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1984 B47 China Lake

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  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_001.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_002.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_003.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_005.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_004.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_006.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_007.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_009.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_008.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_010.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  TSGT Ralph C Wollet <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_011.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_012.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_013.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Roxanne Delory a Clerk in the China Lake Securlity office  Volunteered<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_015.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_014.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_016.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  TSGT Ralph C Wollet <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_017.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Melvin J Hedgpeth  and Victor M Figueroa   <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_018.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_019.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_020.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Fink<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_021.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_022.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_023.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_024.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_025.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_026.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Melvin J Hedgpeth   <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_027.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_028.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_029.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_030.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_031.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.   Fink<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_032.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_033.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Gen. Moore and Fink<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_036.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_035.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
Fin and Gen  J.D. Moore<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_034.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_037.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  TSGT Ralph C Wollet <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_038.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  TSGT Ralph C Wollet <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_039.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  TSGT Ralph C Wollet  and A1C Victor M Long <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_040.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake. Gen Moore and Fink<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_041.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  <br />
Melvin J Hedgpeth   <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_042.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_043.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Victor M Figueroa  <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_044.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.   Victor M Figueroa  <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_045.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.  Melvin J Hedgpeth   <br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_046.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_048.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_047.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_049.jpg
  • September 30, 1984 Volunteers working a B-47 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake.<br />
<br />
<br />
After two years and 36,400 hours of free labor by 160 volunteers, this once discarded Air Force B-47 Stratojet bomber is ready for a one-day flight to Castle Air Museum.  The Boeing B-47 Stratojet is a retired American long-range, six-engine, turbojet-powered strategic bomber designed to fly at high subsonic speed and at high altitude to avoid enemy interceptor aircraft. The primary mission of the B-47 was as a nuclear bomber capable of striking targets within the Soviet Union.  Although the Stratojet entered service during the Korean War, it did not join the B29s, B-50s, and B-17s used in that conflict. The B-47, in fact, never attacked a foe or dropped a bomb in anger in its career. No foreign air forces operated the Stratojet, but the Navy used three for test purposes.  One of the people involved in the restoration of No. 0166 is retired Turlock dairy farmer Mel Hedgpeth.  Hedgpeth walked innocently into Castle Museum and he asked why there was no B-47.  He was a three-year Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and for 10 years had worked as a civilian employee specializing in servicing a squadron of B-47s.  Mel’s involvement began with a drive to the China Lake Naval Air Station.  There he found a deteriorated B-47 lying in a sand pit.  “It was amazing how after sitting in the desert 18 years every hydraulic unit worked” he said.  “Three of the six engines started right up”.  Nevertheless, it took 37 more trips and two years to make the craft airworthy.
    B47 China Lake 1984_050.jpg
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