Newly Restored F-86L Sabre Dedicated at Moody

A dedication ceremony for a newly restored F-86L Sabre at Moody AFB, Ga., honored fallen Air Force pilot Maj. Lyn McIntosh, announced base officials. Members of McIntosh’s family and Moody airmen gathered on April 27 at the base’s air park to dedicate the fighter in honor of McIntosh, who died on April 25, 1980, during the failed attempt to rescue US hostages in Iran. During the ceremony, Moody officials unveiled a plaque in honor of McIntosh; his name is also stenciled on the Sabre’s side, according to Moody’s April 30 release. “We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the McIntosh family and the city of Valdosta for allowing Major McIntosh’s legacy to be a part of ours. It’s truly an honor,” said Col. Billy Thompson, Moody’s 23rd Wing commander, at the ceremony. The Sabre had been on display in downtown Valdosta, south of the base, since 1961. Shortly after McIntosh’s death, officials dedicated the aircraft to him; he was a Valdosta native. In April 2012, Moody airmen moved the F-86 onto the base’s grounds, after which the restoration began. (Moody report by SrA. Eileen Meier)