TheTh Membership Newsletter for The Military Aviation Museum Fall 2013 Now Boarding: Planes, Trains, and Santa By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein, Museum Event Coordinator As in yearsye past, the Military Aviation Museum will once mighty S and O gauges, to the more modest HO and againagain hohost its holiday favorite, “Planes, Trains, and San- N, and even Lego, members of the Tidewater Division ta,” withwith the expert assistance of someone who knows of the National Model Railroad Association have given more aboutabou the fl ight characteristics of reindeer than any of their time to assemble an elaborate miniature winter man in history.hist St. Nicholas will rejoin the patrons of the wonderland at the Military Aviation Museum. Amateur MuseumMuseum oonn the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, engineers are welcome. All aboard for a full weekend of bringingbrb in along an early dose of holiday cheer. fi ne model railroading! We also hope to welcome mem- bers of the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Crime MilitaryMilitary AAviationvi Museum Our Boeing Stearman will be landing at 11:00 am Prevention Unit, featuring McGruff the Crime Dog and www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org on both days, Santa’s elves will assist the venerable the Police Explorers, among other guests, in the course toymaker in his task of taking down each and every of the three-day event. Don’t forget to bring your gift Virginia Beach Airport child’s wish for Christmas. He’ll even pose for pic- and support the local Toys for Tots Campaign. www.VBairport.com tures with the tiny tots. As a backdrop, as befi ts the pro- Join in the excitement as we welcome San- ta Claus on Friday and Saturday, with the Fighter Factory prietor of the world’s fi nest toyshop, inside our hangars entire weekend devoted to our displays of www.FighterFactory.com you will fi nd special displays model trains, as provided by the National to warm hearts both young Model Railroad Association. and old. General admission prices are applicable. Inside this Issue: A large assembly of train en- Children aged 12 and under receive free thusiasts will be on hand to admission all weekend! Hucks Starter Repair 2 demonstrate models of all November 29-30: 9:00am – 5:00pm Whirlwind Tour 2 shapes and sizes. From the December 1: 9:00am – 3:00pm 

