Flyer for the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, circa 1988

Graphic: Santa Maria Museum of Flight

Restoration: M. Daniels/ILIPS Group International

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Friday, 17 October 2008
049/2008

AIR FORCE HISTORY TO STAY IN WAGGA

The RAAF is committed to ensuring historical Air Force items remain on display in Wagga Wagga, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly AM MP announced today.

“I am pleased to announce that I have asked the Chief of Air Force to produce options to ensure the return of heritage items to Wagga Wagga for display in a suitable museum facility,” Dr Kelly said.

“This will recognise the strong contribution made by people in the region to the Air Force going back to World War II, when units such as 31 Squadron were formed at the base.”

Dr Kelly was presented with a petition by the Member for Riverina, Mrs Kay Hull MP on Tuesday, 14 October and undertook a review into re-opening the museum.

“I thank Kay Hull for her support of the community on this issue. After all the ADF and its heritage belong to the community and the level of support in Wagga Wagga for the RAAF Base should be recognised and applauded. It is also important to be able to educate future generations that the peace, freedom and way of life they enjoy is the result of our proud ADF history,” Dr Kelly said.

The Air Force will examine a number of options to best display the Wagga heritage collection and will meet with the Wagga Wagga Council to discuss proposals.

The proposals will be presented to the RAAF Heritage Advisory Council, which is chaired by the Deputy Chief of Air Force. Air Force will present options for decision to Dr Kelly by 30 November 2008.

RAAF remains committed to maintaining and fostering its strong relationship with the Wagga community. The Base has an important role to play in preparing and training Air Force personnel for operations around the world.

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site was opened Oct. 11 at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. The site is dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen no longer with us. Moton Field in the 1940s was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

Historic homecoming for Tuskegee Airmen as site opens

by Christine Harrison
Air University Public Affairs

10/16/2008 - MOTON FIELD, Ala. -- Hundreds of aviators, mechanics and support personnel who once worked at the Tuskegee Army Air Field and Moton Field, Ala., during the 1930s and '40s gathered here once again Oct. 10 when the National Park Service memorialized the efforts of the first black pilots, the famed Tuskegee Airmen, in the Army Air Corps.

The National Tuskegee Historic Site is now officially open for old and young alike to learn about the achievements of the more than 10,000 men and women of the "Tuskegee Experience," a testing ground for African-Americans to prove themselves as not just aircraft pilots and maintainers, but as human beings equal to their white brothers-in-arms.

Moton Field was an "island of hope, an island of opportunity and a place of achievements," said Dr. Roscoe Brown, one of the Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, or DOTAs, who participated in a panel discussion prior to the opening ceremony.

"We beat segregation, and now we have to take advantage of the opportunities," said retired Lt. Col. James Warren, a navigator who trained at Moton Field and authored "The Tuskegee Airmen Mutiny at Freeman Field," a book chronicling the arrests and subsequent punishments of 104 black Army Air Corps officers who attempted to enter a whites-only officers club in 1945. "It wasn't until 1995 that those courts-martial were removed from those officer's records. But they are gone now."

It was those actions, as well as the achievements of black pilots during World War II, that led President Harry Truman to desegregate the Armed Forces three years later, Mr. Warren said.

The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site museum is housed in the only remaining original hangar at Moton Field. Interpretive and static displays also record the stories of the Civilian Pilot Training program at Tuskegee Institute, a federally funded program that was the precursor to military pilot training at Moton Field.

Thousands attended the opening ceremony, and weekend-long celebration which included the unveiling of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway, located off U.S. I-85, as well as a flyover of four F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 187th Fighter Group out of Dannelly Field, Ala.

"Your courage has brought us closer to the ideals of our founding fathers," said Lynn Scarlett, the deputy secretary of the Department of the Interior. "You fought two wars - one against military forces overseas, and one against racism at home."

"You set an example for the world," said retired Lt. Gen. Russell Davis, one of the first student pilots of the Moton Field. "You gave us all a little of that 'right stuff,' and you set a hallmark across the entire spectrum of society."

Alabama Governor Bob Riles said he was honored to be in the presence of American heroes.

"You are proof that no race has a monopoly on excellence, that no one group has a singular claim on heroism," he said.

Once overseas, the Tuskegee Airmen became part of the 332nd Fighter Group, composed of the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd African-American fighter squadrons. Known as the Red Tails because of the distinctive red paint on their plane, they earned 112 aerial victories in World War II, and the group received two Presidential Unit Citations. Members of the group were also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Purple Heart, and in 2006, they were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

For more information on the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, visit www.nps.gov/tuin.

