Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, showcases its nose art at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. The Great Artiste is a converted SB-29 rescue aircraft painted to look like the original after it was heavily damaged and scrapped following a crash in September 1949 at Goose Bay Air Base, Labrador, Canada. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Crissman, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems technician, washes The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. Crissman, along with several other volunteers, worked throughout the morning to wash the aircraft and restore its signature shine. The Silverplate B-29s were a special variant of the aircraft, removing much of the armor and defensive armaments to facilitate the ability to carry the first atomic bombs. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Crissman, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems technician, and U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Adam Shike, 509th AMXS aerospace propulsion technician, wash The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. Airmen from the 509th and 131st AMXS volunteered to wash the B-29 as part of routine upkeep. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Crissman, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems technician, rinses The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. The Great Artiste was the only B-29 in the 509th Composite Group to fly during both atomic bombing missions on August 6 and 9, 1945, during World War II. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clay Walton, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, right, and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Robert Crissman, a 509th AMXS electrical and environmental systems technician, move a fire hose while washing the Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. Airmen from the 509th and 131st AMXS volunteered to wash and maintain this historic aircraft as part of routine upkeep. . (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Clay Walton, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, washes The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. The 509th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department loaned out fire hoses to help Airmen wash the static displays across base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)

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Volunteers from 509th, 131st AMXS wash B-29 static display

Published Oct. 2, 2020
By Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Great Artiste, a Silverplate B-29 Superfortress, showcases its nose art at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 15, 2020. The Great Artiste is a converted SB-29 rescue aircraft painted to look like the original after it was heavily damaged and scrapped following a crash in September 1949 at Goose Bay Air Base, Labrador, Canada. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Parker J. McCauley)