Moody holds F-86L Sabre dedication ceremony

by By Senior Airman Eileen Meier
23d Wing Public Affairs

4/30/2013 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Members of Team Moody came together to attend the F-86L Sabre dedication ceremony in honor of fallen U.S. Air Force pilot Maj. Lyn McIntosh at the President George W. Bush Air Park at Moody Field April 27, 2013.

The ceremony began with a prayer from U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Donald Bridges, who spoke about McIntosh and his brave actions as a fighter pilot.

"May this memorial serve to remind all those who pass by those scriptured words," said Bridges. "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for friends."

McIntosh was killed in a collision with two aircraft during Operation Eagle Claw in 1980. It was a mission ordered by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to end the Iran hostage situation.

Members of the McIntosh family were introduced at the ceremony, followed by the unveiling of McIntosh's name stenciled on the side of the F-86. His three sons Mark, Stuart and Scott McIntosh joined Col. Edward Ford, 23d Mission Support Group commander, on the stage to unveil the plaque dedicated to their father.

Col. Billy Thompson, 23d Wing commander, took the podium to say a few words.

"Two days ago we marked 33 years since (McIntosh) gave his life during Operation Eagle Claw, a rescue attempt of 52 American hostages held in Tehran, Iran," said Thompson. "His heroic actions and this aircraft will forever leave Major McIntosh and the Flying Tigers with Moody AFB .

"Major McIntosh embodied the motto by which our rescue community lives: These things we do, that others may live," said Thompson. "We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the McIntosh family and the city of Valdosta for allowing Major McIntosh's legacy to be a part of ours. It's truly an honor."

In 1961 the F-86 was loaned to the city of Valdosta from the U.S. Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base , Ohio, to be displayed as a monument representing the close community ties with Moody.

Shortly after McIntosh was killed on April 25, 1980, it was rededicated in his honor because of his native ties with the town. Twenty-two years later, consent was received from assigned custodians of the F-86 and the McIntosh family to relocate the vintage aircraft to Moody AFB.

With a group effort of base and local agencies, the F-86 arrived at Moody April 25, 2012, the 32nd anniversary of McIntosh's death.

"I think this aircraft and memorial does nothing more than strengthen the bonds between the base and our city," said Thompson. "We truly appreciate how much of a piece of history this F-86 is.
"I say it all the time, but I truly believe we couldn't do what we do at Moody without the unfailing support of the local communities," he added.