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - Retired Col. Herbert E. Carter re-enlists Airmen Oct. 11 at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. Colonel Carter is one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen and was on hand for the opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Moton Field in the 1940s was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

As part of the opening ceremony of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 10 at Moton Field, Ala., National Park Service officials unveil a sign that designates part of Interstate 85, which passes near the city of Tuskegee, as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Highway. Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama looks on from behind.

Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - Retired Col. Herbert E. Carter shakes hands with an Airman who he just gave the oath of enlistment to Oct. 11 at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. Colonel Carter is one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen and was on hand for the opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Moton Field in the 1940s was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

Retired Lt. Col. William Holloman, one of the Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, participates in a panel discussion prior to the opening ceremony of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 10 at Moton Field, Ala.

Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - Lionel Richie performed for Tuskegee Airmen, their families, friends and fellow servicemembers to celebrate the grand opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 11 at the new Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery, Ala. Moton Field in nearby Tuskegee, Ala., was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

One of the Documented Original Tuskegee Airmen, or DOTAs, wears the distinctive red hat and jacket at the opening ceremony of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 10 at Moton Field, Ala. One estimate notes the Airmen, now in their late 70s and early 80s, are dying at a rate of five per week.

Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - A T-6A Texan II flies over Moton Field during the grand opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 11 in Tuskegee, Ala. Moton Field in the 1940s was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

After the opening ceremony of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site Oct. 10 at Moton Field, Ala., visitors explore the interpretive and static displays housed the in the only remaining original hangar of the "Tuskegee Experience."

Air Force photo by Scott Knuteson

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen

10/16/2008 - Retired Col. Herbert E. Carter shakes hands with an Airman who he just gave the oath of re-enlistment to Oct. 11 at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. Colonel Carter is one of the original members of the Tuskegee Airmen and was on hand for the opening of the Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site. Moton Field in the 1940s was the only primary flight training facility for the first African American pilot candidates in the Army Air Corps, these pilots are known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen
10/16/2008 - The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site was opened Oct. 11 at Moton Field in Tuskegee, Ala. The site is dedicated to the Tuskegee Airmen no longer with us. A memorial for two of the Airmen who passed away recently was recognized and their ashes were sprinkled on the airfield.

U.S. Air Force photo /by Staff Sgt. Christine Jones

World Warbird News Headlines ~ United States

Dayton, Ohio -- Join best-selling author Dr. Donald L. Miller as he discusses his award-winning book, Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Photo: USAF Museum

Best-selling author to speak at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force


by Rob Bardua
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

10/14/2008 - DAYTON, Ohio -- Join best-selling author Dr. Donald L. Miller as he discusses his award-winning book, Masters of the Air: America's Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War Against Nazi Germany, on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

The book, which appeared on the Air Force Chief of Staff's 2007 reading list, describes the deep personal story of the American Eighth Air Force, which fought the longest American military campaign of World War II and lost more men in the war than the U.S. Marine Corps.

Dr. Miller focuses on both sets of victims in the air war: the German people who were bombed and the American crews who did the bombing. He also explains the military impact and mortality of strategic bombing, as well as the mental strain of the air crews, which served as the theme of the popular Hollywood film, Twelve O'Clock High!

This free lecture will be held in the museum's Carney Auditorium and is open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Special book-signings will take place in the museum's gift shop prior to the lecture at 1 p.m., and then again following the lecture in the Carney Auditorium.

Dr. Miller, who is also the author of eight other books, received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Maryland, and has taught at Cornell University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pennsylvania and is currently the John Henry MacCracken Professor of History at Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.

His articles and reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, and his books have been nominated for every major American literary prize, including the Pulitzer, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle award.

He is a contributing editor of American Heritage magazine, host and chief historian of the PBS series, A Biography of America, and has participated in the writing and production of more than two dozen television documentaries, including American 1900, which received a prestigious Peabody Award.

Dr. Miller also serves as chief historical consultant and script editor on two film projects including a Tom Hanks production on WWII for the National D-Day Museum, and a 10-part series on WWII based on the diaries of Allied and Axis combatants for The History Channel.

In addition, he is working on two more books titled Supreme City: New York in the 1920s, and The Siege: The Fight for Vicksburg, the Decisive Battle of the American Civil War and also serves as chief historical adviser to the CEO of the National World War II Museum.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.

NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, please contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-1743.

Learn about Explosive Ordnance Disposal at museum

by Sarah Swan
National Museum of the U.S. Air Force

10/15/2008 - DAYTON, Ohio -- When the presence of unexploded ordnance makes an area too dangerous for normal operations, the U.S. Air Force relies upon its highly-trained Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians to make the area safe.

Historian Dr. Jeff Underwood will discuss this topic during his lecture "Initial Success or Total Failure: USAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal" at 7 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The Air Force EOD began in World War II and continues through current actions in Southwest Asia. During his presentation, Underwood will discuss the EOD motto and badge as well as how new technology has changed EOD.

