Page 1 - Aerotech News and Review, Oct. 18, 2019

AEROTECH NEWS
AEROTECH NEWS
AEROTECH NEWS

Journal of Aerospace, Defense Industry and Veteran News
and Review
and Review

Foundation marks B-2 Spirit anniversary

Air Force photograph
A B-2 Spirit bomber takes off July 17, 1989, from the Northrop Grumman production facility at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, Calif., on its inaugural flight to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The B-2
would remain in the testing phase until 1993, when the first operational aircraft was delivered to Whiteman AFB, Mo.
Amidst all the celebrations earlier this year marking the 50th an- B-2 Flight Test percent of their sales will be donated to the Flight Test Historical
niversary of the Apollo Moon landing, another aerospace milestone • Otto J. Waniczek — Northrop Grumman Air Vehicle Manager Foundation.
almost slipped under the radar. The 2019 co-chairs are: The Gathering of Eagles is an annual celebration, hosted by
July 17 marked the 30th anniversary of the first flight of the B-2 • Col. Rick Couch, Ret. — First Flight Co-pilot, First CTF Direc- the Flight Test Museum Foundation, to acknowledge significant
Spirit stealth bomber. tor, and a 1998 Eagle achievements in the flight testing of aerospace vehicles. The cel-
On Oct. 19, the Flight Test Historical Foundation will commemo- • Gen. Arnold W. Bunch Jr. — B-2 Pilot, and commander of Air ebration honors both significant events, and individuals, that have
rate the B-2’s 1989 achievement at their annual Gathering of Eagles Force Materiel Command made these achievements possible. The Gathering of Eagles is
banquet in Lancaster, Calif., The theme of this year’s celebration is meant to provide an avenue for camaraderie, education and a way
“From First Flight to First Fight.” The gathering will give attendees the opportunity to honor and to memorialize some of the history of flight test programs. The
This year’s Eagle honorees are: meet some of the team members and pilots from the B-2 program. event is also a fundraiser, providing resources to the Air Force Flight
• Col. Frank T. Birk, U.S. Air Force — B-2 Combined Test Force The B-2 Spirit has participated in nearly all of America’s wars Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base, university scholarships,
Director and military actions since its first flight in 1989. and a variety of STEM education programs.
• Lt. Col. William “Flaps” Flanagan, Ret. – Northrop Grumman The annual event is a fundraiser for the Flight Test Historical The mission of the Flight Test Historical Foundation is to raise
Flight Test Weapon System Operator Foundation and will include a B-2 Presentation and Q&A, Eagle funds to support the development of the Air Force Flight Test Mu-
• Lt. Col. Anthony A. ‘Tony’ Imondi, Ret. – Former B-2 instruc- Recognition, dinner and Keepsake Silent Auction. seum at Edwards Air Force Base in California, and the museum’s
tor pilot There will also be B-2 displays on hand, as well as aerospace- Blackbird Airpark Annex at Air Force Plant 42 in nearby Palmdale.
• Lt. Col. Thomas J. LeBeau, Ret. — Operational Test & Evalu- themed art available for sale, created by award-winning artists The foundation’s fund-raising efforts focus primarily on museum
ation Pilot; B2 Test Pilot Doug Castleman and Mark Pestana. As official Air Force artists, improvements, new construction, exhibits, aircraft acquisition and
• Robert G. “Bob” Myers — Northrop Grumman Vice President dozens of their paintings are in the Pentagon Collection. Fifty restoration, and educational programs.

October 18, 2019 • Volume 33, Issue 18 Serving the aerospace industry since 1986 Use your smartphone to connect to
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