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.
Actually. they werre then called HU-16B's (I think it was B) while I was at Goose AB, Labrador. The 4082nd / 95th Strategic Wing owned two aircraft of this type, as well as three U-iA's and two C-97G's.
Image
HU/SU-16 Albatross Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
General characteristics
* Crew: two, pilot and co-pilot * Capacity: up to 30 passengers * Length: 62 ft 10 in (19.16 m) * Wingspan: 80 ft 0 in (24.4 m) * Height: 25 ft 10 in (7.8m) * Wing area: 883 ft² (82 m²) * Empty weight: 20,000 lb () * Max takeoff weight: 33,000 lb (15,000 kg) * Powerplant: o 2 or 4× 15KS1000 rocket, 1,000 lbf () each o 2× Wright R-1820-76 Cyclone 9 radial engine, 1,425 hp (1,063 kW) each * *Fuel Capacity :1,075 gal plus 2-300 US gal drop tanks (4,000 L plus 1,100 L drop tanks)
Performance
* Maximum speed: 205 knots (236 mph, 380 km/h) * Cruise speed: 130 knots (150 mph, 241 km/h) * Range: 2,477 nm (2,850 mi, 4,587 km) * Service ceiling 21,500 ft (6,553 m) * Additional lift utilizing two or four RATO 15KS1000 units with 15 seconds of solid propellant.