PETERSON
AIR AND
FOUNDATION
NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 1,
NO. 3 JANUARY 2007
With the New Year we are trying a new format that will
not only be easier to read and follow, but will provide us more flexibility in
providing you with the news, etc.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
MIKE DRENNAN, PRESIDENT
On behalf of the Peterson Air and Space Museum
Foundation I would like to render a heart-felt thanks to every Board and
Foundation member who made 2006 such a resounding success. As the year draws to an end we have close to
70 super volunteers who devoted over 10,000 hours of their time in helping
capture the heritage of Peterson Air Force Base. Around 12,000 visitors were able to see first
hand the outstanding efforts of our team aided by our first-class Docent
program that served as our good will ambassadors.
The accomplishments were too numerous
to mention in the limited space that I have available; however, it is fair to
say that the improvements in the Terminal Building, Old City Hangar and museum
park have made the museum complex a model in the Air Force. We look forward to adding the Broadmoor
Hangar to the collection in 2007. We
have been extremely successful in spreading the word about our efforts through
a marvelous web site, advertising around the community, hosting social
functions, retirement ceremonies, and catering formal events.
The Old City Hangar houses our many
great exhibits including Air Defense, Missile Warning and Space Surveillance,
ICBM, and
(continued)
Yet, there is still much to do and I know that 2007
will be an even more exciting and rewarding year. My thanks to each and every one of you who
have made 2006 so successful and I look forward to working with each of you in
2007.
F-101 VOODOO
ALERT
Gail Whalen,
Director
The museum’s F-101B, which is guarding the West Gage entrance
to Peterson AFB, will be coming off the “stick” sometime in December. Literally, it will be pulled off the steel
pylons and crated away to the flight line until the major renovation and
re-routing of the West entrance to the base is completed, sometime in
2007. Then, a new ground-level pad, complete
with landscaping and interpretive signage, will be created, and Voodoo will
resume its duties at a somewhat lower altitude than before.
The aircraft will first undergo needed restorations,
and then be placed on a belly cradle.
The new pad will sit next to a new commercial entrance at the West Gate,
next to a newly constructed
VOLUNTEER
APPRECIATION DAY
Volunteer Appreciation Day 2007 will be held in the
Old City Hangar at 1300 hours,
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING
ED WEAVER,
SECRETARY
During a special Board of Director’s meeting, MGen (Ret) G. Wesley Clark, MGen (Ret) Tim McMahon, and Col
(Ret) Glenn Griffith were nominated
for a three extension (through 31 Dec 09).
BGen (Ret) Bob Stein (former chairman of the
Colorado Springs Military Affairs Committee) was nominated for an initial three
year term. Tom Allee, National Director Community Affairs, Frontier Airlines,
was also nominated
(continued)
for
a three year term, replacing Joan Sell. Joan
stepped down from the Board but will continue to manage the Museum
Commemorative Tile Program. BGen (Ret) Russ Anarde was nominated for a one year term to replace
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
GAIL WHALEN,
DIRECTOR
INSPECTOR
GENERAL VISIT
Peterson AFB was very busy the last few months
preparing for the Air Force Space Command Inspector General. The IG team came to Peterson AFB in September
and October. When they had finished
going through the 21st Space Wing, they left us with an overall
EXCELLENT rating!
So, what did we do at the Peterson Air and
Our volunteers cleaned every inch of the
And what do the think the IG Man inspected at the
Peterson Air and
Prior to the day of the candy eating evacuees, I
closed the museum to visitors and volunteers three different times this year in
order to correct
(continued)
safety,
hazmat or other operational problems.
The closings totaled almost
one
month. Despite that, we’ve still exceeded
last years’ visitation numbers. This is
a direct testament to the work of our volunteers – the word is getting around
that this is a great museum, and they are coming out to see it. I want to thank every one for assisting with
all the preparation and putting up with some very rough days and interrupted
schedules.
STARFIRE
FLIES AGAIN!
I’m sure most of you are under the
assumption that our static display aircraft are non-operational. They’re on display in the airpark
permanently, not merely parked here waiting for a pilot or crew to taxi them
out for a mission. Apparently, someone
forgot to tell our F-94C Starfire (interceptor).
At the end of October, the
Our first thought was that the snow plow operators had
gotten too close to the aircraft and lifted it up with the blade. But, it wasn’t damaged, other than the fact
that it was resting on top of the
steel support stand. A quick response by
Jerry Kovach, Ed Mika and Zoie
(trusty Schnauzer mechanic) fixed the problem.
Seems there isn’t any engine in the F-94, and the wings were pointed in
just the right position, and the wind came from the right direction, and at
just the right speed, and according to Jerry,
the wings
did
just what they were designed to do – they lifted! The only things holding her in place were the
steel cables attaching the gear to the steel support stand. Jerry,
Ed and Zoie corrected the problem with a few more cables and a few more
twists to the locking nuts. However, if
anyone sees any of our other aircraft attempting to make unauthorized departures, please notify us
immediately. We are not cleared or authorized for takeoff.
