Just finished writing my Memoir of my service years, and a major undertaking of doing a re-write of the family military history (1770's to 1983. Being the last member of my family to serve, probably puts me at the pinacle. Hopefully the kids who are just now growing old enough to understand willspend the time to read both and accept the challenge of returning the favor of securing our freedom for their grandkids.
Other Comments:
I served as an Aircraft Maintenance Ground Crewman, Assistant Crew Chief, Crew Chief and Aircraft Maintenance Superintendant. Crew Chief Duties were on B-52H, KC-EC-RC-WC-135, C-141A and Enroute Maintenance Team Chief for all MAC - boy that's OLD - aircraft, including Commercials, transiting through Andersen AFB, Guam 1968 thru 1969. My last assignment was Night Shift NCOIC Production and Mobility for the Field Maintenance Branch, 6th CAMSq, 6th Strategic Recon. Wing, Eielson AFB, AK.
After my retirement I went to work for the State of Alaska as a Correctional Officer/Prisoner Transport Officer for another fifteen years. Received my Commission from the Alaska State Troopers in 1985 and retired it in 1997. Retired from the DOC in 1998.
Drove School Bus for a year, and then went into Private Security. Worked two years under the Federal Protective Service as a Security Officer/Sergeant at the U. S. Federal Building in Fairbanks, AK. Retired due to health.
Moved back to Michigan in 2004 to pursue my dream of completion of a degree in drafting. When it's over I'm going back to Alaska and ship my two sons to Florida. LMAO.
Just a note: Crew Chiefs went by numerous nicknames while I was in that line of work. Some readily identifiable examples were "Ramp Apes", "Screw Chiefs", "AGE Monitors", "Gorilla," and so on. Along about 1980 something, I first heard the term "Crew Dawg" used by an Aircraft Commander. When asked what that really meant, he replied "Dedicated, Able, Worthy, Guardian!" I agreed. The "DAWG" is the man or woman who has an awesome responsibility.
RB-47H's at Goose Air Base Labrador, Canada, 4082nd and 95th Strat. Wings. 11/65-267.
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RB-47 Stratojet Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
The reconnaissance version of the B-47 was the only plane which flew actual combat missions that the military may have found necessary to perform in case of nuclear war. They were used to constantly check weather along projected bombing routes, photograph enemy installations and monitor defensive radar systems. The reconnaissance models of the B-47 provided invaluable data for Strategic Air Command?s huge bomber fleet during the period 1954 to 1964. The secret to its success was versatility and the capability of the air frame to adapt to a number of varied missions while still maintaining excellent performance.
RB-47 Specifications Specifications Manufacturer: Boeing Aircraft Company (primary), Douglas and Lockheed Nickname: Stratojet Crew: 3 - Pilot, Copilot, Navigator Gross Weight: 206,700 lbs No. of Engines: 6 Powerplant: General Electric J-47-GE-25 turbojet engines; JATO (Jet Assisted Take-Off) using auxiliary rocket motors that are jettisoned after take-off. Thrust (each): 7,200 lbs Combat Speed: 557 mph at 38,500 ft Max Speed: 600 mph Service Ceiling: 40,500 ft Range: 4,000 mi Tail Guns: 2 - .20mm cannons in remote tail turret