There was no need for the Global Shield. The nose art trend continued through Operation Desert Storm--though some of the ladies were censored or temporarily taped over to avoid offending Saudi religious officials--but then began to disappear again during the 1990s. All photos (32) Top ways to experience nearby attractions. I only ask that you send older photos (probably sometime before 1970).and they can be of People, Places in Blytheville, and Things. Community Profile: Blytheville, Ark., Spreads Its Wings after Air Force Base Closing. (KAIT) - Members of the United States Air Force in Little Rock and Louisiana landed aircraft on the Arkansas Aeroplex on the morning of . Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. There were VIP transports (designated VC-47A/B) and there were SC-47s used as search and rescue aircraft. Veteran C. Young. I took this from the back seat of the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter. of conventional or nuclear bombs. Base Fire Station. Owners of said buildings had big ambitions to renovate and repurpose the old buildings, but either plans never took off or money was tight. Of the 3,778 acres the base is comprised of, two thirds of the land is abandoned. Memphis Discovery Tour . The United States no longer needed bombers and fuel-tankers to be on 24/7 alert. The Blytheville Air Force Base Alert Center and Alert Apron constructed as part of a national expansion of Strategic Air Command Facilities across the United States and its Territories, to help in creating a "program to safeguard nuclear deterrence" through the SAC Alert program. [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. No photo description available. ", From: www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/facility/bomber_alert.htm. In December 1972, after being repaired, it flew four additional missions over North Vietnam. U.S. 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. Glad to see the alert pad will be saved. Loved it. 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. 3 items. at the old Blytheville Air Force Base now called the Blytheville Aeroplex where the city is planning to invest $20 million . The heavier steel fuel tanks of the tall-tail series were replaced by integral fuel tanks, in which the entire wing served as a tank. Merged with: Blytheville herald-news (non-extant), to form: Blytheville courier news. May be an image of text that says 'David Pride 2000' No photo description available. Yes we grew up overseas and only went to Department of Defense Schools but it was amazing. The B-52 is one of the few planes I remember Dad talking about during his career at Hill Air Force Base. 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 . 2, no. During the weekend of February 21st, 2022, the former N.C.O. The hospital has been tightly sealed up. It was around 1960 and I still recall vividly sitting in the cockpit of a B-52. Camo with white under belly North American AGM-28 Hound Dog Missile on display at the Global Power Museum at Barksdale Air Force Base. 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. Branch of Service: Air Force. Blytheville air force base photos. Alas LRAFB was where we flew C119s to summer camp, but always hoped foe a fly in there. It was closed as a military base in 1992 at the end of the Cold War pursuant to BRAC action and now operates as Arkansas International Airport . On a Bravo alert, while taxiing the aircraft, the pilot was waiting (and hoping!) 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. The Getty Images design is a trademark of Getty Images. 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 . It was always fascinating to hear stories about how papers were left on desks and furniture left abandoned. Only ten B-52Gs survive today as museum pieces. This area was developed pursuant to guidelines established by the Federal Housing Administration , and is laid out with . About ten years ago a group of old 97 OMS troops made a trip to see the old place. 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 . 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; . Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 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. My family and I were stationed here from about 1964 until 1970. [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. 2023 Getty Images. The hospital is also a very large (plan wise) building, so it is very possible to get lost inside the building without a map. 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. It was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in 1988, in honor of General Ira Eaker, an aviation pioneer and second . Weekly Began in 1902; ceased in 1923. Nearly 750 were built before production ended in Oct. 26, 1962; 170 of these were B-52Ds. Located on the former Eaker Air Force Base (also known as Blytheville Air Force Base), a few blocks inside the west gate. The base's primary mission shifted to bomber training. By that time, the B-52G had already been tested in combat, with mixed results. Millions of high-quality images, video, and music options are waiting for you. The airfield was used as the Southeastern Training Command's flight training school, which closed in October 1945 after the Second World War ended. This B-52G-100-BW (S/N 58-0191), nicknamed "Bearin' Arms," was manufactured by Boeing Aircraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas, and delivered to the USAF on October 16, 1959. The B-52 has set numerous records in its many years of service. Collect, curate and comment on your files. The exhibit is on the old air base, which is now an FBO for the new steel and other corporations that fly in there, along with other airplane related functions. For the families, GI's, and community that was Blytheville AFB Opened in late 2020, the BAFB Exhibition features memorabilia, video and personal stories of the base from its 1942 beginnings until closure in 1992. The newer B-52Hs had turbofan powerplant, which was more fuel efficient, and START arms control treaties required the dismantling of the B-52G force after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. It seemed like every morning at 5:00 AM the flight line maintenance crews would fire up some of the airplanes engines. [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. This VC-47D had been assigned to the 97th Bomb Wing, Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. This has led to the current dilapidated state of some buildings. 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. 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. Armament: Four .50-cal. Leaving Little Rock as Arkansas only active base. 766 th BS headquarters. Three crewmen died in the crash. 