The presentation, which is part of the museum's Volunteer Information Program, is free and open to the public. For more information, call (937) 255-3495.

Underwood received his doctorate in American history from Louisiana State University in 1988. Since then, he has worked as a historian for the U.S. Air Force with the Military Airlift Command, USAF Air Defense Weapons Center, First Air Force and Air Combat Command, and he currently is the National Museum of the United States Air Force historian. In addition to writing official histories, Underwood has written a book, The Wings of Democracy: The Influence of Air Power on the Roosevelt Administration, 1933-1941, along with numerous articles and book reviews for professional journals and magazines. He also has done television and radio interviews for the History Channel, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, C-SPAN, NPR, CBS and others.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Street, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.


NOTE TO PUBLIC: For more information, contact the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at (937) 255-3495.

Aces of the Red Star

Historic Aircraft such as this Russian MiG 15 Jet will be in action over the Chino Airport during the Aces of the Red Star event.

Photo: Planes of Fame Air Museum

Aces of the Red Star

· November 1, 2008 - Chino, California

· Chino, CA - Aces of the Red Star will be the subject of the monthly special event hosted by Planes of Fame Air Museum at the Chino Airport on Saturday, November 1, 2008. The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a seminar describing the exploits of Russian fighter pilots from the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, World War II and the Korean War, and conclude with a flight demonstration by a Russian fighter plane from the Planes of Fame collection.

Under the banner of communism, Russian fighter pilots were heavily involved in the Spanish Civil War which actually served as a training exercise for the much greater conflict against Nazi Germany in World War II. Subsequently, Russian fighter pilots, generally flying under foreign colors, were very active against their former American and British allies during the Korean War and, until the collapse of the Soviet Union, provided covert support to client states in other conflicts as well.

In numerical terms, Russian operations against the Germans on World War II’s Eastern Front were particularly staggering. Producing aircraft in huge numbers, the Russians reportedly flew 3,223,000 individual combat missions during the war, losing 46,100 aircraft in the process before overwhelming the Germans.

Established in 1957 as the first permanent air museum in the American West, Planes of Fame Air Museum is an independent, non-profit, educational institution staffed primarily by a core of dedicated volunteers. The museum supports its operations with admission fees, donations, facilities rentals and proceeds from the use of its aircraft in various productions.

A pioneer in the concept of restoring historic display aircraft to flying condition, the museum also has a special membership program available to the public. One of the advantages of membership is the opportunity to actually experience the thrill of orientation flights in genuine warbirds. At each monthly special event, members in attendance, including last-minute sign-ups, can have their names entered into a free drawing for a warbird orientation flight.

Planes of Fame Air Museum is open to the public every day, except Christmas and Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. General admission is $11, youngsters 5-11 are admitted for $4, and admission is free for accompanied children under 5.

For more information about The Planes of Fame Air Museum, and its events, please call (909)597-3722; or visit the Planes of Fame website at www.planesoffame.org.

Battle for Guadalcanal

Historic Aircraft such as this Japanese Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero will be in action over the Chino Airport during the Guadalcanal event.

Photo: Planes of Fame Air Museum

Battle for Guadalcanal

· December 6, 2008 - Chino, California

· Chino, CA - Guadalcanal, the target of America’s first offensive of World War II in the Pacific, will be the subject of the monthly special event hosted by Planes of Fame Air Museum at the Chino Airport on Saturday, December 6, 2008. The program will begin at 10 a.m. with a seminar describing the epic battle that established the pattern for future Allied operations in the Pacific, and conclude with a flight demonstration by the Planes of Fame Japanese Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero fighter plane.

The initial phase in a step-by-step advance against the Japanese Empire through the South Pacific, the invasion of Guadalcanal was originally named “Operation Watchtower,” but it soon became better known as “Operation Shoestring” due to the tenuous supply situation characteristic of the early days of the campaign. Intending to seize a nearly completed airfield at Laguna Point and an anchorage at Tulagi, the 1st Marine Division invaded Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942. An initially sparse defense by the unprepared Japanese soon gave way to a fierce and deadly campaign that did not end until the remains of the defeated Japanese force finally withdrew on February 8, 1943. The campaign was so fierce that the waters in the area became known as “Iron Bottom Sound” because of all the sunken ships from both sides.

The very first permanent museum of its type in the American West, Planes of Fame Air Museum is an independent, non-profit, educational institution staffed primarily by a core of dedicated volunteers. Planes of Fame was also a pioneer in the concept of restoring historic display aircraft to flying condition. The museum supports its operations with admission fees, donations, facilities rentals and proceeds from the use of its aircraft in various productions.

Planes of Fame also has a special membership program available to the public, with one of the advantages of membership being the opportunity to experience the thrill of orientation flights in genuine warbirds. At each monthly special event, members in attendance, including last-minute sign-ups, can have their names entered into a free drawing for a warbird orientation flight.

