I saw this one fly over last week and wrongly assumed it to be a modified OH-58, but a little research and an article in Combat Aircraft led me to this site.
So, lets welcome the new addition to the inventory.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
UH-72A at YTC
I saw this one fly over last week and wrongly assumed it to be a modified OH-58, but a little research and an article in Combat Aircraft led me to this site.
So, lets welcome the new addition to the inventory.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
EA-18G Growler
The EA-18G Growler is the replacement for the EA-6 Prowler. Both birds are electronic warfare aircraft. The Prowlers had been used for several decades and frequently flew over our house, near Yakima. The Prowlers have been retired and the replacement, the EA-18G Growlers, have taken over. Today was the first time I had seen one of these making a touch and go, or, at least simulated touch and go. The weather has precluded me seeing much in the sky, not to mention I am usually at work when they do fly over. Today, however, I managed to SEE one AND take a picture, though it was already past by the time I got the camera, but here you go! Look forward to better shots this summer.
I had to do a little post processing to get detail.
I had to do a little post processing to get detail.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
F-86F #51-13352
In the spring of 1954, the US was standing in the shadow of an uneasy truce with North Korea. Stalin had recently passed away to be replaced by the first in a number of communist leaders, none of whom were particularly fond of the United States or capitalist pigs! The Cold War was going on in earnest. On the bright side, the US had just had the opportunity to test new war fighting gear in Korea. One of these new items was the wonder-fighter F-86
, which racked up an impressive record against Russian built MiGs.
The F-86A was far superior to the straight-winged F-51s, F-80s, and F-84s. Those less than suitable fighters were soon put into the ground attack role. The F-86s, more often than not, flew top cover, guarding the Hogs and Stars in the mud below.
The F-86 was rushed into service in Korea when the F-80s and F-84s proved unsuitable in the air-to-air role. Still, it would be nice if there was something that could drop bombs AND fight off the MiGs. So, North American began developing a version of the F-86 that was also suited to the ground attack role.
The F-86F was one of these ground attack F-86s. It was actually used in Korea. It had four wing stores positions and six .50 caliber machine guns.
In May of 1954, there were several F-86Fs at McChord AFB. The men of the 435th Fighter Squadron, part of the 479th Fighter Group, out of George AFB, California, were serving at McChord for a short time. They were there for training no doubt. On the morning of May 28, 1954, 2nd lt. Jack Moore was set to be wingman on a flight of two for a simulated strafing and napalm mission against aggressor forces on a hilltop. Moore was flying F-86F #51-13352, a Block 25 aircraft built at North American Aviation's Columbus, Ohio plant.
This mission was part of a joint Air Force and Army maneuver that was being conducted at the Yakima Firing Range.
The mission called for a two ship flight flown by Second Lieutenant Harry E. Payne and Second Lieutenant Jack Moore. Their call sign was "Hades Black." Payne flew lead. Weather in the target area was set with a ceiling of 10,000 feet with a ten mile visibility. When they got to the target area, Payne could not contact the Forward Air Controller, call sign "Blanket Control," so Moore took the lead and the two began conducting some runs on the enemy position.
After four simulate runs on the target, number two (Payne) called Bingo, or low fuel. Moore, in the lead, said they would make one final pass. The targets were two trucks on top of a ridge. Moore made a pass over the trucks, turning left. He then failed to pull up over the next ridge and struck the ridge approximately 75 feet from the crest. The aircraft exploded upon impact, scattering wreckage for approximately 1200 yards. Lt. Payne reported Moore's loss and returned to base without incident.
The recommendations of the investigating committee were:
1.) Wing, Group, and Squadron leaders should be reviewed for adequacy.
2.) A greater emphasis be placed on the importance of observing minimum altitudes during briefings on missions of this type.
3.) That this accident be brought to the attention of all flying personnel.
Others said of Second Lieutenant Moore: He was well liked. He was unmarried. Considered a "Tiger" and a good pilot but he took some chances. Born in October of 1930, he was only 24 when he died.
