MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- McConnell held a Rededication Ceremony Oct. 16, 2019, at McConnell’s air park after repairs were made to the B-47 Stratojet static display’s wing.
The combined efforts of Team McConnell and Jim Murphy, retired Boeing engineer and manager, led to the recovery and reconstruction of the B-47 after it was damaged in a severe storm in June 2018.
The aircraft’s restoration allows McConnell to keep its historic ties to the B-47, which was one of only 1,390 crafted in Wichita, Kansas.
“It’s a great piece of history and a great legacy for Wichita and the people that come by the base and look at the aircraft,” said Murphy. “It allows us to celebrate the legacy of being the Air Capital of the World here in Wichita.”
The B-47 static display was rededicated to the men and women of Team McConnell who assisted in the recovery and restoration of the aircraft.
According to Maj. Jason Powell, 22nd Maintenance Squadron commander, there were 35 to 40 people in various capacities who assisted in reconstruction of the aircraft. Once the initial recovery of the B-47 was complete, a plan to repair the wing was produced. Murphy was brought in to assist McConnell after the team had complications with the original repair.
“The Airmen are proud of what they do,” said Powell. “They’re quietly thankful to have been a part of this process.”
Thanks to Murphy, Powell and the Airmen of Team McConnell the B-47 static display stands tall again.
“My part was easy, I just showed them how to lengthen the repair,” said Murphy. “The credit goes to the work of the shops that created the parts and got the fasteners for the aircraft. It wasn’t an easy job but they did terrific.”