KC-97 Boom Operator reunited

[WIXerGreg]

For the first time since 1961, yesterday a good friend of mine was again able to climb aboard a KC-97. A career Air Force veteran, over the eleven years I've known George each time we've talked I think I've learned of yet another aircraft he's flown in, country or base he's flown into or out of. His extensive career had him all over the world flying in anything from the B-29 (Radio/ECM Operator 44-62103 Haulin Ass, Yakota AFB in Japan, Korean War), B-50, B-52, B-36, KB-50, KC-97, KC-135, and the list surely goes on further than I know. With a sharp memory he's always ready to share couple flying stories whenever he has the time.

Yesterday because of Chris Henry and the rest of the great folks at the Grissom Air Museum George was able to reunite with the KC-97 once again. This aircraft is almost 100% complete and really is a time capsule. It was essentially flown into the museum, towed over and parked.














And back at home in the Boomer's position. He got right down and started calling out everything on the panels and telling how everything worked, it could have been 1961 again!










I shot video almost the whole time we were inside. It's in two parts here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TVd8n5lC90

and here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmMA_NmVQuc

I can't thank Chris and the Grissom Air Museum enough! If you find yourself anywhere close to the Peru area it's a great place to spend an afternoon or come out and volunteer.

http://www.grissomairmuseum.com/

[CWBuff]

I'll echo was I said over at USAC... groovy stuff Greg... thanks for sharing this heart-warming experience with us!


Fade to Black...

[APG85]

Neat!!!!

[mustangdriver]

It was an honor Greg. I hope he enjoyed it. It was wild to see the years peel off of him as he started climbing around his old airplane like he'd never been gone!

[DaveG]

good stuff, gentlemen.