Commentaries

Commentary Search

Keyword

Type

Commentaries

Tag: Air Force history

JB Charleston helps vintage B-25 back on its ‘feet’
March 22, 2019 — In early January, Robert Simmons, deputy director at Patriots Point Museum Services Department, contacted me to ask if I knew of any individuals or companies that could replace the tires on their B-25. My response was, “wow, I am not sure I know anyone qualified on B-25s.” I told him I would make a few phone calls and get back with him later that day. My first stop was the 437th Maintenance Squadron’s Aero Repair/Wheel and Tire Shop. I thought, well, they change tires on C-17s, so maybe they could help. I made contact with John Speaks and Master Sgt. Ron Williams, who both thought this was something they could do—and more importantly, wanted to do. I then contacted Col. Mark Harris, 437th Maintenance Group commander, and Norm Moore, the 437th MXG deputy commander, to see if this was something the Air Force would allow us to do. After verifying some details, they agreed that yes, members assigned to 437 MXG could support Patriots Point, but they had to do it on a volunteer basis, much the same as other members did a couple years ago when they repaired damage to the F-4 on display at the Citadel. ... MORE

Left to right, Tech. Sgt. Richard Atchison, Master Sgt. Ron Williams and Tech. Sgt. Charles Long, all of the 437th Maintenance Group from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., pose in front of a B-25 bomber at Patriots Point Maritime Museum in Mount Pleasant, S.C.