U.S. Air Force

[garynrosvi]

I am a retired USAF vet. (26 1/2 years) during Viet Nam era. I am a S.A.C. trained killer with the B-52's. Guam, Thailand, Puerto Rico, and even a few places in the CONUS. I am sure the Marines and Army grunts knew it when we made a pass over them in the Nam.

My bride and I were full-timers in our motorhome for seven years before we had to settle down to care for her parents. We still get out in our coach, but must stay near home and can't be gone for a long trip.

Gary & Rosvi

[sirslink]

Welcome aboard Gary and Rosvi and thank you for your service. I'm sorry you can't travel because of your folks, were in the same boat although my kids cover our butts when we go for a week. Were at that age were our parents are on the last stretch. Hang in there we are. Is it Rosvi or Rosi?, unusual name
Slink

[1stsgt]

garynrosvi:

Welcome aboard the Military & Veteran RVing Forum. It's good to see that you have started a thread for the USAF. There have been several Air Force personnel check in on the USMC thread and I'm sure when they see your thread they will check in on it.

Thank you for your service and thank you for the awesome air support from the B-52 Flying Fortresses. My entire time in Vietnam was in I Corps and there were many times we watched in awe as the arc lighting seared the sky from Dong Ha to the Rockpile to LZ Stud to Khe Sahn to Con Thien along the DMZ. You gave us clear & secure fields of fire along with a lot of motivation.

[jjtimmons]

Welcome to MyRVSpace, and thank you for your service to our country. As a USAF brat, I have a special regard for all veterans, but USAF most of all (you marines got my two best friends serving, the best guys you could have gotten).

Make yourself at home, and I'll pin this up for the other USAF members.

[whodo]

garynrosvi
Welcome to the forum, from another ex USAF vet.
Spent my time in MAC, C-133's then C141's

[1stsgt]

whodo:

What is a C-133? I know of the C-141, C-130 & C-123 but not sure about a C-133. Is it the smaller 2 engine jet transport that resembles the C-141?

Keep your wings level!

[whodo]

whodo:
What is a C-133? I know of the C-141, C-130 & C-123 but not sure about a C-133. Is it the smaller 2 engine jet transport that resembles the C-141?
Keep your wings level!

The C-133 was known as the Banana Boat, and a few other names that are really not appropriate for the general forum. It was originally designed & intended for missile transport until they started breaking up in flight, then they were moth balled.

[1stsgt]

whodo:

Thanks for the C-133 history lesson. Don't know that I've ever seen one.

[whodo]

whodo:

Thanks for the C-133 history lesson. Don't know that I've ever seen one.

Well being you haven't seen one, I had to go dig in the archives and find a picture from long ago.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/Browzin/c-133_3.jpg


Here is probably more info then you really wanted
Four P&W T34 turboprop engines, 6,500-horsepower each
Length: 157 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 179 ft 8 in
Height: 48 ft 3 in
Speed: 359 mph
Ceiling: 19,000 feet
Range: 3,975 miles

[bukhrn]

whodo:

What is a C-133? I know of the C-141, C-130 & C-123 but not sure about a C-133. Is it the smaller 2 engine jet transport that resembles the C-141?

Keep your wings level!
Don't forget about the cool little C-7 Caribou, a small little workhorse that could land & take off on a postage stamp.;)

[whodo]

Don't forget about the cool little C-7 Caribou, a small little workhorse that could land & take off on a postage stamp.;)

The C-7 was and still is a fantastic bird. Here is a couple of web sites with pictures that is dedicated to the C-7 for those that are not familiar with the Little Plane that COULD and DID. http://www.c-7acaribou.com/ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/c-7-pics.htm

[fixit]

Well being you haven't seen one, I had to go dig in the archives and find a picture from long ago.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/Browzin/c-133_3.jpg


Here is probably more info then you really wanted
Four P&W T34 turboprop engines, 6,500-horsepower each
Length: 157 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 179 ft 8 in
Height: 48 ft 3 in
Speed: 359 mph
Ceiling: 19,000 feet
Range: 3,975 miles

now that looks like it was cobbled togather from a combination of cargo/patrol/bomber parts. Odd looking bird.
safe travels
fixit:D

[tink24tom]

flew the f-104 1966 out of UDORN ab, thailand. have been running a 1996 kountrystar for 12 years. 5months each summer. already looking forward to next summer on the oregon coast. it is too hot in southern calif.

