Mishap to Glory: T-38 joins airport display

  • Published
  • By Debi Smith
  • 80th Flying Training Wing
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  For a special group of aviators and maintainers stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, leaving a legacy took on a whole new meaning this year.

As construction began for the new Wichita Falls airport, the vision of an aviation display energized between city leaders, the Kickapoo Airpark Museum that housed the 1917 Curtiss J-N "Jenny" bi-plane and base leaders.

On Sheppard, a T-38 Talon, with nose and undercarriage destroyed during a landing mishap in 2012, became the center of a decision to transfer it to the city of Wichita Falls through the government supply process system. 

The group took an aircraft damaged beyond repair and a century-old aircraft, crafting them into a historical display that gives a nod to the massive technological leap between the propeller-driven bi-plane of World War I and the supersonic thrust of today's T-38 fighter engine assigned at Sheppard as part of the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program.

The idea of bridging old and new became a reality with more than 60 base volunteers, working weekends from April to October, using their expertise of sheet metal and inventory processes.

With restoration completed ahead of schedule, the T-38 was towed from its base restoration location to the new terminal on Oct. 4, joining the Curtiss J-N "Jenny" bi-plane. Both now look to be in pristine condition for thousands of airport and community visitors to enjoy long into the future.

Project coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Torres, 80th Flying Training Wing Functional Check Flight Chief, emphasized how important the effort was to the volunteers, community and regional history. 

"When construction on the terminal is complete, each aircraft will be the centerpiece of its respective historical display; the Jenny will highlight military training at the Call Field during World War I, while the T-38 will showcase modern USAF pilot training."

Within a five minute drive from the base front gate, the 52,000 square foot facility is located at 4000 Armstrong Drive.  The new airport boasts two passenger gates with jet bridges to accommodate large charter aircraft and weather protection while boarding or deplaning.  Other facilities include a passenger area for military personnel and their families.

According to Wichita Falls Public Information Officer Barry Levy, "the $21 million dollar project cost included $5 million dollars for concrete apron paving, reconstruction of a taxiway and demolition of the existing terminal."

The "Jenny to Jet" exhibit will also include antique military vehicles and articles reflecting the rich aviation history of Wichita Falls. The display will be open seven days a week for the 100,000 visitors expected each year.