My Heritage. Airwomen were tasked with testing electronics of aircraft, testing aircraft by means of flights, and ferrying aircraft. A strong gust of wind has pushed the rear of the aircraft left then right. A total of 820 KC135s have been produced since 1956. 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. For nearly 50 years, residents of Blytheville, Ark., proudly supported the Air Force base in their town. B.R.A.C. The effect on the neighboring towns of Gosnell and Blytheville the closure had on were tremendous. The 2nd Bombardment Wing (H) at Barksdale AFB acquired the plane a second time in February 1987. Microscopy, Atomic Force Pulmonary Ventilation Acoustic Impedance Tests. It launched rescue missions from the base to Grenada in 1983 and in August 1990, the pilots of the 97th Bomber Wing began practicing for missions in the Middle East and eventually supported Operation Desert Storm. In December 1972, after being repaired, it flew four additional missions over North Vietnam. 10 free downloads. Full view. Upon his return to the United States in November 1970, General Brown was assigned as vice commander of the 97th Bombardment Wing at Blytheville Air Force Base, Ark., and took command of the wing in July 1971. During the weekend of February 21st, 2022, the former N.C.O. 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. Mr. Gorbachev tore down that wall. . [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 Blytheville Air Force Base SAC alert area is located east of the southern end of the runway, situated at the center of the fenced area long the alert parking area. May be an image of text that says 'David Pride 2000' No photo description available. Posted to Facebook by William Travis. Nowadays, the base goes by a few names. 07-4637 photos; United States - US Air Force (USAF) Airline: United States - US Air Force (USAF) Reg: 07-4637 photos; Aircraft: Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules; Serial #: 382-5597; . [1], The base closure cost the community over 700 civilian jobs, but half of these were recovered through the adaptive reuse of the former base, such as United States Post Office's utilization of the base in the late 1990s as an airport hub during the holidays, some of the base housing being converted by Westminster Village of the Mid-South for a retirement community, the construction of a $2.5 million sports complex by the local community, and the private investment of some $3 million for the creation of the Thunder Bayou Golf Course. I was stationed at 3 bases that closed during this BRAC (Eaker, George and Chanute) and took an early out at the same time (volunteer compensated RIF in 1992). Some were torn down. But it is well-worth the visit. It was around 1960 and I still recall vividly sitting in the cockpit of a B-52. This VC-47D had been assigned to the 97th Bomb Wing, Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. 1942-1946, 1953-1992. Only ten B-52Gs survive today as museum pieces. It was amazing. It has the exact same problems as the hospital, though both buildings trade off on extremities. My job was to keep the alert aircraft supplied with the parts they needed to be mission ready. 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. We share a body likeness and dress and I had an orange helmet but most of the time I wore my Easy Rider Flag helmet. In June 1965, B-52s entered combat in Southeast Asia. The base's primary mission shifted to bomber training. Military Photos; Military Reunion Stories; Military Service Map; Military Cadences; Military Jokes; Military Lingo; Great Military Web Pages; Recommended Military Books; Today in Military . In June 1972 General Brown assumed command of the 416th Bombardment Wing at Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y. On January 31st, 2022, the Arkansas Aeroplex officially announced that work had been started on restoring Building 1225. There were trainer versions designated TC-47 and reconnaissance versions designated RC-47. Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. Places to visit . In July 1991, she was retired, and as one of the Secret Squirrel aircraft, was donated to the Pima Air and Space Museum immediately. 