(MASDCIII)
The first H model B-52 to be retired to AMARC touches down at Davis-Monthan AFB on
24 July 2008. The aircraft, 61-0023/LA blue of the 20thBS 2ndBW from Barksdale AFB,
Louisiana, suffered a severe structural failure to its tail in January 1964 during
turbulence tests by Boeing. Most of the tail was ripped off but in a testament to
its strength and durability the aircraft landed safely and was rebuilt. Despite the
markings, the aircraft actually came from the 23rdBS 5thBW at Minot AFB, North Dakota.
A total of 18 H models (9 from Minot and 9 from Barksdale) are to be retired in the
next few months. 61-0023 was later allocated PCN AABC0481.
(Teresa Vanden-Heuvel/309thAMARG)
To bring it into line with the Air Logistics Centers in Air Force Materiel Command
a restructuring of AMARC took place in May 2007. The facility was redesignated the
309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group and squadron numbers were allocated
to the various sub-divisions as follows.
- 578th SDS (Storage and Disposal Squadron)
- 309th SPTS (Support Squadron)
The center, occupying 2,600 acres of desert southwest of Tucson and renowned for
its impressive footprint of 4,400 military aircraft, will continue to use its widely
recognised and legacy name of AMARC though officially titled as the 309th Aerospace
Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG).
.
- 576th AMRS (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Squadron) - 577th
CMRS (Commodities Reclamation Squadron)
