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It was also a B-52 that made the first airborne hydrogen bomb drop over Bikini Atoll on May 21, 1956. As the 97th Bomb Group it's B-17 were the first to drop bombs on the Germans in France in 1942. During its test flight, Boeing was performing tests to show the aircrafts resilience against low-altitude turbulence. I had a great time and intend to go again next year. The KC135 fuels other aircraft through an extendable boom on the aft of the aircraft. The base contributed greatly to the economic and . Blytheville air force base photos. Who knew that 41 years later I would have a new Mustang or even still be alive. Blytheville, Walnut Ridge, Grider, Newport, Stuttgart, and Adams Field. The effect on the neighboring towns of Gosnell and Blytheville the closure had on were tremendous. Photo by Democrat-Gazette file photo . Airplane Photos & Aviation Photos - View, Search, or Upload Photos! My family and I were stationed here from about 1964 until 1970. 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. Eaker. It was good to see jets setting on the tarmac, even if they are only civilian jets. All photos. Vietnam War, 1961-1975. In the Monett City Park is displayed the USAF Thunderbird F4 Phantom #3 Jet. N503DN Delta Air Lines | Airbus A350-941 | Arkansas International Airport by M.J. Scanlon 17 . This is not my photograph so it may not be used for commercial purposes. Finally, again to save weight, the tail gunner position was eliminated in favor of a remote-controlled barbette, with the gunner moved forward to the crew compartment. 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. 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. Looking for someone that served with you? "A B52 with a full nuclear payload, is the seventh most powerful country in the world.". 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 No photo description available. In any case, out of a sense of history and because commanders were now favorable to the idea, nose art began to return, though the USAF was very careful to ensure any "painted ladies" to have nothing more risque than bikinis. In June 1975 the aircraft was sent to the 97th Bombardment Wing (H) residing at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. Details on 57-6486 are sparse; it may have seen combat over Vietnam with another unit. After any major war, surplus equipment and property is sold to the general public and agencies. Location of Service: Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; Williams Air Force Base, Arizona; Lockbourne Air Force Base, Ohio; Vietnam; Eglin Air Force Base, Florida; Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas; Des Moines Air National . Unit of Service: 311th Tactical Airlift Squadron; Air National Guard. 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 . [1] It was located 3 miles (4.8km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. Gym - Center of Wing's Athletic Activities. Many times I stopped what I was doing and watched the full power, roaring and smoke trailing takeoffs. Honorable Discharged at the rank of E5 Staff Sgt. The facility now operates as the Arkansas Aeroplex and Arkansas International Airport. Far in the northeast corner of Arkansas, five miles west of the Mississippi River, the city of Blytheville remembers a prosperous past while hoping for a bright future. Airport information, from map to hotels to aeronautical information. Though, local organizations and legal entities constantly fight to preserve the base. Eaker Air Force Base (1942-1992) was a front-line United States Air Force base for over 40 years. The G models most noticeable feature was its 8-foot shorter tail, done to ease maintenance and to save weight. https://nuke.fas.org/guide/usa/bomber/kc-135.htm#:~:text=The%20KC%2D135%20can%20haul,transferable%20for%20global%20refueling%20missions. This one is at the old (now closed) SAC base near Blytheville, Arkansas. Thousands of jobs were lost. The aircraft remained there until November when it was reassigned to the 320th Bombardment Wing (H) at Mather AFB, California. Scrapped at Birmingham AL in 1997. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . Rick O'Kelley was drafted in Oct 1971 and enlisted in the USAF November 10 1971 on delayed enlistment. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); http://www.fi-aeroweb.com/Defense/KC-46-Tanker.html#:~:text=Compared%20to%20the%20KC%2D135,cargo%20and%20aeromedical%20evacuation%20capabilities.&text=The%20KC%2DX%20Program%2C%20the,current%20KC%2D135%20tanker%20fleet. VetFriends.com helps reunite veterans from the Air Force daily. This gallery is to showcase old photographs from Blytheville, Arkansas. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in Oct. 26, 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. machine guns in tail plus up to 60,000+ lbs. However, the B-58 was delayed, and in accordance with General Curtis LeMays prescient worries that the B-52 force would simply fall apart, Boeing began development of a new variant of the B-52, the B-52G. Enter your email address to subscribe to Abandoned Arkansas and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. My other picture of "Valkyrie" was taken from the right side, but the other day I realized I had never posted the picture of the aircraft's nose art. After a brief hiatus of less than a decade, the facility reopened as the Blytheville Air Force Base. by Ryan Nix, Photos by Jamison Mosley. Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. [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. At the height of the Cold War, Eaker Air Force Base was home to the 97th Bombardment Wing, the 42nd Air Division, the 97th Air Refueling Squadron, the 97th Supply Squadron, the 97th Organizational Maintenance Squadron, the 820th Medical Group, and many more. I only ask that you send older photos (probably sometime before 1970).and they can be of People, Places in Blytheville, and Things. There were trainer versions designated TC-47 and reconnaissance versions designated RC-47. The Blytheville Air Force Base Capehart Housing Historic District encompasses a large residential area built between 1957 and 1962 as part of a military housing program for service members stationed at the now-closed Blytheville Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas. This facility trained Army Air Cadets on Beechcraft AT-10 Wichita advanced trainer planes to learn to fly North American B-25 Mitchell bombers in all theaters of World War 2. Notable people who were stationed at the base durring this time include Carl Jr. and Frank . Profile pictures. Reactivated as the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus AFB. 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 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. This Abandoned Air Force base is located three miles Northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. Today, "Valkyrie" still wears her 1991-era SIOP camouflage and a SAC badge on the nose; the nose art is on the port side. The pictures and history lesson accompanying are amazing. Thanks to Dave Howell for posting this photo of Miss Piggy and her crew. Sign up and get notified about upcoming volunteer events! Blytheville, Arkansas was selected as a training location due to its proximity to the Mississippi River, where supplies could easily be shipped to and from the site. Since then, there have been only 744 aircraft built by Boeing. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. Eleven of these jets were flown from 1969 to Feb 1974 when they were retired due to the oil crisis. 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. Blytheville AFB was created in 1942 as a location for pilot training, originally named Blytheville Army Airfield. Have history here? The alert force aircraft remained parked just outside this facility (on a ramp, over to the left); there were armed airmen patrolling the ramp at all times. The accounting & financing building has a large and open floor plan. Any and all donations are appreciated. of conventional or nuclear bombs, www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=294. Photographs are from numerous people and I encourage you to send me your photos if you want to add to the Blytheville collection. Eaker Air Force Base was originally named Blytheville Army Airfield when it was built in 1942. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. In the bomb bay were ADM-20 Quail decoys. The aircraft in question was tail number 61-0023. (For some reason, this "Hotshot" never got eyes.). The original, one-of-a-kind model was created by P.J. Select from premium Blytheville Air Force Base of the highest quality. The rest I earned via my service to my country. Thanks VetFriends. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in the fall of 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. This is a photoshopped 1972 Suzuki Brochure that I have transposed my face over the riders face. 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. Eaker Air Force Base is located approximately 3 miles northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas, on Interstate 55 between St Louis and Memphis. This Abandoned Air Force base is located three miles Northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. What aRead more , Stationed there 1989-1992, loved the place and love the life long friends from there. Roof repairs began on February 19, 2022. [1], The Blytheville Air Force Base Strategic Air Command (SAC) Alert and Weapons Storage Areas Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. Airman First Class Monex Thomas of the Blytheville Air Force Base died in an aircraft training incident on August 1 1982. On January 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 aircraft was set on course to Boeings headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. It is planned to be its own exhibit within the system of buildings. Many buildings are gone, and will continue to disappear. The Southeast Asia War section of the Modern Flight Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). Capt R.D. 3 items. My 1972 Suzuki looked exactly like the one in the brochure. [1], In 1988, the U.S. Air Force officially renamed Blytheville AFB to Eaker AFB in commemoration of World War II General Ira Eaker, the former commander of the 8th Air Force. After it became operational in 1955, the B-52 remained the main long-range heavy bomber of the U.S. Air Force during the Cold War, and it continues to be an important part of the USAF bomber force today. 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. The facility now operates as the Arkansas Aeroplex and Arkansas International Airport. My first year I worked in Procurement which is to the far right edge in this photo, it is the last building on the left along Memorial Drive, the wide street going left to right. 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. In August 1991 this Stratofortress was dropped from the Air Force inventory and made available to the USAF Museum Program. c/n 18002/T0417. NUMBER BUILT: Douglas built a total of 10,047 C-47s and derivatives. Some of the land has since been declared a National Historic Landmark. 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. It is very possible the paint that is peeling on the walls is lead-based. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. Part of the reason was the USAF's adoption of "Combat Warrior," which was meant to instill a sense of history among its pilots and airmen, requiring the study of the USAF/USAAF historical record. . The B-52G entered service in February 1959, and eventually 193 would be built, making it the most produced B-52 variant. The KC135, along with the B52 is one of the only fixed wing aircraft with over fifty years of service. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. In June 1972 General Brown assumed command of the 416th Bombardment Wing at Griffiss Air Force Base, N.Y. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. Those dorms were pristine (almost new if I remember correctly) when they were abandoned. Leaving Little Rock as Arkansas only active base. An exploration of the base's history and its impact on the community. 