This week in history: 30 Aug. - 5 Sept.

Published Sept. 2, 2009
By John Murphy
436 AW Historian

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- 31 August 1910: Mr. Robie Seidinger produced Delaware's first aeroplane, the "Delaplane" in Wilmington. A year earlier, Mr. Enoch S. LaFerve and Mr. W.D. LaFerve of Dover, Delaware, patented their own flying ship. However, no evidence exists that this machine was ever built or flown; but it did show local enthusiasm for aviation.

1 September 1967: An Off-base Housing Referral Office (HRO) was established directly under the Base Commander in an effort to assist military personnel find off-base housing in the Dover area. The HRO maintained listings of available housing in the Dover area for both sale and rent. The office also performed inspections and counseled prospective buyers/renters concerning their rights and obligations as tenants and homeowners.

31 August 1977: The 436th Military Airlift Wing exceeded the million-hour mark for accident-free flying. As of this date the wing claimed mishap free operations for its entire time on Dover Air Force Base. This amazing string of safe operation began on 25 March, 1965 and lasted until 14 November, 1977.