Passages-3

Hi Res

On 2 March 2010, I started building a 1/72 scale model of Rivet Ball (Modified RC-135V by AMT / ERTL). I hope to have it finished in time for the upcoming "Tales of The 55th" program on 9 April 2010. Click on the following high resolution photo links and you can watch it develop: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53 (Completed on 7 April 2010).

Hi Res

On 9 April 2010, I participated in the eleventh annual "Tales of The 55th" program in the Airmen Leadership School at Offutt AFB in Nebraska. Attendance included General Shanahan (55th Wing CC), General Reg Urschler (USAF, Ret.) and about 250+ active duty personnel, veterans and invited guests. The event was tri-sponsored by the 55th Wing Association, the Strategic Roost of the Association of Old Crows, and the LeMay Flight Order of Dadaelians. Colonel Jim Thomas (USAF, Ret. / President of the 55th Wing Association) organized, coordinated and emceed the event. My focus this year was the History & Heritage of the RC-135S / Cobra Ball aircraft and its predecessor Rivet Ball (# 59-1491) aka Wanda Belle / Nancy Rae. Click on the following links for my presentation tables: 1, 2, 3, 4 (Rivet Ball), 5 (My wife Janelle with our Grandson Jaxen), 6 (Yours truly with Jaxen). Click on the following links for a wider perspective: 1 (Alongside 45th RS Tables), 2 (Wide Overall View).

I want to personally thank Col. Thomas for the opportunity to participate in this year's 2010 "Tales of The 55th" program at Offutt. I consider it an honor and very much appreciate the invitation. Thank you sir.

2010
Tales of The 55th

Hi Res

On 15 March 2011, the 45th RS at Offutt AFB hosted a 30 year memorial tribute to those who perished on Cobra Ball II (#61-2664) when it crash landed on Shemya in 1981. Guest speakers included survivors Dr. Kerry A. Crooks and Lt Col William Maxwell, USAF (Ret.). After the formal proceedings, everyone toured Cobra Ball I (#61-2663). A reception followed in the 45th RS "Heritage Room" that capped off the event with heartfelt conversation between several survivors, veterans of the 24th SRS and invited guests. It was a very successful event thanks to the outstanding efforts of Capt. Jeremiah Gilmore, Capt. Devin Long and members of the 45th RS. We thank you very much for remembering and honoring those that perished in the line of duty.

Cobra Ball II (664)

Hi Res (R) - Hi Res (L)

Hi Res

On 25 March 2011, Mr. Jim Thomas (Col. USAF, Ret.), president of the 55th Wing Association, did an outstanding job as organizer, director and master of ceremonies at the 12th annual "Tales of The 55th" event held on Offutt AFB in the Airman Leadership School. About 300 people attended along with Nebraska Public TV (NET). There were four guest speakers this year that shared their stories on stage with everyone. Click Here for a photo of the guest speakers toasting with their presentation tankards.

Once again, I want to thank Col. Thomas for a job well done and giving me the opportunity to tell my story about Rivet Ball, Rivet Amber and Shemya. Your support is much appreciated by old timers like myself and "Cold War" veterans of Shemya.

My contribution this year was a display showcasing the 50th anniversary of the very first RC-135S, "Rivet Ball" (#59-1491) aka "Nancy Rae" / "Wanda Belle". It was fun meeting everyone and sharing war stories. My special guest this year was 81 year old FBF Bob McCullough (CMsgt. USAF Ret.) from Denver, CO. Bob was one of the very first photogs on 491 when named "Nancy Rae" in 1961. He was also one of the original members of "The Black Pearl Society". Thanks for making the long drive from Denver Bob. It was a pleasure meeting you and sharing stories. I hope to see you again next year.
Sincerely,
King Hawes

Trivia: After setting up my display, as shown below, I left the building for about an hour to get some supplies. When I returned at 2:00PM, one hour before showtime, I was shocked to find everything soaked with water. The ceiling was leaking directly above the display as snow melted on the roof. It was a disaster. Fortunately, I was able to rescue almost everything and move to a dry location before the doors opened at 3:00PM. The show went on from there without a hitch or a glitch and no one knew the difference.

2011
Tales of The 55th

Hi Res

On 5 August 2011, I told my story about Rivet Ball, Rivet Amber and Shemya, "A Tale of Two Airplanes", at the 2011 IPMS/USA National Convention in Omaha, NE. The audience was wonderful. They were very interested and appreciative in what we did during "Cold War" with our unique reconnaissance aircraft. They were also touched by the losses we endured. Many guests stayed for more than an hour after my one hour talk wanting to know more and share some of their own stories.

I want to thank Jay Chladek of the IPMS Fort Crook Chapter in Omaha, NE for giving me the opportunity to tell my story. I also want to thank everyone that attended the seminar, especially those that stayed after my presentation and offered unconditional support. It was a very rewarding afternoon for me, my wife and grandkids. I sesne it was the same for everyone that attended. May we meet again.

Sincerely,
King Hawes

2011
IPMS/USA National Convention

Hi Res

NOTE:
The B-58 model shown above is just one example of the craftsmanship on display throughout the Convention. More than a thousand models of equal quality were on display. The only way to really appreciate these works of art is to view them in person. They were amazing. Click Here for the 2011 IPMS / USA National Convention awards. Winners are posted in reverse order following each category (3rd, 2nd, 1st Place).

On 23 September 2011, "Flat Stanley" visited me in my office for the first time. That's when I told him my story about Rivet Ball, Rivet Amber and Shemya. I hope he remembers what I told him and passes it onto everyone he comes in contact with.

Flat Stanley

Hi Res

On 19 December 2011, my website story about Rivet Ball, Rivet Amber and Shemya ("A Tale of Two Airplanes" @ www.RC135.com) received the following award:

"Recognizing The Best Aviation
Websites On The Internet"

Awarded to quality airplane information websites

On 21 January 2012, I was surfing the net and found a 1/72 scale model of Cobra Ball I (RC-135S, #61-2663) under construction by Alberto Accumolli in Novara, Italy. It was posted on HyperScale Forums under Plastic Pics (Search: "RC-135S"). Alberto's attention to detail and quality of construction is amazing. Click on the links (18) below and you can follow his work in progress. You will not be disappointed.

Links
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Hi Res

Cobra Ball I (#61-2663)

Alberto Accumolli
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