Warbird Information Exchange

USAF F-101B 57-0438

Panhandle jet to get new home after 34 years. An Air Force F-101 Voodoo jet that's been a landmark outside Gulf Coast Community College for 34 years is moving to a new home in central Florida.

PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- Officials recently told the News Herald of Panama City the jet will be moved to the Veteran's Memorial Center at Merritt Island. No moving date has been set.

Gulf Coast officials say it would have cost nearly $100,000 to renovate the plane. They had sought help from nearby Tyndall Air Force Base. But officials there declined, saying they didn't have the funds to maintain the jet.

College President Jim Kerley says once the jet is removed, a park honoring all military branches will be built in its place.

Panama City- GCCC originally installed the F-101 Voodoo as a tribute to our armed forces.

For 34 years it has served as a reminder of the Air Force's contributions to Bay County. But time and the elements have taken their toll on the jet.

According to GCCC officials, the plane would cost between $50 - 100,000 to maintain. They referenced fixing a crack in the plane’s base and new paint as the primary costs.

Amidst major state budget cuts to education, they say they don't have the funds.

There's also a good chance a planned expansion of Highway 98 could displace the jet.

College officials originally contacted Tyndall Air Force Base for help maintaining the aircraft. According to GCCC President Dr. Jim Kerley, base officials said they didn’t have the resources to do that type of work. Kerley said they’ve contacted the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio to help find a new home for the Voodoo.

The entire situation has upset some.

"I would urge them to reconsider their thoughts about not maintaining it, or moving it, or having it shipped off. I just think it's an important part of this community,” said jet advocate Harry Sipple.

The F-101 carries quite the history.

It was once flown by the late Rick Seltzer, a former fighter pilot, Bay County Commissioner, business owner and Gulf Coast Community College Foundation member.

His name can be found on the pilot's window.

"I think it serves a very visual inspiration,” said Sipple.

The Seltzer family expressed their unhappiness in a written statement to WJHG:

“The Seltzer family has always attempted to handle all decisions with a high element of class and understanding. It has come to our family's attention that there exists a significant misunderstanding concerning the status/future of the F101 that currently sits on the campus of Gulf Coast. While stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, a member of our family was privileged to fly this plane. However, we realize that the symbolic purpose of the plane was and still is to represent the positive impact that the military has afforded our community. In closing, the Seltzer family strongly believes that the plane is a wonderful representation of our local military presence and would love to see it stay within our community.”

College officials say they have plans to build a veteran's memorial park that would honor all military branches once the jet is removed. They say the park wouldn't require any upkeep.

Kerley said his goal is to have the jet removed within the next six months.

_________________
Mike in Florida
TSgt USAF Retired
Jan 86 - Sept 08
Aircrew Life Support
"Your Life Is Our Business"
(122X0, 1T1X1, 1P0X1)
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