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Guest contributions: Recent posts on aircraft and squadron history





uh-60l


04-27012
04-27012 Flew above Zevenaar, Netherlands. Only one heli visible on Flight Radar. Two helis were flying underneath each other. Visual sighting
uh-60a
70-295

N43HC
70-295 N43HC Preston, CT
aw139
31884

VH-PVQ
31884 VH-PVQ Preston
as350b2
8024

N1SD
8024 N1SD circling Pinellas Park
as365n3
6783

F-HNHN
6783 F-HNHN 34F Active Feb 2023 Dec 2024
as365n3
6831

OO-NHD
6831 OO-NHD 34F Active Jul 2023 Dec 2024
as365n3
6754

F-HYHN
6754 F-HYHN 34F Active Nov 2023 Dec 2024
US 40th ARRS 1982-1985. I flew UH-1Ns at Det 4, 40th ARRS at Hill AFB from early 1982 through the end of 1985. Lots of range support missions to west desert of Utah. Frequent civilian SAR missions, and responded to military crashes, mainly F-16s, in the Utah Test and Training range. Commanders LtCol John Lee, Maj Jay Messenger, Maj Michael Farage. Operations officers Sqdn Ldr Angus Houston, Maj Terry Huey. US 40th ARRS 1982-1985. I flew UH-1Ns at Det 4, 40th ARRS at Hill AFB from early 1982 through the end of 1985. Lots of range support missions to west desert of Utah. Frequent civilian SAR missions, and responded to military crashes, mainly F-16s, in the Utah Test and Training range. Commanders LtCol John Lee, Maj Jay Messenger, Maj Michael Farage. Operations officers Sqdn Ldr Angus Houston, Maj Terry Huey.
US 6514 TS 1974-1982, I was assigned to this sq, I worked in Telemetry. I helped in the Development and operation of the 80H winch and many of the diagrams of the control and ancillary modules in the operational TO's are drawings that I made. I was the lead telemetry tech on the XQM 106 I designed and built the telemetry package and built the linear amplifier for the flight controls to enable longer radio range! I worked alongside techs from Teledyne Ryan US 6514 TS 1974-1982, I was assigned to this sq, I worked in Telemetry. I helped in the Development and operation of the 80H winch and many of the diagrams of the control and ancillary modules in the operational TO's are drawings that I made. I was the lead telemetry tech on the XQM 106 I designed and built the telemetry package and built the linear amplifier for the flight controls to enable longer radio range! I worked alongside techs from Teledyne Ryan
US 302nd SOS Early 70s, Luke AFB, I was in maintenance (Avionics, Flight Control Systems and Fire control) and as part of the flight support team. We transitioned to the HH-3's in late 72, early 73 (I believe). Went on several training sorties to Gila Bend with the hired guns (PJ's), they let me fire the "pig" a few times, and a night drop training exercise on Lake Mead (scary). Night vision back then was primitive. The Airforce had this "World Wide Mobility Status" initiative where we had to be packed up and into C130's within 24HRS. That was fun (not). This was after we transitioned into TAC and SOS. I believe we were in MAC ARRS before that? I helped with evacuation operations during the Doxol disaster (Kingman BLEVE), it was a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion that occurred on July 5, 1973 in Kingman, Arizona. The crater was 1/4 mile wide and threw freight cars over a mile away. We were flying the HH-3's then. I left the 302 sos in 1975. - US 302nd SOS Early 70s, Luke AFB, I was in maintenance (Avionics, Flight Control Systems and Fire control) and as part of the flight support team. We transitioned to the HH-3's in late 72, early 73 (I believe). Went on several training sorties to Gila Bend with the hired guns (PJ's), they let me fire the "pig" a few times, and a night drop training exercise on Lake Mead (scary). Night vision back then was primitive. The Airforce had this "World Wide Mobility Status" initiative where we had to be packed up and into C130's within 24HRS. That was fun (not). This was after we transitioned into TAC and SOS. I believe we were in MAC ARRS before that? I helped with evacuation operations during the Doxol disaster (Kingman BLEVE), it was a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion that occurred on July 5, 1973 in Kingman, Arizona. The crater was 1/4 mile wide and threw freight cars over a mile away. We were flying the HH-3's then. I left the 302 sos in 1975. -
