leased from Laker from February until May 1998 (photographer unknown)

Arizona Air National Guard

Nov 10, 1955. Delivery USAF November 1955 322nd Fighter-Day Group, Foster September 1957 450th Fighter-Day Wing, Foster May 1958 North American Aviation October 1959 4520th Combat Crew Training Wing, Nellis January 1963 North American Aviation April 1963 4510th Combat Crew Training W, Luke June 1964 184th Tactical Fighter G Kansas ANG McConnell July 1968 4510th Combat Crew Training W, Luke February 1969 354th Tactical Fighter W, Kunsan, Korea. June 1969 Tactical fighter G Ohio ANG, Lockbourne July 1969 162nd Tactical Fighter G, Arizona ANG May 1972 Davis-Montham May 1976 Pima Museum

This F-100C is painted in the markings of the 4510th C CTW at Luke AFB. It actually was last active with the 162nd TFTG/AzANG. The aircraft received its name (Discovery) thanks to its participation in the commemoration of the 350th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in 1957, Virginia: Discovery was the name of one of the ships that sailed to the new English colony Virginia, which led to the founding of Jamestown in 1607.

Stored at Davis Monthan AFB with park code FE174 in 1972. To the museum in 1973. Painted in the 1968 markings of the 4510th Combat Crew Training Wing based at Luke AFB by 2011.

Stored at Davis Monthan AFB with park code FE174 in 1972. To the museum in 1973.

Seen at the ceremony to exchange Discovery for Enterprise at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy museum at IAD. Discovery is now displayed there just as it appeared after its last flight.

On display at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum. Named after a sailing ship that had pioneered scientific research, Discovery flew its first mission in 1984 and last in 2011 for a total of 39 spaceflights, more than any other Space Shuttle or spacecraft. It spent 365 days in space and clocked more than 238 million km. Reinforced carbon-carbon on the nose cone differs in color with the tessellation of 30,757 silica tiles forming the heat shield.

Of all the larger exhibits at the NASM Udvar-Hazy Center I presumed beforehand that this Shuttle would interest me the least. However, once actually up close to 'Discovery' I was completely starstruck, just trying to comprehend fully what it had experienced and what it had achieved was quite awe-inspiring.

The business end of 'Discovery'. After a total of exactly one year in space she has earned her retirement at the NASM Udvar-Hazy center.