America's Military Bone Yards

 

Reviving America's Military Bone Yards: A New Frontier in Aerospace Engineering

The vast bone yards of ships, aircraft, and military equipment scattered across the United States are silent witnesses to the country's rich military history. These graveyards, filled with the remnants of once-mighty machines, hold untapped potential that can be harnessed to propel America into the future of aerospace technology. By recycling these materials, we can build the 6th generation Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jets with space capabilities, creating new jobs, boosting the economy, and positioning America ahead in the space race.

The Legacy of Military Bone Yards

Military bone yards, also known as storage and disposal facilities, have been part of the American landscape since the end of World War II. The largest and most famous of these is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), located in the Arizona desert. Known as "The Boneyard," AMARG spans over 2,600 acres and houses thousands of retired aircraft, ranging from B-52 bombers to F-4 Phantom fighters.

Other notable bone yards include the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) in Philadelphia and the Bremerton Shipyard in Washington. These facilities store decommissioned ships, submarines, and other naval assets. Over the decades, these yards have served as repositories for obsolete or surplus equipment, ready to be dismantled, scrapped, or occasionally reactivated.

Transforming History into Future Technology

Today, the skeletal remains of these military giants present a unique opportunity. The metals and materials in these bone yards are not only of high quality but are also imbued with historical significance. Recycling and repurposing these materials can significantly reduce the cost of developing new technologies.

1. Aircraft and Ship Recycling: The aluminum, titanium, and other alloys from retired aircraft and ships can be melted down and reformed to create components for the NGAD fighter jets. These materials, having withstood the rigors of military use, are ideal for the robust demands of next-generation aerospace technology.

2. Advanced Manufacturing: Modern manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and advanced metallurgy, can transform recycled materials into cutting-edge components. This process reduces waste and the environmental impact associated with mining and processing new raw materials.

3. Cost Savings: By leveraging existing resources, America can save billions of dollars in material costs. The initial investment in recycling infrastructure is outweighed by the long-term savings and the benefits of reduced dependence on foreign raw materials.

The Current State of Bone Yards

Today, bone yards like AMARG are still operational, meticulously maintaining the stored aircraft and equipment. Rows upon rows of aircraft are preserved in the arid climate, which minimizes corrosion. These facilities are managed with precision, ensuring that each piece of equipment can be easily accessed if needed.

Shipyards such as NISMF maintain a similar level of care, with decommissioned vessels moored and maintained to prevent deterioration. While some ships are slated for scrapping, others are kept in a state of readiness for potential reactivation or sale to allied nations.

Economic and Job Creation Potential

Recycling materials from these bone yards would create a surge of new jobs across various sectors:

1. Recycling and Manufacturing: Jobs in metal recycling, advanced manufacturing, and 3D printing would see significant growth.
2. Aerospace Engineering: The development of the NGAD fighters would require skilled engineers, technicians, and assembly workers.
3. R&D and Innovation: Investment in research and development would drive technological advancements, creating high-tech jobs and fostering innovation.

This initiative would not only provide employment but also stimulate local economies around the bone yards and manufacturing hubs.

America Ahead in the Space Race

The strategic reuse of military materials can catapult America to the forefront of the space race. The NGAD fighters with space capabilities represent a leap forward in aerospace technology, enhancing national security and ensuring dominance in both air and space.

By embracing this vision, America demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices, technological innovation, and economic resilience. The repurposing of military bone yards is not just a practical solution but a powerful symbol of how we can honor the past while building a future where America leads the way in aerospace technology.