US HC-2 1966-1969 - I was a pilot at HC-2 from 4/66 to muster-out in 9/69. Med cruise on USS America 1967. Evacuated wounded from USS Liberty June 9, 1967; WestPac cruise 1968 on USS Intrepid; Atlantic readiness short cruise, USS Independence 1969 US HC-2 1966-1969 - I was a pilot at HC-2 from 4/66 to muster-out in 9/69. Med cruise on USS America 1967. Evacuated wounded from USS Liberty June 9, 1967; WestPac cruise 1968 on USS Intrepid; Atlantic readiness short cruise, USS Independence 1969
US HMX-1 That Sperry auto pilot was being tested in late 1973 or early 1974 in MX16 a SH3G. We had an in flight fire with that project during a major check flight. I was crew chief but that was not my aircraft. Ssgt Ron Perez, our section chief was also aboard. Don't remember the pilots. None of us worked on that project and did not know how to turn it off. It was mounted on wood, on the magnesium floor above the forward fuel tank. We were over the middle of the Potomac when it caught fire. Cut every wire with my right hand and sprayed the Co2 extinguisher with my left. Got the fire out. We landed on mat 2 next to the runway. After the smoke cleared everything was working OK so we finished the check flight. MX 16 was a jinxed A/C. Imiss the old Corps. Bill Kennedy, Sgt, 72-76. US HMX-1 That Sperry auto pilot was being tested in late 1973 or early 1974 in MX16 a SH3G. We had an in flight fire with that project during a major check flight. I was crew chief but that was not my aircraft. Ssgt Ron Perez, our section chief was also aboard. Don't remember the pilots. None of us worked on that project and did not know how to turn it off. It was mounted on wood, on the magnesium floor above the forward fuel tank. We were over the middle of the Potomac when it caught fire. Cut every wire with my right hand and sprayed the Co2 extinguisher with my left. Got the fire out. We landed on mat 2 next to the runway. After the smoke cleared everything was working OK so we finished the check flight. MX 16 was a jinxed A/C. Imiss the old Corps. Bill Kennedy, Sgt, 72-76.
US HC-8 1984-1988, I also am a Plankowner and Aircrewman of this short lived Squadron. I was part of Team 5 along with Whitney, Clark, Platt, Beswick, Rosario, Geran, Kiethline and a host of others. Our time together was some of the best, thanks for all the great memories. AT1 NAC Reed US HC-8 1984-1988, I also am a Plankowner and Aircrewman of this short lived Squadron. I was part of Team 5 along with Whitney, Clark, Platt, Beswick, Rosario, Geran, Kiethline and a host of others. Our time together was some of the best, thanks for all the great memories. AT1 NAC Reed
US 2-101 AVN The unit lost aircraft 85-25355 (Alpha Model Aircraft) "Venom" (Noted by the elongated Venom spider logo that was painted on the Pilots air inlet panel) in early 1997 due to a manufacture design flaw for the rear rotor shear pin. The aircraft was out on a single ship night mission when the pilots experienced a loss of tail rotor control. The aircraft was navigated to rest between two trees in order to keep the aircraft from rolling over as there was no tail rotor control. In the process of this emergency landing the tail boom was cut off by the main rotor blades just behind the door to enter the catwalk area. The tail rotor came to rest about 15 yards from the main body upside down. The aircraft absorbed enough g-force that the wingtips which usually were approximately 5 feet off the ground were now about a foot and a half off the ground. The 30MM had penetrated the bulkhead under the co-pilot, who was severely injured in this accident and had to be cut out of the co-pilot's station. In order for the pilots to be extracted the windows were blown. The aircraft was eventually sling loaded out of the woods and came to rest on a flatbed for transport back to CAAF. ~Woody Cco 2-101 AVN "GHOSTRIDERS" Crew chief 1994-1997 - US 2-101 AVN The unit lost aircraft 85-25355 (Alpha Model Aircraft) "Venom" (Noted by the elongated Venom spider logo that was painted on the Pilots air inlet panel) in early 