Just Plane Preservation program lands at Travis

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrick Harrower
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  There is a lot of history at Travis. From the critical role of ferrying aircraft to the Pacific Theater in World War II, to bringing home prisoners of war from the Vietnam War, the base has seen it all.

Even more recent events like Operation Pacific Passage or the Hurricane Sandy relief may go down in the history books as shining moments for Travis, but only time will tell. One way to preserve the rich and storied history here is to take care of the aircraft attached to that history.

The Just Plane Preservation program aims to do just that by allowing groups of five or more to adopt an aircraft at the Travis Heritage Center.

"It is important for us to take care of these aircraft to not only preserve the history of Travis, but for the Air Force as a whole," said Col. John Klein, 60th Air Mobility Wing vice commander. "To have our Airmen volunteer for this task is a great thing. They understand the history and importance of this endeavor."

An adoption barbecue is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. June 7 at the Travis Heritage Center. Groups are invited to adopt a plane and enjoy a plate of barbecue. Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and sodas are available for $5. All proceeds will go to providing materials for the program.

When an agency adopts a plane, the point of contact for the group gets the honor of being designated the aircraft crew chief.

"This event opens up an opportunity to preserve our aircraft while providing our Airmen the opportunity to volunteer on our base," said 1st Lt. Jamie Johnson, 60th Force Support Squadron plans and readiness officer in charge. "We hope that this program is competitive and groups of Airmen will compete for the opportunity to become crew chiefs for these historic aircraft."

Once a group adopts a plane, they will work together with the heritage center staff to perform routine maintenance and clean the plane, she said.

For more information on adopting a plane, contact 1st Lt. Jamie Johnson at 424-8345, email Jamie_lee.johnson@us.af.mil or www.Facebook.com/JustPlanePreservation on Facebook.