Galveston Facility Suffered Extensive Damage From Ike

On Friday, the Lone Star Flight Museum's B-25N and B-17G will be arriving in Midland, TX for what looks to be a long-term stay at CAF Headquarters.

Hurricane Ike left behind a wake of destruction in the Gulf Coast area of Texas. As ANN reported earlier this week, among the victims of the hurricane was the Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) of Galveston... which suffered extensive damage.

"The hangars and Texas Aviation Hall of Fame had 7-8 feet of water in those areas," museum officials posted to the LSFM Web site. "The gift shop and lobby area had 3-4 feet of water. The southwest side of both hangars appear compromised. The entire contents of the gift ship are lost. Every exhibit in the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame was destroyed although some artifacts may be able to be saved.. How many is yet to be determined.

"The airplanes received major water damage. Most remain in good shape physically. All plumbing and electrical systems are inoperable. The roof is okay minus one skylight. The second floor appears to be untouched. All evacuated aircraft are ok."

Fortunately, LSFM pilots were able to evacuate the B-17, B-25, DC-3, P-47, F6F, F4U, SBD, PT-17, T-6 and F8F before Ike could reach the Gulf Coast. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) said it's pleased to offer refuge to the B-25 and B-17 in the hangars at CAF Headquarters in Midland, and to assist the LSFM in any way possible.

"It is important to the Warbird community that we support each other," said CAF President, Stephan C. Brown. "Protecting these rare parts of our history is the most integral point of our mission at the CAF. It does not matter to whom these aircraft belong, only that they are kept safe and continue to bring history to life for our future generations."

Just in time to be a part of the FINA-CAF AIRSHO 2008, the unique B-25 and B-17 will be a wonderful addition to the variety of aircraft on display at the bomber ramp. Standing near these beautiful aircraft will be an opportunity to help the Lone Star Flight Museum operate once again... in the form of a donation box.

FMI: www.lsfm.org, www.airsho.org, www.commemorativeairforce.org