1997 due to a manufacture design flaw for the rear rotor shear pin. The aircraft was out on a single ship night mission when the pilots experienced a loss of tail rotor control. The aircraft was navigated to rest between two trees in order to keep the aircraft from rolling over as there was no tail rotor control. In the process of this emergency landing the tail boom was cut off by the main rotor blades just behind the door to enter the catwalk area. The tail rotor came to rest about 15 yards from the main body upside down. The aircraft absorbed enough g-force that the wingtips which usually were approximately 5 feet off the ground were now about a foot and a half off the ground. The 30MM had penetrated the bulkhead under the co-pilot, who was severely injured in this accident and had to be cut out of the co-pilot's station. In order for the pilots to be extracted the windows were blown. The aircraft was eventually sling loaded out of the woods and came to rest on a flatbed for transport back to CAAF. ~Woody Cco 2-101 AVN "GHOSTRIDERS" Crew chief 1994-1997 -
US HC-1 1979-1982 was attached to HC-1 Det 3 aboard the USS Coral Sea CV-43, Was the Powerplants Sup. Great group of guys wrenching on the SH-3G, lot of good memories, had a few H-3's flying around fighting the big fires we had in Cali. US HC-1 1979-1982 was attached to HC-1 Det 3 aboard the USS Coral Sea CV-43, Was the Powerplants Sup. Great group of guys wrenching on the SH-3G, lot of good memories, had a few H-3's flying around fighting the big fires we had in Cali.
US HSL-30 1971-Dec72 AMH3. Reported for duty to HSL-30 in Sept after H2 training at NAS Imperial Beach and was immediately assigned to Casey Hall for a 6mo MAA duties. Made AMH2 while checking passes at the mess hall. Reassigned to the squadron in May72. Detached to the USS LITTLE ROCK (2nd Fleet Flagship) for a 1 week training operation supporting a HH-2D in the Atlantic. Three helicopters on the deck at the same time set LITTLE ROCK record. Jun72 Assigned to SUP DET 31. Accompanied replacement HH-2D transported aboard a C-5 from McGuire AFB to Naval Station Rota, Spain. Picked up our pilot and copilot and flew the HH-2D to join the rest of the detachment aboard the USS SPRINGFIELD (6th Fleet Flagship) in Corfu, Greece. Spent the remainder of my Navy career supporting the operations of the detachment and visiting many interesting Mediterranean ports. Chad Rose. US HSL-30 1971-Dec72 AMH3. Reported for duty to HSL-30 in Sept after H2 training at NAS Imperial Beach and was immediately assigned to Casey Hall for a 6mo MAA duties. Made AMH2 while checking passes at the mess hall. Reassigned to the squadron in May72. Detached to the USS LITTLE ROCK (2nd Fleet Flagship) for a 1 week training operation supporting a HH-2D in the Atlantic. Three helicopters on the deck at the same time set LITTLE ROCK record. Jun72 Assigned to SUP DET 31. Accompanied replacement HH-2D transported aboard a C-5 from McGuire AFB to Naval Station Rota, Spain. Picked up our pilot and copilot and flew the HH-2D to join the rest of the detachment aboard the USS SPRINGFIELD (6th Fleet Flagship) in Corfu, Greece. Spent the remainder of my Navy career supporting the operations of the detachment and visiting many interesting Mediterranean ports. Chad Rose.
US HC-6 1978-1982, Was at HC-6 Executive Transport NAS Norfolk VA 4/78-4/82. They maintained the VH3A Sea King, which were the original Marine Ones. At some point HC-6 was decommissioned, the birds are now part of HC-2. US HC-6 1978-1982, Was at HC-6 Executive Transport NAS Norfolk VA 4/78-4/82. They maintained the VH3A Sea King, which were the original Marine Ones. At some point HC-6 was decommissioned, the birds are now part of HC-2.
US 2-101 AVN I’m not sure exactly, but transitioned to AH-64D Longbow around 1999 testing through Fort Hood. US 2-101 AVN I’m not sure exactly, but transitioned to AH-64D Longbow around 1999 testing through Fort Hood.
US 3-140 I served with C 3/14Oth S&S from 2010 to 2016 from PLT. SGT to 1SG going from OH-58 A/C to the LUH-72 US 3-140 I served with C 3/14Oth S&S from 2010 to 2016 from PLT. SGT to 1SG going from OH-58 A/C to the LUH-72
UH-1N
31075

