Retrieved Aircraft from Davis–Monthan Boneyard: Reconditioning and Restoration for Active Service

With the ongoing demands of military operations, several aircraft have been retrieved from the vast boneyards at Davis–Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, to serve in active service. These restoration efforts are aimed not only at replacing aircraft that were written off due to accidents and maintenance issues but also to maintain the readiness of military fleets. This article delves into some prominent examples and the reasons behind these retrieval and reconditioning efforts, focusing particularly on US Navy aircraft and aircraft that have been returned to active service after being retired.

Retrieved Aircraft for the US Navy

A-1E AD-5 Skyraiders

One of the most significant examples of aircraft retrieved from the boneyard was the A-1E AD-5 Skyraider, which the Navy had retired during the Vietnam War. The retirement of this aircraft was necessitated by the Air Force's inability to provide close-air-support (CAS) and protection for RESCAP (Rescue, Extraction, and Safer Control of Prisoners) missions. Additionally, there was a critical demand to supply the South Vietnamese air force with new aircraft capable of providing air support for their infantry and outposts. These needs led the Air Force to acquire large numbers of A-1E Skyraiders. This decision was crucial in addressing the operational gaps and ensuring the success of the war efforts.

A-4B/C Skyhawks

A-4B and C Skyhawks were also retrieved from the boneyard to replace Navy losses in the active fleet's A-4E Skyhawks. The losses in the active fleet necessitated a large scale reclamation of retired A-4B and C versions. This retrieval played a significant role in the Tonkin Gulf operations, where the USS Coral Sea CV-43, for instance, had a squadron of A-4E Skyhawks and another of A-4B/C Skyhawks. While the situation was not unique to this carrier, it was a common practice until more production Skyhawks became available. Later, the A-7A Corsair II was introduced late in the war to complement the fleet.

Examples of Restored Aircraft

B-1B Lancer

The B-1B Lancer, an aircraft that was retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, was reactivated approximately three years after its retirement. It was brought back into service to replace another Lancer damaged in a fire during routine maintenance at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas in April 2022. This restoration effort ensures that the fleet remains robust and ready for operational requirements.

B-52 Stratofortress

Several B-52 Stratofortresses have undergone painstaking restoration to their former operational glory, replacing those that were lost in accidents. These aircraft have been meticulously repaired to ensure they can once again serve in active duty, maintaining the operational readiness of the fleet.

F-16 Fighter Jets

In May 2019, workers at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group prepared dozens of retired F-16 fighter jets for flight. This restoration initiative underscores the importance of keeping older aircraft in a state of readiness to address unexpected maintenance needs and to ensure a robust military fleet.

These aircraft were not just abandoned but stored for a variety of reasons, including maintenance reclamation, preservation, and the harvesting of spare parts. The decision to restore these aircraft is often made considering the extensive and expensive repairs that would be necessary to fix the damaged aircraft. By bringing them out of the boneyard, the military ensures that it can meet immediate operational needs without the lengthy process of acquiring and training new personnel or aircraft.

Whether it was the A-1E or the F-16, the retrieval and reconditioning of these aircraft serve as a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of the military to maintaining a ready and reliable fleet. These efforts highlight the continuous challenge of balancing resource management with operational readiness in the face of evolving military demands.