Museum Visitors 3 US Navy Attack Squadron Commonwealth ChalleNGe 1940’s Valentine’s Hangar Dance Youth Academy Bush Supply Offi cers Saturday, February 15th, 2014 Join us at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach Experience the Thrill 4 1940’s Valentine’s Hangar Dance at for our 6th annual 1940s Valentine’s Hangar Dance. Feb- Wings & Wheels Car Show 4 the Military Aviation Museum! ruary 15th will be a night to remember! Come dressed 6-10pm $40 per ticket (table discounts available) in your 1940s-vintage attire as we transform one of our 2nd Annual Radio Control hangars into a dance fl oor, in celebration of Valentine’s Dawn Patrol 5 Day. There will be fabulous prizes for the “Best Dressed Lady,” “Best Dressed Man” and “Best Dressed Couple.” Aerostar Owners Terry Chesson’s Big Band will again play all your favorite Association 5 period hits. Dance the night away with members of the What’s New on Display 6 Swing Virginia Swing Dance Club. Need dance lessons beforehand? Check out SwingVirginia.com. And don’t Hangar Happenings 7 forget Echoes-of-Time.com for your period appropriate costume rentals in Hampton Roads. Seating is limited. In Event Calendar 8 fact, we sold out early last year. Tickets will soon be avail- able for purchase, so check our web site often for updates on ordering information: http://www.militaryaviationmu- seum.org/events. PAGE 2 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 Car Club Members Repair the Whirlwind Tour Museum’s 1919 Hucks Starter By Jonathan R. Lichtenstein By Sam Kern The morning of 21 September, 2013, saw About three weeks before our 40th An- The repair team consisted of Tyler Gim- a unique group of visitors alight at the niversary Meet, to be held at the Military bert and Sam Kern, assisted by Terry Bond Military Aviation Museum. Descending in Aviation Museum, the museum’s director, donating parts and providing technical ad- a formation of four, carrying 40 members David Hunt, asked if the Antique Automo- vice, Mickey McChesney did the abrasive of the 2-224th Assault Helicopter Battal- bile Car Club of America (AACA), Tide- blasting and Ken Talley completed assem- ion, personnel of the U.S. Army National water chapter could repair its 1919 Model bling the cooling system on the day before Guard disembarked from their Sikorsky TT Hucks Starter in time for the show. The our meet. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, for a tour restored vehicle had neither been started of our facilities. nor driven in over two years. When muse- The job proved to be a lot more extensive um staff discovered the cylinder head to be than just replacing the head gasket: we had A battalion with combat experience, the leaking badly, staff turned to the Tidewater to remove and replace a threaded insert in 2-224th brought some of its latest class of Club for help get it running again, in time one of the cylinder head bolt holes. reservists to Virginia Beach for a peace- to be prominently displayed along with the ful exercise in career development. As a Museum’s other cars and planes on meet During the repair process, the Saturday be- museum dedicated to the fi rst 50 years of day. Several Tidewater volunteers jumped fore our meet, Terry briefed members of a manned fl ight, such an impressive display in and took on the task. Richmond-area Boy Scout troop of the his- of contemporary rotary-winged aviation tory of the vehicle and what we were doing was a welcome surprise for patrons and The Hucks Starter was conceived by Mr. to bring it back to operational condition. volunteers alike. With so many veterans B.C. Hucks, chief test pilot for the Aircraft The Boy Scouts were camped at the mu- among our ranks, the enthusiasm of our Manufacturing Company which later be- seum’s WWI hangar and were studying for visitors rekindled memories of past nation- came the de Havilland Aircraft Company their Automobile & Aviation Merit Badge. al service. The appearance of U.S. Army of England. The fi rst one was built on a helicopters at the Virginia Beach Airport 1916 Model T truck chassis and its purpose On meet day, the engine fi red right up also served to put a smile on the faces of was to eliminate the need for a person to when Tyler cranked the engine’s starter. more than a few of the museum’s younger pull on a propeller to start a plane’s engine. Following judging on meet day, at about patrons. For some years Hucks Starters were used 1:00 pm, Tyler took us and some museum in both military and civilian applications. staff members on a tour of the AACA show The history and lineage of the Museum’s fi eld on the Hucks Starter. Heads turned, 1919 is very sketchy, other than when it faces smiled and many watched in amaze- was acquired about three years ago. Its ment and wonderment. The moment epito- condition was very seriously degraded. mized the joy, satisfaction of accomplish- The Museum thoroughly restored it to its ment, and sheer fun that are integral parts present cosmetic and operational condition of our hobby.  and keeps it on display in the WWI hangar where it draws lots of interest with people asking “what is this thing?” The 2-224th Assault Helicopter Battalion is stationed at Richmond International Air- port, Sandston, VA, and east of downtown Richmond. Adherence to a strict fl ight schedule dictated a timely afternoon de- parture from our airfi eld. Under the guid- ance of museum ground control, the whine of their GE engines increasing, their rotors whipping up a gale, the four Black Hawks were soon hovering again, above the mu- seum’s ramp. With an adjustment in pitch, the helicopters of the 2-224th headed east, before making a turn to the north, home- From left to right: Terry Bond, Ken Talley, Sam Kern, Don Siemieniak, ward bound.  Tyler Gimbert, Jonathan Lichtenstein and David Hunt VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 PAGE 3 Museum Visitors U.S. Navy Attack Squadron Commonwealth By Kenneth Craig On September 18, 2013, the Bluehawks of two attack carriers, USS Independence and ChalleNGe Youth U.S. Navy Attack Squadron Seventy-Two USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. In a period of Academy (VA-72) visited the Military Aviation Mu- intense prosecution of aerial warfare over By Lieutenant Commander Rich Guzman seum enjoying a very warm reception and North Vietnam, the pilots of VA-72 benefi t- a fantastic educational experience. They ed from the great support of their wives, on On August 24th and 25th, the cadets from enjoyed a catered lunch in the museum and the home front. Of the many notable targets the Virginia National Guard’s Common- a wonderful tour by very dedicated and struck, VA-72 was the fi rst to destroy a SA-2 wealth ChalleNGe Youth Academy vis- knowledgeable docents. During Vietnam (surface to air) missile site. Included in this ited the Military Aviation Museum. With cruises in 1965 and 1966, this group of at- visiting group was Capt. Al Carpenter, USN this educational fi eld trip, the cadets had tack pilots fl ew the A4E Skyhawk from (ret) who was shot down over Haiphong the opportunity to have a guided tour of HHarbor and endured over 7 years of vintage aircraft from WWI and WWII as bbrutal captivity as a POW. Another in well as seeing replica of some of the fi rst ththis group was Capt. Robert Crippen, UUSN (ret), later to serve as the com- aircraft in fl ight. Cadet Sanchez stated, mmand pilot in the fi rst Space Shuttle. “It gave the cadets and me an opportunity EEach Bluehawk can spin a yarn or for the fi rst time to see aircraft up close.” twtwo about their combat experiences aand all would agree that they were The mission of the Commonwealth Chal- mmighty proud to serve their country leNGe Youth Academy, an alternative edu- wwith honor fl ying in one of the best cation program, is to intervene in the lives The U.S. Navy Bluehawks and their “better halves.” aattack squadrons in the Navy.  of 16-18 year old teenagers by providing the values, skills, education, and self-dis- USS George H.W. Bush Supply Officers cipline needed to produce responsible, pro- By Abe McNatt ductive citizens, and to do so in a highly The supply department offi cers from USS the plane. They also let one of our offi cers structured learning atmosphere. George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) took a fi eld operate the manual hydraulic pump to raise trip to the Military Aviation Museum on the wings of the plane. We had a great time.” The Commonwealth ChalleNGe Youth September 5th. The Avenger that was used in the photo is Academy fosters academics (GED), ser- “The trip was made to bring the whole CVN fully functional and was fl own for CVN 77’s vice to community, life coping skills, 77 deployment supply team together for cama- christening ceremony. “The museum is very leadership development, job skills, and raderie and fun,” said Lt. Cmdr. Shannon Har- proud to maintain a direct connection be- physical fi tness for Virginia’s 16-18 year rell, the ship’s assistant supply offi cer. “An- tween naval aviation history and today’s ac- olds. The students work with mentors to other goal of the trip was to get a good group tive duty service members,” said Jonathan reach their goal of gaining employment, photo for the supply offi ce,” said Harrell. “We Lichtenstein, the museum’s event and mar- continuing their education or joining the wanted a photo that showed the spirit of team- keting coordinator. “It was a pleasure to host military. For more information, please work seen in squadron photos from World War the supply offi cers from George H.W. Bush.” visit www.vachallenge.org or call 1-800- II. We wanted to have fun with it instead of “I would recommend the Military Aviation just standing in a formation looking serious.” 796-6472 and see how you can support Museum to any command or service mem- this program. The supply team chose to pose with the ber that is looking for a fun activity to do TBM-3E Avenger like the one fl own by the away from work.” said Harrell.  Our appreciation goes out to the Military ship’s namesake Aviation Museum for making this happen. George H. W. Bush. “The muse-  um staff was awe- some, and totally accommodating,” said Harrell. “They positioned the plane right where we wanted it for the photo, and even let us climb on and into Photo by Art Norfolk PAGE 4 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 Experience the Thrill of a Lifetime by David Hunt This coming spring, the Military Aviation Also, rides will be available in the muse- Rides will leave from the Virginia Beach Museum will be offering a memorable op- um’s 1940 North American SNJ-2. Flying Airport/Military Aviation Museum in Vir- portunity to fl y in one of two vintage air- in this famous WWII trainer will transport ginia Beach. The cost of vintage biplane planes. you back in time with the roar of the engine rides and SNJ-2 rides will be available soon giving you that exciting experience of gen- along with the duration of rides. Bookings Experience the thrill of the museum’s 1941 erations past. and certifi cates will be available in early Boeing Stearman PT-17 Kaydet by sitting November so check out our web site www. inside its open cockpit donning helmet, Allow one of our veteran pilots to soar with militaryaviationmuseum.org and Facebook goggles and white fl ying scarf with the wind you over the rural countryside of Virginia page for more information.  in your hair and the sun in your face. Beach, the Intracoastal Waterway, the shore and sand dunes of the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge. Whether you are a history buff, an explorer, a nature lover or a photographer, we can guarantee you a breathtaking experience.

