Did you know about the fight to save this historic aircraft from being shredded?

2015-08-10T16:46:06-04:00

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/08/10/ex-air-force-pilot-in-dogfight-to-save-historic-boeing-from-scrapyard/?intcmp=hpbt2

Ex-Air Force pilot in dogfight to save historic Boeing from scrapyard

This downed bird could be grounded for good.One of two CENTCOM planes made to fly high-ranking US military command and staff during the Gulf War, the 1990s Bosnian War and Iraqi Freedom, is about to be turned into scrap metal despite its colorful history and a roster of passengers that includes two-well known generals that likely plotted strategies for 3 wars across two decades while on board.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-08-10T16:47:31-04:00

No I didn't. This seems very interesting. Thanks for sharing Capt Seid Waddell.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Aug 10 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-08-10T16:49:10-04:00

That is too bad, such a waste.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Aug 10 at 2015 4:53 PM

2015-08-10T16:53:13-04:00

Capt, why would they want to get rid of these aircrafts if it's not costing them anything other than space to keep them around?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 10 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-08-10T16:58:40-04:00

The cost to keep the plane is $200,000.....a minister raised $65,000,000 for a jet earlier this year, I am sure there are many willing to help a Veteran keep this bird available for future generations to enjoy. I appreciate that this pilot is making it known before it is too late, now it is time for action.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Aug 10 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-08-10T17:01:40-04:00

Capt Seid Waddell it makes no sense to scrap it. It should be saved. Thanks for posting.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 10 at 2015 5:17 PM

2015-08-10T17:17:43-04:00

Any time a military aircraft is retired a part of history potentially dies. We maintain 'historical' records of every aircraft that follow the birds their entire life cycle. I retired a Huey from Vietnam and the historicals were as thick as a phone book annotating all the BDA (Battle damage) that had been repaired. As we removed the engine, I noticed a temporary patch that never made it into the historicals. It was a patch made from a Budweiser can (common field expedient repair). I read the historicals finding repair after repair, tour after tour. When we stripped her down to nothing and they carted her away, we were all lined up dress right dress and order arms. We had an old OH-58 A/C scout driver as a Platoon Leader who was in tears. He was in country at the same time as the Huey. Thanks for sharing and taking me back down memory lane Capt Seid Waddell !

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 10 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-08-10T18:12:44-04:00

It should be donated and saved to preserve history.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Aug 10 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-08-10T20:18:51-04:00

Frankly, Capt Seid Waddell, if the saving of this aircraft is on the table, I would suggest that Columbine II (the first Air Force One) be restored first! This is the only presidential aircraft to have ever been sold to a private owner and it now resides in the open in the Arizona desert at Marana Airport. Fortunately, as of May 1, 2015, a Virginia aviation company owner hopes to purchase, restore to flying condition and make it available "for the public to appreciate".