Baghdad Express Debuts at Shaw

An F-111 Aardvark that once served with the 20th Fighter Wing took its place this week on display at Shaw AFB, S.C., after refurbishment by wing technicians. Airmen restored the F-111E, nicknamed the Baghdad Express, in the authentic markings it wore during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. On Aug. 13, the Aardvark joined the four other 20th FW heritage jets on display at the base, according to a Shaw release. Wing officials plan to formally dedicate the F-111 in a special ceremony next month. The aircraft, serial number 68-0039, flew with the 20th FW from 1970 to 1993 before the unit moved from RAF Upper Heyford, England, to Shaw in 1994, states the release. It had been in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., prior to its transport to Shaw in February. (Shaw report by A1C Krystal Jeffers)