General Jumper visits Pacific Coast Air Museum

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lindsey Hahn
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AFPN) --  Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper visited here Oct. 16 for a dedication ceremony at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.

At the event, a restored F-106A Delta Dart was dedicated in honor and remembrance of General Jumper’s father, Maj. Gen. Jimmy Jumper, and the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, the squadron he commanded at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

“It’s an honor and privilege to have the general and his family at our museum,” said Jim Cook, museum president. “We are honoring the entire family’s dedication and service to the U.S. Air Force.”

Col. Joe Rogers, a close friend of the Jumper family, began restoring of the aircraft four months ago. Although Colonel Rogers could not attend the ceremony because of an injury, he was the driving force behind the project and ceremony.

The chief of staff’s father started his military career as an enlisted man in 1941, and received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1944 after graduating from the aviation cadet program at Moore Field, Texas. During his career, he amassed more than 5,200 flying hours, mainly in the F-106, and, along with the 48th FIS, he also commanded the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, N.M. He passed away in 1979.

Colonel Rogers also flew the Delta Dart, breaking the world speed record of 1,525 mph on Dec. 15, 1959. Although the museum originally planned to dedicate the aircraft to him and his service, Colonel Rogers requested it be dedicated to his close friend instead.

General Jumper reminisced about his experience growing up at Langley AFB where his father commanded June 1961 to July 1964.

“We all grew up knowing that we would be part of something bigger than ourselves,” General Jumper said.

He also talked about visiting new Airmen as they graduate from basic military training at Lackland AFB, Texas, and the pride those Airmen have as they join the Air Force.

Referring to the comments he hears from parents as they see the change in their son or daughter after they graduate, he said, “You introduce leadership, purpose and pride into the lives of these young Airmen, and human nature takes over.”

The family unveiled the aircraft and received rides in restored P-51 Mustangs and a B-25 Mitchell.