F-106A Delta Dart
The Delta Dart already had some visibility in the museum through the exhibition of the F-106 flight simulator that was assigned here in the 1970’s. The museum now has an actual plane from the 95th Fighter Interceptor Squadron that was stationed here in 1972. The Dart first flew in 1956 and a squadron of the delta wing interceptors was stationed at Dover AFB with the 95th from 1963 to 1973. An all weather interceptor known for its efficiency and ability to counter bomber aircraft up to 70,000 feet, the F-106A had a maximum speed of 1,525 mph (Mach 2.3) and a range of 1,500 miles. It carried four Falcon missiles and one Genie nuclear rocket. Starting in 1972, the 106’s were transferred to the 177th Fighter Interceptor Group at Atlantic City, NJ, making the Delta Dart the last type of fighter assigned to the Dover AFB. Put out to pasture as a fighter plane in the mid-1980s, the F-106 was put to work as a Target Drone for fighter pilot training. After many were expended in that program most of the remaining handful were sunk in the Florida Gulf to form an artificial reef for fish.
My dad – Major Clark (Bud) Abbott flew the “six” at Bunker Hill, then we transferred to Selfridge AFB where he was the Ops Officer for the 71st FIS. I remember several things as a kid from that time: I rarely saw my dad in anything other than an orange flight suit, the fierce competition they had w the 95 FIS, the big hanger fire there that destroyed some 106s, and my dad’s love for that aircraft. Also several funny stories from Elmendorf deployments – his wingman trying to fly over the northern lights, missile bay loaded w king salmon then getting diverted on a real Russian intercept. They lived hard and fast!
I was stationed and worked in the same office as your dad from September 1962 until February 1964. He was a good man. In the same office was Captain (later Lt Gen) Harry Goodall and SSgt Bill Schroeder, the second recipient of the artificial heart. I still remember them as if it was yesterday.
I was stationed at Dover AFB 1965 to 1968 working as a Flight Line MA-1 Tech for the 95th FIS. I also was a ground aircraft engine run man. This was a great experience working on the F-106s electronics and the power of that great aircraft.
Was assigned to the 95th FIS out of tech school, MA-1 technician, and would have worked on this aircraft.
59-0023 was assigned to the 119th Fighter Squadron until at least April 1988, because I flew it on 4 April.
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment. After cross-referencing some of the data we have I’ve updated the entry regarding when it went to Davis-Monthan AFB to 11 Jul 1988 (originally 22 May 1978). Thank you for your service, your eagle-eyes for catching the mistake, and being someone who has first-hand experience with our aircraft! If you have the time it’d be great to hear about some of your adventures in F-106s.
DOVER AFB was my first active duty station after Tech School. So to see your F106 is a real honor. I was stationed with the 95TH FIS from March 1969 to August 1970. During this time the 95TH was sent TDY to Osan AB, Korea from Nov 1969 till May 1970 to fly missions over the north. I spent this time at Naha AB, Okinawa , because there was no hanger space at Osan. I left Dover in August 1970 to go to Vietnam, where I was stationed at Nha Trang AB. I spent the rest of my Air Force career working on C130s. But I will always have fond memories of my time at Dover AFB. I am a meusem member, although I have only been there once, which was a long time ago. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK…
I was also at Dover from 1966 to 68, sent to Naha and then to Osan Korea T.D.Y. 3 times during 68 &69 . I worked on F106s as a JET ENGINE MECH. Please respond if you have more info
HI SAL…I HAVE NOT BEEN ONLINE TO VISIT THIS SITE FOR AWHILE…I DO NOT HAVE ANY DOCUMENTATION OR COPIES OF ORDERS FROM MY TIME AT DOVER…IF YOU OR ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO WRITE ME, I WOULD WELCOME ANY LETTERS… napakirby1187@yahoo.com [Admin Comment: Home address removed and replaced with email address]
AS I SAID BEFORE, I THINK THE AMC MUSEUM IS DOING A GREAT JOB…I ALWAYS CHERISHED MY TIME AT DOVER AFB, BACK THEN, IN ADDITION TO THE F-106S, WE HAD C-141S, C-133S, AND A FEW C-124S W/ THE AF RESERVE…THANK YOU…CHUCK
Hi , my name is Sal I was at Dover from 1966 to 68 . Went to Naha Okinawa then to Korea. I thought I was at Osan AB but I was at Suwon instead. My orders don’t show either base