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8.4 Agr Donate Aircraft RB-47 CITY OF SALINA REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE :~LJME 2/10/97 4:00 P.M. AGENDA SECTION: ~)RIGINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR NO. City Manager AGENDA: 8 ITEM NO, 4 Dennis M. Kissinger BY: ~ BY: Item: RESOLUTION NO. 97-5114. Authorizing the transfer of an RB-47H aircraft to the United States Air Force Museum. Background: In June 1974, the U.S. Air Force transferred to the City by Conditional Deed of Gift a former military aircraft. The aircraft was intended for display at the Salina Municipal Airport, the former Schilling Air Force Base. This particular airplane has no direct association with Salina or Schilling AFB. No RB- 47 aircraft were stationed here, but the RB-47 is the reconnaissance mission modification of a B-47 bombing aircraft, which were stationed here. The aircraft does have painted "City of Salina" markings, but these were completed here and are not authentic. Very little was done locally in the fifteen years from 1974-1989. In about 1990, city staff and airport authority staff became increasingly concerned about the deteriorating condition of the aircraft and whether the standards of stewardship and care in our agreement with the Air Force were truly being met. The aircraft was in a protected, fenced area and received occasional washing, but pigeons and the elements continued to take a toll. No true restoration or display had taken place. Required annual reports and photographs sent to the Air Force raised questions about the future. In 1991, the Salina Airport Authority, with City Commission approval, appointed a Study Committee to evaluate options for the disposition of the RB-47 aircraft. That committee was made up of: Ed Pogue (Committee Chair); Larry Dunlap; Tom Pfannenstiel; John Ryberg; and Tim Rogers. After a lengthy study, which included surveying and opportunities for significant public comment, the committee developed two recommendations regarding the disposition of the RB-47H. The City Commission adopted those recommendations. 1. Local advocates were to be given until March 31, 1992 to establish a local not-for-profit organization to plan for and fund future maintenance, restoration and display of the RB-47H. 2. In the event a local organization did not submit a proposal to the City, arrangements should be made to transfer the RB-47H to an aviation museum certified by the U.S. Air Force Museum for receipt of surplus USAF aircraft. During late 1991 and early 1992, representatives of the Flywheels Museum indicated their interest in presenting a proposal to the City. For apparently a variety of reasons their organizational efforts were not successful. At that time, the Air Force Museum did not indicate an interest in the aircraft. The aviation museums at Topeka and Wichita were contacted and expressed some initial interest, but neither location developed proposals. In the past two years, the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, now located at the Salina Municipal Airport, had indicated interest in the RB-47H. Ultimately the C.A.P. concluded that this aircraft would be inappropriate for static display at their headquarters building, since the C.A.P. has never operated a combat aircraft. They would like to have a static display of an aircraft compatible with their own history and mission. CITY OF SALINA REQUEST FOR COMMISSION ACTION DATE TIME 2/10/97 4:00 P.M. AGENDA SECTION: ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: APPROVED FOR NO. City Manager AGENDA: ITEM NO, BY: Dennis M. Kissinger BY: Resolution No. 97-5114 Page 2 Following some preliminary contacts in 1996, in January 1997 the City received correspondence (enclosed) from the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. The Air Force Museum is currently constructing a new exhibit of Cold War history. They have asked for our support by transferring back to the Air Force the RB-47H aircraft currently in Salina. It is the only surviving example of its type. They have offered to provide another aircraft for the C.A.P. display, donor recognition to the city of Salina, and to assume all expenses. In our preliminary response to the Air Force Museum we have suggested a particular type of aircraft for C.A.P. display (a T-41 aircraft) and also suggested the possibility of the Air Force Museum incorporating in their Cold War exhibits, the outstanding professional historical exhibit on the Schilling Air Force Base developed by our Smoky Hill Museum. The members of Salina's 1991 RB-47H study committee have been contacted and informed of the U.S. Air Force Museum's request. They have concurred that the Air Force Museum is best qualified to repair, restore and properly display the RB-47H in an exhibit documenting the Cold War. In 1991, the RB-47H study committee concluded its report stating that, "Above all, the committee's top priority is to insure the RB-47H is not given up to scrap." This opportunity to partner with the U.S. Air Force Museum and the Civil Air