Lincoln man trying to preserve city’s Air Force base history

Back when the fear of war loomed around every corner and the Soviet Union was the countries greatest enemy, Lincoln was home to one the most important Air Force bases in the country.

Only a few remnants of base’s rich history remain, but one man is on a mission to preserve it.

“A lot of veterans from that time period are really getting on in age. History is fading away and it’s really important to get those stories from our grandparents and great grandparents of what once was,” Robert Branting, the founder of the Lincoln Air Force Base Legacy Project said.

Branting began digging into the Lincoln Air Force base’s history as a teen after hearing stories from his father.

Airpark was home to the base for nearly two decades during the 1950’s and 60’s and it played a large role in the city’s economy.

“The Cold War was really getting underway there was the threat of nuclear attack. Basically you look out here at Lincoln Airport and there was a reminder of that at all times.”

Bombers, tankers, and missiles stood ready to deploy until the mid 1960’s as the country’s focus shifted the Vietnam War.

The base was decommissioned in 1966 and much of its land was acquired by the Lincoln Airport Authority for industrial space.

Few signs of the base’s former glory remain.

“Lincoln’s aviation history aside from the Cold War role at Lincoln, there’s just so much to it. It could definitely fill a museum.”

Filling a museum is Branting’s dream. He hopes to transform the former Cold War base chapel, near NW 48th and West Douglas Streets, into a showcase of Lincoln’s great aviation history, so memories of the once thriving base don’t fly away, never to return.

If you would like to learn more about the plans for a museum, the Lincoln Air Force Base Legacy Project is holding a meeting February 16, 2019 AT 6:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Army Air Field Regimental Chapel located at 4601 NW 48th Street. You can find out more information about the meeting by clicking here.