Did you know that the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express has been lost in plain sight for years? This veteran warbird now stands proudly at the Museum of Flight’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Let me tell you its story.
The Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express rolled off the Wichita Kansas production line in 1960. It served in Strategic Air Command for its entire career. Before finding its current home, the Midnight Express sat in open storage at Paine Field after retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1991.
This impressive bomber earned its nickname “Midnight Express” during its service. It flew 15305 flight hours. The Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express took part in the Linebacker II bombing campaign over Vietnam in December 1972. This operation directly influenced negotiations for the U.S. departure from the conflict.
To move the aircraft to its new home, the museum disassembled the massive bomber. Some components made their way by road to Seattle. The final sections included two 100-foot wings and the 170-foot-long fuselage. These were trucked on separate flatbeds to Boeing Field. The move took place between midnight and 4 a.m. to minimize traffic congestion.
The arrival of the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express was a major event. The public joined in a welcoming celebration at the Museum’s Aviation Pavilion.
The Museum of Flight undertook “Project Welcome Home” to restore the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express. This project created an outdoor Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park at the museum. The park opened in May 2019. It features a statue depicting a returning aviator. Five military branch flags honor veterans who served between 1955 and 1975.
A curved tribute wall surrounds the Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express. It includes personal plaques of remembrance for friends and family. The park also offers a native meadow with seasonal wildflowers. It provides space for small gatherings and larger events.
The Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express includes a large wing-to-body fairing. It was installed on the wing’s leading edge. This allowed the airplane to carry cruise missiles. This also enabled the Russians to track the airplanes by satellite. This ensured U.S. compliance with treaty terms. The museum had to contact the Pentagon every time they moved the airplane. The Pentagon would relay the information to their counterpart in Russia.
The Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express now serves as a focal point. It lets visitors reflect on the nearly 8000 other U.S. military aircraft lost during the Vietnam War. It stands as a testament to the brave men and women who served. The Boeing B-52G Stratofortress 59-2584 Midnight Express ensures their sacrifices are never forgotten.