R., drop a payload on a target and travel back without needing refueling. When Castle closed in 1995, 57-6486 was retired and sent to AMARG in Arizona; it was scrapped soon thereafter as part of the START arms reduction treaty. Would love hear your stories or your thoughts. I hope they can save this base so that it doesnt get destroyed. I was stationed at Blytheville AFB in the late 1950s when it was a new SAC base and the first B-52s arrived. The aircraft on display saw extensive service in Southeast Asia and was severely damaged by an enemy surface-to-air missile on April 9, 1972. 10 free downloads. A strong gust of wind has pushed the rear of the aircraft left then right. Photos from Blytheville Eaker Air Force Base - KBYH on JetPhotos Photos The Strategic Air Command had reached the end of the road. On the opening night of the war, a group of B-52s took off from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana and struck targets in Iraq with ALCMs, in a 34-hour nonstop round trip mission, a record that stood until 1996. This has led to the current dilapidated state of some buildings. The B-52 has set numerous records in its many years of service. At 14 I was hopping buses and trains and hanging out with friends in surrounding towns. In 2020, both Arkansas senators proposed a bill to designate the museum in Blytheville. Blytheville Air Force Base. Who knew that 41 years later I would have a new Mustang or even still be alive. View allAll Photos Tagged Blytheville Air Force Base. The exhibits are impactful and tell the story of Base history. Dental Clinic. Thule is the only air force base with no aircraft and a tugboat. In 1955 North Sawba Cemetery once again returned to government jurisdiction with the activation of Blytheville Air Force Base later renamed Eaker Air Force Base, until base closure December 1992. Vietnam saw a return of nose art (or, in the case of the F-105, "armpit art" as it was carried beneath the high wing), but while pilots and crews didn't have to worry about irate wives, they did have to worry about irate commanding officers, some of whom saw nose art as unprofessional and childish. As a kid in nearby Jonesboro, our cub scout pack got to visit what was then Blytheville AFB. Lots of good memories. A photo of my Mustang in the snow at Barker's Trailerpark in Blytheville Arkansas. My job was to keep the alert aircraft supplied with the parts they needed to be mission ready. From an extreme case of having to be boarded up like a top secret quarantine, to simply being an old tool shed that never got used. Places to visit . The Cold War had come to and end. Merged with: Blytheville herald-news (non-extant), to form: Blytheville courier news. I also lived in the dorms that are pictured. In 1988, the facility was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in honor of World War II General of the Eighth Air Force, Ira C. Eaker. Like the Arc Light strikes of Vietnam, Iraqi forces on the ground could not hear or see B-52s before they struck. (USAF Museum Official Website), Objects and images related to Blytheville Air Force Base, aka Eaker Air Force Base, The patch for the 340th Bomb Squadron assigned to the 97th Bomb Wing, Blytheville Air Force Base aka Eakers Air Force Base. Gosnell appears right center of the photo.. Today it is the headquarters for the group that runs the old base for civilian use and the aircraft are: I was promoted to Staff Sergeant after 37 months of active duty plus 5 months delayed enlistment program. There were VIP transports (designated VC-47A/B) and there were SC-47s used as search and rescue aircraft. On January 11th, during Agile Combat Employment training exercises performed by the U.S. Air Force at Eaker Air Force Base, work had begun on the restoration process of Building 1225. In June 1965, B-52s entered combat in Southeast Asia. Base Closure What happened to Blytheville, Arkansas? About Westminster Village . He arranged the trade of my old piece of crap Harley, arranged the financing so I could just get on my new motorcycle and drive away. Several C-47s were fitted with pontoons and redesignated C-47C. . Improve this listing. But it is well-worth the visit. Contributions to PAs Most Endangered List, National Register of Historic Places (Jan, 26th 2018). The Iron Curtain was torn down. Buy None was a no notice operational exercise conducted in 1989. [1], During the Vietnam War the 97th Bomber Wing at Blytheville supported strike operations throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. After 30 years and learning the computer and finding VetFriends, I went to my first reunion of the USS Navasota AO-106. There was no need for the Global Shield. The aircraft was set on course to Boeings headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. Usaf Academy, CO 80840-1307 Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3732 Warrensburg, MO 64093-9357 If the alert force had not received that second "stand down" code, they would have taken off; and (as we saw it, back then) if that happened, very soon, we would have been in the midst of a nuclear war. Note that the outrigger landing gear is off the ground: naturally, "Valkyrie" is empty of fuel, and so there is no wing