A “ride” gift certifi cate for the Stearman bi- plane or the North American SNJ-2 is the perfect gift for the holidays, birthday, Fa- Museum’s 1941 Boeing ther’s Day or any day you want to make ex- 1940 North American SNJ-2 Stearman PT-17 Kaydet tra memorable for that special person! Wings and Wheels Car Show by Mark McAlpine Photos by Art Norfolk The Tidewater Region of the Antique Au- world, recently arrived at the museum after Sedan, and Frank Lagana’s 1950 Chevrolet tomobile Car Club of America (TRAACA) eight years of restoration in New Zealand. 2-door Deluxe. Jeff Locke’s 1935 Lincoln held its 40th Annual Meet on Saturday, V-12 7-passenger Sedan, formerly owned 28 September 2013, at the Military Avia- Despite the threat of rain (and a near rainout by Basie White, and John Blair’s 1965 Mor- tion Museum. This was the sixth year in in 2012), the weather cooperated and the gan 4/4 Roadster are the meet’s other two a row that the meet was held as a “Wings TRAACA enjoyed its largest annual meet 40-year commemorative vehicles but they & Wheels Show” at the museum, an ap- to date. Over 300 antique, modifi ed, and were unable to attend. propriate venue for a club dedicated to special interest vehicles participated in the the preservation and restoration of antique meet, including 189 registered for AACA Classifi cation and judging of the classic ve- automobiles to display its prized vehicles judging and another 104 registered for hicles was conducted according to AACA alongside the world’s largest collection of “mods & rods” participant judging. Each guidelines. Meet Chairman, Tony Scarpel- fl yable military aircraft from the fi rst fi fty vehicle was photographed in front of a FG- li, and Chief Judge, Terry Bond, recognized years of powered aviation. Participants and 1D Corsair fi ghter aircraft before they en- 128 AACA-judged vehicles with 65 First spectators in the meet also received entry tered the show fi eld. The museum estimates Place, 24 Second Place, and 11 Third Place to the Military Aviation Museum where that 2,000-2,500 spectators arrived in over Continued on page 7 they could view over 60 World War I and II 800 cars and 30 motorcycles to enjoy the military aircraft, including the only fl yable cars and planes. De Havilland DH-98 Mosquito bomber in To commemorate the 40th meet, four of the vehicles displayed at the fi rst meet in 1973 were displayed. The four origi- NadiaN and the nal cars were honored at the entrance to the museum and show fi eld: Tyler Gim- bert’s 1924 Ford Model T (previously owned by Merritt Horne), Bob and Dot Parrish’s 1931 Chevrolet Sport Coupe (formerly owned by Tommy Moody), Joe Charles Alderman’s Alderman’s 1959 Morgan Burroughs’ 1938 Buick Special 4-door Terry Bond’s 1914 Model T VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 PAGE 5 Tidewater Radio Control 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic WWI Dawn Patrol by Scott Vickery Photos by Art Norfolk

