OV-1 Mohawk brings memories, receives hugs Published March 21, 2010 By Senior Airman Anna-Marie Wyant 927th Wing Public Affairs MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- During air shows, children often find planes intriguing. They take pictures of the planes, ask crewmembers questions about how the planes work, and sometimes even get a chance to step inside. One unique aircraft, however, received a little extra attention from children. "Kids like to give my plane hugs," said Dr. Joseph M. Masessa, who showcased his Grumman OV-1 Mohawk as a static display this weekend at AirFest, the base's annual air show. "They say that the front of the plane looks like it's smiling at them, or that it looks like Snoopy." Dr. Masessa's "smiling" aircraft is no laughing matter. He said this visual surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft was given the nickname "Widowmaker." The twin turboprop aircraft, which were operational in the U.S. military from 1960 until 1996, were an integral part of the Army's air power during the Vietnam War. Dr. Masessa, a dermatologist in Rockaway and Toms River, New Jersey, keeps his Mohawk in Palm Springs, Fla., and goes there nearly every weekend to fly his beloved plane, which is one of only 15 flyable Mohawks worldwide. "I love to fly it, and it loves to be flown," said Dr. Masessa, also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Dr. Masessa's said his love of planes began when he was a child. His father, Robert, a Korean War veteran and privately licensed pilot, influenced his aircraft affinity. He said he wanted to become a military fighter pilot after high school, but he was ineligible due to his slightly impaired eyesight. "I didn't have 20/20 uncorrected vision, which was the Air Force's policy at the time," Dr. Masessa said. Imperfect vision would not keep him from flying forever. In 1995, Dr. Masessa was introduced to an instructor pilot through a friend. He said he was hooked on flying after just one lesson. One year later, he earned his private pilot's license. After buying his own twin-turbo prop plane and spending more than 1000 hours flying it, Dr. Masessa set his sights on purchasing a war bird. He said he became interested in Mohawks after seeing one at an air show in New Jersey in 2008. After much research, he purchased his own Mohawk in February 2009. He said this particular aircraft intrigued him because of its role in American military history. "This aircraft was a very important part of people's lives during very trying times," Dr. Masessa said. "It's incredible to see the bond people have not only with each other, but also with the aircraft." Many Vietnam War veterans clearly felt a bond with the Mohawk. During Airfest, several veterans approached the aircraft and discussed their memories of it. Vernie P. Jones, a retired Coast Guard chief warrant officer, said he worked in the Army as a Mohawk side-looking airborne radar technician in Vietnam from 1970 to 1971. "I supported the electronics package for the side-looking airborne radar," Mr. Jones said. "We didn't have enough technical operators, so I ended up flying in over 200 combat missions in addition to fixing the equipment." Mr. Jones knows Mohawks. Although nearly four decades have passed since he worked with the aircraft, he was able to recall specific information about Mohawk engines, weapons systems and body dimensions as though he had worked on one yesterday. He said seeing the Mohawk brought back a lot of memories. "I remember many times I came back from missions and the wings were full of holes," Mr. Jones said. Jim A. McSorley, also an Army Vietnam War veteran, said this was the first time he saw a Mohawk since he served as a paratrooper in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. "It's cool to see [the Mohawk] again," Mr. McSorley said. "That's why I come to the show, to see all the neat stuff like this." Dr. Masessa said maintaining his precious plane is not difficult because the Grumman factory that produced Mohawks was located in Stuart, Fla., approximately 45 miles from where his Mohawk is stored. He said he has easy access to parts and services for his plane, as many former factory workers live in the local area. "It's a well-built aircraft, and the people who work on it are skilled," Dr. Masessa said. Dr. Masessa has showcased his Mohawk at a handful air shows before Airfest, and he said he plans on displaying it as often as he can. "I plan on keeping [the Mohawk] forever," Dr. Masessa said. "It's irreplaceable." It appears as though Dr. Masessa's Mohawk will be "smiling" at air shows for many years to come.