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.". The model is on a 1/72 scale with a 26" wingspan. Eaker Air Force Base is located approximately 3 miles northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas, on Interstate 55 between St Louis and Memphis. I saw this jet in the Thunderbird performance at Blytheville Air Force base Oct 25 1972.. My USAF service had no connection to the Thunderbirds other than I saw this Thunderbird perform at Blytheville Air Force Base Oct 25 1972. machine guns in tail plus up to 60,000+ lbs. Beechcraft AT-10, and Curtiss-Wright AT-9s. I took this from the back seat of the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter. Sign up and get notified about upcoming volunteer events! The base closed in 1992, and unfortunately most of the residential units north of Daisy Drive are vacant and have since . While the B-52Hs remained on nuclear alert standby, the G models were used in the conventional bombing role after the first few nights of cruise missile strikes; at first, this was done at low altitude, but switched to high altitude later onnot because of the threat of Iraqi air defenses, which had been badly degraded, but of the psychological effect. It boasted a vibrant downtown and it had an eclectic population due to the wide variety of people the base brought to the city. I hope they can save this base so that it doesnt get destroyed. The majority of buildings have suffered the same fate. "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. This is like the B-52Gs with the North American AGM-28 Nuclear Hound Dog Missiles assigned to my base. machine guns in tail plus up to 43,000+ lbs. As the Cold War ended, "Valkyrie" was assigned to her last duty station with the 2nd BW at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, but she would have one last mission. Officers Club. The nine surviving jets are scattered from coast to coast most of them restored and on display. If was really not abandoned til 10 year ago becuae I went to preschool on the base then I got shut down because all of us got sick becuase the heat and air went out. 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. (For some reason, this "Hotshot" never got eyes.). It was rolled out of Boeings Wichita plant. Yes we grew up overseas and only went to Department of Defense Schools but it was amazing. The Museums C-47 was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and delivered to the USAAF on July 14, 1944. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in Oct. 26, 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. Memphis Discovery Tour . After any major war, surplus equipment and property is sold to the general public and agencies. Any monthly plan. The National Cold War Center will be an entirely brand new building itself. Airplane Photos & Aviation Photos - View, Search, or Upload Photos! Its' soft start" with hours on Friday's and Saturday from about 12:00pm to 4:00pm, will take some trip planning. . View of the southern end of the former Blytheville AFB (Eaker AFB). 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. The nine surviving jets are scattered from coast to coast most of them restored and on display. While with the 97th Bomb Wing at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas, it received the name "Valkyrie" with appropriate nose art of a mail-clad female warrior on horseback; nose art made a renaissance in the USAF in the late 1980s, though not quite as risqu as that seen during World War II. at the old Blytheville Air Force Base now called the Blytheville Aeroplex where the city is planning to invest $20 million . At Mildenhall. An exploration of the base's history and its impact on the community. The accounting & financing building has a large and open floor plan. Looking for someone that served with you? Home of 96th Bombardment Wing: 1953-1957; 11th . This Abandoned Air Force base is located three miles Northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. On January 23rd, 2022, it was announced that the former dorms would be demolished. Almost immediately, this was proven to be a vain hope: the only aircraft able to replace the B-52 was, it seemed, another B-52. The last model 61-0040, was produced in 1962. https://nuke.fas.org/guide/usa/bomber/kc-135.htm#:~:text=The%20KC%2D135%20can%20haul,transferable%20for%20global%20refueling%20missions. These three 97th BW aircraft were stationed and flown out of Anderson AFB, Guam, as part of the 72nd Strategic Wing (Provisional). In the early 1950s, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) approved a plan to convert the former airfield into an airbase, which officially opened in 1955 as Blytheville Air Force Base. As a kid in nearby Jonesboro, our cub scout pack got to visit what was then Blytheville AFB. In 2020, both Arkansas senators proposed a bill to designate the museum in Blytheville. Posted June 9th, 2014 by NFFF & filed under Uncategorized. . When I arrived in July 1972, Blytheville Air Force Base's B-52s, KC-135s, pilots, navigators, electronic warfare officers, tail gunners and many . I had only three duty assignments, I began my service at Blytheville right out of Tech School as the Supply Representative to Base Procurement, then most of my time I was a "NORS Controller" responsible for keeping the Alert Aircraft and Nuclear Missiles supplied with parts. Over 1,000,000 pictures Blytheville AFB: See Eaker AFB: Bolling AFB ACTIVE: Location: Washington, DC . Club was demolished. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. School trips were to other countries LOL. There were VIP transports (designated VC-47A/B) and there were SC-47s used as search and rescue aircraft. The US needed a long range aircraft able to refuel other long range aircraft. Constructed on former agricultural land, the site was originally activated as the Blytheville Army Airfield in 1942. [5], For the civil use of this facility and airport information, see, Blytheville Air Force Base Strategic Air Command (SAC) Alert and Weapons Storage Areas Historic District, Last edited on 26 September 2022, at 16:47, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, AFCEC, "Eaker Air Force Base Community Relations Plan", "National Register of Historic Places: Weekly list", "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Blytheville Air Force Base Strategic Air Command (SAC) Alert and Weapons Storage Areas Historic District", "Arkansas Officials Seek Cold War Museum for Former Air Base", "Community Relations Plan for the Former Eaker Air Force Base Blytheville, Arkansas (July 2007}", Arkansas Northeastern College (formerly Mississippi County CC), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blytheville_Air_Force_Base&oldid=1112498994, Part of Strategic Air Command/Tactical Air Command, Continental Air Forces, 16 June 1945 21 March 1946, 25th Twin Engine Flying Training Group, 25 July 1942 29 February 1944, Army Air Force Pilot School, 3 May 1942 31 May 1945, 211th Army Air Force Base Unit, 1 May 1944 15 June 1945, 809th Army Air Force Base Unit, 16 June 1945 31 March 1946, 334th Army Air Force Base Unit, 1 April 1946 25 November 1946, 461st Bombardment Wing, 8 April 1956 1 April 1958, 4329th Air Base Squadron, 1 April 1958 1 July 1959, 97th Bombardment Wing, 1 July 1959 1 September 1991, This page was last edited on 26 September 2022, at 16:47. It is aRead more . Weekly Began in 1902; ceased in 1923. Of the 3,778 acres the base is comprised of, two thirds of the land is abandoned. Eaker Air Force Base in its entirety is a mix of private and federal property. 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. Blytheville Eaker Air Force Base - KBYH, USA - Arkansas; By: Brady Brooks Photos | Profile | Contact; Building 1225 is currently registered on the National Register Of Historic Places and is quoted as being the crown jewel of the National Cold War Center campus. Though Phase Two of the project is underway (as of February 2022), there have been no announcements of when the museum will officially open. Many buildings are gone, and will continue to disappear. There is a SAC Lapel Pin and two United States Air Force Lapel Pins that I have included in my display. Engines: Eight P&W J57-P-43WB turbojets, 13,750 lbs thrust each w/ water injection, Weight: 168,445 lbs empty; 488,000 lbs max, Speed: 636 mph max at 20,800 ft; 523 mph cruise, Range: 4,100 miles w/10,000 lb bomb load; 7,976 miles ferry, Armament: Four .5 in machine guns; payload 50,000 lbs bombs & missiles. All photos (32) Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. Today it is 14,011. Originally Blytheville Air Force Base, the base's official name was changed in 1988 to honor air pioneer and commander of the Mighty Eighth Air Force during World War II, Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe . Photographer unknown. Watch. Due to the high amount of asbestos flying around in the air, and the safety concerns. 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. Explore. 3 talking about this. See original furniture from the famous alert compound, pictures, uniforms & other memorabilia including a . Photo from Facebook. 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. In the Monett City Park is displayed the USAF Thunderbird F-4E Phantom II #3 Jet. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "blythevilleairforcebase" Flickr tag. Gosnell reported losing over half its students. But, right before the first man could bail, the pilot had realized they had marginal control over the aircraft. Currently, the wet carpet has molded over and over again. Summary of H.R.859 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): To authorize references to the museum located at Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas, as the "National Cold War Center". Below is my Blytheville Air Force Base token collection. In 1988, the based was renamed to honor World War II General, Ira C. Eaker. Use code: FLICKR10, International Air Tattoo 1987 - RAF Fairford. I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. Everything from a static display of a B52 Stratofortress (which the Arkansas Aeroplex hopes to someday acquire), to letters from soldiers to their families overseas. Links: Thule AFB . Tiling soaked in stagnant water squishes