Misplaced Pages

#929070

41-508: The airline division, Evergreen International Airlines , operated worldwide, in 168 countries, and by the end had been reduced to a fleet of all-cargo Boeing 747 freighters. The company also operated a helicopter division, Evergreen Helicopters which was sold to Erickson Air-Crane , an Oregon-based helicopter operator, for $ 250 million in 2013. Faced with bankruptcy and tax investigations, Evergreen ceased all aviation-related operations in 2013 and shut down in 2014. Delford M. Smith founded

82-582: A CIA front) in 1975 to form Evergreen International Airlines, a United States supplemental air carrier (i.e. charter carrier). The holding company, Evergreen International Aviation , formed in 1979, wholly owned the airline. Evergreen also purchased the assets of Air America which had provided fixed wing and helicopter support for the CIA in southeast Asia during the Vietnam conflict. Evergreen served as an Agency front widely over its history: Wherever there

123-657: A conventional U.S. Forest Service firefighting air tanker such as the Lockheed P-3 Orion turboprop. The airline division conducted some scheduled passenger operations with Douglas DC-8 jet and Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop aircraft with Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis / St. Paul (MSP), Seattle (SEA) and Spokane (GEG) being served in 1978. The company also operated a commuter airline, Evergreen Airspur, in southern California with de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter STOL turboprops in 1985. Evergreen

164-720: A paramilitary front company founded by the CIA in 1951 for operations in Taiwan. In late 1957, missions were staged from Kurmitola Air Field in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh ) to parachute agents into Tibet . The aircraft was disassembled for parts at Clark Air Base , Philippines between March and October 1958, and it is believed that this plane was eventually scrapped. The serial number 44-85531 appeared again as registered on another B-17G, 1 September 1960 registered to Atlantic General Enterprise, Washington DC (another CIA front) as N809Z. These registration numbers were then changed to

205-555: Is a non-towered , county-owned, public-use airport located 8 miles (7.0 nmi; 13 km) northwest of the central business district of Marana , in Pinal County , Arizona , United States. Silverbell Army Heliport ( FAA LID : 02AZ ) is co-located with Pinal Airpark. The heliport is a private-use military facility operated by the Arizona Army National Guard . Pinal Airpark's primary function

246-407: Is to serve as a boneyard for civilian commercial aircraft, where the area's dry desert climate mitigates corrosion of the aircraft. It is the largest commercial aircraft storage and heavy maintenance facility in the world. Even so, many aircraft which are brought here wind up being scrapped. Nearby the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base provides

287-701: The 2010 Mount Carmel forest fire . In August 2007, Evergreen announced that it had ordered three Boeing 747-400BCFs to upgrade its commercial operations, with deliveries in summer 2009. In March 2010, the orders had not yet been delivered. In December 2012, Evergreen ceased operations of the last three 747-200s; they are parked at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease . A division of Evergreen, Evergreen Airspur , also operated de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter STOL aircraft in scheduled commuter airline operations in southern California. Pinal Airpark Pinal Airpark ( IATA : MZJ , ICAO : KMZJ , FAA LID : MZJ ), also known as Pinal County Airpark ,

328-900: The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter at the site in 2012. Currently WAATS provides training for the UH-72A Lakota . Pinal Airpark and SAHP also hosts the US Special Operations Command 's Parachute Training and Testing Facility. On 28 March 2013, Navy SEAL Brett Shadle was killed during parachute training here and another SEAL was injured. Pinal Airpark covers an area of 1,508 acres (610  ha ) at an elevation of 1,893 feet (577 m) above mean sea level . It has one runway designated 12/30 with an asphalt surface measuring 6,849 by 150 feet (2,088 by 46 m). Silverbell Army Heliport has four helipads , three measuring 100 by 100 feet (30 by 30 m), and

369-579: The Boeing 787 parts to Boeing, but the contract was given to Atlas Air in September 2010. This was due to Boeing's rescheduled delivery of the Boeing 747-8 Fs ordered by Atlas Air to increase their current fleet. The "Dreamlifter" is the logistic support aircraft for Boeing's global Boeing 787 Dreamliner production. The company was also scheduled to operate the SOFIA Boeing 747SP for NASA and

