Last 3 Operational F-106s Depart Atlantic City Airport, NJ

[@sanfo2003]

I remember back in the day when I was in the Air Force ROTC at the Univ. of Washington the Air Force gave me an "orientation" ride in a T33. It was a beautiful clear day and I was thrilled riding in the T33, it was the first time I experienced "G's", so cool. Anyway, we were flying around and the pilot up front gets a radio call and I hear that a couple of F106's based at McChord AFB were in the air and wanted to do a practice intercept on us. The pilot said, "Roger that." A few minutes later the pilot told me to look back and to my right and there right before my eyes were two of the most beautiful F106 interceptors flying formation with us about 30 feet off our wing. Friggin' unbelievable. Needless to say I was hooked and I eventually became an Air Force pilot.

[@macmike8329]

Awsome story. To many young people don't chase their dreams and it's a shame. God bless you and yours. From Oakland Ca. ✌...

[@MetalMama-zb4wg]

In 1975, my first squadron was the 49th FIS out of Griffiss AFB, NY. We had T-33's and F106's. I was a Sheet Metal Mechanic, one of the first woman in that squadron. I went to William Tell, an air compation at Tyndall AFB, FL. It was awesome! The guys trained me how to martial an air craft there. End Of Runway is so exciting! I remember going into a trailer by the runway, and we could listen to the pilots talking to each other. The guy in the trailer kept apologizing to me because of the language, but I didn't care. It was so exciting!!

[@paulsuprono7225]

@@MetalMama-zb4wg And Griffiss is no longer, closed in second round of BRAC . . . mid - 1990's !

[@MetalMama-zb4wg]

@@paulsuprono7225 Yes I know, I was stationed at McClellan AFB, CA, and that is closed now also. Base closures seem to follow me! LOL!

[@randycook7318]

318th had the best tail flash!. Closed down the 318th Dec 7 1989. After the transfers of the F-15's to Portland I left in March of 1990

[@F1fan007]

The golden era of the jet age! I saw a flight of these flying low and fast (probably 300 to 400mph) over my playground when I was in grade school. It was awesome!! And started my love of aviation

[@solola11]

I had the pleasure of working on these when I was in the 343rd CAM Squadron at the Duluth, MN Air Force base. I was fortunate enough to get my run-up approval on these. Imagine the absolute joy of a 20 year old kid getting into the cockpit and starting one of these beauties up for maintenance to work on. I also got to ride in the "B" model across the runway to the engine run-up pad where we checked the engine at full power, including the afterburner. What a rush! Great memories.

[@carolusrex6171]

solola11 ......I too was stationed at Duluth in 1966. I was with Security Police however, and had the thrill of walking around these beautiful birds protecting them from Russian saboteurs . There was nothing more awesome for a twenty year old than to be there when the doors on alert hangars flew up and two 106s with a thirty foot flame would head down the runway and into the night sky. I'd like to get in touch but I don't know how. Good luck

[@Fcarpenter66]

Was at Griffis AFB 69-70 Crew chief on the only B model (2 seater) Also had run up license and flew on one mission. Frank Car

[@tony_5156]

Damn 2 guys who worked at the same place Meeting up on the KZbin comments, what a small world!

[@michaelhenebry1140]

Was not pleasant for the people in the barracks a couple of blocks away when the engines were tested!

[@CHaas-bn3xi]

Your lucky that has got to be an amazing memories

[@antonr170]

Some warplanes your eye just falls in love with. This is one for me.

[@funkyzero]

aviation development was at is finest and most interesting from the early 50's through the 70's. It is amazing to see the beautiful aircraft developed during the fastest paces of development and knowledge. I don't think there will ever be another time that is so impressive... with so many incredible aircraft designs coming so hard and fast. In my humble opinion, the peaks were the F4-II and the B-58. But there are so many... I suppose It's dumb to even try to list the coolest... they were ALL incredible designs during that age, and the 106 is no exception... an beautiful piece of engineering art

[@boostgoober7262]

What awesome footage. Thank you

[@peterhecht2626]

Thanks for your comment!

[@tekshield]

All three of these aircraft were once stationed at Castle AFB in California, with the 84th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. I was stationed there as a young buck, Airman, Weapons Loader and Maintainer, from 1974 to 1976, straight out of tech school. Still have great memories of the 84th FIS, it was a great organization.

[@be6322]

I remember being a kid and watching the 52s fly over the sierras when camping, that were out of castle AFB.

[@edwardmattson8315]

I was at Paine Field WA from 1966 to '68 with 57th CAMRON. We repaired the 498th and then 84th FIS birds. I was a weapons control system mechanic

[@RC-nb3cy]

They would come sit alert duty at George AFB

[@lemhendrix]

I grew up 5 miles from Castle AFB in California through the 70s and 80ss. B-52s KC-135s and f-106s. I remember every now and then sonic booms rocking the windows.

[@stephenhilburn9229]

A maintenance challenge at times, but oh what a beauty. Miss crewing and maintaining this majestic beast. Thank you for uploading.

