What happens to all the DPAA wreckage during MIA recoveries?

[Beverley]

Over the decades there must be so much wreckage discovered by DPAA as part of MIA persons programme. Whilst I understand that many locations the wreckage may get left as is say in the jungles, but do they recover any wreckage at all back for accident investigations and/or does any of it work it's way to US museums or even museums in country of accident? Id hate to think it gets chucked out or melted down.

[junkman9096]

I'd imagine a bunch of it gets re-purposed by the local residents over the many years. There's a lot of chicken coops in Europe built just in that manner.

[Cubs2jets]

There is some of what you are wondering about in the Vietnam People's Air force Museum in Hanoi...

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C2j

[tulsaboy]

For underwater recoveries, they work hard not to bring wreckage to the surface if they can avoid it. If they have to, or if some gets scooped up as they do the recovery, they identify it, put it back in bags, and send it back down to sit with the aircraft. The only exception typically is artifacts specifically connected to individuals they are recovering. For instance, DPAA did a recovery in the Adriatic off the coast of Vis near Croatia on the B-24J "The Tulsamerican." They were able to avoid the bulk of the wreckage, but did bring up a few bits and pieces when they used their vacuum hose to dredge the area where the lost aviator was. In the process, they found his wedding ring and his wings. Those two items were presented back to the family along with his remains, which were ultimately interred at Arlington.
Hope that helps a little.
kevin

[Beverley]

Thanks Tulsaboy yes it does largely thanks.