Previously Held AFSC/MOS 32530A-Apprentice Automatic Flight Control Systems Specialist
32550Z-Automatic Flight Control Systems Specialist
2A5X3-Integrated Avionics Systems (Heavy)
Retired USAF. I deployed on military missions to all 7 continents and 45 different countries, many of them numerous times, such as 6 trips to Antarctica ("Operation Deep Freeze" 1998-2005) working Avionics systems on the LC-130 for the 109th Air Lift Wing. This included deploying two weeks early on the first trip of the 1999-2000 season to Antarctica as part of the maintenance team supporting the aircraft going to rescue Dr. Jerri Nielsen from the South Pole, she had developed breast cancer over the winter. Her book detailing her ordeal became the movie "Ice Bound". I met Jerri in 1998 at McMurdo Station, in Antarctica, about 30 days before she left to winter over at the South Pole. Sadly, she has since passed away from cancer.
I decided to get into Ham radio and got my license. Comm's shack includes a Kenwood TS-2000 base and a kenwood TH-D72 portable HT as well as FRS, GMRS, MURS, CB, etc capabilities.
FCC licenses held. -
PG0615660 - General radiotelephone operator with Radar endorsement (Commercial)
RR00137965 - Restricted General radiotelephone operator (Commericial)
AK4FG - Ham Extra (Amateur)
WQND964 - GMRS (Amateur)
Commercial pilots license with multi-engine and instrument ratings.
PhotoJournalist for “Today's Photographer” with international and domestic press credentials.
Other Comments:
I was active duty 1966-1972, had a break in service from 1972 - 1980. Joined the TN ANG (118th AW Nashville, TN) from 1980-2007, duo-qualified in Guidance & Control (GAC) and Communications & Navigation (CN) systems on the C-130. I spent 3 years on the state Combat Pistol Team competing on the national level until we lost funding. Retired from the Air Force/ANG with just under 34 years total service.
1972 - 1989 I also worked in television as an audio/video engineer. (FCC 1st class license which later became the General radiotelephone operator). Retired from the USAF/ANG, General Electric and Knight Rider Broadcasting.
1969-1970, C-47 Skytrain/Dakota
From Year 1969
To Year 1970
Personal Memories
Assigned to the 8th TFW (Wolfpack) working Autopilot on F4D' AC130 Gunship and our 2 assigned C47's until the VC blew them up.
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C-47 Skytrain/Dakota Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
During World War II, the armed forces of many countries used the C-47 and modified DC-3s for the transport of troops, cargo and wounded. Over 10,000 aircraft were produced in Long Beach and Santa Monica, California and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma City plant produced 5,354 C-47s from March 1943 until August 1945.
Model Douglas C-47 Skytrain / Dakota Mk I Length 63.75 ft | 19.43 m Width 95.51 ft | 29.11 m Height 16.99 ft | 5.18 m Engine(s) 2 x Pratt & Whintey R-1830-92 14-cylinder radial piston engines delivering 1,200hp each. Empty Weight 18,199 lbs | 8,255 kg MTOW 25,999 lbs | 11,793 kg Max Speed 230 mph | 370 km/h | 200 kts Max Range 1,600 miles | 2,575 km Ceiling 23,999 ft | 7,315 m | 4.5 miles Climb Rate 1,041 ft/min Hardpoints None. Armament None. Accommodations 3 + 27
