Up In The Hills

You never know where you’re going to find aviation history.  Sometimes it is sitting out for all the world to see, but no one sees it because it is just so obvious.  Take this for instance.  This is out in the hills south of Satus, Washington.  I happened to be out for a drive and had decided to turn around and go back.  I glanced at this twice.  At one point my glance wandered across the “J57” and it occurred to me that there was a jet engine called that.  When I looked back, I saw this!  Well, obviously, I had to stop and take photos.

The J-57 was a turbojet engine that powered many of the USAF’s 1950s jets, and some of the Navy’s.  They were manufactured from 1951 to 1965, with over 21,000 built!  The B-52 was originally powered by the J-57, as were the F-100, the F-102, the Navy’s F-8 and F4D.  It was a widely used engine.  And this is evidence of it’s existence.

These “cans” are what they used to transport the engines in.  They were obviously water-proof, especially, since this is being used for water storage. 

So, keep your eyes open, things like this are out there in the open.  You just need to recognize them!

Have you seen something in Washington State that just screams aviation history to you?  Drop me a line about where it is, and if you send me a photo, I’ll post it here!

USS Olympia

Do you remember reading about the Spanish-American War?  Remember the Maine?  Well, the USS Maine is gone.  Sunk.  But, Admiral Dewey’s ship remains.  FOR NOW. 

The USS Olympia is in dire straits.  Launched in 1892, she is the oldest floating steel warship.  She is the ONLY surviving ship that fought in the Spanish-American War!!  This old warship is in need of repairs and a dry-docking, though.  She has been on display for the public, but may sink in her moorings if something is not done soon. 
Please donate to her cause!  Even a small amount will help.  I donated this afternoon when I read the article. This was not the first time I have read of her distress, but this is the day I made the decision to help!  It was not much, but it was what I could spare.  Please!  We must keep this historic ship afloat!  We let the USS Washington die under the cutting torch, will we let the USS Olympia wither away like an unwanted shoe?
You can read more about the USS Olympia here. 
For the sake of your children, help her.
You can donate here.  You can spread the word on Facebook here.