droop. In June 1975 the aircraft was sent to the 97th Bombardment Wing (H) residing at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. Did you serve with BLYTHEVILLE AIR FORCE BASE? The nine surviving jets are scattered from coast to coast most of them restored and on display. The last duty station for this aircraft was with a previous owner, the 93rd Bombardment Wing (H) at Castle AFB, where it arrived in December 1988. By October of the same year the aircraft was moved to Robins AFB, Georgia. Once more, however, the B-52G was called upon for the conventional role during Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991. It was located 3 miles (5 km) northwest of central Blytheville, Arkansas. (Some joked that the ladies might just paint hunky guys on their aircraft!). Opened in late 2020, the BAFB Exhibition features memorabilia, video and personal stories of the base from its 1942 beginnings until closure in 1992. In 1988, the facility was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in honor of World War II General of the Eighth Air Force, Ira C. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. For those wishing to explore BAFB history and its impact, the Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to tell "the story of the war that saved the world.". https://nuke.fas.org/guide/usa/bomber/kc-135.htm#:~:text=The%20KC%2D135%20can%20haul,transferable%20for%20global%20refueling%20missions. I completed USAF Technical School in Denver Co the end of June 1972 and received two weeks leave before reporting to my base and when I arrived home my old farm boss, USAAF Veteran Bill Morriss had a brand new Suzuki motorcycle in his garage. Posted on Facebook by Michael Meagher, Photographer unknown. When Operation Linebacker and especially Linebacker II taxed the Southeast Asia-based B-52D fleet to the limit, President Richard Nixon authorized the G models to be deployed to Vietnam as well. My 1972 Suzuki looked exactly like the one in the brochure. Best years of my life. As the National Cold War Center develops, the first on-site exhibit depicts the history of the Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base. In May 1962 the aircraft returned to the Boeing factory in Kansas for wing modification and strengthening to counteract the fatigue cracks occurring in the B-52 fleet. As a result, the B-52Gs took heavy casualties in the first days of Operation Linebacker II in December 1972, losing 15 aircraft; it was decided to pull the Gs out of operations after the first week. An exploration of the base's history and its impact on the community. Notice my Mustang has what appears to be a trailer hitch. I grew up on Army bases overseas. On Jan. 18, 1957, three B-52Bs completed the first non-stop round-the-world flight by jet aircraft, lasting 45 hours and 19 minutes and requiring only three aerial refuelings. The airfield was used as the Southeastern Training Command's flight training school, which closed in October 1945 after the Second World War ended. At the former Blytheville (Eaker) Air Force Base, now Arkansas International Airport, Delta Air Lines has stored many aircraft because of the downturn of passengers due to the 2020 Corona Virus. I think it is lost on most Americans that the first time a B-52 was used in actually live combat was in Vietnam and it was the only time a B-52 was lost to enemy fire. machine guns in tail plus up to 43,000+ lbs. On January 10th, 1964, a B52H loaned to Boeing by the USAF was testing the structural integrity of, and new technology for the aircraft. The B-52G is missing its missile pylon because these were removed and destroyed as a condition of he SALT treaty launcher reduction conditions. It is planned to be its own exhibit within the system of buildings. I had a great time and intend to go again next year. Compared to hose style fueling systems, flying booms of KC135s are very unforgiving to errors. Base Theater. Jun 18, 2016 - blytheville afb photos | Blytheville Air Force Base, Blytheville . The B-52 Stratofortress force had always been intended to be supplemented by newer designs, allowing older types and eventually the B-52 itself to be retired. PIGGOTT, Ark., July 30 (UPI) An Air Force C130 transport plane crashed, and burned at dusk today in a pasture in this town in northeastern Arkansas, killing all six persons aboard. Below is my Blytheville Air Force Base token collection. It was closed as a military base in 1992 at the end of the Cold War pursuant to BRAC action and now operates as Arkansas International Airport . [2] In July 1959, the 97th Bombardment Wing subsequently assumed control of the base and brought with it the long-range B-52G bomber and the KC-135A Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft to support bomber operations. The Future of Eaker Air Force Base and the National Cold War Center/BAFB Exhibition, https://abandonedar.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/YouCut_20220127_115729032.mp4. Was the first KC-135E conversion in 1982. of conventional or nuclear bombs, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=294. Another part was that the men who had flown in Vietnam and chafed under the official frowning upon of nose art were now the ones in charge. In July 1963 the aircraft was stationed at Beale AFB, California, with the 456th Bombardment Wing (H). 