[@johndangelo3989]

In 1958 I was a young Pilot Officer Candidate and I visited Kelly Field. They had a squadron of F-106’s and their takeoffs were amazing! As the wheels came up the pilot would go to full burner, haul back on the stick and go vertical, then he would perform an Immelmann and end up headed in the other direction! He did this while staying inside the runway limits. Absolutely amazing !

[@rogerrendzak8055]

So that's what, that's called (Immelmann)!! Thank you, sir👍!!!

[@eltoro6688]

I remember as a kid growing up making trips to Mexico Beach Florida and just being TOTALLY enthralled by F102's, F106's and occasional F105 voodoos making practice flights over the gulf of Mexico. At the time I didn't realize how old these aircraft already were just to keep flying until the mid-late 80's. Thanks for sharing these cool jet memories!!!

[@Trev0r98]

The Voodoo was the F-101. The F-105 was the Thunderchief.

[@eltoro6688]

OK, Correction, F101s, F102s F104s and F106s.

[@rogerrendzak8055]

The beautiful technology and design, of the 'Century' series jet's, of the late '50's, early '60's (F-100--F-106)!!! To the laymen's eye👁️, the F-102, F-103, and the F-106, appeared very similar. I've always thought, they looked alike, also. We live approx. 55 miles south, of this airport (AC International), along the coast. I see all kinds, of military aircraft from this airport, which is also, our local Air National Guard unit, the 177th. We're between that, and Delaware's Dover AFB, so there's always some kind, of air traffic here😁!!!

[@ccrider00]

That's because the redesigned and much improved f-102B became the f- 106 delta dart, Compared to the f-102 delta dagger. Just think of the f- 106 as the bigger brother of the f- 102.< stronger+faster, 2×'s as good >😊

[@barryervin5297]

When I was in an F-4 squadron at Oceana NAS in the 60s sometimes a 106 would show up from the AFB nearby and do a low pass down the runway and a full afterburner climb out. Always my favorite of the century series fighters.

[@christopherfranklin4760]

Speaking of the century series jets, it was a sad day (sort of) when the last F-100 came thru McClellan AFB in 1979. The ANG was flying the bird since 1971. Another sad statistic is that during its operational life 889 aircraft were lost along with 324 pilots. Flying military aircraft is not for the faint of heart.

[@jrftworth]

106's you saw were probably from Langley

[@barryervin8536]

That's what I figured. I was temporarily at Roosevelt Roads NAS in Puerto Rico in 1969 or 70? and the Puerto Rico ANG was the last US unit to fly the F-104 Starfighter. I saw a 104 do the low pass/vertical climb trick there once too. Most impressive. But not quite as big and loud as a 106.

[@christopherfranklin4760]

@@barryervin8536 The 104 was really nothing more than a tin can with a J-79 and some nubby little wings. The leading edge of the wings was actually very sharp. I believe the published climb rate was something like 50,000 feet per minute. It basically had limited range from its small internal fuel tank behind the cockpit and had to have external tanks to get any range at all. My civilian crew worked on a few of them passing thru McClellan AFB in the 60's and 70's. Good thing they got a better ejection seat in them after a while. Having to eject downward on a takeoff emergency is a total bummer.

[@barryervin8536]

Yeah, they didn't call it "the missile with a man in it" for nothing. It was a brilliant piece of engineering but more like an experimental plane that went into mass production than a really functional military aircraft. The F-106 in contrast was designed to excel as a high speed all weather interceptor and has never really been bettered in that role. It's ironic that the 104 did see combat and the 106 never did. And there are a few 104s still flying and not a single 106, which I find sad.

[@paulsuprono7225]

Had F-106, Delta Darts . . . when assigned to Minot AFB, ND. Their hanger was across the street from my unit - Detachment 7, 37 Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron . . . back in 1981. Upon later assignments in the reserve . . . saw one on static display, outside AMC Flight Terminal . . . Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

[@tomkelly3840]

My first duty station was Grifffiss AFB, NY, I was an ATC Radar Tech. Radar set was 500 feet off the middle of the runway. To watch these F-106 s take off (LOUD) and land was awesome.

[@djo9941]

When I was a young boy in the 60's my dad was a Major in the Air Force Reserve with the 102nd fighter interceptor group Otis AFB on Cape Cod. He was the communications commander and because he had clearance, sometimes he's let let out on the tarmac to watch the 106s scramble to intercept Soviet 'Bears' off the coast heading to Cuba. It was awesome and I still remember the excitement I felt every time they took off. The 106 was an exceptional aircraft that seems to get overlooked.

[@genej501]

Back in the '70s these beautiful birds were stationed at McCord Air Force Base. I was the chief of photography there. Got to fly around Mount Rainier taking pictures of them. God what a beautiful aircraft. God bless America

[@daffidavit]

I was flying from North Jersey to A.C. in a C-150 in early to mid-1970s. We were still somewhere North of A.C. when two delta airplanes like these flew in formation from our 7 O, Clock on our left and passed us at high speed. They looked like they were using us for target practice. They didn't get so close as to be a factor, but it was an awesome sight to see. I remember it like yesterday.

