To contact anyone - delete the characters "NS" that follow the @NS symbol. You will need to follow this procedure if you enter the address manually in your email program or if you simply click on the highlighted link which transfers the address to your email program.
I was stationed at Tahkli in 1961 and was a Captain in the Royal Laotian Air Force flying for the King out of Luang Prabang. However, our Ops Orders were issued by a USAF Major Heine Aderholt. I flew B-26's, RB-26's and the Helio Courier.
If you need any further information, just let me know.
Ronald L. Allaire
rlallaire@NSdestin.net
I spent 6 months TDY at Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, from May of 1972 to October 1972, my unit was the 49th TAC Fighter Wing, F-4 Phantoms, I was an aircraft mechanic. Great days gone by and great members.
Finding this web site is desert. I had dinner at this restaurant in Cleveland Heights Ohio named Lemongrass. Unbeknown to me at the time, it's a Thai restaurant. I look at the menu and it read sawadee, I did a double take and my favorite and only Thai phrase popped into and out my mouth. sawadee sauy mak pu-yan, kun-by-ni. Hello very beautiful lady, can where do you go? ching ching
Jim Adams
JAMESH_H_ADAMS@NSmsn.com
I was assigned to Takhli from September 1972 til March 1973 as an F-111 aircraft commander in the 430th TFS. I returned to Takhli in June 1973 to become the commander of the 429th TFS but because of a change in the command structure, my assignment as a fighter squadron commander got delayed and I spent a very educational six months as commander of the 474th/347th OMS. I was very fortunate to have had two of the finest Chief Master Sergeants in the Air Force in the squadron at the time, CMS Leslie _____(Knox?, it's that CRS thing) as first sergeant and CMS Grady Peterson as Chief of Maintenance. I learned a lot from them. I subsequently became commander of the 428th TFS in January of 1974.
My WSO during Linebacker II was Major Bill Fairfax and we flew about 75 combat missions in N. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia without a problem. The airplane performed well for us every time, due in major part to the terrific maintenance work that was being done. I believe that Bill Fairfax and I flew dropped the last bombs at the "official" end of the war, in Laos. Col. Dick Nelson was supposed to fly that mission but something came up and we had to fill in. After the mission, we were hosed down well even before we could get out of the cockpit, then were driven around base with a lot of other people on a flatbed before going over to one of the chow halls for a beer bust. Great memories.
I retired from TAC headquarters in 1977 and am now teaching at Troy State University where I am Chair of the Department of Marketing, Management and Economics. It's almost as much fun as flying night TFR missions. But I'm planning to retire from TSU in May to spend more time on Lake Martin where we still see an occasional low-level flyover by F-16s, F-15s, C-130s and others, but none are as beautiful as an F-111.
Great to read some of the accounts of others of their Takhli experiences.
Gordon M. Amsler
Lt. Col USAF (retired)
gordona@NSlakemartin.net
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from 18 December 1969 to 4 December 1970 in the 355 Civil Engineering Squadron, Fire Protection.
I served as one of the Base fire inspectors.
MSgt Carl E. Bailey (USAF Ret).
Carl.Bailey@NSMAXWELL.AF.MI
or carl.bailey6@NSknology.net
I was stationed at Takhli in 1969-1970 .I was a quality control inspector on the F 105's. I returned to Takhli TDY in 1972 with the 49th TFW, also as a quality control insp.
I had the pleasure of seeing Takhli again in 1974 when I was sent over for another year tour with the F111's. When I first arrived at Takhli this tour I was NCOICc of base flight and transiet maint. After a few months we moved to Korat and I was the night supervisor for F111 maint. After finishing that tour I returned to the states for retirement.
Earnest H. Baker MSgt. (Retired)
hardcash@NSgulftel.com
I was at Takhli Aug '67 to Feb '68. F-105 pilot.
G.I. Basel
GIBasel@NSaol.com
Editor's Note: Col Basel is another of Takhli's pilot/writers
having written PAK 6 and The River Rat.
Visit www.wardovebooks.com
for information on both books.
562nd TFS.TDY from Mcconnell Aug.65 to Dec. 65 ,F-105 crew chief. 62-4400 was my bird until Capt.Barnhill parked it in the jungle. We were all saddened by the loss of two fine men,Capt.Ned "Nasty Ned" Miller and Capt.Dwight Bowles.