69-6669
31075 69-6669 Conducting what appear to be nav training flights in and around Washington, DC
h145d2
20217

G-EMSS
20217 G-EMSS Landed at lake avenue shop field, Bury Saint Edmunds
r66
0638

G-TLMI
0638 G-TLMI Farmer boys shed. Farmer boys "ménage"
as365n2
6443

EI-PRO
6443 EI-PRO Ireland to Thruxton Return , South Wales
aw109s
22164

EC-NRU
22164 EC-NRU Avincis España
uh-60m


20-21169
20-21169 Burbank/Glendale area
US HS-75 1976, I served with the HS-75 Emerald Knights Squadron from Jul 76' - Dec 79', stationed at NAS/NAEC Lakehurst. We were transferred to NAS Wilgro in Jun 79'. I served as Ops Yeoman under Lt. George S. Loeslien, Jr., and sailed aboard the USS Independence and USS Nimitz, out of NAS Norfolk, during our Active Duty stretches, along with the Reservist that we trained. Our CO was CDR Cooligan, and CDR Pence rec'd commmand before we moved. To have served where the Hindenberg fell in a blaze, and being housed in Hangar Six where a blimp once sat, was quite a bit of history to be a part of. Standing Watch those cold winter nights was a bit spooky in that hangar, but it made you realize how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of it all. Operations personnel included Brian, Sully, Dennis & Dan. Old Salts I recall were (O's) Strano, Savioli, Aune, & Walls; (E's) were Bob Shuck, Jerry Hogan, Dorsman, Charles Cuthbert, Dave Baker (RIP), PJ Long, and Levi joined us in WilGro. I owe a debt of gratitude to all those whom I served with, the good, the bad and the indifferent. And thanks for not throwing me overboard (smile). I owe a HUGE THANKS to Lt. Michael Matt, as a particular use of his verbage that I use to this day is "would you be so kind as to...". And lastly, to AO1 Bobby Smith, I'm still humbled to this day for you and your wife making sure I met your neighbor, Rose, at the Squadron Christmas party, Dec., 1979. Christmas "came" early for her and I (no pun intended) that year because of you both. She was a stunning and vivacious lady. Hail to the Fleet! US HS-75 1976, I served with the HS-75 Emerald Knights Squadron from Jul 76' - Dec 79', stationed at NAS/NAEC Lakehurst. We were transferred to NAS Wilgro in Jun 79'. I served as Ops Yeoman under Lt. George S. Loeslien, Jr., and sailed aboard the USS Independence and USS Nimitz, out of NAS Norfolk, during our Active Duty stretches, along with the Reservist that we trained. Our CO was CDR Cooligan, and CDR Pence rec'd commmand before we moved. To have served where the Hindenberg fell in a blaze, and being housed in Hangar Six where a blimp once sat, was quite a bit of history to be a part of. Standing Watch those cold winter nights was a bit spooky in that hangar, but it made you realize how insignificant we are in the grand scheme of it all. Operations personnel included