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Unique JSOH aircraft display their colors proudly

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tabitha N. Haynes
  • Air Force District of Washington
Joint Base Andrews, Md. --  Walking around the 2012 Joint Service Open House on Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 18 - 20, guests get an eclectic view of military aviation. The view ranges from retired bombers, restored planes now found in museums, to active aircraft flown in for static display. There is one thing that they many of them have in common - unique paint jobs that dress each of them individually.

As visitors approach each aircraft, the paint job could undeniably be the first thing someone notices.

For example, the close air support (CAS) B-24A Liberator on display at 2012 JSOH had guests stopping in their paths to snap photos of Diamond Lil - the brown hair, blue eye pin up girl that represents the aircrafts call sign.

She has taken many forms over the years.

"Formerly she was painted in tan with blue background to blend with the sky during the day for flying," said Jim Neill, who travels with the aircraft to inform guests of its history. She disappeared for a while, but came back darker and bolder to blend in with the night sky.

It was known for costume changes to enter into countries peacefully, and then look differently during missions once in, said Neill.

However, like the retired B-24A aircraft, the CAS ACU-130 gunship that currently hovers over troops to provide aerial protection also has its own call sign painted on the side.

The image of the dual target attack ghost - its squadron's mascot - is fitting for the mission of the aircraft.

"This CAS aircraft is used to provide troops aerial support while they are on ground missions," said Staff Sgt. Shane Rodriguez, ACU-130 crew member.

They ACU-130 can provide aerial attack from all around the troops it is covering.

As guests enjoy the views of the air show, they will continue to see unique signs and illustrations that represent each aircraft individually.

Using paint as a way to boost the morale of troops, disguise the aircraft for a mission and provide the machine an identity goes back through aviation history. Those years of history were on display at the 2012 JSOH.