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patrick29

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core_pfieldgroups_2

  • First Name
    Richard
  • Last Name
    Gilmore

core_pfieldgroups_3

  • core_pfield_11
    First assignment was as a propeller repairman in 62 TAS, Sewart AFB, TN, Jun 69. Went to Little Rock AFB, AR on the advance team, Feb 70, that transitioned the base from B-58s to C-130s. Went to Det 1, 834 AD, Tan Son Nhut AB RVN, Nov 70-Apr 72, where I started my flying status as a non-crew member. Left there, and went to the 318 SOS, Pope AFB NC. In Aug 74, the squadron moved to Hurlburt AFB, FL, and I was assigned to the 834th FMS prop shop. In Sep, 75 I left Hurlburt and was assigned to the 374 FMS at Clark AB, PI, where I was attached to E-Flight. I left Clark in Oct 78, cross-trained as a C-141 FE and was assigned to the 7th MAS at Travis AFB, CA. Flew Big MAC for 4 years, then volunteered for instructor duty back at Little Rock AFB. Was assigned to 62nd again, this time as an FE. After 2 years, I came down with heart problems, was grounded, and volunteered to become a First Sergeant. Was First Sergeant for the 62nd, then went to the 314 SPS in Nov 85. Went to an ESC unit in Germany (6914th ESS) from Apr 88 to Apr 90, then returned to Little Rock AFB as the first shirt for the 16 ALS. Retired Nov 92.
  • core_pfield_12
    Hot Springs, Arkansas
  • Occupation
    Currently on LTD from my position as a Vice President, Investments, UBS Financial Services

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  1. patrick29
    I was lucky enough to be assigned to the 318th SOS at Pope AFB. We started with 5 "Black Birds" but lost one to a midair collision with a fighter during a night EWO Pro mission in Dec, '72. Back then, I was a prop man on flying status and flew with a bunch of outstanding crew members. I really enjoyed picking up "Sam" and "George" and the night TF missions. Flying with them is what initially made me decide to become a flight engineer. The 318th eventually moved to Hurlburt, and became the 8th SOS. Now they fly CV-22s.
  2. patrick29
    I didn't want to be drafted, so I joined the Air Force when I was 19, in 1968. I wanted to go to Viet Nam because, even though there were those who thought it was an unjust war, I lived in the US and would do whatever was needed for my country. Sure, I was spit on and called a baby killer by my ex "friends" when I came home, but I still believed I was doing what my country needed me to do. I never thought of deserting, but didn't care if others decided to. What bothered me was the people who deserted this great land of ours who came back after the war, and received priority in getting jobs over the Vets. To me, if you want to leave, that's fine. In fact, if you want to leave, maybe you should. Just don't bother to come back. I think you'll find a patriotic feeling from those who answer on this site, after all, we're military!
  3. patrick29
    It appears General PK Carleton's wish of getting all the enlisteds off the flight deck is finally coming to pass. With the C-17 replacing the C-141 and the J model replacing the older C-130s, the flight engineer is going the way of the horse and buggy. I hate to see that, because the FE is an invaluable resource. When this first started happening, all the pilots I talked to hated it because, at some point, they're not going to be able to turn around and say "hey, engineer, what do you think?"
  4. patrick29
    I heard from some Lockheed people that they sent in a team to inspect the crash site and found that it had been caused by 37mm "lightning." I don't know if it's true.
  5. patrick29
    The TN politicians also ticked off Johnson. The cover story was that Percy Priest lake was undermining the runways.
  6. patrick29
    I remember some good rotations out of Sewart AFB!
  7. patrick29
    We did a max power run one time at Pope, and blew one of the yokes off when we went to reverse. Another time, we had a birdstrike right in the middle of the sky anchor. The bird was still there when we landed. A lot of memories with those blackbirds!
  8. patrick29
    I could sure use some pictures. I was with the 318th at Pope until we moved to Hurlburt and the squadron became the 8th. At the time, I was a prop tech on non-crew status, so I had a chance to fly bunches of interesting sorties! After we went to Hurlburt, maintainers were transferred out of the squadron. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures, other than what I can get off the internet. We had the "whisker" birds, so I would prefer any pictures of those. Sadly, I was at Pope when we lost 0558. Thanks!
  9. patrick29
    Hey, Jon, I was an E-Flight propeller technician while assigned to Clark AB from 75-78. I'm trying to find any declassified info out there, so I can finally tell my wife what we did whenever we would disappear for a week. I checked out the Air America website, but couldn't find the C-130 E-Flight section. I, too, was proud to wear that little cobra! My TS helped me get my SCI, and that got me an assignment to a new ESC unit for a couple years.
  10. patrick29
    I just happened upon this thread. I was in the 318 SOS at Pope AFB from 72-74 (we moved to Hurlburt in 74) and could use some pictures if anyone has any. Our birds had the "whiskers" and I could use pictures of those models. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Thanks.
  11. patrick29
    I was at Sewart AFB from June 69 to Feb 70. I was assigned to 62 TAS as a prop man. I was on the advance team that went to Little Rock Feb 70, and transitioned the base from B-58s to C-130s. I left 62 TAS Nov 70. I remember when we received our new planes, 10934-10951. Same ones I flew later, as a 62nd FE, when I returned to LRAFB in 1982.
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