JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The Joint Base is home to unique static displays representing the history and accomplishments of all branches in the U.S. military. On the McGuire side, Airmen and their families can see proudly displayed legacy aircraft including Pudgy, a P-38 Lightning, a C-118 Liftmaster and The Garden State Airlifter, a C-141 Starlifter.
Just like aircraft on the flightline, these aircraft require routine maintenance. The 305th Maintenance Squadron’s Guardians of History perform weekly inspections to certify the quality of the nostalgic aircraft.
“Our Guardians of History are highly qualified maintainers hand selected to keep our historical artifacts in prime condition and ensure all Airmen are able to connect to their past,” said Lt. Col Gary Charland, 305th MXS commander. “It was conceived as a way to preserve the aircraft, build comradery within the squadron, increase the interaction between flights and provide Airmen with the opportunity that they would not otherwise have.”
The ‘Can Do’ Airmen with a passion for aviation went through a selection process after volunteering to support conservation of the nobly aged aircraft here.
“To be able to take care of something like this is a dream come true,” said Isaiah Lee Davis, 305th MXS crew chief. “A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to see aircraft like this up close – I get to see it every day. I take great pride in maintaining the P-38 Lightning.”
The Guardians of History track issues with the static aircraft in the same kind of maintenance book you could find for one of the C-17 Globemaster III. If something is amiss, the Airmen notify appropriate parties to make sure the displays are brought back up to top shape. Upkeep can include tracking a new paint job, working with the 87th Civil Engineer Squadron, or removing debris for a more pristine spectacle.
The static displays on the McGuire-side of the Joint Base are a reminder of the legacy of all the Airmen who came before. From World War II ace, Maj. Thomas B. McGuire and his heroic warrior-aircraft, Pudgy, to the C-118 Liftmaster that brought Elvis Presley back to the U.S. from Vietnam, there’s a lot about the displayed aircraft worth remembering, explained Charland.
“The importance of the program is perfectly called out in our Airman’s creed: I am faithful to a proud heritage, a tradition of honor and a legacy of valor.” said Charland. “These historical artifacts are visual reminders of where we came from and of the sacrifices our brothers and sisters made around the world to keep us free.”