Planes of Fame Air Museum is open to the public every day, except Christmas and Thanksgiving, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. General admission is $11, youngsters 5-11 are admitted for $4, and admission is free for accompanied children under 5.

For more information about The Planes of Fame Air Museum, and its events, please call (909)597-3722; or visit the Planes of Fame website at www.planesoffame.org.

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Squadron Leader Alain Middleton (left) and Squadron Leader John Cotterell inspect the wreckage of RAAF Hudson A16-126 on Operation Kovi Moses.

Photo: Australia DoD

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

A pen that was found at the crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126. It is engraved with Flying Officer Gibson’s name.

Photo: Australia DoD

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Inscription: "Remote Control Unit"

"Bendix Radio"

Pieces of wreckage littered the crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Mr John Lelai, from the Papua New Guinea National Museum of Modern History, holds a rusted revolver that he found while digging at the crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

The crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126 after the leaf litter was cleared and the area roped off before commencement of a grid search.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

The dog-tags of Sergeant Barton Coutie, found at the crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Squadron Leader John Cotterell, uses a metal detector to search for artefacts from the wreckage of RAAF Hudson A16-126.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

A small ring bearing a RAAF emblem was found among the wreckage of RAAF Hudson A16-126.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Operation Kovi Moses team members methodically and meticulously search through the crash site for human remains.

Photo: Australia DoD

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Among the artefacts found at the crash site of RAAF Hudson A16-126 was a watch with the date 16.8.32 inscribed on it. The 16th of August 1932 was the twentieth birthday of Pilot Officer Frank Thorn.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Operation Kovi Moses team members line abreast as they dig through the crash site searching for human remains, leaving not one square inch of ground uninspected.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Squadron Leader John Cotterell (facing the camera) along with some of the locally employed men, methodically and meticulously dig through the crash site searching for human remains.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Recovery of the RAAF Lockheed Hudson Patrol Bomber in Papua, New Guinea

Squadron Leader Alain Middleton (facing the camera) methodically and meticulously dig through the crash site searching for human remains.

Photo: Australia DoD

26 September 2008

Royal Australian Air Force Hudson Bomber located in Papua New Guinea

An Air Force team will arrive in Papua New Guinea next week to search for the remains of four RAAF airmen whose Hudson bomber was lost during WWII.

A team of nine, including two Air Force Reserve forensic specialists, will travel to an isolated mountain ridge inland from Gasmata, New Britain, where the wreck of Hudson A16-126 was located in thick jungle earlier this year.

Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant Arthur Quail were lost with the aircraft on 11 February, 1942 during a sortie against Japanese shipping at Gasmata harbour.

Warbirds Australia

Crash site of Royal Australian Air Force World War II Hudson bomber, in Papua, New Guinea.

Photo: Australia DoD

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Monday, 13 October 2008
145/2008

NO REMAINS OF WWII AIRMEN LOCATED AT PNG SITE

A thorough search of the wreckage of a WWII RAAF Lockheed Hudson in Papua New Guinea has
uncovered dog tags, but no remains of the four airmen lost with the aircraft on 11 February
1942.

Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant
Arthur Quail were aboard Hudson bomber A16-126 when it was shot down during a sortie against
Japanese shipping at Gasmata harbour, New Britain.

An Air Force team of nine personnel, including two Air Force Reservist forensic specialists,
deployed to the isolated mountain ridge inland from Gasmata by helicopter on Saturday, 4
October 2008. They spent a week at the wreckage site, and no human remains were found.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, said the team
divided the aircraft wreckage and surrounding area into grid squares and conducted a
detailed search.

“The harsh climate and passage of time meant the prospect of locating remains was slim, but
Air Force has made every effort to account for these airmen who gave their lives protecting
Australia,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The families of the four crew members have been advised, and while no remains were found, a
number of personal and military artefacts, such as dog tags, watches, pocket knives and an
engraved pen, will be returned to the airmen’s relatives.”

The Hudson bomber was originally located by local missionary Mark Reichman in May 2008, on
the advice of local villagers, and led by Daniel Kovi. An Air Force reconnaissance team
officially confirmed the wreck was A16-126 in June 2008.

Air Force undertook this mission with support and assistance from the PNG
Government and local villagers.

THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel

Friday, 26 September 2008
135/2008

RAAF TO SEARCH FOR REMAINS OF WWII AIRMEN IN PNG

An Air Force team will arrive in Papua New Guinea next week to search for the remains of four RAAF airmen whose Hudson bomber was lost during WWII.

