The B-52 Osiris, with its storied history, has found its final home at the Tillamook Air Museum, after an enjoyable rechristening by Miss Bangor Maine, the Maine Beauty Queen who christened the plane all those years ago. The restored forward fuselage of the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2579 was unveiled by the Tillamook Air Museum on April 1st, 2023 where visitors could view the cockpit and offensive stations. The event was packed for a rainy Saturday, with visitors from around the world, and around the county.
In 1964, Sherry was crowned “Miss Bangor” (Maine). As part of her duties, she was tasked with christening a B-52 Stratofortress at Dow Air Force Base in Maine, the “City of Bangor.” This was a significant event for Sherry, as it was her first time ever seeing a B-52 up close. She was impressed by the size and power of the aircraft, and she was honored to be a part of its christening.
The B-52G was built by Boeing in Wichita, Kansas and delivered to the United States Air Force on September 23rd, 1960. It served with the 397th Bombardment Wing at Dow AFB in Bangor, Maine until 1968. In 1972, it was deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam as part of Operation Bullet Shot. After its deployment to Guam, the aircraft was stationed at various bases across the continental United States.
It acquired several more nicknames during this time, including “Soiee”, “Armed & Ready/Make My Day”, “Heavy Metal”, “Boodrow”, and “Osiris”. The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that was first introduced into service in 1955. It is one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world, and it has played a major role in many of the United States’ military conflicts.
The re-christening ceremony was a major event for the Tillamook Air Museum. It was a chance to celebrate the history of the B-52 Stratofortress, and it was also a chance to honor Sherry for her role in the aircraft’s history.
After the Gulf War, the plane was retired and cut into five pieces. The cockpit was saved and restored by the Southern Utah Aviation Museum. When the museum went out of business, the cockpit was sold to Doug Scroggins of Scroggins Aviation Mockup & Effects. The cockpit was vandalized with spray paint and power washed, which ruined the paint job. Scroggins Aviation subsequently loaned the B-52 to the Tillamook Air Museum, where it is currently being restored to its original condition.
The Tillamook Air Museum is dedicated to interpreting, preserving, educating, and honoring the history of Naval Air Station Tillamook, Hangar B, and all aspects of civil and military aviation. The museum has dozens of exhibits and artifacts, planes and photographs and of course, Hangar B – the structure itself is well-worth a visit.
Watch highlights of the event here: