McChord Air Museum Foundation volunteers (L-R) Jack Whitaker, Ken Roberts Dick Jones, Harvey Wishoff, Alice Jackson, Bert Brandt and Jerry McNeil pose next to F-16 82-0929 formally assigned to North Dakota National Guard.

 

After months of work behind the scenes, F-16 82-0929 emerged from the McChord Alert Facility hundreds of pounds lighter in preparation for display on the grounds of the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) located on the south end of the base. Over the last few weeks, members from the 162^nd Fighter Wing, out of Tucson AZ and WADS, “de-milled” the aircraft, removing sensitive and serviceable items (including the engine). Once complete, the F-16 was moved from to the Museums restoration hangar to undergo some “final touches” in preparation for a complete repainting.

Another member volunteered for the project was Museum Member Ernest White,  in charge of documenting and researching distinctive markings for  “Hooligan” F-16s  and basic markings worn by this and other Fighting Falcons. Once complete, information will be provided to painters from the 62 AW since most markings will be lost after the aircraft is sanded and primed. “Painting a F-16 is not something they’re not use  to” said White, “We want to give the painters all of the tools to insure, from tip to tail, -929 is historically accurate”.

Plans are to mount the aircraft next to the F-4 display by NORAD’s 50^th Anniversary in May of 2008.