[garynrosvi]

This should look famailiar to anyone that was at Udorn. I was there from 71-72. :)

http://www.paisley.presys.com/Udorn.html

Gary (now in OR...from SoCal 100 years ago)

[garynrosvi]

Don't know why the pix did not show up on my last post. Lets try again...

Udorn flightline...

http://www.paisley.presys.com/Udorn.html

http://www.paisley.presys.com/Udorn.html

Gary (frustrated)

[harryditt]

Well being you haven't seen one, I had to go dig in the archives and find a picture from long ago.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y45/Browzin/c-133_3.jpg


Here is probably more info then you really wanted
Four P&W T34 turboprop engines, 6,500-horsepower each
Length: 157 ft 6 in
Wingspan: 179 ft 8 in
Height: 48 ft 3 in
Speed: 359 mph
Ceiling: 19,000 feet
Range: 3,975 miles
Whodo,

Wasn't the 133 the one that Curt LeMay used to fly?

Seems like that was the one the famous remark about the cigar came from

[harryditt]

Retired AF after 20+ years.

It was a good life and I got quite an education from the AF.

No glamour in my job. Radio maintenance. Ground, Ground to air and missile com

Been RVing since 1966. Since retirement, we go quite a bit and snowbird to FLA in the winter. Hit some FamCamps, sometimes.

[1stsgt]

Just today I recieved an email with these photos, I hope this is not the prototype markings of our future Air Force #1! :eek:

What do you Airmen think about it? What is going on? :confused:

[melmike2u]

Hi have you heard of the club SMART (Special Military Active Retired Travel Cluib. As the title states - is was developed for RVing military. Check out the web site: www.smartrving.net If you and the bride decide to join - enter 12338 as referral. Thanks and haave a good day.[/SIZE]ZE="4"][/SIZE]

[melmike2u]

Hi, this is my first attempt to reply to posted messages. Have you heard of of SMART (Special Military Active Retired Travel Club) It was developed for Military rvers and it covers our nation from coast to coast. Check out the website: smartrving.net - if you and the bride decide to join please enter 12338 as referral. Thanks and have a good day. :)

[hturner]

I am a retired USAF vet. (26 1/2 years) during Viet Nam era. I am a S.A.C. trained killer with the B-52's. Guam,

Gary & Rosvi

Hello everyone my name is Hugh,I have not had a chance to do the bio yet. I saw this thread and wanted to join in.

Gary I was a S.A.C. trained killer also on the BUFFs G,D and H flavor. I did not enlist until 77 but I more than likely worked on the same ones. My ex wife and I were both crew chiefs (I was in the dock she was on the ramp on the 135 side at Robins. Long story on that one. I thought I was going to M.A.C. when I got to Guam but my old dock chief was there and right back on the Buffs. I was bought out in 92. I am very firm believer in getting what we are due.

[garynrosvi]

Only the BUFF could do what was asked during "Arc Light" "Linebacker 1" and Linebacker 2". I didn't see it personally, but I'll bet the 50+ year old BUFF did a good job in the deserts recently with Cruise Missiles as well as 500 and 750 pounders under its wings.


http://www.military.cz/usa/air/in_service/aircraft/b52/b52.jpg


http://www.cc.gatech.edu/fac/Thomas.Pilsch/AirOps/Images/ArcLight/ArcLight_impacting--400x263.jpg

Gary in OR

[usafguy5777]