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, said a team of nine, including two Air Force Reserve forensic specialists, will travel to an isolated mountain ridge inland from Gasmata, New Britain, where the wreck of Hudson A16-126 was located in thick jungle earlier this year.

Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant Arthur Quail were lost with the aircraft on 11 February 1942 during a sortie against Japanese shipping at Gasmata harbour.

“The Air Force team will conduct a detailed search of the crash site for any trace of human remains, personal artefacts and military items. It is hoped that 66 years after losing their lives in the service of their nation, these four airmen will be accounted for.

“Relatives of the four crew members have been advised of this search. Knowing the location of the aircraft has provided a degree of comfort. It is an emotional time for them,” Mr Snowdon said.

The Hudson bomber was originally located by local missionary Mark Reichman in May 2008, on the advice of local villagers, led by Daniel Kovi. An Air Force reconnaissance team officially confirmed the wreck was A16-126 in June 2008.

The aircraft is in several large pieces. The cockpit is upside down and partially buried in mud, which will present a challenge for the recovery team. Bullet holes were found in the tail section and cannon shells were located in their original clips.

Air Force will undertake this mission with support and assistance from the PNG Government and local villagers. The team is planning to be in PNG for about two weeks.

Warbirds Australia

Crash site of Royal Australian Air Force World War II Hudson bomber, in Papua, New Guinea. Local crews assist in the excavation of the crash site.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

An artifact is examined at the crash site of Royal Australian Air Force World War II Lockheed Hudson bomber, in Papua, New Guinea. No human remains were found during the excavation and the Australia DoD indicates that only a remote chance existed that downed Aviators' remains would ever be found.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

Fusleage window panel found at the crash site of Royal Australian Air Force World War II Lockheed Hudson bomber, in Papua New Guinea.

Flying Officer Graham Gibson, Pilot Officer Frank Thorn, Sergeant Barton Coutie and Sergeant Arthur Quail were lost with the aircraft on 11 February 1942 during a sortie against Japanese shipping at Gasmata harbour.

The aircraft was shot down by Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters. Bullet holes were found in the aircraft's tail.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

The tail section of the downed RAAF Lockheed Hudson bomber.

Photo: Australia DoD

Warbirds Australia

The forward fuselage appears to have been burned out following the crash of RAAF Hudson A16-126. The original roundel can still be seen on a section of the aft fuselage, which lies inverted in the PNG jungle.

Photo: Australian DoD

Warbirds Australia

Heroes of the RAAF: Pilot Officer Frank Thorn (left) and Flying Officer Graham Ian Gibson pictured here circa 1941. Both were part of the four man crew of the Hudson aircraft A16-126, that was shot down by Japanese aircraft over Papua New Guinea on 11 February, 1942.

Photo: Australia DoD

Photo Restoration: ILIPS Group International

Warbirds Australia

Sergeant Barton Coutie, pictured here circa 1941, was part of the four man crew of the Hudson aircraft A16-126, that was shot down by Japanese aircraft over Papua New Guinea on 11 February, 1942.

Photo: Australia DoD

Aerospace United Kingdom

Rolls Royce Farnborough 2008 Gallery

The Rolls-Royce Merlin and the Supermarine Spitfire were voted greatest engine and aircraft of the past century, as Flight International celebrated 100 years. Rolls-Royce Chief Test Pilot Phill O'Dell received the Merlin Award.

Link Takes You Off Site To Rolls Royce

100 Years of Rolls Royce in Derby

Rolls Royce Heritage Video

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

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The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying just off the coast of Newcastle on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0037
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying over Sydney harbour on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0049
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying down the coast on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0067
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying over Sydney international airport on its final day of service. On the ground just beneath the starboard wing, an Airbus A340-600 of Virgin Atlantic, a Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 Superjumbo and a United Airlines Boeing 747-400, just some of the aircraf of the generations that followed the Boeing 707 thru this day.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0076_pan
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying off the coast of Sydney on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

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The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying low over Sydney on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0112
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624, flying over Manly on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8164169_0164
The Royal Australian Air Force's last remaining Boeing 707, A20-624 , on approach to RAAF Base Richmond on its final day of service.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

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Passengers board the Final flight of Boeing 707, at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

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Passengers on board the Final flight of Boeing 707, at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8526919_0043
(L-R) Sharon Ghee, Hannah Smid and Alison Nash take a look at the flightdeck during final flight of Boeing 707 at RAAF base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8526919_0059
(L-R)Jeffrey Watson FRAeS from Jeff Watson Productions PTY LTD, Squadron Leader Paul Knellwolf, Flight Lieutenant Paul Taylor and Warrant Officer Darren Sambell in the flight deck during the final flight of Boeing 707.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8526919_0062
(L-R) Squadron Leader Paul Knellwolf and Flight Lieutenant Paul Taylor in the flight deck during the final flight of Boeing 707.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

