(Image Credit : Save the Old NAS Tower in Pasco WA / Michel Pelletier)
In Pasco, Washington efforts are underway to restore and preserve a long-disused WWII-era control tower that is something of a local landmark. The United States Navy established NAS Pasco at the site of the Pasco airfield in the early 1940s for use as a training station. Initially used for pilots beginning their training for aerial combat, the station was transitioned to training experienced pilots on new aircraft types.
(Image Credit : Save the Old NAS Tower in Pasco WA / Scott Urban)
(Image Credit : Save the Old NAS Tower in Pasco WA / Scott Urban)
At the completion of the war the airfield was transferred to the city of Pasco who rechristened the facility the Tri-Cities Airport, though under the conditions of the transfer, the Navy still uses the field for landing and take-off training, particularly for the Lockheed P-3 Orion. The original control tower has not been used since 1966 and had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Roof leaks went un-repaired, causing the floors and hung ceilings to sag.
Through the formation of a preservation group, the Pacific Northwest Aviation Museum and Historical Association, spearheaded by Malin Bergstrom, President of Bergstrom Aviation who has leased space within the facility for nearly 30 years, pressure was applied to the local government who owns the tower, resulting in a new roof and siding being installed on the building and now the Museum is negotiating with the city to lease the now-weather tight structure for use as an aviation museum. In furtherance of that goal, Bergstrom arranged for the Port of Pasco Commissioners to tour the Old NAS Pasco Control Tower with a fully restored and airworthy North American AT-6 Texan and a restored WWII-era Jeep and trailer replete with NAS Pasco livery parked outside to spark their imaginations.
Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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