The Lockheed T-33 “T-Bird” aircraft on display south of Tiger Stadium is being relocated to a more prominent location on South Stadium Drive at Field House Drive on Nov. 12.
The aircraft was loaned to Military Science on Dec. 6, 1966, by the United State Air Force, and it is one of only eight in the nation located on a college campus.
Tammy Millican, Assistant Director of Organizational Planning & External Relations, said the decision was made because the expansions of Tiger Stadium began to overshadow the aircraft’s location. She said when it was first donated, expansions of Tiger Stadium had not yet taken place.
“It was no longer a great setting for visitors to come by and see the plane,” Millican said.
She said the Athletic and Facility Services met after expansions began taking place to discuss what should be done about the aircraft’s location. She said visitors were coming in and out, and at some point, damage was done to the plane. The new site was approved for relocation by the Facility Design & Development Committee on June 9 and by the Air Force on June 30.
Millican said the new location is ideal because it is adjacent to the Military Science building on campus. The new location also provides an attractive green space with seating for visitors.
“[It is] the 50th anniversary this year since the original dedication, so it’s very interesting that we’re moving it this year, but I think it’s going to be a great location and we’ll see a lot of visitors to the site,” Millican said.
Air Force civil engineers from the now closed England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana, assembled the original stand for the aircraft mount.
The plaque at the base reads:
In memory of the LSU students who have died in the defense of their nation during the jet age. Dedicated 6 December 1966 by the Capt. Frank S. Hagan Squadron, Arnold Air Society, Louisiana State University.
T-33 “T-Bird” aircraft to be moved away from Tiger Stadium
By Natalie Anderson | @natalie_mechell
November 3, 2016
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