Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard: Exploring The Aircraft Graveyard

The Davis Monthan Air Force Base, located in Tucson, Arizona, is a United States Air Force base that has been in operation since 1940. While it is still an active military base, it is perhaps best known for its large aircraft boneyard, also known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG). This vast storage facility is home to over 4,000 retired military aircraft, making it a fascinating destination for aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard is a sprawling facility that covers over 2,600 acres of land. It was established in 1946 as a storage facility for excess military aircraft, and over the years, it has grown to become one of the largest aircraft storage facilities in the world. The boneyard is home to a vast array of aircraft, including bombers, fighters, transport planes, and even helicopters.

History of the Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard

The Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard has a rich history that dates back to the end of World War II. At that time, the United States military had a large surplus of aircraft, and the government needed a place to store them. The dry desert climate of Tucson, Arizona, made it an ideal location for storing aircraft, as it helped to slow down the corrosion process.

In 1946, the 309th Maintenance and Supply Group was established at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, and it was tasked with the responsibility of storing and maintaining the excess aircraft. Over the years, the facility has grown and evolved, and today it is known as the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG).

How the Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard Works

The Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard is a complex facility that requires careful planning and management to ensure the safe storage and maintenance of the aircraft. Here's an overview of how it works:

Aircraft Arrival: When an aircraft is retired from service, it is flown to the Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard, where it is received and processed by the AMARG team.
Storage: The aircraft is then stored in one of the many storage areas on the base, where it is protected from the elements by a covering of sealant and a layer of latex paint.
Maintenance: The AMARG team performs regular maintenance on the aircraft to ensure that they remain in good condition. This includes tasks such as lubricating moving parts, checking for corrosion, and performing minor repairs.
Reclamation: When an aircraft is needed for parts or for reuse, it is reclaimed from the boneyard and restored to flying condition.

Types of Aircraft at the Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard

The Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard is home to a vast array of aircraft, including:

Bombers: The boneyard has a large collection of bombers, including B-52s, B-1Bs, and B-2 Spirits.
Fighters: The facility also has a large collection of fighter aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, and F/A-18s.
Transport Aircraft: The boneyard is home to a number of transport aircraft, including C-130s, C-141s, and C-5s.
Helicopters: The facility also has a number of helicopters, including UH-60s, AH-64s, and CH-53s.

Visiting the Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard

The Davis Monthan Afb Boneyard is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can take a guided tour of the facility. The tour takes you through the storage areas, where you can see the vast array of aircraft up close. You can also visit the Pima Air and Space Museum, which is located adjacent to the boneyard.