410-645: The Boeing Dreamlifters (outsized 747s designed to transport Boeing 787 composite fuselage barrels) and servicing the NASA operated Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) used to transport the Space Shuttle . Evergreen subsequently sold the Pinal Airpark facility to Relativity Capital in 2011. Officially, the company provided "aviation services" for the CIA, including transporting

451-836: The German Aerospace Center at NASA 's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, CA (in the silicon valley near San Jose ). The airline modified a Boeing 747-100 for aerial firefighting , receiving final certification from the FAA in October 2006. Compared to existing large water bombers and airtankers, the Evergreen Supertanker was planned to offer at least seven times more fire retardant capacity. In December 2010, Israel hired Evergreen's fire-fighting aircraft to assist in firefighting efforts of

SECTION 10

#1732776577930

492-791: The NASA operated Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft used to transport the Space Shuttle . Evergreen subsequently sold the Pinal Airpark facility to Relativity Capital in 2011. Officially, the company provided "aviation services" for the CIA, including illegal-drug abatement spraying in Mexico and South America and transporting the Shah of Iran from Egypt to Panama, then Panama to the United States in 1980. Shortly thereafter it ran mysterious missions to El Salvador and Nicaragua . Evergreen performed more than military and intelligence community work, also servicing other government agencies in

533-608: The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service ; and operated helicopters for FEMA following Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana. Commercially, the airline helped build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline ; and developed and serviced the offshore oil and gas market with helicopter support worldwide via its Evergreen Helicopters division. "All told, Smith said his company flew in 168 countries over

574-644: The Vietnam War years, when it was the primary facility of Intermountain Airlines , a wholly owned CIA "front" company which was used to supply covert operations in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Intermountain was infamous for its thinly veiled CIA special ops which included development and use of the Fulton Skyhook , but its cover was its non-scheduled freight and maintenance operations. Marana

615-458: The Air Force's disposal of most of the buildings, waterlines, gas lines, and electrical lines. From 1948 to 1951, Pinal County leased the property to multiple tenants, and from 1951 to 1956, Marana was reused as a contractor-operated USAF basic flying school, operated by Darr Aeronautical Technical Company. Marana became the headquarters of all Central Intelligence Agency air operations during

656-521: The Chapter 7 petition: Evergreen Aviation Ground Logistics Enterprise, Evergreen Defense and Security Services, Evergreen International Airlines, Evergreen International Aviation, Evergreen Systems Logistics, Evergreen Trade, and Supertanker Services. In June 2014, Evergreen had declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy and began a liquidation of assets, including its headquarters campus in McMinnville. By

697-694: The Portland Oregonian in 1988, "We don't know when we've ever worked for them [the CIA], but if we did we're proud of it. We believe in patriotism, and, you know, they're not the [Russian spy service] KGB." Evergreen bought assets during the 1970s that were previously linked to CIA operations including the CIA's aviation 'skunk works' located at the Pinal Airpark in Arizona where Evergreen subsequently performed special maintenance such as servicing

738-591: The Portland Oregonian in 1988, “We don't know when we’ve ever worked for them [the CIA], but if we did we’re proud of it. We believe in patriotism, and, you know, they're not the [Russian spy service] KGB.” Evergreen bought assets during the 1970s that were previously linked to CIA operations, including Montana’s Johnson Flying Service and the CIA’s aviation "skunk works" at Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona , which under Evergreen did special aircraft modifications such as building

779-544: The Shah of Iran from Egypt to Panama, then Panama to the United States in 1980. Evergreen Helicopters was sold to Erickson Air-Crane in March 2013 for $ 250 million. The sale provided Evergreen International Aviation with the liquidity needed to continue operations. Smith said: "The sale of EHI provides us with needed capital to repay existing debt and gives us the liquidity to support our airline and remaining businesses." The deal

820-492: The Trans-Alaska oil pipeline and developed and serviced the offshore energy market worldwide. All told, Smith said his company flew in 168 countries over the years. 'We were all over the world. Everywhere they needed a helicopter, they needed an airplane as well,'" said Smith. In June of 2014, Evergreen had declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy and began a liquidation of assets, including its headquarters campus in McMinnville. By

