Bell Helicopter is refurbishing an AH-1J (159226) to mount on a pole here in Hurst, TX (aka Ft Worth). I did some research and found that it was first delivered to HMA-169 in April 1975. It could very well be one of the cobras in the picture on popasmoke (photo#443).

Also, Bell is wondering who the first pilots were for the a/c. But in place of that hard-to-get info, they may just put the CO and XOs names on the display. Do you recall who they were?

Lastly, they would also like to put a Plane Captain name on the side. Do you perhaps know of a particular individual that stood out at the time? Since the a/c traded hands through the years, I had considered offering the honor to MGySgt John Agee, who is currently the senior 6019 in the Corps. He is due to reture in December I think.

Anyway, if you could help out that would be great. And if you might have any photos of that a/c specifically....even better.

S/F
GySgt Pilkington
H-1 Program Office Rep BHTI