Over 60 pilots from around the country to monsters of half scale, eight to 20 foot area and attractions while the pilots fl ew came to the Military Aviation Museum to wing spans! The airplanes were so detailed their magnifi cent models. The event cul- fl y over 120 WWI aircraft. They conducted that you could not tell the real ones from the minated with a big southern style chicken “Dawn Patrols” in the early morning mists, models in most cases other than by walk- dinner with all the fi xins and over 200 cup- recon missions and even a dog fi ght or two. ing up to one. Most of the airplanes were cakes as dessert. At times you would think that the Great powered by gasoline engines much like the War was once again raging in the skies over ones found in weed whackers. The models Tidewater’s Mid Atlantic Dawn Patrol was the airfi eld of the museum. They would fl y are fully capable of doing all aerobatics that able to raise $2000 for the museum! from dawn to dusk each of the 4 days the their full size brethren were capable of doing. Pilots also did a fl y-by for a wedding that event was held. took place on Saturday evening requested During the event, Stearman rides were by the bride and groom. That was a fi rst for The pilots were at the Military Aviation raffl ed off as well as over $4500 in awards all of the pilots involved. Museum for the 2nd Annual Mid Atlantic and gifts. Trophies and cash awards were Dawn Patrol, held during the fi rst week in awarded to the best models of the show. Next year’s event is promising to be much October. The event is hosted by Tidewa- Vendors of the WWI models and supplies larger with the centennial of WWI com- ter Radio Control, a local R/C fl ying club to build such models were on-site. One of ing up. based in Chesapeake, Virginia. The pi- the major sponsors/vendors, Balsa USA, lots were fl ying highly detailed models of came all the way from Northern Wisconsin. So make your plans now to be at the next WWI airplanes ranging from quarter scale A professional video production company, Mid Atlantic Dawn Patrol October 1-5 SKS Video, was on site to document the 4 2014.  day event. The video will be released in- ternationally in the next few months. This was a family event as well so sev- eral pilots brought German Albatross their families to en- joy the surrounding