[@simplyexisting1125]

You don’t realize how big the plane was until you see it in person. I used to spend hours at March air field museum just walking around the old aircraft and thinking how cool it would be to see a air show with all the classics flying in order.

[@peterhecht2626]

The F-106 was a beautiful aircraft in air!

[@DocBain1]

I witnessed the F-106 leave Tyndall AFB for the last time in 1985, replaced by the F-15. I had just left Shaw AFB where the F-16 had replaced the RF-4C. It was sad to see these work horses go.

[@jaylittleton1]

Loved watching them from Munitions Shop with Mt. Rainier in the distance across the runway. Watching burners light at twilight. Best memory was 18 ship fly--by on return from deployment. One huge formation passing above the runway and circling, coming back overhead and peeling off one by one to come around and land. So inspiring and sensuous.

[@rudeone4life]

I remember back in 84/85 when I was stationed at Luke AFB, AZ that NJ and FLA ANG would always show up occasionally with one or two sixes. I loved the ADC Grey and the splash of color compared to our rather drab looking F-15's/16's. I remember how clean the ANG jets always looked, as if they were waxed! Thanks for posting.

[@spikespikester7964]

I was born at Luke when my dad was training in F-100's and living in NJ when he retired from the NJ ANG 28 years later flying the F-106.

[@tedwoodside975]

Sometime around '83 or '84, I was a cadet in the CAP and was lucky enough to take a tour of the base at Pomona. Imagine being 13 years old and being allowed to get up close and personal with these great planes. They even let us try out the flight simulator!

[@karlt8233]

I was a CAP Cadet 79-82 and it was an awesome experience. My favorite was the Cessna OV2 Skymaster, our CAP Squadron had two at the time and several times a year we had a chance to fly as a Cadet Observer. Joined the Navy in 83 and served 83-95 as an Aviation Ordnanceman.

[@custmsprtyspike1014]

@a10warthog61 You are a dick head. My dad flew outa AC for 20 years, F-100's, F105's and F-106's. so I can call you a dick head. They did special tours etc and not on "airshow days" troll. I flew the same simulator and let me tell you troll, that wasn't open to air show crowds. You are a low life troll. Now back to your momma's basement with you.

[@toadman506]

79-86 Ted, did you ever get the 108th tour when they still had F-105's?? I spent a lot of time around them, then the phantoms.

[@spikespikester7964]

My dad flew the F-100 and the F-105's while they had them. I was fortunate enough to go to Warren Grove and be up in the tower at the range watching him and his buddies rolling in and strafing with the Vulcan 20MM a few times. The Thud is still my all time favorite plane. Raw power!

[@spikespikester7964]

My dad flew F-100's, F-105's and F-106's at Pomona until he retired in the late 1980's.

[@HokieO67]

Spent two years '69-71 as a flight test engineer at Tyndall working on F-106's. We were doing operational flight tests and some basic research for Wright-Patt. We flew a bubble canopy, an air-to-air gun, and a "hot-line" gun sight for the 106, but none of them ever went operational because of the F-4. We also flew the first test of a Helmet Mounted Sight and an air-to-air command-guided missile. My job included programming the MA-1 computer to support the flight tests, but I got a few hours in the back of a B-model. I think I'm the only one outside of Hughes to ever program the MA-1.

[@rolandalfonso6954]

Wow! What a career. (Same time as a boy, my father was there and we spent a lot of time on the flight line crawling around them...it was great Then he would take me into the building where the training for GCI was going on- and then we'd check out the drones....)

[@thethreeamigos4577]

My first job in the AF, working MA-1 on the 6 at Minot, AFB (5th FIS, Spittin Kittens)...great first job!! I was there when they converted to F-15's, and got photos of the last ones still hanging on when I cross trained to F-16's (Hill AFB). Still, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful planes to fly over head, especially in a 4 ship. Interesting point, my last duty station at Luke I worked for a Major who was involved with the drone project converting the F-106's being used for target practice out of Florida...full circle I guess.

[@thefriar8883]

What about the PINK BUILDING MAAAANNNN? Haha. Always hear about the pink building from people that were at WP

[@HokieO67]

@@thefriar8883 Spent 15 years working in the pink building.

[@thefriar8883]

@@HokieO67 Haha, thats awesome! Almost wonder if you know some of the people I know. Thanks for your service. Aerospace engineering is what continues to move the world forward in my opinion.

[@jeffreyhindoien284]

Grew up around the 120th FW / 186th FIS in Montana and watched these for most of my youth ... really cool aircraft, and a real piece of history lost when they converted to the F-16 in the late 1980's ....

[@craigclarke3298]

Back in the late 60s early 70s the ANG had the F-102 Delta Daggers based out at The Ontario Int Airport. Loved to watch them zoom over the field.