20080630raaf8526919_0073
Flight Sergeant Lara Cluff and her 8 week old Daughter Evie Cluff in the flight deck during the final flight of Boeing 707 over Sydney.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Final Flight of the RAAF Boeing 707 Tanker/Transport

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The crew of the final flight of Boeing 707, at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

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To mark the end of an era for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 707, eight F/A-18 Hornets fly in formation with the 707 over RAAF Base Richmond on return from Exercise Pitch Black 08.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080627raaf8144078_0019
To mark the end of an era for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 707, eight F/A-18 Hornets fly in formation with the 707 over RAAF Base Richmond on return from Exercise Pitch Black 08.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080627raaf8144078_0028
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 707 comes in to land at RAAF Base Richmond on return from Exercise Pitch Black 08.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080627raaf8144078_0041
To mark the end of an era for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Boeing 707, two fire trucks create an archway of honour after landing at RAAF Base Richmond upon return from Exercise Pitch Black 08.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8100122_0005
Flight Sergeant (FSGT) Lobby Usher from 33 Squadron raises the Air Force Ensign for the "End of an era" parade at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8100122_0028
Wing Commander (WGCDR) Jim Ghee and WGCDR Guy Wilson sign the handover of 33 Squadron during the "End of an era" parade at RAAF Base Richmond. (L-R) Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Jack Plenty, WGCDR Jim Ghee, WGCDR Guy Wilson, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark Skidmore.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8100122_0038
Ceremonial flypast of the Boeing 707 during the 33 Squadron "End of an era" parade at RAAF Base Richmond. (L-R) Wing Commander
(WGCDR) Guy Wilson, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Jack Plenty, Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark Skidmore, WGCDR Jim Ghee.

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8526919_0165
Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark Skidmore and Wing Commander (WGCDR) Jim Ghee review the 33 Squadron "End of an era" parade at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8526919_0179
Air Commander Australia (ACAUST), Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Mark Skidmore addresses the 33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

33 Squadron "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond

20080630raaf8526919_0210
33 Squadron salute as they march past Commander Air Lift Group, Air Commodore Jack Plenty, during the "End of an Era" Parade at RAAF Base Richmond.

(Date taken: 30 June 2008)

Stand Down

The New Message Board at World Warbird Report.Com will return soon...

Chance Vought Visit

DALLAS, FEB. 29, 2008 – Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. today hosted more than 100 of the world’s premier aviation photographers during a tour that included an F4U Corsair, the V-173 “Flying Pancake” and other vintage aircraft from Vought’s heritage companies.

The Vought visit was part of a field trip organized by the International Society for Aviation Photography (ISAP), whose annual convention is being held Feb. 28-March 1 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“This is a perfect opportunity for us to show-off our world-class restorations,” said Hank Merbler, president of the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation. “I can’t think of a better group to view and help commemorate the aircraft restoration work of our volunteers.”

ISAP members viewed five Vought heritage aircraft during the tour:

~ VE-7 Bluebird, a full-scale replica of Chance Vought’s first production aircraft (no originals exist). The history-making VE-7 was the first airplane to take off from the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Langley

~ V-173 “Flying Pancake,” a short-takeoff experimental airplane on loan from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for restoration

~ F4U Corsair, the famous gull-wing World War II fighter

~ F6U Pirate, Chance Vought Aircraft’s first jet-propelled airplane

~ F-8 Crusader, the Navy’s first operational single-engine supersonic fighter

The VE-7 is complete while the other aircraft are in various stages of restoration. The Bluebird replica was built from scratch by Vought retirees. Producing this biplane involved engineering new blueprints, fabricating wooden parts, gluing assemblies and covering with fabric.

“It is an honor for ISAP to be invited to Vought and to have access to these unique and historically significant flying machines, “ said Jay Miller, chair of this unique photographers’ group. “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of photographing some extraordinary hardware, but this is a first in terms of the V-173, the VE-7 replica, and the F6U.

“We have in our group what are arguably the most accomplished aviation photographers in the world today. Some of these shooters have more time in the air in high-performance military aircraft than many of the pilots flying them. Vought’s a legacy aircraft manufacturer, and we’re hoping our visit today will, in some small way, help perpetuate a truly great and memorable company,” said Miller.

With the Retiree Club as its base, Vought retirees began the celebration of Vought heritage with the creation of a Web site, an Archive, and an Aircraft Restoration Group.

The Web site ( http://www.vought.com/heritage/ ) continues to grow with more than 1,000 pages of information and 1,500 photographs.

The Archive has developed into a major repository of Vought heritage documents, photos, video tapes, motion picture film and microfilm. Archive volunteers provide research support for historians, universities, authors, filmmakers and video documentary producers.