88 of the aircraft built are modified versions to serve specific purposes such as reconnaissance aircraft, and cargo carriers. The B-52 had 8 engines but the two AGM-28 engines could also be used for take off and getting up to altitude. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. Many times I stopped what I was doing and watched the full power, roaring and smoke trailing takeoffs. For more information, visit the website at www.nationalcoldwarcenter.com or call 870-532-2100. This increased the B-52Gs range over earlier B-52s, though it also added considerable weightone reason why the tail was shortened; to help the heavy bomber get off the ground, the water-injection system already present was increased. Tom Sylvester used to look up at the sky above Blytheville in the 1970s, watch the planes fly out of the nearby Air Force base and dream about being able to glide among the clouds. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. The 62nd Bombardment Wing (H) at Fairchild AFB, Washington, took possession of this B-52G in September 1983 but the aircraft was transferred to the 93rd Bombardment Wing (H) at Castle AFB, California, the following February. Blytheville Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base from 1942, until it closed in 1992. Pinterest. Assigned to Blytheville Air Force Base until deactivated in 1992. 1942-1946, 1953-1992. at the old Blytheville Air Force Base now called the Blytheville Aeroplex where the city is planning to invest $20 million . It is a peculiarly shaped building, like the rest of the buildings on the base. [4], It is a 247 acres (100ha) historic district which included 23 contributing buildings, 33 contributing structures, two contributing sites, a contributing object, as well as two non-contributing buildings. The incident over Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico on January 21, 1976, would not only stretch to a second night but was also witnessed by pure chance by a student journalist known only as "Bruce.". Eaker Air Force Base (1942-1992) was a front-line United States Air Force base for over 40 years. They could go out of the facility to visit family, go to a movie or the BX, but the whole crew had to go everywhere together. The aircraft on display saw extensive service in Southeast Asia and was severely damaged by an enemy surface-to-air missile on April 9, 1972. Pictures, photos and images from Blytheville, AR. It was one of many air fields created in the country's interior during the war for this purpose. All photos (32) Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Blytheville, Walnut Ridge, Grider, Newport, Stuttgart, and Adams Field. Eaker Air Force Base was complete with swimming pools, tennis courts, a grocery store, a dental office, a nine hole golf course, a theater, multiple clubs, visitation centers, a gym, and on-base housing for military families. Armament: Four defensive .50-cal. Military. The base closed in December 1992 and has re-opened as a general aviation/commercial airport and industrial park known as the Arkansas Aeroplex. In its prime, it housed over 3,000 service members, and a whole fleet of Strategic Air Command B52 BUFF Stratofortresses. 6 'Cat And Mouse' UFO Chase Over Cannon AFB January 1976. In 1942, at the graduation ceremony it was believed that women could not fly as well as men. 97th Bomb Wing has a long and honorable history. Five feet of water was pumped out of the basement of the building. The War Assets Administration officially closed down the installation in 1946, at which point control and responsibility for the land was transferred to the city of Blytheville. Rick O'Kelley was drafted in Oct 1971 and enlisted in the USAF November 10 1971 on delayed enlistment. Coupled with the more regulation bound USAF of the 1950s, almost no B-36s or B-52s carried nose art, despite a larger "canvas" than the B-29 or B-17. The Hound Dog was withdrawn in the 1970s and replaced with the AGM-69 SRAM, which could be carried in groups of 20 rather than just two of the huge Hound Dogs. Blytheville herald-news Blytheville courier news (DLC)sn 89051348 Any monthly plan. As crew chiefs we had all spent many tours in the mole hole. This is not my photograph so it may not be used for commercial purposes. Buildings have collapsed in that time frame. After Eaker Air Force Base was B.R.A.C.d, multiple buildings on the base were put up for sale, but never put to use properly. 732 of the aircraft were specifically aerial tankers. I thanked my dad for my upbringing. During the weekend of February 21st, 2022, the former N.C.O. Nose Art: Boeing B-52G Stratofortress "Hoosier Hotshot", Nose Art: Boeing B-52G Stratofortress "Valkyrie", N915DN Delta Air Lines | McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 | Arkansas International Airport, N502DN Delta Air Lines | Airbus A350-941 | Arkansas International Airport, 59-1514 Boeing KC-135E Stratotanker United States Air Force, N907DL Delta Air Lines | McDonnell Douglas MD-88 | Arkansas International Airport, www.hill.