This news item expired on Saturday, December 7, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
On Dec. 7, Enka Middle School officially unveiled its restored jet, the historical and beloved mascot of the school. More than an aircraft, The Spirit of Enka represents the pride, resolve, and history of the community and nation at-large. This significant achievement arrives on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, adding to the importance.
The jet, an RF-84F Thunderflash, brandishes the name of Candler native Scotty Morgan and is one of the planes the distinguished Air Force veteran flew while serving his country. According to Veteran Tributes: Scotty Morgan was born in 1934 in Candler, North Carolina. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Air Force on March 26, 1954, and was commissioned a 2nd Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Bryan AFB, Texas, on Aug. 16, 1955. On April 5, 1965, he was captured after having to eject from his plane while over North Vietnam. Before his capture, Morgan completed 94 combat missions. After spending 2,871 days in captivity, he was released during Operation Homecoming on Feb. 12, 1973. His final assignment was at Pope AFB, North Carolina, where he retired from the Air Force on Oct. 1, 1985.
It is with great pride and joy that Enka community has restored and refurbished its jet with contributions from multiple community members and organizations, including Buncombe County. For more information on the restoration process visit the Save The Jet website detailing the history of the jet and the process of its restoration.