In open storage for possible future firebomber conversion at the Greybull base of Hawkins & Powers Aviation. Still showing traces of its last period of military service, as O-30208 with the 197th ARS / 161st ARG of the Arizona Air National Guard. Delivered new to the USAF in 1953 as a KC-97G, 53-0208. Upgraded to KC-97L standard in 1964. Registered as N1386R with Dross Metals in 1981. Bought by H&P in March 1982 and re-registered N397HP in October 1982. Eventually broken up at Greybull in 2014.

Arizona Air Guard titles

K25 slide scan. Built 1955 as KC-97G 53-208 for USAF, later redesignated KC-97L, retired to MASDC 1977. Dross Metals N1386R 1981, Hawkins and Powers N397HP 1982, stored Greybull. Partly dismantled 2014 recovering retardant tank for use in N1365N.

A snowstorm does not stop me from taking pictures of classic aircraft.

Still in its Arizona Air Guard markings with "0-30208" on the fin and a modest "Air Guard Number 1" nose art on the lower forward fuselage, with MASDC inventory number CH619 just below it.

Former Arizona ANG 53-0208

A former Arizona Air National Guard aircraft with titles still visible.

If it wasn't for the shrubs and the two propellers on loan we could be looking at an operational Stratotanker here. Former 53-0208 survived Dross Metals and was sitting in the plain, enjoying the Bighorn Mountain view. Would she be reminiscing the days of droning through the air with a trail of thirsty fighters? [Nikon F100, Provia 100F]