Watched a Yokota bird abort and run through the barrier.The pilot made it out.Time delay bombs that were on the aircraft,woke us at 0500 the next morning!
These are some of the events that come to mind as I recall those memorable days at TAKHLI !
Charlie Baswell
lennett@NShotmail.com
I came upon your website while looking for the 366th TFW "Gunfighters." I was at Da Nang RVN from 12 July 71 thru 27June 1972. I then went with a group of about 300 maintenance technicians from Da Nang to Takhli AB to help continue F-4 ops as the 366th phased down and out. I think the unit I was assigned to was some sort of temporary or provisional wing. I know that the squadrons of the 366th were parceled out and the name went back to Mountain Home AFB. When we arrived from Da Nang, the 49th TFW from Holloman AFB was already in-place and acting like landlords. The first thing I remember seeing was that sign, "Can Do Easy" and " The only NATO committed fighter wing serving in SEA". Whopee!!
I was a Maintenance Officer and worked in the FMS shops helping to get them set up and functioning with the new people coming in. On standout memory was the daily trips through the shops by the Thai girls on bicycles selling Coca-Cola and banana cakes. Did not care much for the krait snakes and right hand drive roads with US left-hand trucks. I did have a few trips around base in a right hand drive Datsun pick-up.
Robert H. Benedict
RBened1201@NSaol.com
This is a great site and it was brought to my attention talking with a parent at a wrestling match, we both were USAF and I had asked where were you stationed. He had told me where he had been and when, then I had mentioned TAHKLI he said "you too?". He told me about this site and it has brought back a lot of good memories and some not as good.
Please enter my info into the rooster. It is great to know that the connection with our SEA adventure is still alive and well.
Mike Berry - Takhli Sept. 72 - Jan 73
429th TFS/474th OMS Crew Chief F-111
mberry2624@NSaol.com
I was a civilian, stationed at Det 3, 6003rd Supt Sq from August 1969 to May/June 1975.
Lived in Winnie's Bungalows. Loved every minute of Takhli and Thailand.
Richard Brunelli
Rich2184@NSaol.com
My name is Ray Budworth and I was stationed at Takhli from 1 Aug 66 to 25 Jul 67 with the 355th AEMS. Although I attended F-105 Comm/Nav school at McConnell just prior to my assignment at Takhli, when I arrived there was a 24 man overage in F-105 Comm/Nav technicians. So I spent my year there working mainly on the EB-66 radio systems, and some on the base C-47s and HH-43s. Was on non-crew flying status for maintenance so got to fly several FCFs in the Destroyers as RO - what a ride!
A memorable occasion for me was being one of 22 selected for "Presidential Escort" duty when President and Mrs. Johnson visited in Oct 66. Spent seven days in Bangkok at a first class brand new hotel, and my "escort" duties (we were attached to the US Embassy) consisted of being a gopher, carrying clothes and other items up to their rooms in the Royal Thai Palace, acting as transportation for staff during the week, and then carting everything back to the vans when they departed. It was still a nice easy week, and while he wasn't my favorite president, I still felt pretty honored to be picked.
Enjoyed my time at Takhli because we had a real mission.
William R. Budworth III TSgt,
USAF, Retired
Surprise, AZ
BeowulfAZ@NSaol.com
Pilot EB-66 from Apr 1970 to Apr 1971. Half of that tour was accomplished at Korat. I was assigned to Holloman AFB after my SEA tour in the rated supplement, mainly supply. I reflexed back to open Takhli in 1972. In theory I was to set up the first bare base supply computer in the history of the Air Force, however I knew nothing about computers but had a super NCO who took care of me.
I don't have many fond memories of the second time over, but the 1970 portion was a blast. I even roomed with my college pledge brother and fellow crew member. It was the first time we were stationed together. We still keep in close touch.
All you EWOs will remember Robert E. Reed
Roger Cantley
cant@NSintellisys.net
I would like to enter my name on the Takhli roster. I was assigned to the 49th Supply SQ at Holloman AFB. We were sent tdy to Takhli, Thailand in May 72 and departed back to Holloman around Oct 72. I was in fuels specialist refueling aircraft.
