Monday, August 01, 2011

Vampire NZ5772 : Ohakea gate guardian returns. Ohakea Air Base - New Zealand.

REVAMP: A World War II jet-engine fighter, the Vampire, is returning to the entrance of Ohakea Air Base.
ROBERT KITCHIN

For two years, the gate guardian of Ohakea Air Base has been missing.

The former WWII jet-engine fighter, the Vampire, has been locked away in a hangar to recieve a thorough revamp by dedicated airforce volunteers.

Flight Lieutenant Barb Finlayson said the Vampire NZ5772 was pulled down because of wear and weather.

Volunteers started putting it up yesterday morning, with the aircraft almost completed by mid-afternoon.

The refurbished aircraft will grace the new official entrance to the base.

Flight Lientenant Finlayson said it was always the wish of Tim Walshe, the former Commanding Officer of Operation Support Wing, for the Vampire to remain the gate guardian.

The Vampire was piloted in the 1950s by several sqaudron leaders from 75 Squadron. 

Source:  http://www.stuff.co.nz

No comments:

Post a Comment