The Bone Yard--In Tucson, Arizona

Subject: The Bone Yard--In Tucson, Arizona

I had the opportunity to visit this 'grave yard' while still on flying status with the Air Force, while walking through the section of the old reciprocating engine type aircraft I came across a C-124 with the 62nd MAW emblem and the tail number 42-0009. This was one of the aircraft I worked on as a young airman.  It was great to see the old bird and it was in relatively good condition.  Many aircraft there were prototypes that the military had paid for the research and development, but never put into service.

The Bone Yard near Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona, USA Remember - Each one of these babies had a multi-million dollar price tag! For those of you that have never seen this, it is something to see... The precision in the way they are parked is impressive. It's difficult to comprehend the size of the 'Bone yard' and the number of aircraft stored there. Of course the important thing to remember is that they are all capable of being returned to service if the need ever arises. "Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who did not." (Thomas Jefferson) If you are ever in the Tucson area, the weekly tours of the bone yard are still given through the Tucson Air Museum , located just south of Davis Monthan AFB. Both the museum and the bone yard are very popular attractions in the Arizona desert. It is difficult to comprehend the number of military Aircraft in dead storage until you see these photographs! Even if you have seen this before, look again. The 3rd largest Air Force in the world is sitting on the ground here.