In November 1981, what was a $4 million training center at Plattsburgh AFB was dedicated in memory of a two-man FB-111A crew who died when their bomber crashed off the coast of Maine. It was a fitting tribute to the two men who gave their lives for their country. Maj. Thomas M. Mullen and Capt. Gary A. Davis are two who did. Mullen an instructor pilot, and Davis, an instructor navigator, were killed the night of Oct. 6, 1980 as they put their bomber through a low-level training mission over the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Maine. Neither body were recovered and the crewmen were eventually declared dead. The widows of both men were presented with the Air Force's Meritorious Service medal posthumously following the dedication of the training facility. Among the dignitaries present for the ceremony were Rep. David O' B. Martin (R-Canton); Clyde A. Lewis, chairman of the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Liaison Committee; and Gen. Thomas M. Ryan Jr., commander of the Air Force's Air Training Command. Ryan was the father-in-law of Capt Mullen, killed in the crash.

Placing the Combat Crew Training Center at Plattsburgh AFB solidified the Strategic Air Command's mission in Plattsburgh. The building, known as the FB-111 Training Center, housed the 4007th Combat Crew Training Squadron, two FB-111A mission simulators, one bombing and navigational trainer, and associated support, maintenance functions and personnel.

More infos about the Combat Crew Training Squadron.

(The photo on this page shows the building in April 2010.)