museum news archive 

 03  NOVEMBER 2002 

            PHOTO BY ERNEST WHITE 

McChord Air Force Base personnel witnessed a sight that hadn’t been seen at McChord since the 1960’s, once again McChord became home to a “flight” of F-102 Delta Daggers. On October 27, 2002 F-102 restoration Crews long wait finally came to a end with the arrival of an additional F-102 Delta Dagger from hot desert of Arizona. Former members from the 317th FIS, Reserve C-17 crews from the 446th AW at McChord, Active and Guard members from Davis-Monthan AFB and other Retired Air Force personnel were instrumental to the effort in bringing –1515 to it’s new home at McChord.

Over the coming months Restoration Crews led by Museum Volunteer and retired 317th FIS member Ken Roberts, will use both aircraft to provide future visitors with one F-102 Interceptor painted in the markings of the 317th FIS during the Units assignment at McChord in the late 50's. The fate of the extra airframe it is unknown at this time.

The new addition, s/n 56-1515, once served with the 64th FIS (based at McChord 1957-1960, and at Paine AFB, WA 1960-1966) as well as the 11th, 326th, & 146th FIS’s, a F-102 training unit. During 1967-68 –1509 became one of the 58 F-102’s modified for mid air refueling, a modification that became necessary after F-102 were selected to defend US Bases in Southeast Asia during the late 60’s – early 70’s. 

The Museum Foundation would like to thank McChord's Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) for all of the support given to this and other Museum projects. 

Please visit the Restoration Hangar  and Restoration Crews Wish List pages for updates on this and other restoration projects.

CORRECTION - In a earlier story in the online RIPCHORD the F-102 in the story above was incorrectly identified as S/N 56-1509, the actual tail number (56-1515) has been corrected in the story above.