DON’T FORGET
THE GIFT SHOP
Our Gift Shop has a fine inventory of aviation
apparel, DVDs, souvenirs, jewelry, models and toys. The merchandise may be purchased in person by
visiting the Museum. All members of the
Peterson Air Force Base Museum Foundation receive a 10% discount on inventory
items.
GO TO GANG
ED WEAVER
“She wants us to do what?” I can’t tell you how many times we have said
that over the past year. What that
question refers to is our Director’s numerous requests.
Now, as we end the year it is
interesting to look back over what we accomplished. Most of our tasking has been in the Old City
Hangar. Many walls of many sizes,
numerous display cases, gallons and gallons of paint, cartons of cleaning
materials, and many trips to the dumpers, and, what did we get? Well, perhaps the comment of a recent visitor
puts it all in perspective. She said
something like …We were here a little over a year ago, wow; you’ve done a lot
of work!
After two years the Hangar has been
transformed from a long neglected storage facility to a Museum. We have more to do, but for the next few
months, most of our attention will be
directed toward the completion of the exhibits and preparation for the
conversion of the Broadmoor Hangar from administrative offices. We must admit, we look forward to the challenges
Gail will surely present us.
Yes, we are all excited about the Broadmoor
Hangar. However, not only does that
Hangar building provide additional exhibit space, expanded theater, and
expansion of the gift shop to expand our total floor space, but it allows us to
convert the Operations (OPS) Building to a first class maintenance
facility. The relocation of artifacts
storage (over 3,000) items, staff and volunteer offices, and library items will
correct the current very crowded conditions.
THE MISSILE
WARNING EXHIBIT
Larry Flynn,
Crew Chief
Work on the Missile Warning Exhibit continues to
progress. During the first part of the
year the Missile Warning Crew worked on the BMEWS and SLBM displays. Both now show the sites associated with each
and the missions of each system. In
progress is a visual depiction of the coverage of each system and the
associated warning times to impact after the detection.
The Ballistic
Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) was our first line of defense against
ICBMs launched over the
The Pave Paws display is moving along also and we are
hoping for a software training system late this year. The system can then be used by visitors to
see an actual operation.
The Defense Support Program (DSP) exhibit is in the
works. We expect a model of the actual
satellite this year and as of now we have a couple of small models flying in
the exhibit area. Additionally, two
display cases have been constructed with the help of the Go To Gang. One of these will be used to describe the DSP
Mobile Ground System together with a model of the mission truck. The other will display various items from the
worldwide DSP sites.
The ALERT demonstration has been fixed and it can be
run to demonstrate launches during the first
Finally, we have a story in the VELA satellite area
that explains the VELA nuclear detection mission. The VELA satellite is an actual satellite and
the various spacecraft components are labeled for the visitor.
We hope visitors will come and use the demonstrations,
and have an understanding of this important Air Force mission.
FRIENDS OF THE MUSEUM
JOAN SELL
As 2006 comes to a close and we anticipate the New Year, it is time to reflect on all of the
great improvements that your kind and generous
(continued)
contributions
have made possible:
Restoration of EC-121T Warning Star’s radomes and air
stairs
Installation of restored HAWK missiles on the launcher
P-40 Warhawk re-painted
Medal of Honor Park completion and dedication
Museum recognized by the AFSPC Facility Excellence
Program
Please consider the Peterson Air and
Exciting plans for 2007 include the transfer of the
Broadmoor Hangar to the Museum. This
will double the size of the Museum and allow for many more dioramas and
interactive displays.
If you haven’t visited the Museum recently, please do
so soon. You will be amazed at how it
has matured.
Please visit the Museum web site for a glimpse of the
Museum and the volunteer and gift giving opportunities – www.petemuseum.org.
CY 2007
BUDGET
ED WEAVER,
TREASURER
Can you say $76K plus some change? To be exact, $76,230. That’s the amount the Foundations’s Board of
Directors approved as the income target for next year. This includes $25K of the Connie (to complete
the exterior of the aircraft); $18K for the Broadmoor hangar conversion; money
to move and increase the Gift Shop; $3.5K for construction of the ICBM exhibit;
and monies for a special event to mark the Air Force’s 60th, Air Force Command’s 25th , and
Peterson AFB’s anniversaries. This is a
very aggressive budget.
MUSEUM GETS
A PEACEKEEPER MISSILE PROCEDURES TRAINER
RON GRAY
The
Museum has received a complete Missile Procedures Trainer (MPT) for the
“Peacekeeper” ICBM weapon system from Vandenberg AFB, CA. The MPT was previously used to train missile
crew members for the squadron at F. E. Warren AFB that operated the “Peacekeeper” for the 90th
Missile Wing.
(continued)
The MPT is a self-contained unit approximately 20 feet
wide by 30feet long by 10 feet high.