861-437: The U.S. as well as in other nations. Its Boeing 747 Supertanker aircraft was used as an firefighting air tanker from Israel to Mexico; its unmanned systems division flew drone flights over disaster zones; NASA hired it to operate its flying infrared observatory; its aircraft supported United Nations peacekeeping operations in 30 countries; flew insect-eradication missions throughout Africa; provided helicopter support for

SECTION 20

#1732776577930

902-521: The airfield was under the command of the 389th Army Air Force Base Unit, AAF West Coast Training Center and used as a training base, as part of the 50,000 Pilot Training Program. Marana conducted basic flight training and the training of transport pilots in instrument flying and navigation, being the home of the 3024th (Pilot School, Basic). Chinese pilots were also trained there. Five satellite airfields were established for Marana during World War II: The infrastructure installed at Marana during World War II

943-444: The company as Evergreen Helicopters in 1960. Smith was involved in the development of the commercial use of helicopters, and his company was one of the first to use helicopters for spraying fertilizer and herbicides , spreading seeds and fighting forest fires . Smith helped develop a helicopter spray system called the "PaceSpreader" which permitted accurate, fast delivery of granular agents over large areas. The PaceSpreader allowed

984-550: The early 2010s, airport economic development director Jim Petty has opened the facility to the public, giving free tours of the airport and the airplanes stored there. Pinal Airpark is co-located with Silverbell Army Heliport (SAHP). The 98th Aviation Troop Command, the Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (WAATS) and other numerous Army National Guard units are located inside SAHP. WAATS discontinued training of

1025-423: The fourth measuring 165 by 165 feet (50 by 50 m). For the 12-month period ending 1 April 2020, the airport had 58,200 aircraft operations, an average of 159 per day: 86% military and 14% general aviation . One of the notable aircraft assigned to Marana during its CIA years was a Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress , AAF Serial 44–85531. As of September 1957, the aircraft was registered to Western Enterprises Inc.,

1066-480: The helicopter to operate at relatively high speeds while still delivering the product evenly and with measured precision. In 1972 the company expanded into the use of heavy lift helicopters, acquiring a number of Sikorsky S-61 . In March 1973 the massive Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane was added to the fleet, with a lift capacity of 20,000 pounds. In 1974 Smith became aware that the Johnson Flying Service

1107-543: The same service to the United States federal government . Aircraft at Pinal Airpark include those formerly operated by Cathay Dragon , Cathay Pacific , Delta Air Lines , Northwest Airlines , Aerosur , Hellenic , Surinam Airways , and other carriers. Built in 1942 by the Sundt and Del Webb Construction Companies and opened in March 1943, the facility was known as Marana Army Air Field . During World War II ,

1148-502: The time of Smith's death 7 November 2014, the remains of his once billion-dollar Evergreen Aviation empire had been sold off, shut down, or was in bankruptcy and under investigation by tax authorities. Evergreen also operated the following jet and turboprop aircraft at various times during its existence: The helicopter division of Evergreen operated the following rotorcraft at various times during its existence: Evergreen International Airlines Evergreen International Airlines

1189-461: The time of Smith's death November 7, 2014, the remains of his once billion-dollar Evergreen Aviation empire had been sold off, shut down, or was in bankruptcy and under investigation by tax authorities. Evergreen International Airlines operated the following freight services (as of December 2012): The Evergreen International Airlines fleet consisted of the following aircraft: Evergreen previously operated three Boeing Dreamlifters to transport

1230-447: The years. 'We were all over the world. Everywhere they needed a helicopter, they needed an airplane as well ' ", said Smith. One of Evergreen's Boeing 747 airplanes (registered N473EV, which suffered an in-flight engine separation in 1993) appeared in the 1990 action film Die Hard 2 . A Boeing 727 (registered N727EV) appeared in episode 8 of season 4 of Remington Steele titled "Coffee Tea or Steele". On November 9, 2013, it

1271-673: Was a charter and cargo airline based in McMinnville , Oregon , United States. Wholly owned by Evergreen International Aviation , it had longstanding ties to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It operated contract freight services, offering charters and scheduled flights, as well as wet lease services. It operated services for the U.S. military and the United States Postal Service , as well as ad hoc charter flights. Its crew base

