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Soaring Through History: Discover the Timeless Tribute of Vintage Fighters at Alexandria International Airport | Ken Hulsey Photographer


 A symbol of all airmen past, present, and future, the England Air Force Base Heritage Park is a proud reminder of the Air Force's role in our nation's military history. Each of the five aircraft displayed here valiantly contributed to the defense of our country. They are suspended in simulated flight as a permanent reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the men and women who have served their country as members of the finest air force in the world. 

-  England Air Force Base Heritage Park Plaque



If you have ever traveled to or from Alexandria International Airport, you may have noticed a collection of vintage fighter planes just off the road. These aircraft represent the types flown by Air Force units that were once based at England Air Force Base during its fifty-year history. From 1942 to 1992, the base served as a training site for B-17 bomber crews during World War II. In later conflicts, it housed both training squadrons and tactical intercept squadrons assigned to protect the Gulf Coast from enemy attacks.

The park is located in roughly the same area that once served as the main entrance to the base, directly across from where a large radar station used to stand, which has since been transformed into a golf course.

The park itself is quite lovely and well-maintained. The fighter aircraft are displayed as if they are soaring over the park on their way to confront foreign adversaries. This dramatic presentation serves as a wonderful tribute to the brave men and women, as well as the machines, that defended our nation. It is a peaceful place to reflect on history and take a break from life's challenges.

- Ken Hulsey


Photos:


The A-10C Thunderbolt II is the first aircraft in the U.S. Air Force specifically designed for close air support of ground forces. It is a simple, effective, and durable twin-engine jet that can engage light maritime attack aircraft as well as all ground targets, including tanks and other armored vehicles.
- United States Air Force


The Republic F-105 Thunderchief is an American supersonic fighter-bomber utilized by the United States Air Force. Capable of reaching Mach 2, it conducted most strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War.



The North American F-86 Sabre, often referred to as the Sabrejet, is a transonic jet fighter aircraft. Manufactured by North American Aviation, the Sabre is primarily recognized as the United States' first swept-wing fighter, capable of effectively countering the swept-wing Soviet MiG-15 in high-speed dogfights. This aircraft played a significant role in the Korean War (1950–1953), participating in some of the earliest jet-to-jet battles in history.


The LTV A-7 Corsair II is an American carrier-capable, subsonic light attack aircraft designed and manufactured by Ling-Temco-Vought. It was developed in the early 1960s as a replacement for the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.



The F-84F prototype evolved from the straight-wing F-84 and made its first flight in June 1950. Deliveries of the aircraft began in 1954, with the majority going to the Tactical Air Command for use as a ground support fighter-bomber. A total of 2,112 F-84Fs were built by Republic, while General Motors manufactured an additional 599 units. Out of these, 1,301 aircraft were delivered to NATO air forces. 

Additionally, a reconnaissance version known as the RF-84F was produced, totaling 715 aircraft, including 386 for allied countries. To accommodate cameras in the nose of the RF-84F, Republic relocated the air intakes to the wing roots. - United States Air Force

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Flying Tigers Squadron WWII Insignia Vintage WW2 Air Corps T-Shirt


WWII Aviation Military design. Grey text version of our popular Flying Tigers Squadron design. The First American Volunteer Group, a.k.a. the "Flying Tigers", was composed mainly of US military personnel assigned to the Chinese air forces from 1941-1942.
Great gift for fans of WWII aircraft, avgeeks, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, World War II aircraft historians, military veterans, warbird enthusiasts, airshow fans, P-40 Warhawk nuts, A&P mechanics, and anyone who loves vintage, distressed aviation design
Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

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