Patrol will allow us to responsibly meet that top priority and truly develop a "win-win-win" situation. Recommended Action: Approve 97-5114. Enclosures DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM 1100 SPAATZ ST WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO 45433-7102 13 Jan 97 USAFM/MU 1100 Spaatz St Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7102 Mr. Dennis Kissenger City Manager City of Salina 300 W. Ash Street Salina, KS 67401 RECEIVED JAN 2 2 1997 ClI'Y OFFICE Dear Mr. Kissenger The U.S. Air Force Museum is proceeding with construction planning for our third major exhibit building. This new building, which is approximately 1,000 x 250 feet in dimensions, will be totally dedicated to the history of the Cold War. This will be the worlds largest and most comprehensive exhibit of Cold War history. We ask your city's support to this project by transferring back to the U.S. Air Force the RB-47H aircraft that is currently in your city. This aircraft, which is the only surviving example of its type, has very special significance to us and will allow a vital part of our Cold War history to be displayed. We would plan on fully restoring the aircraft to apparent operational condition and exhibiting the aircraft inside the new building. The City of Salina would be provided appropriate donor credit in recognition of your support to the U.S. Air Force. We fully appreciate the value and attachments that this aircraft may have in your community, however its transfer to our stewardship will assure appropriate preservation and display to the credit of both your city and the U.S. Air Force. As a gesture of our appreciation for your support, we would be pleased to offer another aircraft, perhaps one appropriate for state display at the Kansas Wing of the Civil Air Patrols Headquarters Building that is a point of civic pride. The movement of the RB-47H and its replacement will, of course, be at no expense to your city. We do hope that your city will favorably consider the needs of the U.S. Air Force and our Museum. I would be most happy to answer any questions that you may have either by telephone (937) 255-3286 ext 338 or by direct visit to your community. Thank you for your thoughtful assistance. Sincerely ~ES D. METCALF Maj Gen. USAF (Ret) Director CC; Civil Air Patrol Headquarters (Col Paul Albano) Civil Air Patrol/Kansas Wing (Col Harold "Dave" Brown) AMARC/LG-3 (Mr. Tom Dunleavy) DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM 1100 SPAATZ ST WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO 45433-7102 31 January 1997 USAFM/MUOV 1100 Spaatz St Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7102 Mr Dennis Kissinger City Manager City of Salina P. O. Box 736 Salina, KS 67402-0736 Dear Mr Kissinger Six copies of our Museum Information Packet are provided as we discussed on the telephone today. This packet includes information about our history, exhibits and artifacts on display, IMAX Theatre and information about some of the services we provide. Additional information about the Museum's collection can be obtained through our online internet web site, with close to 750 digitized photographs currently on our web. Our site can be reached at: http://www.wpafb.af.mil/museum/ Our attendance in 1996 was almost 900,000. We anticipate an increase in 1997, hopefully pushing the figure above a million. It has been my pleasure to serve you. If I can provide additional information, feel free to call me at (937) 255-8018, ext 307. Sincerely DEE LYMAN Manager, Visitor Services Operations Division Atchs: Museum Information Packets (6) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM The United States Air Force Museum is at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. It is internationally recognized as the largest and oldest military aviation museum in the world. As the official museum of the United States Air Force, it uses aviation and technological displays to preserve the heritage and tradition of U.S. air power. HISTORY The U.S. Air Force Museum was established in 1923 at McCook Field, near Dayton, and was relocated to Wright Field in 1927. Due to the urgent need for administrative space to support the war effort, the museum closed in 1940 and its collection was stored, not to be shown again until 1954. In 1960 local interest in aviation that dated back to the Wright brothers sparked the creation of the Air Force Museum Foundation. Its first goal was to finance larger and more modem facilities Ibr the museum. The foundation launched a nationwide fired-raising campaign, and by the late 1960s construction was under way. In September 1971, President Nixon dedicated the new $6 million facility. Five years later the foundation donated a $1 million addition to the building. In 1988, a major $10.8 million expansion funded equally by the foundation and the federal government opened. The IMAX Theatre and atrium, a $7.3 million project funded by the foundation, opened in 1991. EXHIBITS Nearly 300 aircraft and missiles and thousands of artifacts are currently on display. Items