In July 1971, Plattsburgh AFB and residents of local communities were anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first FB-111A to be assigned to the base. The first aircraft was scheduled to arrive on Saturday, July 17, 1971

This was to be the third bomber aircraft assigned the primary mission here. The first was the B-47 "Stratojet" here from 1956 until late 1965, followed by the B-52 " Stratofortress" which made its debut June 1966 and was the mainstay of the bomber force until January 1971. Thirty eight of the new bombers were scheduled for assignment to Plattsburgh AFB, forming two squadrons of 16 aircraft each and the remainder to be assigned to the Combat Crew Training School (CCTS). The FB-111As, joined by the KC-135s already assigned to the base, gave Plattsburgh AFB a strategic strike power shared only by Pease AFB, NH. Both the 380th BW and the 509th BW were part of SAC's 817th Air Division commanded by Brig Gen. Eugene Q.Steffes Jr. Headquarters for the 817th AD was at Pease AFB.

A ceremony marking the arrival of the first FB-111A assigned to Plattsburgh AFB was held here at 2 p.m. Col.G.R.Abendhoff, 380th BW's commander, and Lt Col. Eugene W. Loy, 4007th CCTS commander, flew the first FB-111A to the base. A number of local dignitaries were invited to witness the event, a milestone in the rich military heritage and traditions of the area. Among those invited were the Honorable Norman L.Harvey, New York State Supreme Court Justice; State Senator Ronald B.Stafford; Assemblyman Andrew W.Ryan Jr.; Plattsburgh Mayor Francis D.Steltzer; Arthur L.Lefevre, supervisor of the Town of Plattsburgh; and Clyde A.Lewis, chairman of the Plattsburgh Air Base Liaison Committee. Also present was Daniel Maloney, assistant to General Dynamics vice president for sales.

The schedule of events included christening of the aircraft by Kathy Montoya, Champlain Valley Apple Blossom Queen. "Spirit of Plattsburgh" had been chosen as the name for the aircraft. Other events included remarks by base and communities representatives, and a brief reception for invited dignitaries at the Officer's Open Mess. Interestingly, invited guests did receive certificates attesting that they were present when the first FB arrived.