A visit to the Boneyard: A retirement home for warplanes

So Cool!

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson is where some of the most iconic military aircraft—like the F-16 Fighting Falcon—go to retire. Under the care of the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, this “boneyard” isn’t just a graveyard—it’s a vital reserve.

Here, planes are stripped for parts to keep others in the air, or preserved for potential future service. Think of it as America’s strategic aviation vault. Each aircraft is meticulously sealed in black latex, then coated in white to reflect the intense Arizona sun. This protective cocoon can keep them preserved and mission-ready for years.

It’s equal parts history museum and high-tech warehouse—and it’s absolutely fascinating.