fi.om early flight to the present, including such vintage historical craft as a Wright B-Flyer, the Spad XVI flown in World War I combat by Brig. Gen. William "Billy" Mitchell, a restored World War II German Messerschmitt 262, the B-29 "Bockscar" that dropped the second atomic bomb on Nagaski during World War II, and the modem SR-71 "Blackbird" and F- 117 "Stealth". On display with the aircraft are prisoner-of- war collections, a space exhibit, military uniforms dating back to 1916 and personal mementos, such as diaries and medals. Other items of interest include an original Wright wind runnel, a display devoted to Maj. Glenn Miller's Army Air Forces Band, and a Desert Storm munitions display. A special section of the museum pays tribute to such celebrities in uniform as Brig. Gen. Jimmy Stewart, Maj. Clark Gable, Flight Officer Jackie Coogan, Capt. Ronald Reagan and Tsgt. Joe Louis. In the research library, by appointment, visitors may look through still photographs, books, drawings and other material about Air Force history. EXHIBIT LOAN PROGRAM The staff of the museum also monitors an aircraft loan program. Through this program aircraft and missiles, as well as artifacts, are on loan to museums and military bases around the world. Additional aircraft are added to the museum's inventory from those surplus to Air Force needs and through donations from and exchanges with individuals, other museums and foreign countries. The museum's restoration staff rebuilds old planes and occasionally builds new ones from original drawings. OPERATION AND SUPPORT The museum is officially operated by the Air Force. Its IMAX Theatre, gift shop, bookstore, model shop, and cafe are nm by the Air Force Museum Foundation with proceeds used to remodel or expand facilities and support museum activities. Friends of the Air Force Museum, an organization the foundation created in 1978, consists of aviation enthusiasts who support the museum and its goals. They often help locate needed historical objects. For a $24 annual membership fee, members receive a newsletter and a discount in the shops, plus other benefits. The museum hosts about 1 million visitors from around the world each year. It is open to the public daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Parking and admission are flee and photography is encouraged. There is a charge for the IMAX Theatre. TOURS and WORKSHOPS The Museum offers audio tours for a nominal fee and free adult guided tours. School tours are conducted by volunteers of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Officers' Wives Club. These tours are given weekday mornings and are available by reservation only. In addition, the museum's education officer conducts special workshops for students as well as teachers and operates a free audio-visual loan program. LOCATION The museum is six miles northeast of Dayton, off Ohio Route 4 at the Harshman Road exit. Information may be obtained by writing: United States Air Force Museum, 1100 Spaatz Street, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-7102 or calling (937) 255-3286. Nov 1996 - /V LJS . LJI'I'I Public Affairs Division Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-6518 (513) 255-3286 - ' I:)1-1 I-AC.I- I\l_l.l-/"tq,/I- UNITED STATES AIR FORCE MUSEUM The United States Air Force Museum, near Dayton, Ohio, is internationally recognized as the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum with over 10 acres of aircraft and other exhibits under roof. This free attraction features nearly 300 aircraft and major missiles, plus thousands of personal artifacts, documents, photographs and mementoes of Air Force history from the early 1900s to the present. An average of 1 million visitors from across the nation and around the globe tour the museum each year. Located on the historic Wright Field portion of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the Museum's history dates back to 1923 with the Army Aeronautical Museum. Today it has grown to become Ohio's number one non-commercial tourist attraction. The Museum complex is operated by the United States Air Force. Retired Air Force Major General Charles D. (more) Metcalf serves as director and civil service employees. They 2 the staff consists of 94 represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds in museology, history, aircraft restoration, design and administration. Over 300 volunteers provide assistance in all areas of the Museum's operation, from greeting and assisting visitors to working on restoration projects. The Museum is under the operational control of the commander of the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The History Office of the Secretary of the Air Force in Washington, D.C., provides policy guidance for the Museum. The Air Force Museum, like so many other museums, has an "angel" to help out when funding is short. The Museum's "angel" is the Air Force Museum Foundation, Inc., whose stated purpose is "to assist the Air Force Museum where federal funds are not available." Since its formation in 1960, the