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JBSA News
NEWS | Feb. 19, 2009

Speckled Trout reeled in to new home

By Mike Joseph 37th Training Wing Public Affairs

A Boeing KC-135 once part of Project Speckled Trout was moved from Kelly Field Annex to its new home at the Lackland Training Annex Feb. 15, culminating a process that began after the historical aircraft arrived here last June from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The plane was originally bound for the boneyard in Arizona before being transferred to the 344th Training Squadron here.

"It went wonderfully," said Master Sgt. Stacy Vaughan, 344th Training Squadron, who coordinated the move. "It took a little longer, about an hour and a half, than we expected but there were few snags if any. We're real happy to have it."

Routes had to be planned and logistics considered before the contractor, Worldwide Recovery of Omaha, Neb., could obtain the necessary permits from the City of San Antonio to move the plane down city streets from Kelly to the LTA.

The 37th Civil Engineer Squadron and security forces were also involved in the process. A section of fence at Kelly had to be taken down to truck the fuselage onto Military Drive. It then proceeded down Old Pearsall Road, along the access road of Loop 410, across an overpass above 410 and on to LTA, drawing a crowd along the way early Sunday morning.

"We had quite a trail of people following us," said Sergeant Vaughan. "People were taking pictures of it with their cell phones."

Prior to the move, workers from Worldwide Recovery removed the engines, wings and tail section for the body of the aircraft to be moved. It took approximately two weeks to disassemble the plane, with the same time required to put it together once the fuselage reached its destination behind the 344th TRS.

"In order to transport from Kelly to Medina (Lackland Training Annex), our contractor was going to have to disassemble it," said Lt. Col. Marc Caudill, 344th TRS commander. "That's painful to watch because it's a beautiful, pristine aircraft."

The plane, part of a fleet that was put into service in the late 1950s, will be used for training purposes. Colonel Caudill's excitement when discussing the training possibilities was more than obvious.

"What an investment to the taxpayer when you think about how we brought this aircraft from its deathbed and now we're going to use it indefinitely as a premier trainer for these career enlisted aviators," he said.

Four courses will benefit from the aircraft being at the training complex. Boom operators, airborne mission specialists, Air Force flight attendants and load masters will receive practical training in addition to emergency procedures and evacuations.

Colonel Caudill said the benefits of hands-on, onboard training are unbelievable, and take the courses to another level.

Project Speckled Trout refers to aircraft that serve as the primary transport aircraft for the Air Force Chief of Staff.