Brian, Sully, Dennis & Dan. Old Salts I recall were (O's) Strano, Savioli, Aune, & Walls; (E's) were Bob Shuck, Jerry Hogan, Dorsman, Charles Cuthbert, Dave Baker (RIP), PJ Long, and Levi joined us in WilGro. I owe a debt of gratitude to all those whom I served with, the good, the bad and the indifferent. And thanks for not throwing me overboard (smile). I owe a HUGE THANKS to Lt. Michael Matt, as a particular use of his verbage that I use to this day is "would you be so kind as to...". And lastly, to AO1 Bobby Smith, I'm still humbled to this day for you and your wife making sure I met your neighbor, Rose, at the Squadron Christmas party, Dec., 1979. Christmas "came" early for her and I (no pun intended) that year because of you both. She was a stunning and vivacious lady. Hail to the Fleet!
US VXE-6 In 1969 I preserved the last H-34 on the ice, A few years later I saw one at a National Guard station in Conn.nin 1971 I preserved the last Huey UH-1D model and UH-1N was ushered in.nIn 1968 one of two Super Connies (Pegasus, I think) crashed on approach and is still on the icenIn 1970 I was sent to Quonset early to rebuild the last UH-1D and turn it over to the Army. ADR3 DM Jackson - Proud Puckered Penguin 1968-1972 US VXE-6 In 1969 I preserved the last H-34 on the ice, A few years later I saw one at a National Guard station in Conn.nin 1971 I preserved the last Huey UH-1D model and UH-1N was ushered in.nIn 1968 one of two Super Connies (Pegasus, I think) crashed on approach and is still on the icenIn 1970 I was sent to Quonset early to rebuild the last UH-1D and turn it over to the Army. ADR3 DM Jackson - Proud Puckered Penguin 1968-1972
US HSL-33 1970-1979 Started out as an AE3 at NAS Imperial Beach in then HC5 which later became HSL31. Made my first WESPAC in 1972 in what became HSL33 as an AE3 in HSL33, LAMPS MNI DET9 on board the USS Reasoner DE 1063. Made E5 while on the cruise. Made our second WESPAC in HSL33 as an AE2 on board the USS Hepburn DE 1055. Discharged in 1979 as an AE1. Was an AE FRAMP instructor with HSL squadrons and wrote the PQS standards for the H2 helicopter Aviation Electricians while a FRAMP instructor for AE'S single handedly with input from the Kaman electrical tech tep. US HSL-33 1970-1979 Started out as an AE3 at NAS Imperial Beach in then HC5 which later became HSL31. Made my first WESPAC in 1972 in what became HSL33 as an AE3 in HSL33, LAMPS MNI DET9 on board the USS Reasoner DE 1063. Made E5 while on the cruise. Made our second WESPAC in HSL33 as an AE2 on board the USS Hepburn DE 1055. Discharged in 1979 as an AE1. Was an AE FRAMP instructor with HSL squadrons and wrote the PQS standards for the H2 helicopter Aviation Electricians while a FRAMP instructor for AE'S single handedly with input from the Kaman electrical tech tep.
407
53494