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=5714, www.youtube.com/watch?v=leohcvmf8kM&feature=related, B-52G with an North American AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile, National Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, Ohio, Photoshopped image of Rick OKelley Age 20 on his 1972 Suzuki GT750J Le Mans, Post Card KC 135 refueling a B-52G from Blytheville AFB, Sign that set at the Main Gate at Blytheville Air Force Base, 1977477_10202915854723496_3494507586333601988_n, www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/bomber_alert.htm, Blytheville Air Force Base exhibit at DGM, Rickie D O'Kelley Staff Sergeant 1975 - Age 22. As a CAP cadet 1966-1969 the lore of this base was discussed often. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Copyright 2009-document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) - Abandoned Atlas Foundation - board@AbandonedAtlas.com | Designed By Prairie Nation Creative, LLC - Disclaimer, Eaker Air Force Base (Click the Thumbnails to See Full Album), Extras (sirens, wildlife, monument, signs). "Valkyrie" shows one of Norse mythology's legendary "choosers of the slain" in full armor on horseback, with her shield a SAC emblem and carrying SAC's red lightning bolts in her other hand--which is pretty inventive. Photo by Democrat-Gazette file photo . In the years leading up to the reunification of Germany, the U.S. government sought out to begin a process that would eventually end in many bases like Eaker, to be closed. [3] Six more men from the 97th were also lost in Vietnam, whose names are recognized on a memorial placard at the former base. I was an army brat and a military wife along with an army civilian off and on over the years. It was good to see jets setting on the tarmac, even if they are only civilian jets. Like many B-52s, 58-0183 was shuttled around through several units--in this case, no less than eleven bomb wings. Currently, the main tarmac is used as Blythevilles airport. By that time, the B-52G had already been tested in combat, with mixed results. - A Blytheville museum shining a light on Cold War history received funding supporting a planned primary exhibit. Capt R.D. 1950's. Janet Austin - Duplessis. Buildings, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, car . Luckily, the nose art was removed first and donated to the nearby Pima Air and Space Museum. The nine surviving jets are scattered from coast to coast most of them restored and on display. Currently, the wet carpet has molded over and over again. The boom operators on KC-135s got a laugh over it, the pilots loved it, commanding officers were horrified and eventually ordered it removed. Blytheville was the only Advanced training base in Arkansas. The majority of buildings have suffered the same fate. The USAF Thunderbirds flew the F-4E Phantom II from 1969 until Feb 1974 when they were retired due to the October 1973 fuel crisis. Blytheville AFB was created in 1942 as a location for pilot training, originally named Blytheville Army Airfield. My USAF service had no connection to the Thunderbirds other than Juliet and I saw this Thunderbird perform at Blytheville Air Force Base Oct 25 1972. The pictures and history lesson accompanying are amazing. . A bomber crew from Blytheville were among the first shot down during Operation Linebacker II, a December 1972 mission targeting complexes in North Vietnam. Though, local organizations and legal entities constantly fight to preserve the base. Deactivated at the close of the conflict, the base was reactivated in the 1950s as Blytheville Air Force Base and was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in 1988 . Abandoned Arkansas had noticed while touring the base, the former base bank had been torn down the week prior to January 1st, 2022. Certain buildings are worth saving. I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. The Southeast Asia War section of the Modern Flight Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). The boom is controlled by an operator lying prone under the cargo deck of the aircraft. Roof repairs began on February 19, 2022. Many DC-3 and C-47s are still in operation, nearing the end of their first half century of service and looking like they could go another half century. The B-52H, however, continues to serve without a replacement on the horizon; the USAF intends to keep it in service until at least 2025, by which time the newest Stratofortress would have been in service sixty years. At Mildenhall. For nearly 50 years, residents of Blytheville, Ark., proudly supported the Air Force base in their town. Our B-52s had the Vietnam War Camo paint while this appears to have the Pre-Vietnam War SAC paint which our bombers had before their Vietnam days. Today it is 14,011. Explore. ", From: www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/bomber_alert.htm. Since 1955, the B52 Stratofortress has been Americas go-to long-distance strategic bomber. "Hoosier Hotshot" was originally applied to a B-17G Flying Fortress of the 91st Bomb Group during World War II, but when SAC began applying nose art to their B-52s, a 97th Bomb Wing B-52G crew reproduced the nose art on 57-6486 as a tribute to the original.
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