When our local Air Base was still operational, there was a reserve group of A-10s there along with another group of C-130s. Loved those plains. That distinctive whine is like no other.
The base is gone now and the reserve units moved to Whiteman a few miles east of here. I still see one on occasion driving on US50. And, they are still going strong.
Unfortunately, Dickie-Goober is no more. I spent my last time in the Air Force there and stayed in the KC area. It ceased being an active base in the late '70s. Portions continued as a Reserve base for the 442nd TAW (A-10s) for another 5-6 years. Finally, KC made a deal with the DOD to take it over as a satellite airport. That continued until all the paper work was finalized and then Cleaver (spit!) now a congressman, did a Dailey and ripped up the runways and made the base into a rail auto hub.
The Marines staffing the Finance Center here in KC still have use the old Officer Housing complex and the old O-Club is an open club now. There is an Army reserve unit using the old commissary building.
I saw those A-10s when I would visit an old Navy bud who went back to Knob when he retired out. It is my favorite Air Force jet. And I am a Falcon Crew Chief! But 9 of 20 years in the A-6 Intruder makes one like ugly, tough, load carrying airplanes!
GREAT take on the shark-nose one usually sees on Warthogs. Better, too.
ReplyDeleteWhen our local Air Base was still operational, there was a reserve group of A-10s there along with another group of C-130s. Loved those plains. That distinctive whine is like no other.
ReplyDeleteThe base is gone now and the reserve units moved to Whiteman a few miles east of here. I still see one on occasion driving on US50. And, they are still going strong.
Richards-Gebauer AFB, Kansas City!
ReplyDeleteIs the field still being used?
Unfortunately, Dickie-Goober is no more. I spent my last time in the Air Force there and stayed in the KC area. It ceased being an active base in the late '70s. Portions continued as a Reserve base for the 442nd TAW (A-10s) for another 5-6 years. Finally, KC made a deal with the DOD to take it over as a satellite airport. That continued until all the paper work was finalized and then Cleaver (spit!) now a congressman, did a Dailey and ripped up the runways and made the base into a rail auto hub.
ReplyDeleteThe Marines staffing the Finance Center here in KC still have use the old Officer Housing complex and the old O-Club is an open club now. There is an Army reserve unit using the old commissary building.
But, all-in-all, there's just not much left.
I saw those A-10s when I would visit an old Navy bud who went back to Knob when he retired out.
ReplyDeleteIt is my favorite Air Force jet. And I am a Falcon Crew Chief! But 9 of 20 years in the A-6 Intruder makes one like ugly, tough, load carrying airplanes!