The accident is listed as having taken place 28 miles East North East of Yakima, yet the coordinates given show it to be approximately 40 miles to the East, though that is unlikely, since that is farm country.
One thing that is rarely mentioned in all of flying lore, is the losses incurred by training. One suspects that these losses far outweigh those incurred in combat. So ended the career of both Second Lieutenant Jack Moore and his F-86F, #51-13352.
If you have any information on this loss, I would be very interested in hearing from you.
Sources:
, which racked up an impressive record against Russian built MiGs. The F-86A was far superior to the straight-winged F-51s, F-80s, and F-84s. Those less than suitable fighters were soon put into the ground attack role. The F-86s, more often than not, flew top cover, guarding the Hogs and Stars in the mud below.
The F-86 was rushed into service in Korea when the F-80s and F-84s proved unsuitable in the air-to-air role. Still, it would be nice if there was something that could drop bombs AND fight off the MiGs. So, North American began developing a version of the F-86 that was also suited to the ground attack role.
The F-86F was one of these ground attack F-86s. It was actually used in Korea. It had four wing stores positions and six .50 caliber machine guns.
In May of 1954, there were several F-86Fs at McChord AFB. The men of the 435th Fighter Squadron, part of the 479th Fighter Group, out of George AFB, California, were serving at McChord for a short time. They were there for training no doubt. On the morning of May 28, 1954, 2nd lt. Jack Moore was set to be wingman on a flight of two for a simulated strafing and napalm mission against aggressor forces on a hilltop. Moore was flying F-86F #51-13352, a Block 25 aircraft built at North American Aviation's Columbus, Ohio plant.
This mission was part of a joint Air Force and Army maneuver that was being conducted at the Yakima Firing Range.
The mission called for a two ship flight flown by Second Lieutenant Harry E. Payne and Second Lieutenant Jack Moore. Their call sign was "Hades Black." Payne flew lead. Weather in the target area was set with a ceiling of 10,000 feet with a ten mile visibility. When they got to the target area, Payne could not contact the Forward Air Controller, call sign "Blanket Control," so Moore took the lead and the two began conducting some runs on the enemy position.
After four simulate runs on the target, number two (Payne) called Bingo, or low fuel. Moore, in the lead, said they would make one final pass. The targets were two trucks on top of a ridge. Moore made a pass over the trucks, turning left. He then failed to pull up over the next ridge and struck the ridge approximately 75 feet from the crest. The aircraft exploded upon impact, scattering wreckage for approximately 1200 yards. Lt. Payne reported Moore's loss and returned to base without incident.
The recommendations of the investigating committee were:
1.) Wing, Group, and Squadron leaders should be reviewed for adequacy.
2.) A greater emphasis be placed on the importance of observing minimum altitudes during briefings on missions of this type.
3.) That this accident be brought to the attention of all flying personnel.
Others said of Second Lieutenant Moore: He was well liked. He was unmarried. Considered a "Tiger" and a good pilot but he took some chances. Born in October of 1930, he was only 24 when he died.
The accident is listed as having taken place 28 miles East North East of Yakima, yet the coordinates given show it to be approximately 40 miles to the East, though that is unlikely, since that is farm country.
One thing that is rarely mentioned in all of flying lore, is the losses incurred by training. One suspects that these losses far outweigh those incurred in combat. So ended the career of both Second Lieutenant Jack Moore and his F-86F, #51-13352.
If you have any information on this loss, I would be very interested in hearing from you.
Sources:
Accident report of #51-13352
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
McChord Air Museum is OPEN!!!!
Yes, you heard right. I was doing a little research yesterday and discovered that sometime in December McChord Air Museum became open to the public. All you need is your driver's license, and proof of insurance and your vehicle registration to get a visitor's pass. It's free! This is the first time since shortly after 9/11 that McChord Air Museum has been open to the public (that I know of).