Assembling the MPT will be like doing a giant jigsaw puzzle and will
take considerable time and energy to complete.
When assembled, we will have a much more complete
representation of a
The MPT became excess to Air Force needs when the
“Peacekeeper” weapon system was deactivated in 2006.
Volunteers are welcome to participate in the assembly
and activation of the MPT. Contact the
Museum staff or Ron Gray at 719-599-5024.
RAMP RATS
REPORT
JERRY KOVACH
Most outside efforts at this time of year consist of
ensuring that the aircraft are secured to their stands. All aircraft now have positive,
tamper-resistant landing gear downlocks.
The F-102A has a new belly panel installed. Installation of landing gear doors is
ongoing’ the problems are in obtaining usable left main landing gear door and
parts to mount both doors.
The P-47N has its armor plate awaiting installation,
probably after the holidays. The plate
was fabricated from “scratch”, using available photos, and trial and error with
templates. The finished,
close-tolerance, one-piece product will be ¼” aluminum plate below the pilot’s
shoulders, and ½” aluminum plate above. The
302nd FMS Sheet Metal and Machine Shop helped us immensely by
cutting the pattern and bending the headrest, which is canted forward 25
degrees. We are currently finessing and
painting the final product.
Recent contact with Westpac Restoration, who brings
salvaged Warbird aircraft to flyable status for aircraft owners, brings us
promise of a P-47 pilot stick (or pole to fighter pilots) to copy. It’s not simple, consisting of multiple bends
and tapering. We will also get a pattern
for the “stick” boot.
Weather and work permitting, we will
install Plexiglas intake and tailpipe covers on all aircraft that have engines
installed; this will allow for more interesting and meaningful viewing.
(continued)
The Ramp Rats currently amount to two
volunteers who maintain and improve 13 aircraft on wheels and three aircraft on
poles (which are presently untouched).
Another volunteer assists with Hawk interceptor missile launcher and
missiles, and the anti-aircraft Nike missiles.
The 302 AW Field Maintenance Squadron
is to be commended for the invaluable assistance they give us; they fill their
training needs and we put hardware to use.
MUSEUM WELCOMES A CONNIE AFFICIONADO
ERNIE NEWMAN
Our Connie/EF-121T is known around the
world not only from our web site (www.petemuseum.org)
but other web sites as well. Ralph M.
Pettersen, an aeronautical engineer, freelance aviation writer, and
photographer specializing in “round engine” airliners is also the web master
for www.conniesurvivor.com. Ralph has included our Connie on his web site
since becoming active in 2002. Hi site
also includes information on the four remaining Connies that are still
airworthy.
Ralph was a special visitor to the
Museum in November and his hosts were retired USAF Lt Col John C. Cawood,
restoration team chief of our Connie; SMSgt Erv Smalley, web master for the
Museum; and CMSgt Ernie Newman, museum volunteer. On a recent typical
The group then moved to Solo’s
restaurant for lunch where Ralph was greeted by another “round engine”
aircraft. This time it was the KC-97
that has been converted into an annex of Solo’s restaurant. Ralph’s description of this nostalgic setting
was, “Maybe there’s something to these airplane restaurants after all!” Of course, more photographs were taken and
all this will be included in his review of the trip. All had a great time and we truly appreciate
the exposure Ralph has given to our Connie.
VETERAN’S SALUTE
GAIL
WHALEN
Church’s
fifth year presenting “A Veteran’s Salute”.
About 300 people were in attendance, including the Peterson AFB High
Frontier Honor Guard, who presented the colors to start the program. Peterson Museum Volunteer docent Jim Bowden greeted the visitors, and
explained a little about Pete Field’s WWII origins while handing out a good
many membership brochures. Director Gail Whalen tracked down about a half
dozen folks to interview, including a WWII B-24 bombardier who might five us
some personal insight into our Norden bombsight, and a Viet Nam era veteran who
was the first woman to earn a slot (and completed) airborne Jump School.
In the Museum’s display, a gray flight
suit from our historic uniform collection caught the attention of the guest
speaker, USAF Col Roscoe Griffin, who wore one just like it when he served a
tour at
We hope to expand and improve this
display next year, and invite all our members who aren’t already committed to
other Veteran’s Day activities to join us.
It was a very nice, non-denominational
program, and really shows how the citizens of this community celebrate our
veterans’ contributions.
RAMSTEIN AB
In October, Museum staff hosted tours
of the Museum by personnel attending a reunion of those who served at
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The
Peterson Air and Space Museum Newsletter is published by the Colorado Springs
Peterson Air and Space Museum Foundation, Inc., a private entity no way
connected to with the United State Air Force.
Contents of the Newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or
endorsed by, the U. S. Government or the Department of the Air Force.
Jerry
M. Drennan, BGen (USAF, Retired), President
Jack
L. McKinney, CMSgt (USAF, Retired), Editor
Peterson
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PETERSON AIR AND
FOUNDATION, INC.
PETERSON AFB, CO 80915