Check Six – Early 1950s: Pilot Recruiting

Posted on Dec 10, 2021 in Check Six
Hawaii Air National Guard photograph – click to enlarge

This undated photograph shows a North American Aviation F-86E Sabre on the University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa campus. The 199th Fighter Squadron transitioned from Republic Aviation F-47N Thunderbolts into the jet age. There was a need for more pilots as the older pilots with World War II experience retired or moved on in their civilian careers.

Recruited pilots were commissioned and received their wings through the Aviation Cadet Program. Most pilots flew the F-86 Sabres before transitioning to the Convair F-102 Delta Daggers. Some remained in the 199th Fighter Squadron into the McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom era.

Related article: Check Six: Aviation Cadet Training for National Guard Enlisted Personnel

Webmaster comment: the F-86 appears to be on the lawn on the corner of University Avenue and Dole Street.