The Museum Double- Welcome to Aerostar Owners Association by Jonathan R. Lichtenstein Decker Bus in a Busch Photos by Art Norfolk Gardens Promotion Friday, 18 October, saw considerable ecutive Director. Ken has been a pilot activity on the ramp of the Aviation since 1980 and purchased his 1977 Museum. Eleven aircraft and fi fty Aerostar 601P in 1990. Burdella members of the Aerostar Owners As- manages the AOA membership, ed- sociation (AOA) touched down for a its the newsletter, monitors the AOA tour and luncheon at the MAM. The website, and plans AOA conventions visit was organized by Mrs. Burdella and meetings, like the one held at Bacon, in charge of AOA Member- the Military Aviation Museum. Visit ship, and Mr. Ken Bacon, AOA Ex- www.aerostar-owners.com/ for more information on theth story of the TedT Smith Aero- starst Company andan one of the world'sw fastest twintw piston en- gineg aircraft.  PAGE 6 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4

Look What’s New on Display at the Museum

WWII Russian MiG-3

In the foreground, our Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 and in the background battle-scarred ‘Blue 4,’ our Focke- Wulf FW-190.

1946 Lavochkin La-9

Our 1946 Lavochkin La-9 is airworthy and the only fl ying La-9.

Our 1916 Curtiss JN-4D ‘Jenny’ which is 80% origi- nal. The Curtiss was originally fi tted with the OX5 engine. Ours has the converted OXX/6 engine.

