I retired effective 31 Jan 2010 as the Deputy Director of the 735 Supply Chain Management Group, part of the new Air Force Logistics Support Center, an AFMC organization.
1976-1978, EB-57 Canberra
From Year 1976
To Year 1978
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
EB-57 Canberra Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
As part of the Aerospace Defense Command (ADC), the EB-57 was the "Friendly Enemy". These Defense Systems Evaluation Squadrons (DSES) were used to penetrate Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) acting as enemy bombers to test the defense capability of interceptors and ground control radar sites of ADC. In addition, training for individual intercept squadrons was a continuing responsibility. The last two active duty units were the 4713 DSES and 4677 DSES which became the 17th DSES when the unit moved to Malmstrom AFB. The aircrews and ground crews were frequently on duty away from their home station. The 4713th called itself the "Roving Ravens".
The rotatable bomb bay of the Canberra replaced bombs with electronic black boxes and the fuselage bristled with antennas. From the wing pods, chaff, used by the British in World War II was still an effective radar jammer.
In the back seat of the EB-57, the Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) orchestrated these electronic countermeasures using his own skills to test and hone those of the interceptor aircraft crew. At the same time the EWO took pride in developing the skills needed in his assigned wartime mission.
As changes occurred in Air Force structure and the nation's defense needs were updated, the Air National Guard absorbed this mission as it had others.
