Warbird Information Exchange

Below is a link to "Gosport"; the newspaper of NASP.
It contains an article on the much discussed recently
recovered from L Mich SBD Dauntless.

Also of interest is the cover story about a soon to be
dedicated Hornet in Scott Speicher' honor. It will be
a fitting tribute to a good man.

There is also info about the upcoming Naval Aviation
Symposium in P'cola.

http://gosport.pensacolanewsjournal.com/latest.shtml

Hey Owen, any news on the expansion of the museum?

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

The is GREAT news! I was wondering how long it would take for a FA-18 on display to get his colors, I'm glad to see the the museum doing it.

Tim

_________________
www.tailhookstudio.com

Naval Air Station Ph: (850) 452-3100
Public Affairs Office Fax: (850) 452-5977
Pensacola, Florida DSN: 922-3100, ext 1540


NEWS RELEASE


Release Number: 003-09 May 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

F/A-18 TO BE DEDICATED TO LOST GULF WAR AVIATOR



NAS PENSACOLA, FL – A dedication ceremony of a Navy F/A-18 Hornet honoring Capt. Michael Scott Speicher, shot down on the first night of Operation Desert Storm, Jan. 16, 1991, will take place onboard NAS Pensacola May 8, 1 p.m., at the National Naval Aviation Museum.
Capt. Speicher’s body was never recovered and he is currently listed as missing in action after initially being classified as killed in action/body not recovered and then missing/ captured.
The F/A-18 was the type aircraft Capt. Speicher was flying when he was shot down. The F/A-18 being dedicated was previously on display at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) on NASP and has been restored with the markings and insignia from Capt. Speicher’s squadron when he was shot down, Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81) based at NAS Oceana, Va.
Numerous volunteers from VFA-81, the Blue Angels, Naval Aviation Schools Command, the Naval Air Technical Training Center,the naval aviation museum and others worked approximately 450 man-hours over the last two months restoring the aircraft.
Family members of Capt. Speicher as well as members of VFA-81 are expected to be at the ceremony.

The ceremony is being held in conjunction the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation’s 23rd annual Naval Aviation Symposium, May 7-8 at the museum.

Media interested in covering the event should contact the NAS Pensacola Public Affairs Office at 452-3100, ext. 1540.

Is this the F-18 that was painted like a Blue Angel one that they did this too? Great of the museum to honor him.

_________________
Chris Henry
EAA Aviation Museum Manager

No Chris, the Hornet in question had a goofy VF-14....VFA-14
scheme on it that really never existed. In a sense, it was
rescued.....

In reality, the present scheme is not absolutely correct, but
it sure looks good. It will be displayed outside and glossy paint
holds up better to the elements. A few liberties taken, but
overall, it is a tremendous job representing a LOT of cooperation
among commands. I am proud to have been a small support
element....


Owen