Tag: Millville Army Air Field Museum

The Trio

A trio of vintage American cars stand proudly, their bonnets upraised like flags of honour.

At the 2011 Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow, three vintage American muscle cars stood out, their hoods raised suggesting these cars were symbols of pride for their owners. The first, a classic Ford Mustang in deep blue, featured the iconic galloping horse emblem. Its sleek 1960s design and '289' badge hinted at the enduring power that has captivated enthusiasts for over five decades.

Adjacent to the Mustang, a glossy black Chevrolet, likely from the early 1950s, also showcased its exposed engine compartment. Its curvaceous body and chrome accents reflected an era when cars were significant statements of style and status in the United States.

On the right, a Chevrolet Super Sport from the muscle car's golden age, spanning the late 1960s to the early 1970s, proudly displayed its '350' insignia, representing an engine that contributed to the American horsepower competition. Its sky-blue exterior and racing stripes declared its heritage—a lineage defined by speed and raw power.

1950’s Buick

In the 1950s, Buick was synonymous with luxury and elegance.

Classic cars were among the attractions at the 2011 Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow. While I wanted to continue to enjoy the show, due to the hot and humid weather, Shaan and Kiran were eager to leave. On our way out, we encountered a display of vintage cars.

One classic Buick, glistening in the sunlight, captured the spirit of a bygone era. Its chrome detailing gleamed against the lemon-yellow body, showcasing meticulous maintenance and mid-20th-century American automotive craftsmanship and style.

The circular headlights, encased in reflective chrome bezels, harkened to an earlier era. The prominent 'BUICK' lettering below the iconic 'ventiport' porthole design, introduced in the 1940s, proclaimed its identity.

The vertical slats of the grille resembled a metallic smile, hinting at the power beneath the hood. Adorning the grille was the unmistakable Buick emblem, a symbol that has graced the marque's creations for generations.

Although the exact make and model remain unknown, the styling cues suggest it could be from the 1950s, a time when Buick epitomised luxury and elegance.

McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk

This photograph from the 2011 Millville Wings and Wheels Airshow is a profile of a McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) T-45 Goshawk military trainer. The T-45 Goshawk is framed against a background tableau of Americana, complete with the Stars and Stripes fluttering in the background. Its nose is painted in vivid orange with the number '303' prominently displayed.

This T-45 Goshawk was a mainstay of the United States Navy for training purposes. The sharp contrast of the orange and white livery is not just for aesthetics; it ensures high visibility during training exercises. This colour scheme is often associated with training units, where visibility is paramount for safety. The T-45 Goshawk, a derivative of the British Aerospace Hawk, was introduced in the 1990s.

The cockpit canopy hides the sophisticated controls that have guided pilots through rigorous training regimens. The words 'U.S. NAVY' along the fuselage declare its service, while the 'Hawk' moniker on the engine cover suggests the agility and prowess—attributes essential to training aerocraft that prepare pilots for the challenging environments of combat.

The letters L.COR "ELF" Kibler is written on the side, perhaps suggesting its current trainer.

The text 'Hawk' over 'CVN AIR INTAKE' suggests the aerocraft's compatibility with aeroplane carrier operations, pointing to the 'CVN', the hull classification symbol for nuclear-powered aerocraft carriers. This detail highlights the Goshawk's role in naval aviation, providing an important link between ground-based training and the complexities of carrier operations.