You can check out their site, here.
Among their collection, which is impressive for not being a museum associated with an aircraft company, are such rarities as a C-124! They also have a rare C-82 Packet and a B-23 Dragon.
There are fighters to be sure, among them are the F-106, F-102, and the F-101. There is also an A-10. Considering the history of McChord as a long time Air Defense Command base, it is too bad there is no P-61 or F-82, both of which are such rare items that most museum curators would probably resort to dire measures indeed to obtain one.
I visited McChord Air Museum long ago, before even the first Gulf War. I was young, but have vivid memories. They did not have the C-124 on display at the time. If they did we did not see it. I highly recommend a trip to see this museum, which houses a few aircraft that other local museums DO NOT!
Go out and visit and Air Museum today!
**UPDATE*** July 2013**** The Museum is only open on Wednesday and Thursday for a few limited hours due to the sequestration. Thanks Congress.
You can check out their site, here.
Among their collection, which is impressive for not being a museum associated with an aircraft company, are such rarities as a C-124! They also have a rare C-82 Packet and a B-23 Dragon.
There are fighters to be sure, among them are the F-106, F-102, and the F-101. There is also an A-10. Considering the history of McChord as a long time Air Defense Command base, it is too bad there is no P-61 or F-82, both of which are such rare items that most museum curators would probably resort to dire measures indeed to obtain one.
I visited McChord Air Museum long ago, before even the first Gulf War. I was young, but have vivid memories. They did not have the C-124 on display at the time. If they did we did not see it. I highly recommend a trip to see this museum, which houses a few aircraft that other local museums DO NOT!
Go out and visit and Air Museum today!
**UPDATE*** July 2013**** The Museum is only open on Wednesday and Thursday for a few limited hours due to the sequestration. Thanks Congress.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
HMS Caroline, Jutland Veteran, May Be Scrapped!
The HMS Caroline is the last remaining ship from the Battle of Jutland still afloat. The Royal Navy intends to decommission and scrap her.
I, too, am troubled by this turn of events. Writing a congressman will not work, but perhaps, if you are so inclined, you could find a way to drop the Royal Navy or the Ministry of Defense a note telling them that the Yanks would love for them to keep this OLD SHIP! She's a veteran of WWI for crying out loud!
Here's where I found it.
I, too, am troubled by this turn of events. Writing a congressman will not work, but perhaps, if you are so inclined, you could find a way to drop the Royal Navy or the Ministry of Defense a note telling them that the Yanks would love for them to keep this OLD SHIP! She's a veteran of WWI for crying out loud!
Here's where I found it.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
MiG Over Washington??
Washington State has several interesting and worth-while visiting museums. They all seem to be on the West side of the Cascades. Museum of Flight, Olympic Flight Museum, Flying Heritage Museum, and the new Historic Flight Foundation. It's this last one that has a new addition to its collection.
Drum roll please....
A MiG-29! Mr. Cawby runs the KPAE Paint Field blog and monitors the goings on there. He posted a couple photos of the Historic Flight Foundation's new MiG doing some test flights. You can also become a fan on Facebook if you'd like to see more photos and up to date news of the museum.
Drum roll please....
A MiG-29! Mr. Cawby runs the KPAE Paint Field blog and monitors the goings on there. He posted a couple photos of the Historic Flight Foundation's new MiG doing some test flights. You can also become a fan on Facebook if you'd like to see more photos and up to date news of the museum.
Monday, February 7, 2011
USS Los Angeles Decommissioned
Navy Bids Farewell To Trailblazing USS Los Angeles
The nuclear attack submarine, USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), lead ship of the largest nuclear submarine class ever, was decommissioned on February 4th in Bremerton, Washington. Follow the link for the full story.
The nuclear attack submarine, USS Los Angeles (SSN-688), lead ship of the largest nuclear submarine class ever, was decommissioned on February 4th in Bremerton, Washington. Follow the link for the full story.
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