B47E_07071

From the plaque located in front of 51-7071

On April 22, 1955 Col. Audrin R. Walker, 96th Bombardment Wing Commander, landed this, the first bomber on the runway of Altus Air Force Base.

In special ceremonies attended by a number of prominant national, state and local figures, the bomber was christened "The City of Altus" with an easy-breaking bottle containing mixtures of waters from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and from Lake Altus. The blending of the waters was symbolic of the Stratojet's defensive capabilities for the entire United States.

Built by the Boeing Aircraft Company, Tulsa, Oklahoma, the bomber was then the best in the world with a long striking range. It could refuel in mid-air and fly around the world without landing. Wingspan - 116 feet; length 107 feet; overall weight - 230,000 pounds; powered by six J47 General Electric turbojets with 6,000 pounds thrust each; speed was in the 600 miles per hour class; ceiling was more than 40,000 feet; required a crew of three - pilot, co-pilot and navigator-bombardier.

The plane was given to the city of Altus by the Air Force with special ceremonies on Armed Forces Day, May 12, 1961.

Special thanks to Joe and Holley Urbanski for their assistance