Dates

Event

From Unknown to 25 March 1971

Constructed as a FB-111A.
Factory rollout date.

Circa March 1971

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Air Force with s/n 69-6509.

March 1971

To 340th Bombardment Group, Carswell AFB, TX.

3 September 1971

To 380th Bombardment Wing (M), Plattsburgh AFB, NY.

1 July 1982

Transferred to 509th Bomb Wing, Pease AFB, NH.

17 September 1982

Markings Applied: Spirit of the Seacoast / Max Effort
On this date, the aircraft was dedicated to Pease AFBs extremely supportive local citizenry, often referred to as the Seacoast Community. Thus, the aircraft became known as The Spirit of the Seacoast. At the same time, 6509 became the 509th BMW Commanders aircraft due to the last 3 digits of the aircrafts serial number.

Markings Applied: Max Effort
With SAC bringing back noseart, 6509 received the sub-title Max Effort, after the 509th Composite Groups B-29 Max Effort from WWII. It was known as the Spirit of the Seacoast and Max Effort.

September 1990

Transferred to 27th Tactical Fighter Wing, Cannon AFB, NM.
2nd to last FB-111A to leave Pease AFB, NH.

While at Cannon AFB for conversion to F-111G, the Aardvark fleet was retired. 6509 was not converted to an F-111G.

To National Museum of the United States Air Force Loan Program, Wright Field, Dayton, OH.
View the Location Dossier

Loaned to 509 BW/HPC, Whiteman AFB, MO.

28 September 1993

Placed on display with Whiteman AFB, Knob Noster, MO.
View the Location Dossier