Howdy, Fellers,
I too am a retired E-6. Served from '57-'77. After Basic at Lackland, went to
McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas,('57-'59) Moron de la Frontera AB,Spain (40 mls from Seville). Was there 3 yrs. with the B-47 Stratofortress, (16thAF, SAC), then to Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, ('63-'67), Back to McConnel AFB, til Dec 67, to Vietnam (Tohn Sunnut), 2 months, then to U-tapao AB, Sattahip, Thailand. C.O.S. Tour, to Ramey,AFB in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. there for 4 years. Then on to Altus AFB, in SW Oklahoma. It was here I retired in '77.
I was in the Photomapping Career fld. as 1st, a Draftsman, Illustrator and Hi-Atl, photo recon interpretation, creating maps/charts for flight crews. I was selected to had been an Illustrator for the Air Force Thunderbirds, but stupid me, decided to retire! It is the most stupidest decision I've made in my AF career. I still regrett it.
Now, I'm in Florida,fulltiming in my very beautiful and comfortable Discovery MH . Thank you guys for your service. I'm VERY PROUD of all of you, and I'm honored to have been a member of the USAF. Hope to hear from y'all, Angel

[garynrosvi]

After Castle AFB we went to Ramey P.R. for three years. Later I was at Utapao and visited every base in Thailand. Next on to Guam for five years (LOVED IT!) I miss the SCUBA, sailing and the island life-style.
You will love this group of great people. Join it and be part of the fun.

Gary in OR

[usafguy5777]

Hello Gary,
I was in U-Tapao, 12-23-67, just in time for Christmas, then came the TET offensive in Nam,(Jan-Feb?). I worked in the HQTRS bldg. Gen. Talmant was Commanding. ( A very fine commander he was....the Best!).I was NCOIC of the Graphics Dept. I prepared mission maps for the pilots of the BUF's. I left for Ramey in '69. I was assigned to the Management & Analysis Branch (YuK!),directly across from the Hq. bldg. I was there 'til '73. Yep. I agree with you. I loved it there. I too went diving (Survival Beach). I travelled all over the Island. I joined the Aero Club, and got my Private Pilots License there. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I was born there. Yep, I'm a "Rican".
I left in 1973. I almost put the "padlock" on the gate. What a shame and waste to have closen such a fine and beautiful base. Were you there when I was there? Let me know more 'bout you. I'm very interested. Angel.

[garynrosvi]

Lets see if I can remember that far back...:rolleyes:
67-70 Ramey A.F.B. Member of the Ramey Sea Lancers. Still have my dive jacket and patches.
73-74 (?) UDorn Royal Thai A.B. and TDY's to every base in Thailand, the P.I. and some places that President Nizon said we didn't have any troops. (I must have been lost.)
Did you ever get t UDorn? If so, do you remember a place just south, no signs, most everyone NOT in uniform, and a HUGE Antenna you could see for miles. No one allowed on this "base" just those folks called Air America and lots of birds that flew into Laos, Cambodia as well as the Nam.
I was stationed on Guam 74 - 80 in time for Operation New Life. Guams population doubled from 100K to 200K in about a week.
We can chat about some of these things when we get a "Military Chat" scheduled. Lets call it "Commanders Call".

Gary in OR

[usafguy5777]

Sorry to say Gary, that I think we passed each other like ships in the night as the saying goes. And NO, never got to Udorn, but I heard that there was a lot of hush-hush going on over there. Same thing in Ubon. But I did get to go to Pattaya many times (LOL), And did see the REAL Bridge on the River Kwai. Really no big deal, and not the same as the bridge in the movie. Did you live on base at Ramey? Where 'bouts? I was living behind the 17th hole of the golf course and next to the CG Lighthouse. Can't remember the name of the street.

[razax]

We had some Caribous in the 82d Abn Div before they all went to the AF. I understood that the C-133 was an enhanced version of the C-130. I seem to remember seeing a loaded tractor trailer rig being driven into one at Pope AF Base (as a load, not an accident). I started jumping from C-130s in Oct56 while it was still being tested for airborne operations. It was and is a great airplane. A giant step forward from the C-119.