I had several memories of that place both good and bad. We had our share of long hours and monsoon weather. But did get a few days off to go RR to Bangkok, anyone that ever went there surely visited Thai Heaven.
I would like to hear from some of my old buddies that were there with me. I was a Sgt when I was there in 72, now 29yrs later I'm and E-7 in the Oklahoma National Guard. Takhli brings back old times that are not forgotten.
Jerry Chandler
omdcop200@NSgeotec.net
I served at Tahkli from 1973 to 1975 as a Security
Policeman. I also have a friend who was there during part of that
time named Lawerence Tassone. He
works at the Air
Force Sergeants Association in Washington D.C.
Bill Chivalette
WChivalette@NSaol.com
Just found this web site and needless to say it is sh** hot. Damn the memories after 30 yrs or so. Spent a year at the "Land of the King Cobra", July 69 thru Jul 70, crewing the best jet the AF ever bought.
Assigned to the 354th TFS (Bulldogs) and crewed 60-0188 (HE BITE, YOU DIE) for the entire year. A FNG pilot named it later to "Stephanie Allison" but it will always be HE BITE YOU DIE in my heart. Good times were had by all except every once in a while we were interupted by the war.
If Doug Perl, Ed Barnhill, Gary Blankenship, or any other "low life" from this part of my life are still kicking you had best be getting in touch with me........
Damn does anyone remember Heath Bottomly, the Wing King during this time? If memory serves me he was called "The Bald Eagle".........
Bill (Chris) Christensen
SMsgt USAF (Ret)
C141exeng@NSaol.com
Outfit: 49TFW/Intelligence Apr 72-Oct 72
Duty: Intel Debriefing/briefing
Advance party for Constant Guard. I was at Holloman AFB where I was in riot control training, I was picked up by 2 Security Policemen, placed in the truck between them and escorted into the Intelligence Operations Building. When I got inside I was told where we were going, that the wing was leaving in the next few days, but since I was single I had "volunteered" for the advance party and was leaving tomorrow with Capt Frank Freudig, the single Officer. I remember calling my mom and telling her I was leaving on a mission, but couldn't tell her where because it was still Top Secret. I remember arriving at the base, nothing on the US side, except cold Singha and those horrible rations. Just go to sleep somewhere, we were told, flashlights in hand we did. The next day we went to the new Intelligence building, no wires, no nothing, and started preparing what we needed when the aircraft arrived, mostly folding maps, more folding maps, getting flash messages, sleeping on cots in the office, folding chits. My fondest memory there was TSgt Bill Crites, who took me under his wing, and made a debriefer out of me.
My saddest day was August 22, 1972, when I was one of the last to bid farewell to a fine young Officer, Lt. William J. Crockett, he lent me his lighter before he took off, still won't forget him. Died that day with Major Tigner.
That tent city, arrrgh, and those powdered eggs, only to be replaced by those others where no 2 yolks had the same color. Eating out of mess kits, and being happy because we didn't have to eat the rations anymore. That little Thai restaurant on the Thai AF side with the cowpot plate that could feed an army. Our farewell party (the 49ths), real beef!!! the after party, party, where the new base commander took us lingerers under his wing and deposited us at the NCO Club after we took the stepvan to the Officers Club. And finally sawadee, only to land in Seattle to a hostile reception dressed in combat fatigues. First time someone ever spit on me. The wonderfully warm reception, and a beer, from the Officers Wives Club when we landed back home in Holloman.
A proud volunteer at 17, a Viet Nam vet at 18, and currently a proud American.
Bob Clark
buildmex@NSprodigy.net
I was the Comm/Nav shop chief March to Nov 68. which means I worked on radios and navaids. Was selected out of a B-52 outfit at Amarillo AFB in 1966 to be part of the initial F-111 cadre. We spent most of a year at Clovis doing practically nothing except going to school. In july, 1967 we were sent to Nellis where we started getting our first airplanes to begin training in earnest. The first planes we got were white bellied "pre-production" models which we cut our teeth on. Later we got the production type "Lizard Bellies" that we took to Takhli. The "Lizard bellies" were the first ones to have the Gatling Gun mounted aboard.
