golf, travel, used to bowl at Hillnot too much else
core_pfieldgroups_3
core_pfield_11
Hi gang,
I Joined the operational C-130- family as a Navigator in HC-130H, 76th ARRS at Lajes Field, Azores from June 1971 'till unit was disbanded in Jan 1973. Bill Hosking, CC. Reflexed to Keflevik AB, Iceland for a week every six weeks during this time.
Then to CCK after TAC training at Little Rock in '73. Joined 776th TAS, and became Sq Exec until the 374th TAW moved to Clark in Nov/Dec 1973. Remained Sq Exec but snuck off to U tapao as often as possible to fly mostly Cambodian stuff. (didn't like CC). 1st CC, LCol Porter, was great guy---his replacement ---not so much.
Had flights to Hanoi 3 times---all peaceful! Will fill in later---last trip most interesting with DIC's extraction. Anyone out there on that recovery mission??? I've lost all paperwork on it. Claude Lamareaux may have been AC on my plane. (two ship mission) I've never seen the story told. Col Novas, Vice Wing CC was mission commander.
After Clark AB, ended up at B'ham AL Airport in Test Flight at PDM (Hayes Int'l, and later Pemco) in June 1974 Retired there on 30 Jun 1978.
Prior to C-130---Enlisted crewman 1955-1960 flying in WB-29, WB-50 & RB-36's gathering nuclear debris from USSR & our own Nuke tests. McClellan AFB, (WFO, 1009th Special Weapons Squadron---now AFTAC) June '55---June 1958. Lots of TDY's especially to Eielson AFB. As SSG, transferred to Hickam AB in Team 103, same outfit---then OCS in Mar, 1960, Class 60C. Then Nav Tng at Harlingen AFB, followed by Nav-Bomb Tng at Mather
Back to Hickam AFB as 1st Lt in 48 ATS C-118's, in Jun 1962 after 3 week "vacation" at Stead AFB, NV---until Sq de-commissioned in Jun 1965 To Hill AFB in 28th MAS
C-124's---June 1965 to Dec 1969 (Admin Officer from june 1967 to end)---when unit disbanded. Many days & nites at Drifter's reef on Wake Island. Then they jerked me (against my will) to MAC HQ, Scott AFB.
In early 1971,TDY to Eglin AFB for Rescue School---at my request (I was in Officer Assignments and loved job, but hated Scott & politics!!)
All C-130 stuff covered above.
Notice that almost every unit I flew with closed. 776th also disbanded shortly after my departure. Left a mess in my wake!!!!
Looking forward to reuniting. Especially interested in Guam Apr 20th crash. I could have been on it, but opted for the "Freedom Flight". Knew all crew members---776th TAS folks. The Navigator, Bob Regal was my best friend over there.
I have more words on that, but this is getting waaay too long.
Hope someone out there remembers me. Been out of touch for a long time!!
Best to all ol' Herky guys out there whether I knew you or not. Great, tough old bird.!!
Jack
core_pfield_12
Colorado Springs
Occupation
Own my own business which I am closing slowly (79 years old next month)