[usafguy5777]

Hi BUKHRM.
I guess you don't remember the KC-97 ? We used to call her "Ol Shaky", because those 4 very powerful Prop engines shook everything on board. I just took one ride and said "Never Again"! There was a joke 'bout a T-33 trainer waiting for take-off, next to a C-124 that had these front loading clamshell doors. The T-33 asked GC what going on, The C-124, openned it's doors and over the intercom told the T-33 pilot, "I'm going to EAT you!"
GC let the T-33 go first. Which he did very briskly.

[afret75]

As you can see by my log in name, Retired Air Force 10/75 with 24 + years in uniform. Reading what has been posted by others, there's no way I could list all the different type plus variations aircraft I've worked on as a Avonics Tech. I can say this, first A/C was a C-46D Aug 51 to retirement from F-111A in Sept 75. In between, close to 30 different types, receips, turbos and pure jets. Admittedly, am a lucky one with only three over sea tours.
12 mo Iceland, 36 mo Panama & 13 months Thailand (Korat with the 553rd Batcats).

Married 54 yrs to a Nashvillian who raised four boys while I was in uniform and to my way of thinking did a darn good job.

So it has been with me and mine.

Marty

[1stsgt]

From the Corps to the Force, here's hoping you all have a fun and safe Labor Day.

If anyone is in the path of Gustav, fly like the wind and get the hell out of Dodge!

Good luck to all.

[garynrosvi]

In the early 70's we were on Guam and during our 5 years there, were were hit or brushed by a couple typhoons ever year. In 1976 we were hit by Super Typhoon Pamela. It took its time moving across the island and paused with the eye over the Capital of Agana. A friend of mine worked at the island weather station. I asked him what the highest winds we experienced. He said he didn't know, as the gages read to 180 mph and "they blew away!"

We were without water for nearly a week (just a water truck coming by a couple times a day to fill your jugs) and without electric for almost 10 days. It was an interesting experience. Only one person was killed as we were all experienced and ready. The one guy was in his house and a coconut flew in the window and hit him in the head.

Gary in OR

[1stsgt]

Hello Everyone,

FYI, I have posted some information on the USMC thread that may be of interest to anyone having to evacuate from the area due to IKE.

Be safe not sorry.

[afret75]

If anyone is interested in tracking present and possible future storms, here's a site that gives location and projected track. At present time, looks like Ike might give the New Orleans area another go about next Thursday.

http://www.stormpulse.com/

Marty

[gherman]

gherman here AF from Jan 66 to July 88 spent 1 year at Danang Vietnam from March 67 to March 68, 3 years at Kadena Okinawa from November 68 to October 70, spent 7 years in Germany 3years at Hahn AB Germany and 4 years at Spangdalem Germany, Retired from Minot AFB ND

[bear1]

Hi,
Was reading some of the posts and seems a lot of you were in South East Asia back then. I spent 20 years and 1 day in the AF. Gave them the extra day just to make sure they had the full 20. In the Air Police and was stationed in Korat and Udorn in Thailand in 66-67. Been RVing in a motorhome for almost 4 years now.:)
Love it and seeing the country.
bear

[afret75]

My goodness bear, looks like your another one that I just missed at Korat. Spent 13 months with the 553rd Batcats (EC121Rs) 69/70. Ironically, I spend a lot of time over on TRVN site and learned there are two that were there at the same time I was. One A.F. and the other Army on Friendship. Always interesting to how small this world can get.

Marty

[1oleman]

Hi guys. I was on Guam '65-'67. "loaned" to the TDY outfits. Was on the 4000ft crossover when the first mission took off for Nam. Cannot say that I loved it but should have. Left the AF in '73 when I received orders for Tialand and decided that 5 1/2 out of 11 overseas was enough. Only time I regret it is the first of the month.

