Tucson is home to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, one of the largest employers in Southern Arizona and a huge slice of the economic pie. The origins of the base can be traced to the earliest days of civil aviation when the City of Tucson acquired acreage for a landing strip, southeast of town. 1927 saw none other than Charles Lindbergh arrive to dedicate Davis-Monthan Field, which was the largest municipal air field in the U.S. at the time.
The military presence began in 1940 and has evolved into an integral part of the very fabric that makes Tucson what it is today.
Driving down Kolb Road in Southeast Tucson, one can see the "boneyard" of mothballed airplanes. Some are preserved for recommissioning while others are kept for spare parts and research purposes.
Acres upon acres, row after row of aviation history past and present are reminders of the advances of aerospace and the price of the freedoms we enjoy.
One can get "up close & personal" with a visit to the Pima Air Museum, which is both a Tucson institution & a veritable showcase of aviation & aerospace history.
Specializing in Buyer & Seller Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.
All original material written by Kent Simpson unless attributed to source.©2011, 2010, 2009,2008,2007
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I like your post - I remember going to see a "Blue Angel" show once and it was spectacular.
Amber
I was a big enthusiast as a kid growing up in Tucson in the 70's and 80's. I don't know if you can still do it, but I toured the boneyard twice back then. It is huge and there is a ton of history sitting out there in the desert.
I love your photos Kent, and it would be interesting to tour the boneyard. It is interesting to see all those planes just sitting there, wondering what will become of them.
This is one of those places that people drive by and ask "what on earth is that?"
Thanks Amber (Jason?) - I love the Blue Angels & the Thunderbirds too!
Patrick - I don't know if you can tour it anymore either...will have to look into that.
Sharon - thanks for the kind words.
Chuck - it is that, and like Sharon mentioned, a place of wonder also.