'With The Swoose - the only surviving U.S. 'The early years of World War II were a time of both tragedy and heroism,' said Maj. Shipment of this unique aircraft from Washington, D.C., is in progress and it is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. DAYTON, Ohio (AFPN) - The Swoose, the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only 'D' model still in existence, was transferred from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of the U.S. 'The Swoose' finds new home at Air Force museum After repairs in 1942, it was renamed The Swoose - after a song about a bird that is half swan, half goose. The Air Force says the bomber, known as “The Swoose,” was originally called Ole Betsy and flew in the first combat mission in the Philippines after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The fuselage and other parts already have been transferred. Sarah Parke, spokeswoman for the National Museum of the United States Air Force, says the restoration process will take several years before going on display in Dayton. to be restored at the Air Force museum in Dayton. Oldest surviving B-17 moving from SmithsonianĭAYTON, Ohio - The oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress is leaving the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. USAF robs another museum for their own, The Swoose (oldest combat vet B-17D) moved to USAF Museum