The Aircraft Restoration Group has restored to museum-quality a number of other Vought-produced artifacts, including an A7B Corsair II, RF8G Photo Crusader, and the Regulus II Cruise Missile -- now on display at the Frontiers of Flight museum at Dallas Love Field.

While Vought Aircraft Industries provides hangar and office space, the materials and services required for restorations must come from donations. For this reason, the Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation was established in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

About Vought

Although Vought Aircraft Industries is a relatively new company that incorporated in May 2000, it benefits from an industry legacy going back to the first producers of military aircraft in the United States. The company’s name extends to the entity founded by aviation pioneer, Chance Milton Vought.

Aviator and engineer Chance Milton Vought established his own firm on Long Island, N.Y., in a former shoe factory. Taught to fly in 1910 by pioneer aviator Max T. Lillie in a Wright B pusher-type biplane, Vought served as an instructor but went on to become an aeronautical engineer for the Wright-Martin company. In 1917, with Birdseye B. Lewis, Vought organized the Lewis & Vought Corporation. That same year his first design, the VE-7, was built and proved to be one of the most popular and widely used two-seater advanced training aircraft of the era.

Among the more than 15,000 aircraft produced by Chance Vought’s legacy companies, other notable ones include the 0S2U Kingfisher, an amphibian scout/observation aircraft; the F4U Corsair, which achieved an 11 to 1 kill ratio against enemy aircraft in World War II; the F7U Cutlass, the Navy’s first supersonic and first swept-wing fighter; and the F-8 Crusader jet, which set a national speed record in 1956 by flying over 1,000 mph. Noteworthy is the fact that Vought heritage aircraft have continuously served in world military service for 90 years.

Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. (www.voughtaircraft.com) is one of the world's largest independent suppliers of aerostructures. Headquartered in Dallas, the company designs and manufactures major airframe structures such as wings, fuselage subassemblies, empennages, nacelles and other components for prime manufacturers of aircraft. Vought has annual sales of approximately $1.6 billion and about 6,500 employees in nine U.S. locations.

About ISAP

Since the organization’s first symposium in 2001, ISAP has grown to more than 500 members representing over 20 countries. The ISAP’s mission is to provide a major international forum for the art and science of aviation photography; to provide a means for the exchange of aviation photography ideas, technique, philosophy, and equipment; and perhaps most importantly, to provide a mechanism for communication, education, and friendship among those who have a professional stake in, interest in, or simple love for aviation photography.

Chance Vought Visit

Chance Vought Visit

Chance Vought Visit

Chance Vought Visit

Chance Vought Visit

The Final Mission of the Iroquois helicopters of "A" Squadron, 5 Aviation Regiment, Royal Australian Army (RAA)

Photo: Australian Department of Defense / RAA

Royal Australian Army Retires the UH-1 Iroquois (Huey) Helicopter

World Warbird Photo News

From 09 / 01 / 2007

Additional Photos Added

As of 09 / 08 / 2007

Beginning on Page 4

Click Here For:

Marvin "Lefty" Gardner's Lockheed P-38 Lightning Moving Closer to its New Role with Red Bull Air Shows

Breckenridge Racers Prepared For Friday's Departure to Stead, Nevada; Racers Over Stead ~ The 2007 Edition ~ Coming Soon...

New Pages ~ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16

Convair B-36H Peacemaker

Photo: U.S. Air Force

Northrop Grumman F-14 Tomcats and Boeing F-18 Hornets (one depicted) over NAS OCeana, Virginia. A new gallery, perpetual in nature, studies the "Great Formations" of aircraft that have flown around the World over the past Century of Flight.

Photo: U.S. Navy / DoD

Deke Slayton during World War II with his Douglas A-26 Invader, "Colleen Riley I," which he flew in the years long before he became one of America's first, Mercury Astronauts. Though Slayton did not fly during the project Mercury years due to a heart condition, he was later cleared for flight and flew on the Apollo ~ Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) mission of July 15-24, 1975, with Thomas P. Stafford and Vance D. Brand on the American side, along with Cosmonauts Alexey Leonov and Valeriy Kubasov representing the former Soviet Union, now, Russia.

Slayton's WWII Bio is impressive, with missions flown both over Europe and Japan during World War II. According to NASA
( http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/slayton.html ) "As a B-25 pilot with the 340th Bombardment Group, he flew 56 combat missions in Europe. He returned to the United States in mid-1944 as a B-25 instructor pilot at Columbia, South Carolina, and later served with a unit responsible for checking pilot proficiency in the A-26. In April 1945, he was sent to Okinawa with the 319th Bombardment Group and flew seven combat missions over Japan. He served as a B-25 instructor for one year following the end of the war and subsequently left the Air Force to enter the University of Minnesota..."