N111GH
53494 N111GH flying at 1000ft about Hollister
US HS-75 1977-79 I was stationed with HS-75. The insignia is correct. AWH1 We lost three crewman in a helicopter crash that occurred at Willow Grove as they were shooting touch and goes. At that time we were stationed at Lakehurst. US HS-75 1977-79 I was stationed with HS-75. The insignia is correct. AWH1 We lost three crewman in a helicopter crash that occurred at Willow Grove as they were shooting touch and goes. At that time we were stationed at Lakehurst.
US 82nd CAB C Company of 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Brigade had 12 each OH-58A model helicopters in 1988. In 1990, they were upgraded to A with the C20 engine. We also added Radar Alitimeters during the upgrade. Our primary mission was Comand and Control and VIP transport. During Desert Shield / Desert Storm, C Company personnel deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division but the Aircraft stayed behind due to under powered engines. Hence the A upgrades. The Aircraft were meant to follow but the war ended to soon and the Aircraft never deployed. Because all the maintenace assets were in the Desert, Lockheed was hired to do the A upgrades. I was a CW2 MTP and managed the project. In total, 27 Aircraft got the A upgrades, the additional 15 Aircraft went to the 18th Airborne Corp to serve in a similar mission. US 82nd CAB C Company of 2nd Battalion, 82nd Aviation Brigade had 12 each OH-58A model helicopters in 1988. In 1990, they were upgraded to A with the C20 engine. We also added Radar Alitimeters during the upgrade. Our primary mission was Comand and Control and VIP transport. During Desert Shield / Desert Storm, C Company personnel deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division but the Aircraft stayed behind due to under powered engines. Hence the A upgrades. The Aircraft were meant to follow but the war ended to soon and the Aircraft never deployed. Because all the maintenace assets were in the Desert, Lockheed was hired to do the A upgrades. I was a CW2 MTP and managed the project. In total, 27 Aircraft got the A upgrades, the additional 15 Aircraft went to the 18th Airborne Corp to serve in a similar mission.
US HS-5 Late 1971 or early 1972 until early 1975 I got orders to HS-5 as a jet engine mechanic (ADJ). Based out of Quonset Pt. R.I. And later Jacksonville, Florida. The “Mechs” as we were called were responsible for the G.E. T-58 turboshaft engines, fuel system, gear boxes and shafts back to the tail rotor on the Sikorsky H-3. We deployed on the Wasp, the Intrepid and the Independence. I only made one short cruise on the Wasp before its decommissioning. I heard that the Wasp was sold to Gillette. If that is true I wonder how many razor blades can be made from an aircraft carrier!? After a year of boot camp, ADJ school and helicopter school and then 3 yrs. In HS-5, I entered civilian life again. Met great people and learned a lot in that squadron. (ADJ-2) Jim Spry. US HS-5 Late 1971 or early 1972 until early 1975 I got orders to HS-5 as a jet engine mechanic (ADJ). Based out of Quonset Pt. R.I. And later Jacksonville, Florida. The “Mechs” as we were called were responsible for the G.E. T-58 turboshaft engines, fuel system, gear boxes and shafts back to the tail rotor on the Sikorsky H-3. We deployed on the Wasp, the Intrepid and the Independence. I only made one short cruise on the Wasp before its decommissioning. I heard that the Wasp was sold to Gillette. If that is true I wonder how many razor blades can be made from an aircraft carrier!? After a year of boot camp, ADJ school and helicopter school and then 3 yrs. In HS-5, I entered civilian life again. Met great people and learned a lot in that squadron. (ADJ-2) Jim Spry.
US HC-2 1963, Was stationed @ HU-2, Made a Med Cruise With an AMH designation I helped maintain the operation of the HUP model as well as the UH2-A, known as the hookie tookie. As with anyone, I was working in the hangar the day JFK was shot in Dallas. Never forgot that. US HC-2 1963, Was stationed @ HU-2, Made a Med Cruise With an AMH designation I helped maintain the operation of the HUP model as well as the UH2-A, known as the hookie tookie. As with anyone, I was working in the hangar the day JFK was shot in Dallas. Never forgot that.
US HC-16 I was suppose to be on that aircraft that went down that nite. But it was running late so my buddy Mike went up instead of the 2 of us. It was a cold dark nite over water US HC-16 I was suppose to be on that aircraft that went down that nite. But it was running late so my buddy Mike went up instead of the 2 of us. It was a cold dark nite over water
US 54 ARRS 1961-62 Stationed at the Goose. SC54 Aircraft Mechanic. Flew to Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico for Scott Carpenter Aurora 7 rescue May 24 1962. Also escorted Pres. Kennedy to Mexico. US 54 ARRS 1961-62 Stationed at the Goose. SC54 Aircraft Mechanic. Flew to Roosevelt Roads Naval Air Station in Puerto Rico for Scott Carpenter Aurora 7 rescue May 24 1962. Also escorted Pres. Kennedy to Mexico.






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