Previously Held AFSC/MOS 42652-Jet Engine Mechanic
43270-Jet Engine Technician
27650-Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Operator
Service Years
1963 - 1984
Official/Unofficial US Air Force Certificates
Cold War Certificate
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
What are you doing now:
Retired to the Mountains of northern California.
1966-1968, UC-123B/K Provider
From Year 1966
To Year 1968
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
UC-123B/K Provider Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
By 1962, the C-123K variant aircraft was evaluated for operations in Southeast Asia and their stellar performance led the Air Force to upgrade 180 of the C-123B aircraft to the new C-123K standard, which featured auxiliary jet pods underneath the wings, and anti-skid brakes. In 1968, the aircraft helped resupply troops in Khe Sanh, Vietnam during a three-month siege by North Vietnam[1].
A number of C-123s were configured as VIP transports, including General William Westmoreland's White Whale. The C-123 also gained notoriety for its use in "Operation Ranch Hand" defoliation operations in Vietnam. Oddly enough, the USAF had officially chosen not to procure the VC-123C VIP transport, opting instead for the Convair VC-131D.
The first C-123s to reach South Vietnam were part of the USAF's Special Aerial Spray Flight, as part of Operation Ranch Hand tasked with defoliating the jungle in order to deny rebels their traditional hiding places[3]. These aircraft began their operations at the end of 1961. Aircraft fitted with spraying equipment were given the U prefix as a role modifier, with the most common types being the UC-123B and the UC-123K. Aircraft configured for this use were the last to see military service, in the control of outbreaks of insect-borne disease. The C-123 was also used as "jump aircraft" for U.S. Army Airborne students located at Lawson Army Airfield, Fort Benning, Georgia in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This aircraft was used in conjunction with the C-130 Hercules and C-141 Starlifter.
With the end of the Vietnam War, remaining C-123Ks and UC-123Ks were transferred to the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, with the last examples leaving service in the early 1980s.[4] The 302nd Tactical Airlift Wing at Rickenbacker AFB, Ohio flew the last UC-123Ks Providers in operational service before converting to the C-130 Hercules. Known as the Special Spray Flight, these aircraft were used to control insect-borne diseases. Missions to Alaska, South America and Guam were among the humanitarian duties performed by this Air Force Reserve unit.[5]
