A Brief note about Mr Stokes...
With more than 37 years as a full time artist, Stan has produced literally hundreds of paintings documenting historical events, people and places. He researches his subjects to assure the accuracy of the smallest detail to preserve its relationship in time. His work hangs in two presidential libraries.
Commissioned by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, CA, his 12 foot by 120 foot mural of the "History of the Flying White House" is on permanent display in the new Air Force One Pavilion. In addition, Stan's painting of the "U.S.S. Ronald Reagan" is hanging in the Legacy Room of the library. So on with the pics...
First up "First Flight of the Blackbird"
Stan Stokes depiction on the first flight of Kelly Johnsons masterpiece.
Next Up "Cold War Encounter"...
The F-106 was often referred to as the Cadillac of the Century Series, in reference to the series of F-100 USAF fighters dating back to the F-100. In Stan Stokes painting, appropriately entitled Cold War Encounter, a Russian Tupolev Bear Bomber tests US air defenses over Alaska. An F-106 from the Air Defense Command scrambles to intercept the unwelcome intruder. The Bear is no match for the Delta Dart, and takes a heading to leave US airspace.
Third in our Series tonite "Fallen Eagle" Mr Stokes tribute to Everett Alvarez...
Lt.(jg) Everett Alvarez would become the first pilot shot down and captured over North Vietnam. It would be eight-and-one-half years later that Alvarez would be released, having endured hardships which would have broken anyone of less than the highest faith and courage. Everett Alvarez retired from the Navy in 1980, and was later a Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, and Deputy Director of the Veterans Administration.
Next up "In the Talons of Eagles"
On the morning of January 17, 1991 a USAF strike force comprised of F-16s, F-15s, F-4G Wild Weasels, and EF-111s left its airbase at Tabuk and headed for their target area the Al Taqaddum Airfield. Leading a group of eight F-15 Eagles on this mission was USMC Capt. Charles Magill, who was on exchange with the Air Force. On their way to the target area the F-15s from the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing received information from an E-3 AWACS aircraft than a pair of Iraqi Mig-29s were just south of the intended target area. When the Migs turned and became a threat to the task force, Captain Magill split his flight into two four aircraft formations. As he took his flight towards the Migs, the other four F-15s continued to sweep the area for other bogies. As the two Migs turned back into them at a low altitude, Magill fired two AIM-7M Sparrows from a higher altitude at his target. Magill bagged one of the Migs while the second was downed by Captain Rhory Dreger.
Fifth in tonites adventure is "The Killer Bs"
With a little luck I will get to see the B-2 Spirit in person in two weeks, hope hope hope!
Last is "Outward Bound"
A depiction of a Northwest Airlines Boeing Stratocruiser as it head out over Manhattan.
Well that is it for tonite folks have a great weekend and we will see you next week.
Regards
alfa6 ;>}