[@gregeoryl]

my dads baby wish he was still around to tell me AF stories

[@fridayray8891]

thanks for the memories...and the sound of the 3 at the end was the cherry on top...again, thx!

[@uranusimploding9830]

The two most beautiful planes the USAF ever had ..... the F-104 and the F-106

[@MrLostinthesixties]

I had the pleasure of being a Crew Chief on all three of these jets back in 1970 at Loring AFB in Maine. I was involved in giving all of our F-106's to the Jersey Guard when they closed our Squadron down at Loring. Great Memories, Loved working on them.

[@roberttaylor1784]

I mas a MA-1 chief and worked on all three of these birds when it was the 27th FIS. 69-72.

[@larrystafford4796]

My father turned wrenches on the 106's at Loring AFB around then as well. Maybe you knew him.

[@traviscollins7143]

I didn't know Loring had these jets I thought they only had the B-52

[@traviscollins7143]

@@billj7460 What was the F-15 tail letters were they the Cape Cod jets

[@traviscollins7143]

@@billj7460 Ive read before the Cape Cod F-15s had a small group based somewhere else sometimes

[@_dave4460]

i once saw these fly every day, 80s, 86s, 100s, 101s, 104s, 105s and then came the f-4 and so on... great old birds

[@lucasmahood1930]

Brings back many memories. I worked on the 6's at Selfridge, Minot and several other perimeter AFB's in the 60's. That airframe was showing age in '66 and the wiring problems were ever present. It was always exciting to work ORI's and TAC Evals, especially at night. Have some great memories from working cursory (Quick Fix) and "Last Chance" during night ops. Later trained to work on F-4's in Phan Rang and eventually finished my tour working on Blackbirds at Beale and Holiman AFB. A lot of great AF memories. Every young person should be afforded the opportunity to serve our country and have such memories.

[@CDavidRigby]

I grew up near what was then called NAFEC in the 60s & 70s. Watching these plans taking off on patrol over the Atlantic was always a thrill. This brings back memories!

[@em1osmurf]

this made me feel really old.

[@jimgent2879]

Loved this jet. 1978 to 1982 at Langley AFB 48FIS. Could walk out to one right now and fix her to fly like it was yesterday. Still have my fuel card for 59-132 ended up in my pocket on her last flight out of Virginia.

[@SurfnTurfdfl]

My dad was in the 48th FIS then went to the 318th FIS at McChord AFB in Washington State. Loved going out to the base when my dad had weekend duty and we could go in the hanger and sit in the cockpit, loved that plane!!!!

[@robertlassiter5808]

Jim Gent I was there 76-80. Was on the F-15’s in the 27th. Great memories. Chances are we passed one another sometimes.

[@TomHenry57]

Was with the 48th from Oct '76 - Jul '80. Great memories....great people....great aircraft!

[@oscoe]

@@TomHenry57 wow this is such a brilliant thread of all you guys memories….much respect to all you guys. I’m envious of your careers and the time you were working. Today working life is not the same

[@matthewblack7206]

One of the most beautiful planes ever made.

[@MrDayjur]

I m British and an E E Lightning lover.But I have to say the gorgeous F106 left the Lightning alone and in the shade when it came to looks.

[@wrightflyer7855]

Matthew Black Absolutely, for sure, you bet, no doubt about it, without question..... positively. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972).

[@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935]

Funny how the French made a plane as nice looking as the Mirage III.

[@aricjohnson3639]

I flew sixes at McChord 19773-1976. Wonderful to fly, a real “pilots” plane. Great for formation flying. Lots of power. My favorite. Aric Johnson

[@domedudes]

Did you ever pull alert duty at Kingsley? Was there 70-75, 460th,84th and det 1 318th. Great duty and great plane!

[@donmulder8061]

I grew up in upstate NY and got to see these beautiful planes on Memorial Days as a kid. They were out of Griffis AFB in Rome, NY. Sometimes we'd see the A-37s out of Hancock in Syracuse but the Delta Darts were more exciting to see.

[@mrgiantmetdevil3122]

I lived right outside of AC airport ( which is actually in Pomona NJ). I grew up watching those birds everyday. Didn’t matter what I was doing when they flew over but I always stopped to watch them. They were so awesome.

[@pgclift51]

My favourite fighter design - as a kid I loved the clean lines. Thanks for posting.

[@robertlassiter5808]

I was at Langley AFB 76-80 . ADC flew these then. I loved watching these beautiful planes. Langley was TAC headquarters so we got to see a lot of the older planes come and go. Saw every century series fighter and some other things as well. Great memories.

[@josephmercer9576]

I'd give anything to hear that J-75 again. Those engines had such a unique sound!

[@russellhagen1689]

Yes it did. I loved those airplanes.

[@mgregory4878]

I watched F-106s of the 49th FIS launch at Griffiss AFB, N.Y., 1990. Very cool aircraft. Very cool.

[@garyK.45ACP]

I last saw the F-106 in 1989 at Great Falls Airport being operated by the Montana Air Guard. Hard to believe that was 30+ years ago! Really awesome looking plane.

[@stnkyp8]

We had the 106 here at Florida Air National Guard (FANG) in the 80’s. What a great looking aircraft.! The afterburner was really something to see.

[@Thekennel177]

Used to watch these beautiful jets taxi and takeoff at McCord AFB all day long. Great memories.

[@Imustfly]

My all time favorite interceptor !! Love the Six.

[@mcdonnell220]

Fantastic, thanks a million.

[@25N77]

These three interceptors were stationed in Loring AFB in Limestone, Maine, with the 27th FIS and then with the 83rd FIS in 1968, when I arrived there. All 3 were in A Flight. I was a young two striper training on the MA-1 Weapons Control System. I left there in Fall of 1971, and from what I remember, the 106s left Loring the following summer. I was the MA-1 crew chief on the B Model AC 90149, till the squadron or the shop did away with the electronic crew chief duties. I’m 75 now and still remember working on the 6s in those extremely cold ready pods during the cold season. It was an enjoyable time but I never want to repeat those years. Ever.

[@kolbpilot]

They flew out of Langley when I arrived there in the '60s as a kid. When I went in the A.F. myself, they were at Loring as alert interceptors. Pretty airplane. All gone now, like so many aircraft from my youth.

[@sski]

I remember many days of sitting in the parking lot watching those exact jets take off and land on practice maneuvers to Warren Grove and other spots. They recovered with drag chutes. When they went over to the F-16s it just wasn't the same. Those 106's shook the ground when they took off and passed like a thunderclap when entering the pattern. Great times long gone. Thanks for the video.

[@philmontejano5971]

Also saw them growing up in Fresno, home of California Air National Guard. They flew the six from May 1974 to January 84 Miss the formation takeoffs and landings too Not done anymore

[@Raptorman0909]

The last operational 106's I saw was at Griffith AFB in Utica NY in about 1980. As I recall they always seemed to start the takeoff roll before lighting the afterburner and then you'd get a kind of double POW when it kicked in. There's probably no AC that demonstrates the 'area rule' with 'coke bottle' shape more than the Delta Dart -- simply beautiful plane.

[@modtodd82]

Grew up a little north of Griffiss AFB......., in the mid to late 70s, used to go down and watch the B52s and 106s go in and out. Can remember when one of the 106s crashed somewhat north of the base in I'd guess 72 or 73.

[@wurli140b]

@@modtodd82 I was stationed at Griffiss when that accident occurred. We flew C-131s with infrared cameras, so we did a search for the pilot, flying a grid pattern in the area of the crash. We were unsuccessful but the pilot was located later. I remember the missing man flyover at the base some time after that sad day. It was March of 1974.

[@jrftworth]

Griffiss AFB was in Rome NY

[@Raptorman0909]

@@jrftworth Yep, my mistake.

[@lancerevell5979]

I was an avionics tech on F-106s at Tyndall AFB, Fl. in the late 1970s. Gorgeous birds! Truly "The Ultimate Interceptor"! The droptanks on those NJ Sixes have the identical red/white/blue stripes as our ADWC droptanks. Methinks they got them from Tyndall after the Six was retired there? The F-106 set the speed record for single engined jet aircraft in 1960 - 1,525MPH! A record that still stands, sixty years later.

[@peterhecht2626]

The paint scheme on the the Atlantic City F-106 drop tanks was a large horizontal red line from nose to end centered on the tank. That line was flanked by thinner red horizontal lines above and below the center line. They were painted like that since shortly after arrival in 1973. I believe 90043 had "THE ULTIMATE INTERCEPTOR" painted in blue over the red lines on both drop tanks as part of it's retirement paint scheme. I worked in the MA-1 and Comm/Nav Shops for several years (and yes, was a Weapons Load Augmentee) at the 177FIG and later on was the full time photographer for the unit.

[@johnmurray5338]

I was the crew chief on acft 066 at K. I. Sawyer during the mid 80's. The unit closed down and most of the birds became drones, some went to the bone yard. I loved them jets. Sleek beauties for sure!

[@shadowgunner69]

I crew 086 at our local Air Museum in Santa,Rosa,Calif.

[@ujijin3099]

I spent a few years as a kid in Clovis, CA--right next to the FAT/CANG wing...during that time, I was treated to the roar of F-102s through F-106s...driving past the airport, with the winery on the other side of the freeway, was always an exciting thing because those "Delta Darts" looked supersonic just chocked down on the line. But when they took off in groups...everything else in Clovis paused to the sound of those turbojets! What memories! What performance...though I wonder whether they would have made competitive air superiority fighters instead of just interceptors. They were incredibly loud and fast! Thank you for the memories...

[@monte61]

The Thunderbirds actually flew an Airshow in 73 using the F 4 at Fresno Air Terminal. It was AWESOME!

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

Early summer evenings, I'd hear the kaboom of the afterburners kick in all the way to Selma.

