Page 12 - Aerotech News and Review, Aug. 4 2017

High Desert Hangar Stories with Bob Alvis
Old warriors!
Special to Aerotech News
July 1980 was the end of an era and one that I was privileged to see play out at George Air Force Base for four years.
My time there gave me a front row seat to watch some old warrior, aircraft that had be- come the subject of legend. I worked around the pilots and crews in the sunset years of this remarkable aircraft and the history they were involved with.
What really inspired me to share this story was the memory of all those days at the GCA site working on equipment, with F-105G Thun- derchiefs taking off just a few hundred feet behind me. With an afterburner that would shake the soul out of you,
I would look out and see a
mile and a half transition
to flight that the crews
would call a controlled ex-
plosion. Many a time the
Thuds you see in these pic-
tures would roar past me.
F-105 #62-4416 in flight over Vietnam with another 105 that went by the name “NorthBound”, piloted by Maj. “Lucky” Eckman. Eckman completed 200 combat sorties over Vietnam. Our Palmdale bird 416 in her glory days ...
Even though it was my job to stay focused and support the mission to keep these birds in the air, the kid in me still looked over and mar- veled how incredibly cool it was to be at this place and time and see this remarkable sight .
Fast forward to a chance meeting with one of the very few survivors from the ranks of those aircraft that did not wind up in the scrap yards, but ended up in a desert airpark, fading in the hot desert sun. Aircraft 62-4416 was not just a static display -- it had a life that stretched over two decades and a history that was nothing less than legendary. To me, the magic was recalling
See BOB, Page 13
Courtesy photograph
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WORSHIP DIRECTORY
Edwards Air Force Base Protestant and Catholic Parish
We are a community of dedicated believers who are committed to Christ-centered worship. We welcome you to join us! Protestant Worship Schedule:
Sunday 8 a.m. - Protestant Gospel Service, Chapel 1
10 a.m. - Protestant Traditional Service, Chapel 1
11 a.m. - Protestant Contemporary Service, Chapel 2
Catholic Mass Schedule:
Sunday : 9 a.m.; 4:00 p.m. - Chapel 2; Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - Chapel 2 Confession: Sunday 3:30 p.m to 4:00 p.m (Chapel 2) Or by appointment *Memorial Chapel 1, Bldg 2700, 15 W. Popson Ave *Community Chapel 2, Bldg 6447, 10 Chamberlin Lp
661.277.2110 Or visit us on Facebook: Edwards Air Force Base Chapel www.edwardsafbchapel.msites.com
To advertise in the Worship Directory, please call toll free (877) 247-9288.
Victory
Baptist Church
10173 South Loop California City
Ron Smith, Pastor
• Sunday School 10:00 am • Morning 11:00 am • Sunday Evening 6:00 pm • Wednesday 7:00 pm
For transportation from Edwards AFB call
(760) 373-7314
Independent - Fundamental
www.victory-baptist.org
Church of
Christ
Eph 4:4-6
Sunday Morning Bible Study
9:45 am
Sunday Morning Service
10:45 am
Sunday Evening Service
6:00 pm
Wednesday Evening Service
6:00 pm
1389 Rosamond Blvd Rosamond CA, 93560
(661) 256-3245
Pastor Paul Chappell
Lancaster Baptist is an independent, Baptist church with a friendly, family atmosphere; compassionate vision; and strong commitment to Bible truth. We offer classes specifically designed for military families and singles, Join us this Sunday at 0830 or 1100
Only 15 minutes from Edwards South Gate: exit South Gate and turn right on Ave. E, left on 90th St. E, right on Ave. I and left on 40th E.
661.946.4663 4020 E. Lancaster Blvd. Lancaster, CA 93535 lancasterbaptist.org
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August 4, 2017