C-130 News: Historic Aircraft Arrives at Museum of Missouri Military History

[casey]

The aircraft served as an integral part of the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard.  It will be displayed alongside many vehicles of historical significance.  These include an F-15 Eagle, an all-weather air superiority fighter; an F-4 Phantom II, one of the most versatile fighters ever built; a WWII Sherman tank, named after Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman; a Vietnam Sheridan tank, an amphibious light tank; a Bell AH-1 Cobra, an attack helicopter that entered combat in September 1967; and an armored Hammerhead, a tank destroyer.  

"This aircraft was one of the first made in April 1957 at Lockheed's Marietta, Ga. plant. It has seen service all over the world," said Museum Curator Doug Sheley.

After the C-130's construction in Georgia in 1957, it began its service in Japan at Tachikawa Air Base and Naha Air Base in Okinawa.  Service continued with the Minnesota National Guard after moving back to the United States.  In 1973, it was repaired and returned to service after being damaged during a belly-landing.  After its service to the Missouri National Guard, it was transferred to Chanute Technical Training Center, Chanute AFB, Rantoul, Ill. serving as a training/static display in 1984.

In 1990, the C-130 became part of the Chanute Air Museum at the former Chanute Air Force Base until 2016 when it was brought to the Museum of Missouri Military History.

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Frank Crooks was waiting for the aircraft as it arrived.  He first served in the Army Air Corps in 1943.  After completing 60 combat missions as a top turret gunner/engineer on a B-26 Marauder, he continued with the Missouri Air National Guard, serving nearly 40 years.    

"This aircraft came from one of the first Air National Guard units in the Country, that's a fact," said Crooks.  "The Air Guard in St. Joe started in 1946.  It's had many great honors and has been all over the world.  More importantly, it's always had great leadership in St. Joe.  This C-130 was used strictly for airlift.  Anytime they needed something moved they called St. Joe."

It will be on display outside the front entrance of the museum.

"From the first year of construction, it's a great addition to our static displays.  This C-130 will be one of the few known on display and the only one known to be on display in all of Missouri," said Charles Machon, museum director.  "It will be our largest item on exhibit, and it is from our own 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.  This will help tell the story of our unit from St. Joseph and their mission from the 1970s to today."

Source: http://www.moguard.com/Assets/News/2016/5/20/Historic-Aircraft-Arrives-at-Museum-of-Missouri-Military-History.aspx

View full article