JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDON, Alaska --
“The family member was visiting Alaska and wanted to visit the Heritage Park because the family member’s father flew the aircraft that was on display,” Mabry said. “They had a brother who had their father’s flight log and traced it back to JBER, and the tail number happened to match the [one here].”
Regardless of the unfinished aircraft, the ASM granted the family’s request to see the aircraft and pay tribute to their dad.
Steinecke and Torres-Zaya said it’s also important for them to finish this project because they are putting a stamp on the only G model in existence; the JBER plane is one of fewer than 30 P-38s remaining in the world. It is also one of only nine aircraft listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
“It gives us the chance to be part of the bigger picture that everybody sees and not just the maintenance,” said Steinecke. “It’s not only us; it was a big team effort to get to this point close to the finish line.”
Steinecke and Torres-Zayas shared the same sentiments that when it comes to this aircraft, there is no room for error and that perfection is the key.