Some of us remember the flight from Dover of a B-17 named “Shoo Shoo Baby.” It flew from Dover Air Force Base to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in 1988. Shoo Shoo came in the cargo bay of a C-5. Its wings had been cut off to make it fit. Nothing was airworthy about this aircraft. But, 10 years later, Shoo Shoo was restored and flew back to the museum in Dayton.
The effort to restore this aircraft had been taken on by the 512th Airlift Wing as a community action project, to help involve the public and the Air Force in initiatives that would enhance goodwill and enable the Reserve wing to recruit. It was a tremendous undertaking that involved the whole base, as well as the public, and brought national attention to the project.
There were many Air Force members who contributed to the success of the monumental restoration of this airplane, but one who got little credit — and yet without whom this project could not have succeeded — just passed away.
Master Sgt. Raymond McCloskey was the lead mechanic and project director for most of the 10 years it took to complete this Herculean effort. He lived in Camden with his wife of 61 years, Annette McCloskey, and their family. An impressive man — of great strength and an uncompromising demand for quality in his work — Ray shall be missed, but his accomplishment lives on.
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Emmett Venett Jr.
Milford
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