In June of 1993, my father, Richard Ziebart, received a letter from Steve “Lefty” Farnham of the 417th Fighter Squadron SQ CC.  Steve was one of those people my father befriended along his journey to learn more about the 417th and keep it’s history alive.  In the letter, Steve provides an update on his latest tour and his squadron’s move from  Tonopah Test Range, NV to Holloman AFB, NM.   But the purpose of the letter comes at the end where Steve indicates that “It does appear that all of the Night Fighter designations will be inactivated as the Air Force draws down.”   He uses this opening to suggest that this would be a fitting opportunity for a reunion.

My father agreed.

Here is the letter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Inactivation and Redesignation ceremony was held on December 2nd, 1993 at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.  My father attended and had his picture taken in the cockpit of F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter.  He was grinning from ear to ear.

Here is a copy of the Inactivation and Redesignation ceremony brochure for the event.

Here is a PDF version that you can download:

Inactivation Ceremony Pamphlet