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. But, right before the first man could bail, the pilot had realized they had marginal control over the aircraft. A B52 with a full nuclear payload, is the seventh most powerful country in the world.. In the post-Cold War era, the U.S. Air Force decided to shut down the Eaker Air Force Base in Blytheville, AR. Since then, there have been only 744 aircraft built by Boeing. The airbase was phased out years ago, but Blytheville has emerged as a steel production center and agri-business is strong. The base closed in 1992, and unfortunately most of the residential units north of Daisy Drive are vacant and have since . if I remember correctly it was one of the rooms pictured (162). The Cold War had come to and end. Gym - Center of Wing's Athletic Activities. Transferred from the 97th Bomb Wing, Blytheville Air Force Base, Ark., this aircraft was flown to the museum in November 1978. Eaker AFB was selected for closure under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round of 1991. 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. After a brief hiatus of less than a decade, the facility reopened as the Blytheville Air Force Base. Those dorms were pristine (almost new if I remember correctly) when they were abandoned. The accounting & financing building has a large and open floor plan. 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. He told me many stories about the German . [1] It was located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. Blytheville Air Force Base, Arkansas. Eleven of these jets were flown from 1969 to Feb 1974 when they were retired due to the oil crisis. . When Vietnam ended and the USAF got back to peacetime, nose art once more disappeared. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The aircraft was set on course to Boeings headquarters in Wichita, Kansas. Airman First Class Monex Thomas of the Blytheville Air Force Base died in an aircraft training incident on August 1 1982. This would determine if the base could go on operating in the future, or if it was deemed unnecessary to continue service. In July 1963 the aircraft was stationed at Beale AFB, California, with the 456th Bombardment Wing (H). Marker is at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Chestnut Drive, on the right when traveling east on Memorial Drive. BX and Cafeteria. Arkansas Razorbacks. Sheila Russell Thurber. In selected cases, due to ground water table conditions, the moleholes were built fully aboveground, with the lower story earthen bermed for semi-hardening. Airwomen were tasked with testing electronics of aircraft, testing aircraft by means of flights, and ferrying aircraft. Fighter units also rarely carried nose art or even a name, though they made up for it with very gaudy colors and flamboyant unit crests. Blytheville AFB was created in 1942 as a location for pilot training, originally named Blytheville Army Airfield. Eaker Air Force Base (1942-1992) was a front-line United States Air Force base for over 40 years. 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. Hopefully the site will become available again for us. After extensive renovations, the "BAFB Exhibition", at the former Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base, is open for business. Since its organization on 21 March 1946, SAC had continuously used C-47s or Gooney Birds as they were usually called, for support and administrative purposes. After extensive renovations, the "BAFB Exhibition", at the former Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base, is open for business. BLYTHEVILLE AIR FORCE BASE EXHIBITION. 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. Here's a little blurb about the alert facilities themselves (aka "mole holes"): "The SAC alert crew quarters, like the SAC command post, were partially below ground structures. Americans did not have to fear every day of an imminent Soviet missile strike. Nowadays, the base goes by a few names. 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. When the klaxon sounded, the aircrews scrambled to their aircraft, and got a radio code to start their engines; after the engines were running, they got another code that instructed them either to shut down, and go back to the alert facility (in which case it would be called a Coco alert), or to taxi (that would be a Bravo alert). 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. The Southeast Asia War section of the Modern Flight Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/). Some of the land has since been declared a National Historic Landmark. Had many good times there. 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. B52 for his quick thinking, response to a crisis, and heroic duties. The B-47 Stratojet was slated to be replaced by a mix of both the heavy Stratofortress and the Convair B-58 Hustler high-speed medium bomber. 88 of the aircraft built are modified versions to serve specific purposes such as reconnaissance aircraft, and cargo carriers. It was also a B-52 that made the first airborne hydrogen bomb drop over Bikini Atoll on May 21, 1956. The War Assets Administration officially closed down the installation in 1946, at which point control and responsibility for the land was transferred to the city of Blytheville. I had a great time and intend to go again next year. Charles Fisher would forever be known as Mr. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. It was good to see jets setting on the tarmac, even if they are only civilian jets. Offering the freedom of maintenance-free independent living with the flexibility of an affordable rental program, Westminster Village enables you to remain close to the best of Blytheville near fishing at Big Lake, as well as convenient access to Memphis . It was amazing. 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. Military Photos; Military Reunion Stories; Military Service Map; Military Cadences; Military Jokes; Military Lingo; Great Military Web Pages; Recommended Military Books; Today in Military . It was located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Blytheville, Arkansas. The B-52G entered service in February 1959, and eventually 193 would be built, making it the most produced B-52 variant. Thule is the only air force base with no aircraft and a tugboat. In June 1965, B-52s entered combat in Southeast Asia. On the evening in question, Bruce was working for a local radio station, performing tests on their transmitters. 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. Roof repairs began on February 19, 2022. But it is well-worth the visit. Evans was from Osceola AR. I was stationed there from 1966-69. As a CAP cadet 1966-1969 the lore of this base was discussed often. BLYTHEVILLE, Ark. 