The AC 130 gunship we toured in Florida was equipped with a 105 MM Howitzer cannon that would rock your world and the plane when fired. We looked the gun over and I was somewhat surprised to see that the Barrel was stamped Rock Island Arsenal 1945. Our guide explained that the barrels used in these planes were, at the time, 50 years old and made at the end of the Second World War. “Still haven’t come up with anything better” he said. For those interested in armaments, the Rock Island Arsenal is 52 miles south of the Corps of Engineers campground at Thomson Illinois where the Mississippi River Rally is held there last full weekend in September. The Arsenal can be toured, I’m not up on the details but it’s not hard to find. In addition there are other Corps sites, County parks and State parks in the close vicinity of Interstate 80 as it crosses from Iowa to Illinois. On your cross country trip from eastern Nebraska to Ohio, which I’d suggest you name, “Shoot the Works” you could stop at Offutt AFB at “Omaha” then drive across Iowa without your transmission shifting, camp and see the Rock Island Arsenal. Then drop down to I 70 and take in the fabulous Wright Patterson Air Force Museum at Dayton Ohio. Along the way are great restaurants, cool, clean campgrounds, the lowest grocery store prices in America, and millions of friendly, proud, intelligent Americans. Bucket list ideas from your ADHD tour guide:
Iowa Dave