Veterans Day

[SnoKing]

Utapao isn’t very big. They don’t have much there. Especially when I was there. They had two Harriers, some miscellaneous aircraft, and 6 new Seahawks still shrink wrapped. It was a fun place to be and visit. I’ll never forget it.

You never answered about when you were there!

 

[SnoKing]

That's quite the documentary Sno.

I think there is a bit of confusion in the document besides the dates of operational B-52's. The Thai Navy had a small 2300' runway South of where U-Tapao AFB was built. That smaller runway is where I loaded a fork lift on the USCG C-123 when it was flown down to our slave station on Con Son Island, VN. I can not remember if we flew from Bangkok to Sattahip on the C-123 or if they bused us down in the first few days of July 1966. I do remember that when I rotated out on June 2nd 1967 I flew from U-Tapao to Bangkok on a DHC-4 Caribou. Also on board was a B-52 crew that had just landed and was going to Bangkok for some RnR. They were just finishing the main runway at U-Tapao when we arrived. The use of the old separate Thai Navy AB and the new U-Tapao over lapped time wise. Attached is a modern day GE view of the old site and I put a 2300' ruler where the original runway was located. Also a broader view of the two locations.

 

[HPSimpson]

Took about three months to assemble aircraft both engines were replaced, I flew from Nevada to Kadena in 5.4 hours and one refill. About 8 months investigation why #2 cause the problem the fuel line from primary controller was cracked!

 

[BoeingDiesel]

HP, do you by chance know Brian Shul? He was a lead Sledder from way back that I had the opportunity to meet with many years back but was delayed inbound to SFO and had to pass. I've heard many accounts (in community) of flying that equipment and hats off to you sir.

 

[HPSimpson]

HP, do you by chance know Brian Shul? He was a lead Sledder from way back that I had the opportunity to meet with many years back but was delayed inbound to SFO and had to pass. I've heard many accounts (in community) of flying that equipment and hats off to you sir.

Yes I do no him is great person, he's had some interesting flying experiences, SR 71 pilot. I was never involve with lead sled SR-71. I was Agency pilot flew another bird, I flew the A model.

 

[DavidC]

Like this HP
#ad

 

[HPSimpson]

Sure looks nice!

Like this HP
#ad

I wonder how long it would take for me to Kadena??????????

 

[fest3er]

Somewhat longer. And a few more in-air refuelings....

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

My hat is off for those who don't exist!!

Thank you sir!

 

[SnoKing]

My hat is off for those who don't exist!!

Thank you sir!

That includes all those that fought in Cambodia and Laos that were "never" there.

 

[brucejohnson]

Somewhat longer. And a few more in-air refuelings....

Visions of several tin cans, a funnel and a long, dangling garden hose come to mind...

 

[HPSimpson]

Visions of several tin cans, a funnel and a long, dangling garden hose come to mind...

Round engine have or need oil especially that old one Bruce! Have ever look at aircraft engine on the fly-line if there is no puddle under the engine cowling is wet that's ok. Now on Kadena the troops used to wear rain suits as the plane really did leak, engineers never could fine a sealant that would work! After takeoff used to move throttles to give speed to mach 1.6, this would heat the skin up and closed the leaking off, then head to tanker!

 

[brucejohnson]

Round engine have or need oil especially that old one Bruce! Have ever look at aircraft engine on the fly-line if there is no puddle under the engine cowling is wet that's ok. Now on Kadena the troops used to wear rain suits as the plane really did leak, engineers never could fine a sealant that would work! After takeoff used to move throttles to give speed to mach 1.6, this would heat the skin up and closed the leaking off, then head to tanker!

Kinda like the reason for the four 5 gallon pony keg looking thingies under the flight engineer's station in the "Berlin for lunch" crew's C-97s, with manual pump handles, valves and tubing? Love them recips! Slicker than owl poop - "Ice" on the flight line in the summer; drip pans in the hanger. No such thing as working on an engine and coming out clean.

 

[DavidC]

This may have been posted before and if so I am posting it again.

#ad

 

[Wiredawg]

WOW Everyone... as you can see by all the like notices, I'm catching up. Really great stories from the cold war and Viet Nam war. I was too young for Viet Nam war, but recall much of it vividly as first televised war. I was fixed comm USAF, but got to hear some pretty cool stories from F4 pilots intercepting Russian Bears. I got to work with some black ops folks too also with some pretty cool stories.

Although I read and posted a little from August thru October, I drove around 10K miles delivering big generators from San Antonio and Houston to East TX, LA, AL and even FL and back three times in preparation to and response of hurricanes. All done now and glad of it.

Anyhoo, love the stories and keeping military heritage alive.

Thanks all for serving.... America is safe thanks to you.

Attenhut... Hand Salute. Ron

 

[DavidC]

Put the SAC flag up for Veterans day. The U.S. Flag flies all the time.

 

[Wiredawg]

I fly US and AF flag 24/7/365. Just got a new AF flag as the old one is frayed.

 

[DavidC]

Wife gave me a subtle hint for Christmas. I'm not changing

 

[DavidC]

 

[DavidC]

Can't help myself