Shaw Air Force Base (WACH)--Shaw Air Force Base got a new addition at the front gate; one with a lot of history.
The base unveiled a new F-111 Fighter Wing Jet that was saved from being destroyed and renovated. It took the base three years to get the F-111 and several months to reassemble, clean and repaint it.
The F-111 was with the 20th Fighter Wing from 1970-1993. The aircraft flew 21 missions during Operation Desert Storm. The new display will be a permanent fixture at the main entrance of the base.
Retired Staff Sergeant Thomas Mitchell used to be the Dedicated Crew Chief for the new jet at Shaw Air Force Base. He said it brings back a lot of memories.
"I was the manager of this aircraft. You had to clear all work through me when you needed to work on this particular aircraft. That is the kind of thing that bonds you to an aircraft like this."
Those who attended also got to sign a poster that was placed in the cockpit as a time capsule.
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