The mini-FB-111A has finally returned home. On 7 June 2007, at 1435L, the mini-FB touched down at (okay, passed through the main gate into) the 157 Air Refueling Wing at Pease Air National Guard Base, NH, completing a 16-year TDY since the 509th BMW departed for Whiteman AFB and Pease AFB closed as a SAC installation. The mini-FB was originally owned by AF Recruiters in the 1980's and was painted in the livery of the USAF Thunderbirds. Unfortunately, it experienced a Class B Ground Mishap (something about landing in a swimming pool), and it was left languishing and deteriorating for a period of time thereafter. The 509 Field Maintenance Squadron (FMS) commander (Maj Chris McWilliams) saw the mini rotting behind the Pease Auto Hobby Shop, discovered its ownership, and obtained possession of it in 1987. He turned it over to Tony Burnetta, NCOIC of the 509th FMS Structural Repair (aka Sheet Metal) Shop for much-needed repair and conversion to a FB from its F-111A configuration (shorter wings & splitter plate by the intakes). Dave Frizzi led the repair/mod effort. MSgt Reggie Bolden and his FMS Corrosion Control Shop painted the aircraft in the then-employed "Dark Vark" camouflage scheme. FMS used the mini at Air Shows as a funds raiser, sitting kids in the cockpit with a helmet and taking their picture. After base closure, ownership of the mini-FB passed into the hands of the AF Sergeant's Association (AFSA) in the Portsmouth, NH area. Painted once again like a Thunderbird (laughable), they displayed it it in parades and air shows, but only as a static display since the engine hadn't been reinstalled (and still hasn't...but it will be soon). After several years it passed into the possession of the NH Civil Air Patrol (CAP). During its TDYs with AFSA and the CAP, the mini's regular crew chief (and savior) was Joe Cloutier (former B-47 crew chief). Simply stated, if it hadn't been for Joe taking personal interest in the mini and establishing/remaining in contact with the FB-111A Association for many years, the mini-FB-111 would be back behind the auto hobby shop--or more likely attrited--long ago. All who attended the 2005 Reunion at Pease saw the mini on its trailer. It was obvious at that time that further repairs were badly needed, and it still looked ridiculous (and somewhat humiliated) as a T-bird. The FB-111A Association made the CAP a deal: if the CAP accomplished necessary repairs, the Association would pay for and repaint the mini--but with one condition: it would be repainted in the FB-111A SIOP paint scheme. No more T-bird B.S. That effort happened in Oct 05 and is still available for viewing on this website. Recently, more repairs have been accomplished and the mini will be touched up for the upcoming Reunion at KPBG in July and the Pease Air Show in Aug. The FB-111A Association always made sure that it would get the first call if the CAP ever tired of caring for the mini. That e-mail call came on 16 March of this year. The formal transfer of ownership finally occurred at 1435L yesterday. The first "official" function of the mini-FB-111A? A formal "fly-by" the Pease ANGB barbershop to honor a friend of every KPSM veteran, Mr Sal Zona. Sal was blown away.

The FB-111A Association extends our personal thanks and appreciation to BGen Mark Sears, (yeah, THAT Mark Sears) and the 157th ARW for their gracious support of our effort. 'Course we DO have pictures of Gen Sears as a Captain...also in the mini...

The Mini-FB is ready for the Reunion and Pease Air show!

The mini-FB will be on display at the 2007 Reunion in Plattsburgh in July and the Pease Air Show in August 2007. Photos provided by Chris McWilliams.