A new addition to Heritage Park's history

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Means
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In October of 2007 a project was started to get an F-117A in the static display at Heritage Park before its upcoming retirement; and on April 5, the project was completed.

The F-117A displayed at Heritage Park has the tail number 816 which historically has the most combat history in the Air Forces fleet of F-117's. It was the first to drop ordinance in Panama where the F-117A was first utilized and has also seen action in Kosovo and the first and second Gulf Wars.

Bystanders got to see an unusual sight that morning as the plane was being towed across base to Heritage Park.

"A project like this usually takes up to a year and a half but the Airmen that worked on the project pulled through in completing it in a much shorter period of time," said Mr. Casell Davis, 49th Maintenance Squadron corrosion control specialist technician.

Airmen from several organizations on base had an important role in moving the F-117A to Heritage Park.

Members from the 49 MXS put in many hours fabricating and painting the plane so that it could be displayed in public. The 49th Civil Engineering Squadron prepared the site so that it was ready for the plane to be moved in. Members of the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performed a chalk walk and escorted the plane to Heritage Park to ensure the aircraft didn't become detached from the tow vehicle. 49th Security Forces Squadron escorted the aircraft in tow and shut down roads and intersections along the route for towing of the aircraft.

"Over 10,000 man hours were put into the project to get the F-117 ready and moved to Heritage Park" said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Ellsworth, 49 MXS lead production superintendent.

Senior Airman Richard Pekala, 49 MXS, was one of the Airmen that put in many hours of work into the project. Airman Pekala said he feels a sense of accomplishment and it feels good to see all the hard work pit into the aircraft displayed at Heritage Park.

Editor's note: As a reminder, the planes displayed in Heritage Park are for viewing and historical purposes only. Please refrain from touching, climbing or setting anything on the aircraft.