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. [1], During the Vietnam War the 97th Bomber Wing at Blytheville supported strike operations throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. The 97th deployed to Edwards AFB, California, while operating this aircraft. The G models most noticeable feature was its 8-foot shorter tail, done to ease maintenance and to save weight. After any major war, surplus equipment and property is sold to the general public and agencies. In 1988, the facility was renamed Eaker Air Force Base in honor of World War II General of the Eighth Air Force, Ira C. Donate to our causeCheck out our books! Its' soft start" with hours on Friday's and Saturday from about 12:00pm to 4:00pm, will take some trip planning. In June 1975 the aircraft was sent to the 97th Bombardment Wing (H) residing at Blytheville AFB, Arkansas. Blytheville had their own team. Pictures, photos and images from Blytheville, AR. Notice my Mustang has what appears to be a trailer hitch. Like many B-52s, 58-0183 was shuttled around through several units--in this case, no less than eleven bomb wings. Tin Roof. 35 57.54 N, 89 57.74 W. Marker is in Gosnell, Arkansas, in Mississippi County. Streamline your workflow with our best-in-class digital asset management system. [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. Buildings have collapsed in that time frame. 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. Once more, however, the B-52G was called upon for the conventional role during Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in 1991. If you served in Blytheville Air Force Base, Join TWS for free to reconnect with service friends. The base closed in December 1992 and has re-opened as a general aviation/commercial airport and industrial park known as the Arkansas Aeroplex. Blytheville Air Force Base was a United States Air Force base from 1942, until it closed in 1992. This does not include 149 civil aircraft impresses before delivery. In 1945 the U. S. Army Air Field was deactivated and the cemetery reverted to the City of Blytheville Arkansas. In its prime, it housed over 3,000 service members, and a whole fleet of Strategic Air Command B52 BUFF Stratofortresses. Places to visit . It boasted a vibrant downtown and it had an eclectic population due to the wide variety of people the base brought to the city. 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. The communication building of the 97th Bombardment Wing is in terrible condition as well. Albums. On January 23rd, 2022, it was announced that the former dorms would be demolished. Certain buildings are worth saving. The KC135 Stratotanker, as most other notary aircraft, was born out of necessity. All the glass is shattered. Doors and numerous truckloads of metal were being hauled off the alert pad. By October of the same year the aircraft was moved to Robins AFB, Georgia. The 1980s saw something of a resurgence--oddly enough, mostly among Strategic Air Command units. of conventional or nuclear bombs, Engines: Eight Pratt & Whitney J57s of 12,100 lbs. The current BAFB Exhibit is housed in the former B52 crew briefing building, and will continue to be an exhibit. During the Korean War, when many USAF units were based in Japan and crews lived with their families, wives got to see up close the often risque nose art their husbands painted on their aircraft--and were not pleased with what they saw. At Mildenhall. In 1942, at the graduation ceremony it was believed that women could not fly as well as men. Businesses have come and go, but the wear and tear of Mother Nature and Father time have taken their toll on many buildings on base. (Some joked that the ladies might just paint hunky guys on their aircraft!). 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. Blytheville Eaker Air Force Base - KBYH, USA - Arkansas; By: Brady Brooks Photos | Profile | Contact; This is a photoshopped 1972 Suzuki Brochure that I have transposed my face over the riders face. In 1988, the based was renamed to honor World War II General, Ira C. Eaker. The first of 12 model aircrafts that were once housed at the Blytheville Air Force Base (later Eaker Air Force Base) was delivered on Wednesday to the exhibition building. Blytheville Air Force Base was established in 1942 as a pilot training station. Armament: Four defensive .50-cal. ADM-20 Quail Decoy used to produce a fake B-52 signature on radar making a single B-52 appear to be as many as eight B-52s causing the Soviets to waste their SAMs chasing the Quails. Since Eaker Air Force Base went under B.R.A.C. Airplane Photos & Aviation Photos - View, Search, or Upload Photos! It is planned to be its own exhibit within the system of buildings. 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. Unit of Service: 311th Tactical Airlift Squadron; Air National Guard. Use code: FLICKR10, International Air Tattoo 1987 - RAF Fairford. It originally provided housing, school and community resources to the families of military personnel who were stationed at the adjacent Blytheville Air Force Base (which is now operated as 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. Officers Club. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. . If you can make it, even for an hour, we will be glad to have you! The 17th Bombardment Wing (H) at Anderson AB was this aircraft's next duty station, arriving there in January 1973. Several C-47s were fitted with pontoons and redesignated C-47C. action, the base has sat mostly dormant. Under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 the United States government is obligated to consider utilization, procurement and disposal of government property. The population suffered as well. The Ritz Theater from the outside circa. Blytheville herald-news Blytheville courier news (DLC)sn 89051348 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. By August 1973, they had flown 126,615 combat sorties with seventeen B-52s lost to enemy action. Over 1,000,000 pictures Unbeknownst to the crew, over seventy percent of the vertical stabilizer and rudder assembly had been sheared off. Photographer unknown. Most of the Gs ended their days sliced into pieces in the Arizona desert. A total of 820 KC135s have been produced since 1956. 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. The group was awarded two Distinguish Unit Citations during WWII and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crises. The nose art of the B-52 version is a faithful reproduction of the B-17 version--one of the many Varga Girls that decorated World War II-era aircraft.