Needless to say, his story does not end there. Slayton also raced the Art Williams designed and John Paul Jones-built "Stinger," Race 21, in Formula One (now known as International Formula One or IF1," at the time of his retirement in 1982.

Deke Slayton passed away on June 13, 1993, in League City, Texas, due to complications from a Brain tumor.

Douglas A-26 Production Line During World War II.

Photo: The Boeing Company / Douglas Aircraft Historical Gallery

(DA BEAR Zone!!!)

In the same sense as "The Great Formations ™, we examine the Heritage Flight ™in which Veteran Warbirds participate in Fly Pasts, Missing Man Formations, Tributes and Formations in General, at Air Show Events throughout the World.

Photo: US Air Force / DoD

North American P-51D Mustang, 357th Fighter Group

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For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. If an item is identified as "Fair Use," then it indeed is "Fair Use." If an item is identified as available for "your collection," then it becomes part of your collection without charge. Photo, Editorial and News byline credits always appreciated.

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World Warbird Report
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"Mig 3" (Yak) of WWII Russia, Issued by Sahara, 1995

DeHavilland Mosquito

~ Ed.

Douglas C-47A Skytrain

French SNCAM D-520 (Dewotoine) of France, Issued by Sahara, 1995

Bell P-39 Airacobra

RAF Hawker Hurricane, Issued by Sahara, 1995

USAAF North American P-51D Mustang, Lou IV, Issued by Sahara, 1995

Photo: U.S. Navy / Department of Defense (DoD)

Ronald Reagan Seen as Best President since World War II and George W. Bush as the Worst

Lincoln Seen by Plurality as Best President in U.S. History

ROCHESTER, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When shown a list of all U.S. presidents since and including Franklin D. Roosevelt and asked to pick the best, more people (25%) pick Ronald Reagan than any other president. However, this support is lopsidedly partisan. Fully half (50%) of Republicans choose Reagan compared to only 6 percent of Democrats and 20 percent of Independents.

When asked to say who they think was the worst president since World War II, many more people (34%) choose George W. Bush than pick anyone else. Here again the replies are strongly partisan. Fully 58 percent of Democrats and 37 percent of Independents, but only 9 percent of Republicans think George W. Bush the worst recent president.

These are the results of a nationwide Harris Poll of 2,302 U.S. adults surveyed online between January 14 and 22, 2008, by Harris Interactive^®.

Best President in History

When asked to choose the best presidents in U.S. history from a list including all recent presidents and some of the other most famous presidents, a 20 percent plurality choose Abraham Lincoln and a further 13 percent pick him as the second best.

Ronald Reagan comes second on the list (14% see him as the best and 11% as the second best), ahead of Franklin Roosevelt, John Kennedy, George Washington, Bill Clinton, Thomas Jefferson, Harry Truman or Theodore Roosevelt.

So What?

As Presidents’ Day approaches, there are several conclusions which can be drawn from these poll results. One is that historical memories are short and that recent presidents tend to get mentioned more often — as best or worst — than earlier presidents. The fact that Reagan, FDR and Kennedy are all mentioned more often than Washington as the best president is particularly striking. Furthermore, short-term memories of recent presidents are still fiercely partisan.

Finally, it is worth noting that perceptions of previous presidents change and will continue to change as time passes — with Harry Truman often mentioned as an example of a president whose reputation has improved over time.

Note: Totals may not add to 100% because of rounding.

Note: * indicates less than 0.5%

Note: Totals may not add to 100% because of rounding.

Note: * indicates less than 0.5%

Note: Totals for best and second best may not add to 100% because of rounding.

Note: In this question the list included all presidents since Franklin Roosevelt and the other presidents in the table, but not any other presidents

Note: * indicates less than 0.5%

Note: - indicates no response

Methodology

This Harris Poll^® was conducted online within the United States between January 14 and 22, 2008 among 2,302 adults (aged 18 and over). Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. Therefore, Harris Interactive avoids the words “margin of error” as they are misleading. All that can be calculated are different possible sampling errors with different probabilities for pure, unweighted, random samples with 100% response rates. These are only theoretical because no published polls come close to this ideal.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Interactive surveys. The data have been weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population. Because the sample is based on those who agreed to participate in the Harris Interactive panel, no estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

These statements conform to the principles of disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

J 33083

Q 706, 711

About Harris Interactive

Harris Interactive is one of the largest and fastest-growing market research firms in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world’s largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American, European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com. Harris Interactive is an independent, non-partisan research company and does not take part in political campaigning or primary predictions.

To become a member of the Harris Poll Online and be invited to participate in online surveys, register at www.harrispollonline.com.

Harris Interactive Inc. 2/08

Photo: U.S. Navy

Junkers JU-87B Stuka

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Supermarine Spitfire, Issued by Shara, 1995