[@tim7402]

6's from Otis used to play with our 101's many times per year at Chatham, NB Canada where I was a Tech from 1981 to 85. The Darts always looked the part of a true interceptor that would chase the TU-95 Bear up and down the eastern seaboard back when the war "was cold".

[@Askjerry]

I worked on all of those aircraft in 1980-1983 while in the 177th Jersey Devils. Pomona, NJ.

[@billc.6414]

I watched them fly every morning over the apartments at Stockton State College. Great Fighter/Interceptor!

[@spikespikester7964]

My dad flew outa Pomona from 1966 until mids 1980's when he retired.

[@mechuras]

I loved working on this plane!! Brings back some great memories.84th FIS Bill Mechura

[@Ranb]

Beautiful aircraft! And still the record holder of the fastest single engine jet fighter!

[@mikenolan8044]

1523 mph set in 1959. The twin engine F-4 topped that in 1961 with 1606 mph and the single engine Soviet E-152 hit 1666 mph the next year but that was an experimental aircraft, not a fighter. I am old enough to remember all of those and several others before that. I also remember the F-106's modified for airspace security duties at Edwards AFB and probably elsewhere. Mods included a Malcom Hood canopy to improve rearward visibility (not an impossible bubble canopy as often stated) a Vulcan gun pod under the nose and a steerable hi power searchlight on the nose. These and all other AF F-106's were retired by the end of 1987, a year before the ANG examples. Sometime in the 1970s all 106's and 105's had their J-75 engines detuned to improve engine life. High supersonic flight was deemed unnecessary with late models of the F-4 in service and the F-15 and F-16 on the horizon

[@dkoz8321]

F-105 ?

[@rodneysclater5034]

1976 Langley AFB, VA...Brand new Airman and learned about the F106 (from the 48th FIS) afterburner for the very first time. I must have jumped 2 feet in the air when they lit off. 42 years later I can remember it like it was yesterday !!!

[@maximillianvermontsuperbik2624]

"An F-106 in full afterburner is no slouch, but the F-104s were pulling away from us at over 200 knotts"* *Bruce Gordon ADC F-106 pilot.

[@peacelovers23cafesince2007]

Best of Century Series. F-106B nice

[@noahkleugh9323]

I was assigned to Det 1, 82 ATRS out of Holloman AFB , NM from 92-95. They were flying the QF-106A/B at that time. It was a beautiful bird to watch fly and die.

[@e.l.norton]

I remember seeing these particular jets fly as part of the airshows at McGuire back 86/87.

[@HTownguy100]

Remember the F-106’s very well at ACY. I went to college right down the street and worked at US Air part time while in school. Always loved watching those birds!

[@tigerjag9316]

Nice looking plane. Clean lines. Thanks for posting.

[@robertlassiter5808]

I was at Langley AFB 76-80 and the F-106 was still the interceptor used there. I loved the sound of the afterburners kicking in on takeoff. Got to see a lot of the century series fighters coming into Langley back then ,it was TAC headquarters so a lot of different aircraft came in there. Great place to be during those days.

[@F15CEAGLE]

Got to Langley in April '86 and the 106's were still there as interceptors. Also the squadron had a couple of T-33's assigned.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Whether it was perfectly executed or not, it was an absolutely brilliant design 🐾✌️🇺🇸

[@Vector_Ze]

Every air show I've been to has been represented by some majestic WWII & earlier aircraft. Not a single operational F-106 remains. It seems so sad to me.

[@johngaineswatts5409]

smart451cab I agree. Bring out an F-105 instead of a P-51. Or a Starfighter instead of a B-25

[@rescue270]

Too expensive for private operators to use for exhibition. Furthermore, except as scrap only, the DoD does not sell surplus aircraft to the public anymore for liability reasons. They will only sell them as scrap, which means they are stripped and crushed or shredded prior to sale to recyclers.

[@davidkelley5382]

Rogers Hunter Freekin bummer... That’s history they are compressing. They just don’t want John Q Public getting an outdated jet Air Force

[@heyabusa1]

@@davidkelley5382 Exactly the same in the UK. If our rulers can crush it or scrap it then that's what they'll do. Take a look into what our rulers did to the TSR2 project when they pulled the plug on that back in the late 60's early 70's. Its been going on for years. They couldn't wait to get it scrapped. There are a few very interesting docus on KZbin about it. One has to ask why. Look at the two English Electric Lightnings that were bought privately and the RAF flew into Bruntingthorpe (where they reside to this day in taxiing condition. Many good clips of them on KZbin) the new private owners had to beg the RAF not to deliberately drill holes in the fuel tanks to make them totally inoperable. Thankfully they didn't hence the taxi days that still go on but over all its the same here as in the US by the look of it.

[@aabb-zz9uw]

@Star Trek Theory The engines are American made. Germany can't make jet engines while Korea makes scramjets and RD-190 rocket engines.

[@Bb4r]

I was stationed at Griffiss AFB from 75' to 79'. During that time the F-106 of the 49th FIS where there. Beautiful aircraft.

