Those who drive past Cuba, Mo, along I-44, will spot an airplane standing guard at Cuba Municipal Airport. This C-12 aircraft was transferred through the Federal Donation Program, a program operated by the Missouri State Agency for Surplus Property (MOSASP).
When a C-12 aircraft became available, the City of Cuba jumped on the opportunity to have a plane displayed at the city airport. The city was granted the craft in June, 2017, which meant the hard part began. Since the plane was located in North Carolina, this meant a team had to tackle the daunting task of bringing the craft back to Missouri.
Leading the mission was Retired United States Army Colonel Don Fuchs. He had to get the assistance of several volunteers, along with planning logistics of moving such a large item. Working with MOSASP Office Manager Tammy Anderson, Don was able to lay out a plan that would allow the transfer of an aircraft, which included dismantling and reconstructing it once brought back to the Show-Me-State.
Logistics took longer than expected. Volunteers had to be found with the right expertise along with making sure they could request leave from their jobs at a certain time. Much planning took place, along with making sure the financial factor met expectations.
Tammy worked diligently and patiently with Don while relaying updates to the General Services Administration (GSA).
In early 2019, the first of two trips was planned to pick up the airplane. Dismantling of the wings began, but only a portion of the plane came back. The second trip was completed in April of 2019, which included bringing back the fuselage.
Overall, it took three semi-truck loads, 13 people on site, countless man-hours, financial cost in moving such a large piece of property, and logistics to tackle this project.
Once back in Missouri, the team reconstructed the aircraft and placed at the end of the runway at Cuba Municipal Airport. The local American Legion, the Disabled Veterans of America, and the VFW contributed financially to the project, which was dedicated shortly thereafter.