The Times Herald from Port Huron, Michigan • Page 36

0 TIMES HERALD Ao atnotic salute Selfridge Air Museum, holiday parades showcase American spirit The heart of the museum is its collection of historic, military aircraft, which are parked on the grassy area visible from M-59. Visitors can walk right up to the 27 flying machines, which include a World War II-era B-26 bomber; an F-4C Phantom fighter jet; and the very first F-106, which made its first flight in 1956. The oldest plane is an FG-1D Corsair, the fighter that helped America defeat the Japanese in World War II. "Before we got it, this (Corsair) was on a gunnery range in Yuma, Ariz." Nigro said. "It had bullet holes all over it.

It had been shot to pieces." The Corsair was repaired by personnel at Selfridge starting in 1979. The restoration wasn't complete until 1987. "Most of the aircraft on display were actually flown out of Selfridge," Nigro said. "Some of them I personally flew out of Selfridge." The newest acquisition is an AH-1F Cobra helicopter, which was flown in from the Michigan Army National Guard unit in Grand Ledge earlier this year. Other items on display include a World War I German machine gun, which is credited with the dubious honor of killing more people than any other military weapon in history; photos of people who have spent time at Selfridge, including Charles Lindbergh and the Tuskegee Airmen; and four historic airplane engines.

The museum is open to the public Sundays and Tuesdays, though tours on other days can be arranged. In honor of Independence Day, the museum also is open today. You can call reporter Bill Chapin at (810) 989-0741. By BILL CHAPIN Times Herald HARRISON TWP. The opportunity to climb inside the cockpit of an F-16 is just a short drive away at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.

There's no need for special, military clearance although you will need to bring a current driver's license. Granted, you won't be able to fly this F-16. That's because the cockpit and only the cockpit is inside the Selfridge Military Air Museum. But retired Lt. Col.

Lou Nigro, the museum's executive director, said the display still is a big hit with visitors. "This is the thing the kids just go crazy over," Nigro said, indicating the cockpit. From time to time, Nigro said, an adult will suggest he incorporate a video game into the cockpit so the kids can feel like they're really flying. His response: "I have enough trouble getting the kids out of there as it is." The museum contains thousands of military artifacts related to the base's history, from a wooden propeller such as those that propelled planes based at Selfridge when it was founded in 1917, to a uniform similar to those worn by Selfridge guardsmen who served in the Gulf War. FLYING DART: This prototype of the F-1 06 fighter jet is one of the 27 historic aircraft on display at the Selfridge Military Air Museum.

DISPLA WHAT: Selfridge Military Air Museum WHERE: Selfridge Air National Guard Base In Harrison Township. Guests must pass through the base's main gate at M-59 and Jefferson Avenue. WHEN: Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 5 p.m.

Sundays between April and October. Also open 1 to 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Saturdays in October. Tours on other days can be arranged by contacting the executive director. COST: $3 donations requested for guests older than 12 during normal visiting hours; $1 donation for all guests requested during special tours.

FOR ENTRY: bring a current driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, which are necessary to enter the base. (586) 307-5035 www.selfrldgealrmuseum.org On 3 a WAR ARTIFACTS: This World War l-era airplane tire and banner are among the oldest items on display at Selfridge. I DETAILS: I ONLINE: TAKING FLIGHT: Visitors to the Selfridge R-280010W radial engine. Military Air Museum can see this Pratt Whitney.