Dover Air Force Base marks their 75th anniversary of American Air Power
December 17, 2016 marks 75 years of American Air Power for the Dover Air Force Base.
The story of the Dover Air Force Base starts in 1939 as Germany invaded Poland and began its march through Europe. It enabled the federal government in the United States to start assisting municipalities and start establishing aerodromes.
Colonel Ethan Griffin explains the civil aviation authority assisted Dover in establishing Dover's Municipal Airfield. Starting with a modest 587 square acres for about $35,000 dollars.
According to Colonel Griffin, Dover's location was crucial due to its eastern seaboard. He states it was a strategic location along the middle portion of the Eastern seaboard, which set it well for a bomber explorer, a bomber launching as well sea coast defense.
And through the years, aircrafts have improved from propeller powered crafts to jets. In the 1950's, they had the C-5's which became a staple for their air power in Dover.
Colonel Griffin states, "We as an Air Force have done some pretty extensive remodeling and development on the C-5 to make into what is now the C-5M."
At the Air Mobility Command Museum, a plethora of original aircrafts can be found today.
George Schofield, one of the tour guides, is a World War II Veteran. He even used one of the planes when he was a navigator.
Schofield says they needed navigators to keep plane on course because they could only carry so much fuel at a time. It was a precaution in order to prevent running out of fuel.
Schofield even let 47 ABC in on one of his strategic moves. He explains when pilots were looking for estimated time of arrivals, he would then add a bit of time so they would get there a little earlier.
Colonel Griffin says he is proud to be apart of that legacy and they are honored to be carrying the torch from folks like George Schofield as they carry it forward into the future.
To continue improving the Air Force Base, hey recently had a $112 million runway project. Colonel Griffin says they are in the last phase of that project and they hope to have it completed in the summer of 2017.