A few years ago I had occasion to return to Thailand on business. I was working for a government agency and was there to perform a survey on a site to be used for a VOA transmitter station.
It was the first time I had been back to Thailand since the big wargames (my participation was in '68). This trip took me to Bangkok and then on to Korat which I had not seen before, having been stationed at Takhli.
We arrived in a 737 and landed on what used to be the old airbase. It was essentially deserted except for the commercial part of it. When I stepped out on to the airstair and looked around, I swear I was taken back in time a little over 20 years! There was all the old revetements and hangers all lined up just like they were at Takhli. Though there was nothing there I swear I could hear the "boom" of 105's going into burner, the scream of jets engines as planes taxied, I saw people walking around getting planes ready for the days strikes, and for a short moment it was very real. I shook my head briefly and that brought me back to reality realizing that the half burned jet fuel I smelled came from the 737 I had just rode in on. Then all I saw was the rusting revetements with weeds and bushes growing out of the dirt fill. The hangers were deserted and the door on the end of the nearest one was hanging by one hinge. You could tell that nothing had been used for a long time.
That short glimpse back in time has stayed with me ever since!
Regards,
Bobby Clifton
428 TFS Det 1
Harvest Reaper/Combat Lancer 1968
Bobby.Clifton@NSnoaa.gov
My name is Paul B Connolly - now living in Abington Massachusetts - served at Takhli from June 69 to June 70 - was a crew chief on F105B #59-1743 - rank was E-4 Sgt. - trained at McConnell ASFB before assignment to Thailand.
Paul B. Connolly
rjcpbc@NShotmail.com
Went there in 1965 with the 333TFS, part of the advance party even. Weapons toad, "Cannon Cocker" with them and the 357th TFS.
Best year I had in all 21 I put in--except there sure were a lot of men who didn't make it. -
William D. "Bill" Cook
5
Dec 65-4 Dec 66
BIGBILLDOT@NSaol.com
I was stationed at Takhli from Oct. 1969 to Feb. 1970 in the 355th Avionics Maintenance Squadron. We were transferred from Korat from the 388th.
Joseph M. Dickey
jmdickey@NSkanokla.net
Member of 333rd TFS Aug 69-Aug 70 Takhli RTAFB (Captain) 145 combat missions. I came to Thailand from Kadena AB, Okinawa where I had been first a Command Post Duty Controller, then maintenance officer for the 12TFS (Both part-time jobs as I maintained currency in the Thud). We sat nuke alert and flew practice missions at home, then pulled conventional alert for 2 weeks at a time in Korea. So the transfer to Takhli was a piece of cake as far a stress of schedule goes.
I was assigned to the 355th StanEval shop and wrote a Tactics Newsletter for Roger Scheer (who later became the chief of reserves forces before retiring). I also got to chase new guys on their first 5 supervised missions.
I tell my kids that my claim to fame is that I taught Yeager's wingman how to fly. Well, sort of-the real story goes like this: Gen Yeager's best friend and wingman from England Bud Anderson took over the wing from Heath Bottomly. Since Bud was new to the theater, he had to have the mandatory 5 supervised rides. What a joke, me trying to teach him anything! He was undoubtedly one of the finest gentleman to every wear the uniform and the best wingman ever. Although he was the Wing CO, and had multiple kills in WWII in the Mustang, he never said anything but "2" in the air and about the same amount in debrief.
Col Andy never tried to tell other people how to fly the airplane. But I digress. After my tour in the 355th, I got sent to graduate school, 9 months at McConnell, then 12 years in Systems Command where I had the pleasure of flying the F-100 with the Ohio ANG, The Swedish Viggen, A-4. A-7, F-4, and P-3 at the Naval Air Test Center. Had an exchange tour with the Royal Air Force College, Retired from Williams AFB in '86 after 4 years as Chief of Flying Training R&D. Got to be involved in all the neat simulator development work and helped the USAF migrate to contractor operated ground schools.
I now live in Mesa, AZ (when I'm home), I consult for a company that specializes in helping clients develop new business. Mostly federal proposal support.
Has any body invited Joe Ralston to the reunion? (He was Vice Chief-think he might currently be NATO CC). He was in the 355th as a Weasel in 70-71 and my BOQ room mate in Korea. I've sort of lost touch with him.
