From the Wingman Archives

[wingman]

I was poking through some old files in response to a recent post, and turned up some neat stuff.

Caption suggestions welcome ...

Anybody recognize the location??

By the way, there is a very current racing connection in this photo from long ago.

Neal

[GWB]

...so, I presume it is not one of the scenes out of Pearl Harbor...

[wingman]

Nope -- the photo was actually taken almost exactly 20 years before that movie was filmed...

Neal

[wolfee]

place?

that would be a P40, yes? and that would be in Oakland CA.?

just guessing

I know I have been there, and about three places come to mind.

[wingman]

Excellent guess, Wolfee. The shot was actually taken at the Alameda Naval Air Station air show in the summer of 1979. It is a P-40, and it belonged to (and was exuberantly flown by) current Yakmeister Tom Camp. He was on his way home to Livermore, just over the hill. Livermore at that time was home to three P40Es and parts enough for a couple more. Interesting and fun times in the bay area back then -- major Warbird action all the time, from Santa Rosa to Hollister and Half Moon Bay and Salinas and out to Livermore.

Here's another shot of the same P40, this time in 1978. Maybe somebody will recognize this location...