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). In the politically correct 2000s, nose art has been hidden in wheel-well doors or, in the case of the A-10, behind the integral ladder door, and often as not, simply does not exist. These women had proved their selves capable of flying aircraft such as the B25 and the B29. 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. Whether it be by the hand of the elements, or by deconstruction due to safety issues. The group was awarded two Distinguish Unit Citations during WWII and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crises. Blytheville herald-news Blytheville courier news (DLC)sn 89051348 All photos (32) Top ways to experience nearby attractions. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Buildings have collapsed in that time frame. [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. [1] Other aircraft stationed at Blytheville AFB included: KC-97 refueler, B-52G bomber, KC-135A tanker, T-33 jet fighter, and the T-37 traineramong others. Americans did not have to fear every day of an imminent Soviet missile strike. BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. On June 10, 1942, the U.S. Army opened an advanced pilot training school at Blytheville, Arkansas. Armament: Four .50-cal. MEMORIES. . As Soviet air defenses increased in numbers and lethality, the B-52 was switched from high-altitude attack to low-altitude penetration; the job of Hound Dog-equipped B-52s was to use the nuclear-tipped primitive cruise missiles to destroy SAM defenses, giving the follow-on B-52s equipped with gravity nuclear weapons a better chance at reaching their targets. The airplane dismantler used most of the tarmac we were using and we havent been back since before covid. From its days as an Army Airfield until closing in 1992 as a major Strategic Air Command facility, the Blytheville Air Force Base told many stories. On 16 January 1991, she was one of seven B-52s that would fly from Barksdale to fire cruise missiles at Saddam Hussein's Iraq on the first night of Operation Desert Storm. Blytheville was the only two engine training base in Arkansas. Notice my Mustang has what appears to be a trailer hitch. Air Base Group Headquarters. 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. Best years of my life. (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. for another radio code that would tell him to turn around. This had the added benefit of giving the gunner an ejection seat, eliminating the need for a manual bailout system. Usaf Academy, CO 80840-1307 Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3732 Warrensburg, MO 64093-9357 Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. It is the USAFs main aerial fueling aircraft. After extensive renovations, the "BAFB Exhibition", at the former Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base, is open for business. See original furniture from the famous alert compound, pictures, uniforms & other memorabilia including a . 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. Buy None was a no notice operational exercise conducted in 1989. Electrical work and flood damage repair have begun. Today the base is mostly in a decrepit state of disrepair. 18 (Feb. 26, 1904). He served active duty March 21 1972 to March 20 1976. Who knew that 41 years later I would have a new Mustang or even still be alive. Photos from Blytheville Eaker Air Force Base - KBYH on JetPhotos Photos 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. It is a peculiarly shaped building, like the rest of the buildings on the base. As "Hoosier Hotshot," it flew first with the 97th BW at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas, then finished its career with the 93rd BW at Castle AFB, California. However, some F-15E Strike Eagle units have begun painting nose art again, so reports of its demise is probably premature. Airmen from the 97th Bombardment Wing lost their lives and their photos appear on the lonely memorial at their abandoned base in Blytheville; Lt Col Keith R Heggen was in "Olive1", (now buried at Arlington Nat'l Cemetery) Lt Col Donald L Rissi, 1st LT Robert J Thomas and Msgt Walter L Ferguson were in "Charcoal 1" Major Bobby A Kirby, Capt Randall J Craddock, Capt George B Lockhart, Capt Ronald D Perry and 1st Lt Charles E Darr were in "Tan 3". Opened in late 2020, the BAFB Exhibition features memorabilia, video and personal stories of the base from its 1942 beginnings until closure in 1992. Jwt708 Well-Known Member. 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. Blytheville Air Force Base, Blytheville . The aircraft was flown from Castle AFB to Hill AFB, Utah, in its final flight. These three 97th BW aircraft were stationed and flown out of Anderson AFB, Guam, as part of the 72nd Strategic Wing (Provisional). Watch. A total of 820 KC135s have been produced since 1956. Camo with white under belly North American AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile on display at the Global Power Museum at Barksdale Air Force Base. Currently, there is a restoration program working to rebuild and reuse buildings that arent disappearing. I don't have a clue who captured or created this image but this is it is an excellent computer generated image of a Pre-Vietnam War SAC Paint Scheme with a North American AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile. 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. Scanned from 35mm Negative. The B-52 had 8 engines but the two AGM-28 engines could also be used for take off and getting up to altitude. Constructed on former agricultural land, the site was originally activated as the Blytheville Army Airfield in 1942. Blytheville Eaker Air Force Base - KBYH, USA - Arkansas; By: Brady Brooks Photos | Profile | Contact; In 1942, at the graduation ceremony it was believed that women could not fly as well as men. . The 1980s saw something of a resurgence--oddly enough, mostly among Strategic Air Command units.