TYLER (TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - World War II veteran Don Alfred, 86, of Tyler, spent a couple of hours Tuesday scanning the skies for the incoming Boeing B-29 Superfortress "FiFi" heavy bomber, the last example of the iconic plane still flying.
The B-29 is famous for its wartime role in World War II when the United States used the craft in 1945 to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, ultimately ending the war.
Alfred was a B-29 navigator for the Army Air Corps, 6th Bomb Group, when he was ordered to provide rescue support for the Hiroshima bombing, in a plane named "Dearly Beloved."
He didn't know the nature of the mission until after the mission was over.
In spite of the vintage airplane's anticipated arrival, he couldn't bear to watch.
"It brought back too many memories," he said afterward. "The only thing I could think about was the other three men surviving, who were members of my (11 member) crew. I just went back into the building and called all three. ... It just flooded my heart."
Alfred was among dozens of people who showed up Tuesday to witness the monstrous plane rumble up to the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, 150 Airport Drive, for a three-day stop, offered by the nonprofit Commemorative Air Force.
"FiFi," with a 147-foot wingspan, is among a handful of historic aircraft, including a World War II-era P-51 Mustang and a C-45 Expeditor, on display through Thursday at the museum.
For a fee, the public can tour the planes and catch a ride.
About 4,000 B-29s were built for U.S. forces, but only 25 still exist in static displays and "FiFi" is the only one still flying, officials said.
"These vintage airplanes are near and dear to a lot of our hearts," museum board president Carolyn Verver said. "This (tour) is really a great opportunity."
Even U.S. Rep. Ralph Hall, R-Rockwall, a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, couldn't resist an invitation to explore the old aircraft. He caught a ride from Addison to Tyler, his first time in a B-29.
"It was great," he said, comparing his ride to his early days of flying. "It was just like it, only a whole lot bigger."
Bullard war bird enthusiast Tommy Smith brought along his son, Clint Smith, and young grandson, Houston Smith, 8, to participate in the occasion.
"My favorite airplane is actually the B-25," Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, said. "I rode the B-17 and I'm planning to ride this one."
Clint Smith said there's no better way to teach youngsters about history than giving them opportunities to experience it first-hand.
"I try to learn from the past," he said. "Too many people tend to forget the things of the past."
The B-19 crew arriving Tuesday included the squadron's first woman co-pilot, Debbie Travis King, and her father, Tom Travis, a 52-year pilot who serves as commander.
Mrs. King, a pilot for 23 years, is only the third woman to ever pilot a B-29.
The pair said they've flown together for years and enjoy the experience of connecting with history.
"We're always mindful it ("FiFi") is the last one," Travis said, describing his take on the enormous responsibility associated with piloting the craft. "No pressure at all."
Mrs. King agreed, saying, "Very humbling."
The B-29's squadron is based at Addison Airport near Dallas with the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. The group visits about 20 cities a year to educate the public on war history and generate support for the vintage aircraft.
"It uses about 400 gallons of aviation grade fuel per hour," Commemorative Air Force Pilot David Oliver said. "We estimate it costs about $8,000 per hour to operate."
Max Lynch, 91, and wife, Betty, came from Atlanta, Texas, to see the vintage aircraft.
"Most any plane excites me," he said with a grin.
The couple said he served as crew chief on a C-47 in the South Pacific and helped rescue survivors of the Bataan death march that claimed the lives of hundreds of American prisoners of war captured by the Japanese.
Tyler airplane buff Matthew Watson was among those who allocated a couple of hours to see the war bird up close.
"I've never seen one," he said. "It represents such an interesting time in history."
"FiFi" was acquired by the Commemorative Air Force in the early 1970s and restored after she was spotted at the U.S. Navy Proving Ground at China Lake where the craft was being used as a gunnery target, officials said.
Visitors may tour the aircraft from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., during regular museum hours.
The cost for the tour, which includes admission to the museum, is $15 for adults, $7 for youth 12 to 17; $2 for children 6 to 12. Youngsters ages 5 and younger are free.
Prices for B-29 rides, set for 9 a.m. Thursday, start at $595 per person at the museum or $570 if purchased online, and increase from there, depending on seating preference.
Rides aboard the C-45 and P51 are available on demand, as admissions are paid.
Prices are $59 and up for the C-45; prices for the P51 are $1,995 for 30 minutes.
To learn more about "FiFi," visit
www.CAFB29B24.org.
C-45 Bucket of Bolts pilot Jonathan Oliver of Chicago talks with B-29 Superfortress "FiFi" crew Rick Garvis of Dallas shortly after the World War II plane landed at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport's Historic Aviation Memorial Museum Tuesday afternoon.
