Lake Mich recoveries

Owen Miller · **Joined:** Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:28 pm **Posts:** 614

All,
Collectively we have rejoiced that the USN has resumed recoveries
from Lake Michigan. Today we have the opportunity to support and assist
them in this initiative. The Navy needs comments from the public sector.
Please read the document below. give the matter serious consideration,
and make some posts.

Blue skies,
Owen

The Department of the Navy (DON) through the National Naval Aviation Museum (NNAM) is taking steps to recover, conserve and restore a World War II-era F6F-3 Hellcat fighter aircraft (Bureau Number 25910) from Lake Michigan and eventual delivery to the NNAM. The aircraft in question has combat history by its assignment to VF-38 during the time the squadron flew in the Pacific Theater during the Solomon Islands campaign. In as much as the aircraft resides in State owned waters of Michigan, the DON through the NNAM is working with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to satisfy the needs of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

One of the sections of this process is to invite public comment about this undertaking and its possible positive or negative effect upon this historic property.

The aircraft in question currently rests in 260 Foot of water and will require ROV type vehicles as well as divers. The method of operation will be the same that has been utilized by the NNAM in over 35 successful recoveries.

Comments are requested on the undertaking from the general public and the Warbird Resource Group, the latter an appropriate choice due to its international online network.

Buddy Macon
Deputy Director
National Naval Aviation Museum
NASP, Fl. 32508

warbird1 · **Joined:** Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:25 pm **Posts:** 2760

I don't understand what the problem is? I don't think there are any negative impacts from such a recovery. Everyone on this board will be VERY supportive and say recover ALL the Lake Michigan warbirds.

I guess the only thing I would have to add, would be for the Navy to start working with the private warbird sector to make arrangements, deals, and understandings that would be mutually beneficial for both parties. For example, how many SBD's does the Navy really need? I know for a fact that the National Naval Aviation Museum wants a Helldiver very badly, especially since "their's" was taken back by the NASM. There are several Helldiver projects in civilian, private hands. Why won't the NNAM do some trades for rare planes such as the Helldiver in exchange for their huge surplus of SBD's and F4F's?

If I were the Navy, I would be in a rush to recover as many underwater warbirds as possible. The salt water/ocean airplanes are just about too gone for anything, except possibly patterns. All the more reason to recover the TBD's! Even though the Lake Michigan birds are still in relatively decent shape, that won't last forever. NOW is the time to recover them all!

Also, the Navy should relax their policy of "no underwater recoveries" by private parties. There are several wrecks in places other than Lake Michigan that the Navy has no intentions of ever recovering. Why not let the private sector do that? Why not put up a public auction to bid for the "recovery rights" of aircraft underwater that the Navy will never recover? Would the Navy rather the airplanes disintegrate into aluminum oxide and be lost forever or be recovered as a static example for a private museum?

Yes, recover this Hellcat and all Lake Michigan recoveries, and MOST importantly - the Devastators!

My two cents!

Django · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:36 pm

Is there an online way to submit comments?

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:46 pm

Owen did they break ground on the new hangar yet at Pensacola?

Owen Miller · **Joined:** Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:28 pm **Posts:** 614

Yes Chris, ground has been broken. However, the last couple
of times I was there no work was taking place.

Fingers crossed,

Owen

GARY HILTON · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:00 pm

I say go for it, but...do a very detailed filmed documentary on it, and all future recoveries.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:04 pm

Geez that's cool VF-38

Send a armed task group in there and take it by force if necessary.
Salem ace OC Chenoweth was the VF-38 XO in 1943 and scored the squadron's 1st kill. Could be his a/c :idea:

Oc Chenoweth after 1st kill for VF-38

Oc in F6F-3 VF-38

Oc & plane capt amm2C Pete Holm after their kill

Oc's division by his F6F-3 #5 "Ruthless" 1943 Segi, NG

B-25 C · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:11 pm

raise them all! you can't have too many rescued war birds!

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:34 pm

Now that would be the Hellcat to have. Awesome stuff! I agree raise them all.

Owen Miller · **Joined:** Fri Aug 27, 2004 9:28 pm **Posts:** 614

A few years ago, folks on this forum lined up to jump on the
US Navy about their recovery policies. Now we have new
leadership. a new direction, and new policies. The Lake Birds
are coming up with plans for more recoveries.

The Warbird Community has been given a chance to contribute
to this collective effort. Where the heck are you guys? Get in
there and make some posts. Show the politicians we are with
the navy in the effort. We NEED to support them NOW!

Don't make me use bad language. Y'all fussed about the navy
refusing recoveries and not sharing the spoils. Well, now they
are bringing the birds up, and they are being disseminated
about the country. COME ON.....SUPPORT WHAT YOU ASKED
FOR!!!

JOIN HANDS WITH RADM DeLOACH AND HIS TEAMS IN D.C.
AND P'COLA. He wants the same thing you do. Help the man
reach "OUR" goals!!!!!

Regards,
J. Owen Miller

mustangdriver · **Posted:** Sun Jul 12, 2009 4:55 pm

I am thrilled to see these planes coming up, and agree that we need to show our support.

DaveM2 · **Posted:** Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:26 pm

Owen

I am not to sure what is wanted here? Are the people that are looking for our support reading the forum? I would have thought that going through all the old threads that lambasted the Navy and its recovery policies of the past would show the depth of feeling about NOT recovering them!
It is a bit of a 'no brainer' that the current management and their enlightened attitude of raising and preserving these birds for future generations is welcomed by all who have an interest in warbirds and the history that they represent.
I am sure we all agree that the raising of the two SBD, and in particular, the plans to raise the Hellcat & Corsair, have, and will be, met with loud applause and nods of appreciation in the direction of those who are making it possible......the Naval History and Heritage Command, National Naval Aviation Museum, A and T Recovery and those who are generous enough to sponsor the recoveries. Long may it continue!!

Dave