Evergreen International Aviation - Misplaced Pages Continue

1312-429: Was a hot spot in the world, Evergreen's helicopters and later airplanes were never far behind. Evergreen's hardware was so inextricably linked with political intrigue that rumors swirled that the company was owned by, or a front for, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Indeed, several of the company's senior executives either worked for the agency or had close ties to it. Smith never let on, disingenuously telling

1353-429: Was a hot spot in the world, Evergreen’s helicopters and later airplanes were never far behind. Evergreen’s hardware was so inextricably linked with political intrigue that rumors swirled that the company was owned by, or a front for, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Indeed, several of the company’s senior executives either worked for the agency or had close ties to it. Smith never let on, disingenuously telling

1394-571: Was announced that Evergreen Airlines would close on November 30, 2013, due to financial troubles. This information was initially denied by Evergreen, but shortly afterwards admitted: "Evergreen International Airlines flew its last flight Monday [December 2, 2013] Mike Hines, chairman of its parent company board, acknowledged". On December 31, 2013, Evergreen International Airlines filed a Chapter 7 petition in federal bankruptcy court in Delaware. The bankruptcy filing lists seven entities as submitting

1435-589: Was at John F. Kennedy International Airport , New York . Evergreen also maintained a large aircraft maintenance and storage facility at the Pinal Airpark in Marana, Arizona , that the company acquired from the CIA 's Air America operation. The airline was established by Delford Smith (founder and owner) and began operations in 1960 as Evergreen Helicopters . It acquired the operating certificate of Johnson Flying Service and merged it with Intermountain Airlines (a known CIA front) from Pacific Corporation (also

1476-539: Was contingent upon Erickson Air-Crane obtaining the necessary financing. On 8 November 2013 Evergreen International Airlines, a subsidiary of Evergreen International Aviation, announced via a voicemail to their employees that all operations would cease effective 29 November 2013. Evergreen’s airplanes and helicopters had once "supported United Nations peacekeeping operations in 30 countries, flew insect-eradication missions throughout Africa, were used for illegal-drug abatement spraying in Mexico and South America, helped build

1517-403: Was extensive. This included water, sewer, and gas systems that were still used until some problems developed in the 1990s. There was a massive storm drain system. The airfield had a railroad spur line and railroad station. Marana closed after World War II. In 1948, after the establishment of the U.S. Air Force as an independent service, Pinal County accepted a deed to the property, subsequent to

1558-493: Was looking to sell its assets. The business was a small supplemental carrier that had two 94-passenger Lockheed L-188 Electra four-engine turbo-prop passenger aircraft. More importantly, it held a supplemental air carrier operating certificate which allowed it to operate as an airline. After significant deliberation, the Civil Aeronautics Board approved the transfer in 1975. Evergreen International Airlines

1599-493: Was officially formed and incorporated on 16 April 1975 as a subsidiary of Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. The business subsequently continued to expand and split into a number of subsidiary divisions. The main subsidiary was Evergreen International Airlines which operated the Boeing 747 as a cargo or tanker aircraft to locations around the world. The 747-200 " Evergreen Supertanker " was capable of delivering 20,000 gallons of water on wildfires, nearly ten times what could be delivered by

1640-718: Was part of the US Civil Reserve Air Fleet and the International Peace Operations Association . It was known to do work for the United States federal government, including fire suppression for the U.S. Forest Service , troop transportation in the Gulf War of 1991, as well as helicopter transportation for oil rig firefighters at the end of hostilities. Evergreen served as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) front in numerous operations over its history: Wherever there

1681-487: Was the principal continental United States maintenance base for Southeast Asia CIA operations including Air America and Continental Air Services . The Marana facility was subsequently acquired by the closely Agency-linked Evergreen International Airlines , which performed aircraft modification and maintenance at the airfield. The airport is home to many private companies including: Ascent Aviation Services and Jet Yard Solutions, Aircraft Demolition, and Jet Yard. Since

Evergreen International Aviation - Misplaced Pages Continue

#929070