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C-118 more than just static display

  • Published
  • By James Hodges
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The project to restore the C-118 Liftmaster usually displayed in the circle in front of the McGuire passenger terminal, underway since last October, has turned into so much more.

Air Mobility Command pushed to restore the static display because it was potentially out of compliance with Air Force Instruction 84-103, which governs static displays. The major concern was that it was parked over grass which creates corrosion.

Liftmasters were responsible for bringing the airlift mission to McGuire. "It's a huge piece of not only American history but of McGuire history as well," said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Hofrichter, 514th Maintenance Group, who is project manager for the restoration efforts. "We're just proud to get it done. It's a lot of work but we'll get there."

Originally dedicated in September 1982, the aircraft had been removed from the circle in the early 90s. A minor restoration took place in 1994 before it was returned to the circle but the work was not as extensive as what is being done now.

"Essentially it's unglamorous. It's not Pudgy ... that big impact you get coming through the gate," said Hofrichter. "We want to change all that."

The immediate goal is to give the circle some visual impact by improving the landscaping and appearance of the display. Additional changes to the circle, such as lights, are also being considered.

The plan for this restoration was to remove the aircraft from the circle and get it into a hangar where environmental issues can be handled, such as the removal of lead-based paint. The aircraft can be stripped down to bare metal and any corroded parts can be replaced before it is returned to the original Air Force colors.

Before returning the aircraft to the circle, an environmentally-friendly coating would be applied to the plane so future restorations can be done on the circle.

Hofrichter has found the restoration project is attracting a lot of attention. "I'm getting e-mails from all over the country from people that are interested in this airplane."

Volunteers have come from all over the area to help in the efforts. Mechanics from the 305th and 514th Maintenance Groups and AMC Test and Evaluations Squadron are working in their spare time to restore the sheet metal and the interior. A Boy Scout troop is focusing on the wiring to restore the lighting. Retirees who have flown on the plane are coming out to scrap paint or help wherever needed.

"The history is great. But, the plane aside, it's the people you meet," said Hofrichter. "That's the beauty of this project."