A B-17E Flying Fortress bomber that crashed in a New Guinea swamp on Feb. 23, 1942, has been returned to the United States for restoration, possibly to flying condition, after years of salvage efforts. The Boeing-built bomber, which became known as Swamp Ghost after its discovery in 1972, was displayed Friday at the port of Long Beach, Calif., during a ceremony attended by relatives of the now-deceased aircrew. The aircraft is considered one of only four B-17Es ever recovered, according to Alfred Hagan, a leader of the salvage team. The B-17E made a belly landing on the north coast of Papua New Guinea after a bombing mission from Australia against Japanese forces on Rabaul in New Britain. The nine-member crew survived the ordeal and made it back to safety. (See Long Beach Press-Telegram report and NPR report). (See also Hagan’s Aero Archeology Web site.)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…