Lockheed T-33; s/n 53-6011-NASA Mercury Astronaut plane?

[cearleyma]

[url=http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/53-6011.html]53-6011[/url]
When I was a student in this A&P school (Tulsa Vo-tech at the Downtown Airpark Campus; now named Tulsa Technology Center-Riverside Campus) from Sept. '86-March '88 I was informed by the school administration & staff this aircraft was once owned by NASA & was most likely used by the Mercury Astronauts from the late '50s-Early to Mid-'60's. In the late '60s the Aircraft was sent to Davis Monthan AFB in Tuscon Arizona. It was there until the Summer of 1986 when the School acquired it.

I graduated from this school 32 years ago (March-'88) & am now retired. I am VOLUNTARILY trying to research this Aircraft for the School. The picture of the students all around the Blue & White NASA Lockheed T-33 was taken (Aprox.) in May of '87. The plane On-a-Pole-Gate Guard now sitting at the front entrance at the school is the same plane repainted in Air Force Markings. We are trying to research the history for documentation proof. Based upon the research done on various On-Line web sites so far, we know FOR 90% SURE this was NASA Tail #N940NA; Airframe s/n 53-6011. The Tail# NOW on this plane (80482) is incorrect (why we don't know).

I am hoping for documentation proof the Mercury astronauts flew this airplane in the late '50s & early '60s.. I have contacted NASA's Public Relations Dept. (Johnson Space Center), & have been told they would send my request to the Historical department & try to assist. Any documentation (Maintenance records) at the school cannot currently be found as yet but people at the school are looking. It has been 34+ years since the school acquired this aircraft.

Does anyone have any suggestions?