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.
While in the 605th MASSq, at Andersen AFB, Guam we received numerous C-121C's from the Wyoming Air Guard that were enroute to Thailand and Vietnam.
Question: Why were "Connie" pilots required to be between 21 and 27 years old?
Answer: It takes a hell of a man to handles three pieces of tail at one time.
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C-121 Constellation Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Lockheed L749 Constellation Length 95.24 ft | 29.03 m Width 123.00 ft | 37.49 m Height 23.65 ft | 7.21 m Engine(s) 4 x Wright 749C-18BD-1 Double Cyclone air-cooled radial engines generating 2,500hp. Empty Weight 60,953 lbs | 27,648 kg MTOW 105,000 lbs | 47,627 kg Max Speed 346 mph | 557 km/h | 301 kts Max Range 2,000 miles | 3,218 km Ceiling 35,715 ft | 10,886 m | 6.8 miles Climb Rate Not Available Hardpoints 0 Armament None. Accommodations 4 Operators the United States of America