History’s Higher Ground

Using all-terrain forklifts and military trucks, airmen of the 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Offutt AFB, Neb., snatched rare artifacts from the clutches of the rising Missouri River. Teamed with the Omaha Parks Department, Boy Scouts, and veterans, these airmen saved military vehicles and weapons on display at Omaha’s Freedom Park from flood waters, moving them to higher ground at Offutt. “The city did not have a vehicle available to remove items from the flooded facility due to the depth of the water,” said Maj. Melvin Maxwell, 55th LRS commander. The airmen helped move delicate items, such as a submarine fire control system and a collection of anti-aircraft weapons, on June 1. “Large ships, aircraft, and other components unlikely to be damaged were secured in place by the city,” noted Maxwell. (Offutt report by Ryan Hansen)