Crew chief relives glory days with first aircraft

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A life in the military often leaves its Airmen with more than military training; it also leaves lasting memories and friendships.

Michael Gorman, a former crew chief, have fond memories of "Miss Piggy," an A-10A Thunderbolt II 76-0520, and his first as aircraft as a dedicated crew chief.

"I crewed 76-0520 with the 358th Aircraft Maintenance Unit at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., from 1979 to 1983," he said. "She was known as Miss Piggy to me. She was a great aircraft and although I worked on other A-10s, she was the only one I can remember by her tail number. She was my first."

After more than three decades apart the crew chief and old lady reunited.

"In November I tried looking for her and found her at Barksdale," he said. "Although she is not in the same condition as I last saw her, she is still just as beautiful."

The now almost 40 - year - old aircraft is still used to train Airmen for crash and recovery rescue.

"While she may not look the same as she did when I was trained, she is still making a difference in Airman's lives," he said.

The military can provide many experiences to service members, but seeing an old friend is sometimes the one that matters the most.