Inside the World's Largest Aircraft Boneyard: Preserving US Military History and Parts

This article provides an overview of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, known as the world's largest aircraft boneyard. Since its establishment in 1946, the facility has served as the sole designated storage, salvage, and disposal center for U.S. military and government aircraft. The site was selected for its dry desert climate, hard caliche soil, and lack of extreme weather, which are ideal for long-term preservation. Currently spanning 2,600 acres and employing over 700 workers, AMARG houses retired iconic aircraft such as B-52 Stratofortress bombers, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and C-5 Galaxy cargo planes. These aircraft are drained of fluids, stripped of explosive components, and preserved against desert wear. While many are decommissioned, their parts remain viable for reuse in active service, allowing some planes to be potentially brought back into operation. The facility ensures that components are cleaned, repaired, and repurposed, supporting both current and future military conflicts. The article highlights the strategic importance of this maintenance group in sustaining American air power through efficient resource management and historical preservation.