[@paulkoch9871]

I was stationed at Griffiss 72-74, as a B52 engine tech. for the 416 BW. 49 FIS engine shop was right next to ours. Beautiful fighters and fast as all get out!

[@reymondjames1726]

The Delta Dart was another beautiful plane which should be kept on display for future generations to appreciate. Just a remarkable aircraft. The Dagger looked better and is a favorite.

[@bcask61]

Grew up in the AC area. Used to see them flying up and down the beach all the time.

[@barryervin8536]

When I was a kid and we'd go to the Jersey shore I remember seeing blimps flying up and down the beach all the time. I'm old LOL!

[@danielnee4886]

@@barryervin8536 - Joint Base MDL still has blimps stationed from time to time. They go between there and Pax River. Got to fly in one myself a few years back. They invited some members of the press to take a ride and do a story since they were getting tons of questions from the local residents and Jersey Shore tourists who saw them flying (well, more like floating) over the bay and the beaches every day. I believe they said they were utilizing them for sensor testing. Our pilot was actually from the private sector and previously flew the GoodYear blimp. One of the coolest experiences ever! When they're around, you can usually see them in Ocean County. I'm juuuuust a bit too far north of Warren Grove to see the F-16s today. Occasionally they'll fly past the lighthouse and toward Seaside Heights but they usually stay south by the range. The sound is insane. I was once in my boat with the engine at full throttle and thought something was going very wrong in the back despite it being brand new. I put her in neutral and the roar was still coming, but it was from above. Always kinda wondered if the ANG guys ever use our boats for targeting and tracking practice lol.

[@aviationdeltadart1331]

The last F-106 that saw flying was in 1993 at the Dayton International Air Show. It was a B that was part of the B-1 chase program. They would show up often in Dayton prior to that as well.

[@andyfletcher3561]

Saw them many times over the Antelope Valley flying chase. White with safety orange tails.

[@k1ross]

I had the pleasure/heartbreak of attending the MA-ANG 101st FIS F-106 retirement/flyaway about a month or so before this. Brings back a lot of memories. Man, that J-75 was just raw, unchained power! When they'd go into burner, you'd feel it right in the breastbone. Totally unlike a J-79. Or anything else, for that matter, at least this side of a J-58.

[@DeanMk1]

k1ross - was just thinking what one of these would be like with a J58 instead of the J75.

[@IthBombgard]

My father-in-law piloted these. What a cool video, thank you for sharing!

[@mothersuperior7942]

I grew up in the 1980's and loved to look at aviation books in the school library. Ever since then, I've always thought that the F-106 is how a jet is "supposed" to look.

[@russvoight1167]

Watching pair of them side by side going down the runway at Minot AFB ND was a sight to behold

[@tommaddux7186]

The tail numbers tell us that these planes were built in 1959. Here they are retiring in 1988, 29 years later. That was because the threat had changed from bombers to missiles, not because they were worn out. In 1960-61 my bed was about 100 yards from the alert barns at Kincheloe AFB, Michigan. When they would have an alert at 3:00 AM or whenever, the sound of hitting their afterburners would make sure that we would wake up and notice. Quite a bang.

[@monte61]

+Tom Maddux I sa an F 15 built in 79 at the Reno Air Races last year ! Old but well maintained.

[@toadman506]

NJANG was the last unit flying the Darts, IIRC these weren't just the last from NJ they were THE LAST operational 106's that went to AMARC

[@ValerianMacMillan]

Tom, I lived in the Soo then as well. My Dad was the station manager for North Central Airlines, and of course at the time Kinchloe was also the airport...

[@Bartonovich52]

They weren’t worn out. They were obsolete. A model F-16s were available to ANG wings as the USAF went to F-16Cs and they were much better equipped to deal with a greater variety of modern threats... as well as do expeditionary work. The AIM-4 Falcon was a terrible missile from experience in Vietnam and the F-106 had no other weapons other than the Nuclear Genie rocket which was not a good idea to use, ever. The J-75 was also a very loud and inefficient engine which put it at odds with neighbors of ANG bases which were often attached to civilian airports.

[@luisparga5707]

Tom Maddux

[@MajDogMeat]

1981-85 Minot AFB 5 FIS. Damn sweet plane and one hella engine that J75-P17!

[@stanschmitz5566]

I was there from '73-'75 working on the radar weapons system.

[@dblair1258]

'77 - '79 in the Comm Squadron. Loved to watch the 106s. :)

[@thethreeamigos4577]

I was there the same time as you, my first base, 83-85 until they brought in the F-15's, so I cross trained to F-16's (closer to the ground, never needed two step). I was a MA-1 tech....good memories (not a great location for a young 19 year old), but great squadron..never belonged to one any better since.

[@robertlassiter5808]

MajDogMeat why not Minot, freezins the reason.

[@robertbrowning5143]

I was there from '79-83. Ended up as Crew Chief on 59-0159B. loved that ACFT. Also had engine run and taxi license as a 23 yr old!