[1stsgt]

Traveling WWII Exhibit Opens
Week of November 24, 2008

The Fly Girls of World War II traveling exhibit recently opened at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington, Va. The exhibit is dedicated to the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) and includes the "WASP Film Strip," an "Above and Beyond" tribute, a 26-foot WASP Timeline, WASP stand-ups, uniformed mannequins and hundreds of photos. The exhibit is scheduled to remain on display at the Women's Memorial through November 2009, before continuing its nationwide tour. For more information on the WASP, visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial website, http://www.womensmemorial.org/ the PBS' American Experience: Fly Girls of WWII website, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/flygirls/ WASP on the Web, http://wingsacrossamerica.us/wasp/ and Texas Woman's University's WASP Collection, http://www.twu.edu/library/wasp/

[mailman]

Thanks for posting those photos of the old warbird-the F-4...I was at Udorn in 67-68, the F104s had just left, as had the F101s, but there were certainly plenty of the F-4s. I was an Air Traffic Controller and grew to really love the F-4 and the C-141 Starlifter. Did have a C133 come in there one time bringing in new radar equipment, the only aircraft in the inventory at the time that could carry the entire unit. Anyway, these bring back a lot of memories. I'm retired AF- 1982-20 years, last assignment Patrick AFB Fl. After that 23 years Postal Service. Love this site....

[glipper]

Just found this site and enjoyed what I read. As for me, spent 3 unglorious years in a sister service and 21 years in our AF. Was on flying status for one year and liked it not at all. In both services I was involved in communications intel. I retired in July 1980 as a CMSgt. (Nice to have received my back pay for these 28 years. I do not call it "retired pay".) Retired from my second career in 2001 and moved into a motor home to start a full-timing gypsy life. Been in all but five northern states. So much to see; so little time. We winter in South Texas in a city park that has an 18-hole golf course. Ah, such fun.

[afchap]

From reading all the other posts here, I guess I am the "youngster" of the group ...retired in Oct 2005 after 26 yrs active + 5 Reserve before that. As a chaplain, I served in several MAJCOMs, and managed to ride-along on B-52s, KC-135s, KC-10s, C-130s, C-141s, C-5s, and C-17s over the years. I was on Guam in the late '80s when the B-52 wing was shut down ...Commander simply got a call one weekend telling him to shut-down the alert mission, and in just a few months the base was a ghost town until they began to bring other missions in.

[caravan]

Was at Hahn in 1976, Spangdahlem left in 1986. Ran Pass and ID, and info security. Retired in 1982 E-7.

[whodo]

A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including Their life." That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it. -- Author Unknown

On this Memorial Day let us all not forget all of our Brothers & Sisters in Arms that are no longer here.

[olesd]

Hello all .. I was stationed at W-P from 1961 to 1965... was hurt and am now VA disabled.... we are ready this spring to have some freedom to travel .. Thank You for your service and time spent....

[stevesandidge]

thank you to all of our veterans for thier service and sacrafice for thier country!:D

[olesd]

Hello
We are joining a lot of friendly campers. I am 100% and wife is able to retire so we are traveling to Tn this summer and Texas next winter..
Peace is our profession

[gherman]

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day and don't forget the ones who got us this far.

[jstall]

Hi to all my brothers, I was at DaNang on the F-4's with the 366th Gunfighters
Thanks to all that served before me, with me, after me and are protecting us now. God be with them.
Joseph

[gherman]

Jstall
I was at DaNang from March of 67 to March of 68. Was in the 388th MMS (Munitions Maintenance Squadron more lovingly call bb stackers

[mailman]

flew the f-104 1966 out of UDORN ab, thailand. have been running a 1996 kountrystar for 12 years. 5months each summer. already looking forward to next summer on the oregon coast. it is too hot in southern calif.

The F-104s had just left Udorn when I arrived in Sept 67. I had been at Homestead AFB, Fl where the F-104 was assigned to an ADC outfit there. Loved that airplane, even though it had a short "aloft" time. It was a rocket. I was an air traffic controller there working in the Control Tower. Later assignments were in the Radar facilities. The photos of the F-4s on the ramp certainly bring back memories of my Udorn days.
Marty