Carl D. "Dan" Eliason
cdan@NSattglobal.net
I was stationed at Takhli AB from Nov 1964 till Feb.1965.I was TDY from Clark AB Philippines with the 5th Tac Control Maintenance Squadron and my job was Radio Maintenance.We were tasked with the operation and maintenance of point to point radio communications with other bases throughout Thailand,(Korat,Udorn,Ubon etc.)
I'm sending a few pics that i took during my time there.Back then there was only one bar in town and it did a lot of business! After returning to Clark i was sent TDY to Tan Son Nhut AB in Saigon.I must say that i enjoyed my time at Takhli much more.I enjoyed browsing thru the pics on your site and reading about the experiences of other guys who were stationed at Takhli, it brings back many memories.
Online Photos: Main
Gate DispensaryBarracks all from the 64-65
era
tip: right click
and choose Open in New Window to view photos
Charlie Finney
cfinney@NSvisuallink.com
I arrived in Takhli in late May 1966 as Flight Engineer, EB-66/ First flight over NVN was on June 8, 1966. 64 missions later was was rotated back to the states for discharge in Jan 1967.
Some memories that I remember are several engine failures, engine fires, nose gear collasped on landing, getting chased out of Laos by a Mig 21, flying north of Hanoi and south of China in a very tight flight pattern, and flying on a strike with the ECM turned off to see if the F-105 could do the job of jaming the SAM radar.
On R & R we would catch a ride on a KC-135 and fly to Okinawa for a week The flight was 6 hours long and we could lay back by the refuling operator and watch them refuling planes both pre and post strike missions.
Ron Gates
rng@NSstorycity. net
Would love to be added to the Takhli roster. Served there as "Weapons Specialist", Sept 67-68 on the Thuds, in the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron.
Morris Duane Gee
RR 14 Box 508
Bedford, IN 47421
cajun54@NSsbcglobal.net
I just recently found your website, and sure have enjoyed the trip down memory lane. I'm sure we briefed aircrews together... 2/1Lt. Bob George 355 TFW Intelligence from Oct.'68 - Oct '69. I used to brief those Soviet radars and various weapons and forgot most of it. I guess reading other's comments helps bring back some of the dim past. I remember Col. Bottomly well... he scared the pants off me the first couple of times I had to brief him. I understand that he has become a Christian as a result of his time in SEA. I heard one of his tapes and was impressed
I reported to Maj. Joe Milloy & LCol. Arthur Garvey. I recall a Christmas snow forecast , although I was not in the Christmas spirit after the loss of Maj. Brownlee on Christmas eve. I got out in "late '71 at Nellis AFB, and have been in the LA area ever since. I currently work in Risk Management for the Union Pacific RR
Glad you took the time to set up the web site... great job. I still have several large b&w photos of 105's over the base takes from another aircraft at the River Rat's parade.
Robert "Bob" George
rgeorge790@NSearthlink.net
I was first stationed at Takhli from August 1968 to August 1969. Then came back with the F-111s in November of 1971, after the base had be closed and returned to Thai control. I was an EW Officer (See Attached Picture) In the 41st TEWS.
Jim Gundel
GUNDELJ@NSaol.com
Online photo: Jim Gundel EB-66 1969 Takhli RTAFB
I flew F-105's with the 354th TFS from Jan 68 to Jan 69. Got 130 up North and a total of 156 missions. Later flew F-111's with the 429th TFS from Sept 72 to Jan 73 where I survived 30 missions. Before that I had a couple of B-52 tours out of Guam and was on the first BUF raid of the war where two of us ran head on into each other at night above a typhoon over the South China Sea. I survived that mid air, eight did not. Look for my book (about half done now) ARC LIGHT ONE which should be finished by Fall 2001.
My Thud was number 490 which I named the "Pink Pussycat" with a painting of the Pink Panther. Somehow the "cat" got removed -- but the rest remained. 490 went down near Antlers, Oklahoma about 1976 flying out of the Carswell Guard. My brother in law was president of the accident board so he gave me a few pieces when the investigation was over. How many people keep a crunched HSI on their mantle?
