|
 The C-141 StarLifter, affectionately known as the Hanoi Taxi, received a makeover at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins AFB, Georgia, before returning to its home at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, last fall. The C-141 was the first aircraft to airlift American prisoners of war who were released on 12 February 1973 from North Vietnam. Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Edward J. Mechenbier, one of the POWs repatriated aboard the aircraft, piloted it back to Wright-Patterson. The aircraft, which has been upgraded to a C-141C, is one of four C-141s now flown by the 445th AW that was used in Operation Homecoming, as the Vietnam POW airlift was called. The Hanoi Taxi’s name comes from the POW signatures on the flight engineer’s panel, which now serves as the centerpiece of what is essentially a flying museum. The Hanoi Taxi has been selected for eventual display at the Air Force Museum. |