Foundation has contributed over $19 million for construction of Museum facilities. The Foundation operates the IMAX Theatre, gift shop, cafeteria located in the Museum. Tasked in its charter to tell this also worldwide. bookstore, model shop, and preserve the heritage and the story of the Air Force, the Museum accomplishes challenge not only through the Museum at Dayton, but by supporting 400 other military and civilian museums Over 1,700 aircraft and major missiles are (more) 3 currently on loan to other museums. By providing these and thousands of artifacts to other museums, the Air Force Museum has become a global element in telling the Air Force story. The aircraft collection on display at the Air Force Force Museum features such famous planes as the Sopwith Camel and Spad VII of WWI, and the B-17 "Flying Fortress" and P-51 "Mustang" of WWII. Modern aircraft such as the F-117 "Stealth" and SR-71 "Blackbird" are also on display. Highlighting the Space Gallery is the Apollo 15 capsule that 1971. carried the first Approximately 30 all-Air Force crew to the moon in aircraft, including the Museum's collection of presidential aircraft, are exhibited in two hangars on the historic Wright Field flight line, about one mile from the main Museum building. Free historical movies are offered daily, and guest lectures and special events are held throughout the year. Reference materials are available to researchers at the Museums's research department, open weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment. Educators are encouraged Education Resource Center, the and workshops for students and model to take advantage of the Audio-Visual Loan Program, teachers in such topics as rocketry, airplanes, model hot air ballooning and (more) 4 kite flying. Tours conducted by the Wright-Patterson AFB Officers' Wives Club are also available to school groups. Outdoor interests at the Museum include the Memorial Park and the Aircraft Park. The Memorial Park has over 270 memorials dedicated to individuals, organizations and military units associated with the Air Force. Gazebos and picnic shelters located throughout the park provide families the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch during the summer months. The Aircraft Park displays 20 planes and missiles, from bombers and cargo aircraft to the contemporary F-16 "Fighting Falcon." The Museum's 500-seat IMAX Theatre provides a stunning experience with a six story screen and six channel For ticket information and prices, please call film sound. (937) 253-IMAX. The a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving New Year's Day. It is located on Springfield Air Force Museum is open seven days a week from 9 Day, Christmas Day and Street, about six miles northeast of downtown Dayton, one mile from the Harshman Road exit off of Ohio Route 4. As an alternate, Exit 58 on Interstate 75 provides an easy six mile drive along Needmore Road to the Springfield Street entrance. Needmore, Harshman and Woodman Ave. also are marked as the Wright Brothers Parkway, helping to guide visitors toward the Museum. (more) 5 For additional information on the Museum, call the ~ir Force Museum at (937) 255-3286. -30- NOTE TO MEDIA: For further information contact the United States Air Force Museum's Public Affairs Division, Diana Bachert or Linda Nadybal at (937) 255-4704 or 255-3286. Rev/Nov 96 LJ ik Air Public Affairs Division Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433-6518 (513) 255-3286 EVOLUTION OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE MUSEUM The United States Air Force Museum is internationally acclaimed as the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum. It is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio, the home of the Wright Brothers. The Museum's origin dates back to 1923 where it started in the corner of an aircraft hangar at McCook Field near downtown Dayton. From the informal showing of World War I planes and equipment of both the United States and foreign governments, the collection has grown to nearly 300 aircraft and major missiles, plus thousands of aviation artifacts. Dayton had an early acquaintance with aviation. The Wright Brothers developed their 1903 flyer in Dayton and continued flying at nearby Huffman Prairie between 1904 and 1910. Experimental flying was conducted by the Army at McCook Field during and after World War I. When area residents donated 4,000 acres of land in the 1920s for the establishment of Wright Field as a research center to replace the outgrown McCook Field, the Museum was also moved. Between 1927 and 1935, the Museum occupied 1,500 (more) square six miles from downtown Dayton. In 1935, the Museum got its form of a specially designed building $235,000. It was paid for through Administration (WPA). By this time, 2 feet of space in a laboratory building at Wright Field, first real home in the at Wright Field costing the Works Progress the Museum collection included about 2,000 items. But the new home was converted to wartime use in 1941, and the collection went into storage. After the war, the museum program towards collection of items for re-opening curator at that time was also given the aircraft for the National Air and Space Smithsonian Institution. Collection efforts continued, and in April of 1954 the Museum again opened to the public. This time it was located at adjoining Patterson Field in a World War II structure that had housed an engine-overhaul facility. Attendance in 1954 totaled 10,000 visitors. Since then attendance has spiraled to an average of one million visitors a year. The warehouse floorplan unfolding sequence. That 1960s. changed Museum display to a uniquely which directed visitors the story of military was directed the Museum. The task of locating Museum of the converted WW II building was outgrown in the early Further, it was neither fireproof nor air conditioned (more) in the early 1960s from a designed interior "maze" along a controlled walkway, aviation in chronological and was unsuitable for properly growing, priceless collection. 3 protecting and displaying the Support posts every 16 feet in one direction and every 50 feet in another, for instance, greatly restricted how and where aircraft could be exhibited. Thanks to the Air Force Museum Foundation, a philanthropic, non-profit organization founded in 1960, the longstanding need for a new buiding was finally met when a new $6 million Museum building was completed on a 400-acre site at historic Wright Field. Formal dedication ceremonies were held with President Richard M. Nixon in September 1971. The 800 x 240 foot building was paid for entirely by public contributions. It was designed specially for display of aircraft and provides indoor protection for nearly 100 aircraft. A $1 million visitor reception center was added in 1976, again through contributions by the public to the Museum Foundation. A major Museum expansion, the Modern Flight Hangar, opened in April 1988, and houses over 50 aircraft including an F-117 "Stealth" fighter and the Museum's experimental aircraft collection. It is parallel to and similar in size and appearance to the 1971 Museum building. The new $10.8 million building was funded jointly by the federal government and the Air Force Museum Foundation. Whereas the 1971 building retains the chronological layout, the Modern Flight Hangar exhibits are grouped by subject. (more) 4 An aircraft Annex display, housing about 30 aircraft, was opened in 1977 on the old Wright Field flight line, about one mile from the main Museum complex. This twin-hangar storage facility is also open for visitors to view aircraft that are either awaiting restoration or have recently been completed by the Museum's Restoration staff. The main Museum complex and the Annex provide over 10 acres or 448,000 square feet of indoor exhibition space--a far cry from the 1,500 square feet of the 1927-35 era. Further, the collection has grown from 2,000 items to more than 50,000 items with only a portion on exhibit at any one time. The Museum also has expanded to provide support to some 400 military and civilian museums around the world. This assistance includes the loan of 23,000 items, including over 1,700 aircraft. During the 1980s, the Museum supervised the development of a Memorial Park on a portion of its 400-acre site. More than 270 memorials have been dedicated to commemorate the military service of individuals and of organizations. Each memorial, whether a tree with a simple plaque or an eleborate granite monument, was financed by interested citizens. In October 1989, a contract was awarded to the B.G. Danis Company/Building Division of Dayton by the Air Force Museum Foundation for the construction of an IMAX Theatre. The 500-seat IMAX Theatre, constructed in front of and connected to (more) 5 the existing Museum buildings, opened in May 1991. An 80-foot-high dome glass atrium over the expanded lobby serves as the architectural focal point for the entire $7.3 million complex. Although the Museum is operated by the United States Air Force, its IMAX Theatre, gift shop, bookstore, model shop and cafeteria are run by the Air Force Museum Foundation. Proceeds are used to support Museum activities and to remodel or expand Museum facilities. "Friends of the Air Force Museum," created by the Foundation in 1978, is an organization of aviation enthusiasts who support the Museum. For a $24 annual fee, members receive a quarterly "Friends" Journal , discounts in the Museum shops, and other benefits. The Air Force Museum Foundation is currently assisting with the Museum's Year 2020 Capital Improvement Plan, which is being implemented to preserve and enhance the colorful history and promising future of the Air Force. This long-range plan includes three parallel buildings to the main complex (2 for exhibits, i for restoration), outdoor band shell (3,000 person capacity), restaurant. expansion of the Memorial park, and a new -30- NOTE TO MEDIA: For further information contact the United States Air Force Museum's Public Affairs Division, Linda S. Nadybal or Diana Bachert, at (513) 255-4704 or 255-3286. Rev/Oct 95