Former Squadron Leader Jensen Returns to Cannon

Squadron leader, museum curator, and resident at Cannon Field since 1997, Gene Jensen returned to the airport on Sunday, September 20th with family members in tow. Gene, and his wife Sami, had made Cannon Field their home following the passing of Hardy Cannon in 1991. An undoubtedly unique piece of aviation history, Cannon Field—and the Alamo Liaison Squadron founded to keep the L-bird story in perpetuity—serves to preserve the memories of the Liaison Pilots and the aircraft they flew.

Not only did the Jensen’s make Cannon Field their home for 28+ years, Gene held numerous FAA certificates including CFI and A&P/IA. In these capacities he strove to keep flying the fleet of L-birds at Cannon, some of which were owned by Alamo Liaison Squadron while others owned privately, including Jensen’s Piper L-4 (see photos below). The faces have changed often at Cannon Field since its inception in 1981. However, the Jensen’s took on a role similar to that of Hardy and, his wife, Sarah Cannon, by residing there permanently and managing the day-to-day operations. Both held an immense appreciation for the light aircraft that served in WWII, as well as vast knowledge and experience in servicing and restoring them.

The day following his visit Jensen took a flight in a 1946 Nord Stampe SV-4 restored by Tim Barrows and a crew at nearby Castroville Municipal Airport. The flight was organized by airport manager David Ortega and Stampe owner Barrows. “The aircraft underwent a meticulous two-year restoration completed recently, involving the rebuilding of the engine, propeller, and instrumentation by owner Tim Barrow and a team of volunteers,” according to a January 2026 report from General Aviation News magazine. Since that time its original 140-hp Renault 4P-03 4-cylinder engine, with inverted-flight Zenith carburetor, had been replaced with a 150-hp Lycoming O-320.

Gene Jensen (left) and his son Scott get an introduction to the Stampe from Tim Barrows (right).

The biplane is one of only approximately 20 Nord Stampe SV4C aircraft currently flying in the United States. The SV4C is a licensed French-built variant of the Belgian Stampe-Vertongen SV.4, two-seat primary trainer and touring biplane originally designed in 1933. It features a wire-braced, wooden construction and is known for its aerobatic capabilities.

Gene Jensen performs a low pass in the Stampe, replete with show smoke, with Barrows handing the controls to Jensen right after lift off.

Gene Jensen inspects his Piper L-4 “Just The Bear Necessities” at Cannon Field.

Air Force Veteran

Prior to coming to Cannon Field, Gene Jensen served 30 years with the US Air Force, retiring as a Full Colonel. His last assignment was five years as commander of the Air Force Human Resources Laboratory located at Brooks AFB, San Antonio.

Jensen flew B-52s (the Boeing Stratofortress long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic heavy bomber) as a bombardier (Bombardier-Radar Navigator was one of six crew members) for 12 years. He served Operation Looking Glass (the US airborne command and control center, Boeing EC-135 used for continuous airborne alert) as chief of battle plans for three years. Jensen served as Air Force Inspector General, chief of systems acquisition management inspectors for two years. Additionally, he spent seven years developing and acquiring air crew simulators for the Air Force.

Harold Gene Jensen was born with the desire to be up in the sky flying. Before he was talking he was putting two sticks together and flying them high. When old [enough] to read the next big interest was wartime history; he read all he could. Yes he graduated from Utah State University in Logan, Utah, with his commission to fly and was assigned Nav training in Waco, Texas. The beginning of much variety of a 30-year career flying. He, on his own, received his private pilot license, flying with clubs when possible. Later having a RC modeled plane, [then a] 4-place airplane to fly his family to reunions. Gene enjoyed repairing, remodeling [restoring], and learning many ways to improve flying conditions for the different aircraft. He was a licensed A&P mechanic, inspector, and instructor. Yes, his hangar at Cannon Field was his joy, and [filled with] challenges daily. – from Sami’s handwritten notecards

Blessed departure

In August of 2025, Gene and Sami Jensen moved from Cannon Field to Provo, Utah, to reside close to family and friends. Both a huge asset to Cannon Field on many levels, their longtime presence there was an infinite blessing, as all who visited and participated in activities at Cannon have come to know and appreciate. Their involvement in not only making Cannon Field a home, but making the ALS Museum a continued success, has been greatly missed in the year since their departure. Their kindness and dedication will be remembered for years to come as ALS moves forward.

Current ALS members wish to express their appreciation for the legacies left by both the Jensen’s and Cannon’s.