[@charlesbiggers1067]

Ma-1 tail 151 Tyndall AFB. 1977- 1980. The best years of my life!!

[@sten1939]

When I was a young boy in Helena Montana, I use to watch the National Guard F106s practice emergency operations out of the local civilian airport. The roar of their war power take offs powered the image of that young boy.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Pieces of history. Thank you for posting.

[@Thetequilashooter1]

My favorite aircraft when I was a young lad. Loved the lines and simply looks bad ass.

[@jrftworth]

I remember seeing the F106's at Griffiss AFB at their airshows. Really cool aircraft

[@saburusakai]

Back in the 80s, these guys would show up at all the air shows at Dobbins AFB, was great watchign them arrive. They wuold keep the nose up on landing and use the big wings as speed brakes. I enjoyed talking to the pilots.

[@migueldelacruz4799]

I'm thinking early 90s, look at the age of the cars in the background in the opening scenes.

[@FantaZ4U]

@@migueldelacruz4799 I saw these at Birmingham AL in the 1980's with F-102's, Stayed late to see them depart. They were beautiful powering up and rolling out. Quiet a fire show and have them all on photos still. Great day and open house there!

[@caribman10]

I was at Dart-Out, the official retirement ceremony for this wing of Sixes. It was fantastic and poignant. The Sixes at AC were so clean you could've eaten off the inside walls of the missile bays. Wish they's shown the starter carts, though.

[@knightflightvideo]

Great footage of an great aircraft. Thanks for sharing! :)

[@pr9383]

Spring 1988, I was vacationing in Williamsburg and Newport News, VA. area. While hiking at Sandy Bottom Nature Park (about 1.5 miles from the approach end of Runway 08 at Langley AFB) a pair of "Sixes" passed overhead. Only time I've ever seen them airborne. Very Cool!

[@johannbezuidenhout2976]

The F-106B is such a good looking Aircraft.

[@maestherc]

Wow…. That’s pretty emotional. It brings a tear to your eye. The end of an era….

[@philmontejano5971]

AWESOME when the burner kicks in and what a kick in the seat!

[@christopherhill3067]

I grew up at the end of runway 31 and watched those darts takeoff every day. Way later in life I joined the 177th. Such a full circle

[@davem.5147]

I enjoyed being part of ADC at Langley, VA in early 1970's. 106's A & B (2 seater) models were the birds. After servicing close air support Cessna aircraft in Bien-Hoa, Viet-Nam, the 106's was like another planet of technology. Sexy looking fuselage and when the alerts were on, the burners at night were sweet. " Get Some" still was heard on the flightline. Great time

[@timper4326]

Gorgeous jet, a classic in every way.

[@rescue270]

Last 106 I ever saw fly was in 1986 as it departed Kelly AFB, San Antonio, enroute to wherever it was going. I was on the Flying Club flightline working on one of their Cessnas. I had no idea any 106s were flying at that time. I remember the engine went silent at about 200 ft above the runway for about two seconds then burst back to life again. It just kept going until it was out of sight.

[@davidshepard3708]

Was stationed at McChord in the 80's at the 25th ADS working with 318 FIS. Beautiful machines.

[@kimisdaman]

Saw them flying all around the Puget Sound area. F-101s prior to that.

[@davidshepard3708]

@@kimisdaman And RCAF F-104's

[@edwinkania5286]

This had to be sometime in the 80's look at the OD green uniforms we switched out in 1990 to BDU's.

[@matthewimi]

Very last operational day for fatigues, I believe was around the first week of September, 1991. I was in basic training, and witnessed the last day of the fatigues. It was so weird

[@jimcrawford5603]

we switched to bdu's in 1985 in sac

[@WootTootZoot]

Last operational 106's went out in 88. A lot longer than it should have lasted, the damn thing was a pilot killer.

[@deanlucas761]

@@matthewimi Guard unit, last ones to adopt BDU's

[@matthewimi]

@@deanlucas761 I don't doubt that the guard units were the last to adopt the BDU uniform. All I'm testifying to is that on August 29th of 1991 I entered basic training, and sometime that week, or the week after, or whenever the hell it was, sometime in September, I saw personnel wearing the fatigues, & the very next day they were wearing bdu's, and I did not see one fatigue uniform after that. Ever.

[@herbboucher816]

BEAUTIFUL AIRCRAFT

[@FacelessMan777]

I flew C-130s with a guy that was a former F-106 pilot. I asked him about the aircraft and he said they would come over the fence with an approach speed of 210 knots, nose up, working the rudder pedals keeping it on centerline. He said it was a bitch to land. He said the nose up attitude and the visual cues on approach and landing made approaches a bit difficult.

[@nonamesplease6288]

I remember these as a kid in the 1980s. Not only did the odd one fly over my house, but there was at least one at every airshow I attended. Alas, I was a stupid kid, and I wanted to see the then new fighters, like F14's and 15's. Nevertheless, something attracted me about these planes because I still vividly remember them.