under your feet, anything that could be rusted, is rusted. Merged with: Blytheville herald-news (non-extant), to form: Blytheville courier news. Capt R.D. [1] It was located 3 miles (4.8km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. The walls are riddled with holes. Two North American AGM-28 nuclear Hound Dog Missiles were carried under the wings of the B-52 while eight Quails were carried in the bomb bay. Blytheville herald-news Blytheville courier news (DLC)sn 89051348 My last 8 months of service I was the NCOIC of the Repair Cycle Unit "DIFM Control", KC-135A - 61-0267 - 97th BW, Blytheville Air Force Base, N503DN Delta Air Lines | Airbus A350-941 | Arkansas International Airport. Have history here? I was stationed at this base in 1972-1976 and worked in the 97th Supply Squadron which is one of the large buildings located near the center of the photo. Rick O'Kelley was drafted in Oct 1971 and enlisted in the USAF November 10 1971 on delayed enlistment. In June 1965 B-52s entered combat in Southeast Asia. Eaker Air Force Base (1942-1992) was a front-line United States Air Force base for over 40 years. Photo Credit: The National Cold War Center. The top attractions to visit in Blytheville are: Historic Greyhound Bus Depot Visitor Center; The Ritz Theatre; Delta Gateway Museum; Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) Exhibition; That Bookstore in Blytheville; See all attractions in Blytheville on Tripadvisor The airport was developed from the closed Eaker Air Force Base (formerly Blytheville Air Force Base), after its closure by the U.S. Air Force in 1992. . I never earned Air Force Wings, the wings that appear in the photo are those of the Commemorative Air Force of which I am a member. If you can make it, even for an hour, we will be glad to have you! https://military-history.fandom.com/wiki/Eaker_Air_Force_Base, https://www.boeing.com/history/products/b-52-stratofortress.page, https://www.boeing.com/history/products/kc-135-stratotanker.page, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/1771/text?r=1&s=1, https://www.boozman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2020/12/bill-designating-national-cold-war-center-in-blytheville-introduced-in-senate, https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/107172/general-ira-c-eaker/, https://www.afcec.af.mil/Home/BRAC/Eaker.aspx, https://www.npr.org/2010/03/09/123773525/female-wwii-pilots-the-original-fly-girls. In the bomb bay were ADM-20 Quail decoys. Was the first KC-135E conversion in 1982. In order to understand why Eaker Air Force Base closed, one has to dive into foreign, political, and socioeconomic issues of the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was always fascinating to hear stories about how papers were left on desks and furniture left abandoned. 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. See All. I'm fairly certain I saw this aircraft at an airshow at Malmstrom AFB in the 1980s, as the nose art is familiar, but it may be wishful thinking on my part. Hill Aerospace Museum officially received the aircraft for static display on July 11, 1991. Blytheville Air Force Base aka Eaker Air Force Base. Many times I stopped what I was doing and watched the full power, roaring and smoke trailing takeoffs. During WWII, my Dad and his best friend, John Whittington, would go to the base (teenagers) and work. Most of the Gs ended their days sliced into pieces in the Arizona desert. The Southeast Asia War section of the Modern Flight Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). [3] Unfortunately, Eaker Air Force Base topped the Strategic Air Command's list of base closures in 1991 and with the Cold War coming to an end, the installation was officially chosen; in March 1992, the last aircraft left the base. The B-52G is missing its missile pylon because these were removed and destroyed as a condition of he SALT treaty launcher reduction conditions. I only ask that you send older photos (probably sometime before 1970).and they can be of People, Places in Blytheville, and Things. During Eaker's height, Blytheville was roughly the same size as Jonesboro, Smith said. Certain buildings are worth saving. TWS is the largest online community of Veterans existing today and is a powerful Veteran locator. The G models were not equipped with the same robust electronic countermeasures suite as the Ds, nor did their crews have the same training. 58-0183 joined the USAF and the 4135th Strategic Wing, based at Eglin AFB, Florida; the 4135th oversaw several B-52 squadrons dispersed over the American Southeast to lessen their chance of being caught on the ground by a Soviet nuclear strike. This has led to the current dilapidated state of some buildings. 