Tornado 45+11 unveiled in front of GAF HQ

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Robert Meints
  • German Air Force Flying Training Center Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  On April 28, 2010, German air force Col. Frank Kiesel, German Air Force Flying Training Center commander, officially presented Tornado 45+11 to the public and unveiled the information plaque in front of the static display outside their headquarters building.

"All the years and also, the flying hours on this specific aircraft and also, all German aircraft flying activities on Holloman Air Force Base were only possible and achievable due to a lot of dedication and professionalism of our men and women of the flying training center," said Colonel Kiesel.

The jet has been sitting in front of the building since April 17 and still flew the skies of New Mexico in 2009 before it underwent the demilitarization process.

Before being fit for display, the jet had to undergo some preparatory work. For instance, the engines were removed and afterburner dummies installed in their place. Moreover, the pilot's and weapon system officer's ejection seats, including all pyrotechnical parts, as well as all weapons were removed. This demilitarization process yielded around 200 high-value replacement parts to be used in other Tornado aircraft. Like the displays at Heritage Park, the canopy was painted black.

It all began on March 13, 1986, the day when this aircraft was handed over to Technical Group 11 in Erding near Munich, Germany, with 5.55 flying hours on its records. In the course of its service life, this jet was assigned to Fighter Bomber Wing 31 "Boelcke" in Nörvenich near Cologne, Fighter Bomber Wing 33 in Büchel.

With 2,104.5 flying hours to its name, it was accepted into the inventory of the GAF FTC Technical Group on July 22, 1999. For around 1,811 hours it was in the service of training young student pilots until its final mission on June 10, 2009.

"Certainly our success would not have been possible, no matter how hard we worked, no matter how dedicated we were if it wasn't for us, for you, our friends at Holloman Air Force Base and our friends in the community of Alamogordo," Col. Kiesel said.

"So standing here in front of the first heritage Tornado at Holloman Air Force Base gives me the opportunity to thank everybody ... for supporting us all the years and hoping for your continued support in this well prudent manner for the future," he said.

On the day the aircraft was put on display another special occasion was celebrated. Tow truck driver Thomas West celebrated his 5,000th aircraft moving operation and received a commemorative certificate by his squadron commander.