1916 Curtiss Jenny VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 PAGE 7 Hangar Happenings Boy Scouts Meet the Car Club Barry Knight: Fall Fest By Mark McAlpine Article & Photos ByJimmy Frost Andy Furhman of the Richmond Region and Bob Stein in “Mildred” (1937 Pontiac). In September, Delegate Barry Knight held Antique Automobile Car Club of America The vehicles provided a wide range of years his annual Fall Fest at the Military Avia- (AACA) came to the museum in September and styles, as well as some variations of me- tion Museum with over 600 supporters at- with Boy Scout Troop 736 for a camping chanical layouts - air-cooled, sleeve-valve, tending the event. Barry, a strong supporter trip that combined work on both aviation fl athead, and overhead. and board member of the Museum, serves and automobile merit badges. Since one of in the House of Delegates representing the the badges they were working on was auto- Each owner talked about their car and 81st District and the people of the Common- mobile maintenance, he called on Tidewa- showed the Scouts basic components. Af- wealth of Virginia. The Fall Fest has become ter Region of the Antique Automobile Car terwards, Terry took them into a hangar one of the largest political events for the Club of America to look at a Ford House of Delegates.  (TRAACA) ModelM TT fl ight members for a lineli starter truck little help. whichw members TylerT Gimbert Answering that anda Sam Kern are call were Al Sw- repairingre for the enson with his airport.a It was a 1967 Mustang; funfu day for all in- Sam Kern and his volved.v 1925 Franklin; Delegate Susan and Terry ThanksT to the Barry Knight Bond in “Elea- TRAACAT folks nor” (1948 MG forfo their support! TC); Neil Suger- Sue Bond displays the tool kit that was required  meyer in his 1928 for motoring on British roads 60 years ago Willys-Knight; Museum Bus Turns into Band Bus by Bob Habib Members of the Kempsville High School really appreciated the opportunity to travel (KHS) Band were privileged to have a great with class and participate in this great pa- view of this year’s Neptune Festival parade rade in conjunction with the Military Avia- at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. Riding tion Museum. The KHS Director of Bands, up high on the second deck of the Military Bob Habib, has a connection with the mili- Aviation Museum’s double decker bus, the tary community of Hampton Roads, as he is musicians of the band greeted parade-goers a retired soldier. The KHS Chiefs hope to as they played energetic songs from the continue their relationship with the Military Wings..Continued from page 4 band’s repertoire. The band consisted of Aviation Museum for years to come.  awards. Fifteen award winners also re- Gary Garlic (Staff Member), Robert Wood, ceived show sponsor special “Best of” tro- Rolf Singler, Jevon Johnson, Xavier Brown, phies. A 1969 Volkswagen Beetle owned and Asher Sullivan, and were proudly repre- by Debbie Nolen of the Richmond (VA) senting the Kempsville Chiefs and the Mili- Region AACA was recognized as “Best in tary Aviation Museum community. The Show.” Twenty-eight AACA First Junior students not only brought a musical element or Senior award vehicles received special to the parade unit, they thoroughly enjoyed recognition plaques. The “Top 30” mods the experience as they sailed down Atlantic & rods were chosen by participant voting, Avenue in style. The KHS Band is a 20- and 12 received show sponsor “Best of” year honor band and performs regularly trophies.  throughout the Hampton Roads community and several Mid-Atlantic States. The band PAGE 8 VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 Event Calendar November 16th-Guest Speaker, Lt. Larry Boncer (USNR ret.) 23rd-Virginia Beach Runway 5K (Registration Opens at 7:30 am; 5K Race Begins at 9:00 am)-Run with the best for the best of causes: a 5K race to benefi t the Untamed Spirit Therapeutic and Educational Program, serving special needs children and adults! Registration opens at 7:30 am, 5K Race begins at 9:00 am, ½-Mile Race begins at 10:00 am. Entrant Fees: o $25.00 before 1 November, 2013 o $30.00 from 1 November, through race day o $10.00 for the ½-Mile Race Race packet pick-up will be held Saturday, 23 November, starting at 7:30am. Register online at http://vbrunway5k.org/. 29th - December 1st Planes, Trains, and Santa (9:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday and Saturday; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Sunday) The Military Aviation Museum, in association with The Tidewater Division of the National Model Railroad Association, is pleased to announce its fi fth-annual model train show! Layouts on display have been provided by the following clubs and associations: Tidewater O Gauge Association, South Hampton Roads N-Trak Club, Tidewater S Gauge Association, Tidewater Modular Railroad Club, Tidewater Live Steamers, Hampton Roads Lego Users Group (HARDLUG), and others. Santa Claus will fl y in on Friday and Saturday, with a meet and greet for children of all ages at 11:00 am! February 15th - 1940s Valentine’s Hangar Dance- We are in the planning stages of the 2014 Valentine’s Hangar Dance, a 1940s-themed event with live music, swing dancing, door prizes, fi ne food, libations, and much more! First-time attendees should look forward to a fun-fi lled frolic in their fi nest frocks. Returning guests will notice a few new elements, both on the dance fl oor and in the Museum’s

collections. Watch for further updates in our monthly e-blasts and on our Facebook page. Tickets will soon be available for purchase.

Hawker Sea Fury Sea Hawker

9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 - am 9:00

Open Daily Open

(757) 721-PROP (757)

Virginia Beach, VA 23457 VA Beach, Virginia

1341 Princess Anne Road Anne Princess 1341

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