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. This is a photoshopped 1972 Suzuki Brochure that I have transposed my face over the riders face. The Iron Curtain was torn down. During the second World War, the United States needed more areas to train pilots, and launch aircraft to respond to the threat on the Eastern front. The Blytheville Air Force Base Exhibition, a part of the National Cold War Center, is a permanent exhibit that showcases the air base and the people that lived and worked there. For the families, GI's, and community that was Blytheville AFB Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) Exhibition, Blytheville: See 8 reviews, articles, and 21 photos of Blytheville Air Force Base (BAFB) Exhibition, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 6 attractions in Blytheville. Three crewmen died in the crash. 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. Of the 3,778 acres the base is comprised of, two thirds of the land is abandoned. Some commanders, such as General Charles Donnelly in USAFE (no relation to the author) reportedly considered making names and/or nose art on USAFE aircraft a requirement. Transferred from the 97th Bomb Wing, Blytheville Air Force Base, Ark., this aircraft was flown to the museum in November 1978. About ten years ago a group of old 97 OMS troops made a trip to see the old place. I single had a wonderful time on my motorcycle that summer when I arrived at Blytheville Air Force base and my motorcycle was a major reason for my fond memories of a carefree time in my youth. Collect, curate and comment on your files. of conventional or nuclear bombs, Engines: Eight Pratt & Whitney J57s of 12,100 lbs. Capt. Evans at Blytheville air show in 1980. It is planned to be its own exhibit within the system of buildings. The deactivation of the Eakers (Blytheville) Air Force Base in 1992 hit the community hard as in 2019 the population is about 15,000 while the population of Fayetteville exploded to near 90,000. In the Monett City Park is displayed the USAF Thunderbird F4 Phantom #3 Jet. Gym - Center of Wing's Athletic Activities. 4 items. It was located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. Eaker Air Force Base was originally named Blytheville Army Airfield when it was built in 1942. 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 its prime, it housed over 3,000 service members, and a whole fleet of Strategic Air Command B52 BUFF Stratofortresses. The aircraft was flown from Castle AFB to Hill AFB, Utah, in its final flight. 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. The plane . Jun 18, 2016 - blytheville afb photos | Blytheville Air Force Base, Blytheville . The KC135, along with the B52 is one of the only fixed wing aircraft with over fifty years of service. Blytheville, established as lumber mill town in the 1880s, has also served as a center for the cotton-growing industry, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) airbase and a gateway city for the Natural State. My father was a pilot in SAC throughout his career (bombers and tankers); he and the other bomber and tanker crews spent a whole lot of time, away from their families, living in this bunker. Jun 18, 2016 - blytheville afb photos | Blytheville Air Force Base, Blytheville . At one point, sharkmouths were banned by 7th Air Force in Saigon as being "too warlike"--despite, of course, the "non-warlike" aircraft carrying tons of bombs and missiles. On the evening in question, Bruce was working for a local radio station, performing tests on their transmitters. Since Eaker Air Force Base went under B.R.A.C. The B-52 has set numerous records in its many years of service. Eaker Air Force Base Historic District, Arkansas International Airport, and Blytheville Municipal Airport. However, two years later they proved him and everyone else wrong. Veteran C. Young. Dave Howell, RN Bob Gilbert, Gunner Rick Watson, EW Chuck Kinkhead, N Can't remember, CP Kevin Rice. On June 10, 1942, the U.S. Army opened an advanced pilot training school at Blytheville, Arkansas. N503DN Delta Air Lines | Airbus A350-941 | Arkansas International Airport by M.J. Scanlon 17 . Americans did not have to fear every day of an imminent Soviet missile strike. It was located 3 miles (5 km) northwest of central Blytheville, Arkansas. No photo description available. Published: Jan. 11, 2022 at 6:25 PM PST. Thanks to Dave Howell for posting this photo of Miss Piggy and her crew. No photo description available. The first DC-3s were ordered by the USAAF in 1941 under the designation C-47, but there was no way to predict that simple designation would become a legend, that over 10,000 would be built and that the plane would be listed by General Dwight Eisenhower as one of the four pieces of equipment most vital to our success in Africa and Europe. There were countless modifications to the C-47 fleet, some taking place at the factory and some in the field.