Ep 6. The Boneyard of Arizona

In episode 6 of season 12 of What on Earth?, viewers are taken on a journey to the "Boneyard of Arizona". This fascinating episode explores the mysterious site of an abandoned military base in Arizona, where thousands of retired airplanes and military equipment lay scattered across the vast expanse of desert land.

The episode opens with a breathtaking aerial shot of the Boneyard - a sprawling graveyard of US Air Force planes and helicopters, where everything from jets to transporters has come to die. The camera zooms in on the rusted, decaying aircraft as the narrator sets the scene for this extraordinary location.

The episode then delves into the history of the Boneyard, tracing its origins back to the early days of aviation in the US. Viewers learn that in the early 20th century, the US military began using Arizona's dry, arid climate for pilot training and aircraft storage. As time went on, the Boneyard became a hub for military surplus, where retired planes were sent to be stripped down and sold for parts.

But as the Cold War loomed and the threat of nuclear war increased, the US government began to stockpile planes and military equipment in the Boneyard as a kind of reserve force. The site became a kind of secret warehouse of sorts, with thousands of planes and helicopters being stored and preserved for potential future use.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken on a tour of the Boneyard and shown some of the most notable aircraft and military equipment in the collection. From the massive B-52 bomber to the sleek F-16 fighter jet, the camera captures the enormity and diversity of the planes and helicopters that have found a final resting place in the desert.

At the heart of the episode is the question of what will happen to the Boneyard in the future. With climate change and shifting military priorities, the site faces an uncertain future. Viewers learn about efforts to preserve and potentially repurpose the site, including proposals to turn it into a solar farm or a museum.

As the episode reaches its conclusion, viewers are left with a sense of awe and appreciation for the remarkable history and unique beauty of the Boneyard. The final shots of the rusted planes and helicopters, glinting in the desert sun, serve as a haunting reminder of the power and fragility of human technology.

Overall, "The Boneyard of Arizona" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning episode that will appeal to anyone interested in military history, aviation, or environmental issues. With its mix of historical footage, expert commentary, and breathtaking aerial shots, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, present, and possible future of one of the most unusual and intriguing sites in the American Southwest.