Who was the crew chief on 490 during 1968? He was a tall Tennesseean with a prominent adam's apple who came to me one day needing $100 to go home for a family emergency. I only had $50 (I also had an ex-wife who got everything) and I've always felt bad about not having enough to help him out fully. Since then I've wanted to GIVE him the other $50 he needed. I believe he married a Thai girl and stayed in Thailand for a long time afterward. I supported myself playing poker in the Stag Bar at the O club throughout 1968. Got the only royal flush of my life there, which lit up the eyes of those behind me watching the game, and I won the ante of about one dollar for that royal.
I see fellow River Rats and Daedalians all the time but this site has lots of people from Takhli. Although we pilots seem to congregate together and tell each other "war stories and other lies," it was really the support people we appreciated so much. We were gone before we got to say thanks appropriately.
Later, I'm going to ask some of you for photos to go into my books, so be aware.
Don Harten
Donharten@NSaol.com
Was "surfing" and looking for military reunion sites for my husband when I "stumbled" onto the Takhli site. Spent 2 hours reading thru rosters and bios... man... what a trip. I was not in the military stationed at Takhli... my ex-husband was USAF with JUSMAGTHAI and assigned as the USAF Advisor to the RTAF at Lopburi (Kokethiem RTAB). I was with him on an accompanied tour to Thailand. I wanted to see him more than on the weekends, so I moved to Lopburi and was hired as the Wing Commander's secretary at Takhli AB in the summer of 1973.
I worked for Col Tom Lacy. I was there when the F-111 landed after the last F-111 combat sortie. Yep, I was in the hangar... and proudly took the champagne and beer "shower" with others on that momentous day. Now there is a memory. Reading the bios took me back to those days as if they had happened only a few months ago. I don't want to take anything from all our real heroes who were spending time on a remote away from their families... the only "danger" I was ever in was the between Lopburi and Takhli each day. (On the other hand, all who "braved" the highways and byways might say I was probably entitled to "hazardous duty" pay....) It was about an hour's drive.
I've reached the age where almost all of the names are gone from memory, but I remember vividly the warmth and closeness of those at Takhli. I wish I could remember the Vice Commander's name... he was a great leader and a "man among men". While at Lopburi, "Shandy Range" was built... some of you may remember that... it was a "practice bombing range" (imagine that in a combat area!!).
I went back to Bangkok shortly after the first of the year in 1974 and worked at the Command Section of USMACTHAI/JUSMAGTHAI but kept up with what was happening at Takhli. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with and for our Air Force heroes at Takhli and those assigned to Thai bases. We were in Bangkok when Vietnam "fell"... the emotions of that weekend are too many to count... and some too difficult.
Thanks for jogging those memories...God bless you all.
Melba (Youngblood) Hayden
JHaydenF15@NSaol.com
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from Jun 72-73 as a proud member of the 6280th Trans Sq.
Worked and played hard, a great tour.
Mike Hickens
Mike.Hickens@NSpeterson.af.mil
Please place my name of the roster of those stationed at
Takhli.
Time at Takhli: Apr 72-Oct 72---unit:
49TFW, 8 TFS (Blacksheep) Job --Sqdn Commander----aircraft: F-4D
Thanks for a wonderful web site.
Don Hobart
hobartdb@NSmsn.com
I was an Aircraft Electrician initially assigned to the 355th TFW at McConnell AFB, Kansas. TDY to Okinawa with the 421st TFS for 6 Months in early 1965 than PCS to Takhli in November of 1965 when the 355th moved to Takhli. I left Takhli in November of 66, PCS assignment to Nellis AFB. Back to Korat AFB June of 1967 to June of 1968. I have fond memories of the F-105 and the personnel who flew and maintained the Acft. Names that come to mind are SSgt Samuel K Morton, SSGT Thompson, TSGT Kenneth Call, SSGT Houser, A1C Phillips, A1C Larry R Arthur, A1C David Rodriquez all of the 355th TFW FMS Electric Shop. Also David Hartman 355th FMS Egress Shop. Colonel McGough, Wing Commander; Captain Bartholemus and Captain Carlson both great Pilots.
A great web site. Thanks for the memories.
Jerry Hodgen
Reading, PA
jhodgen@NSworldnet.att.net
I was a base photographer (Det. 1, 601st Photo Sq.) at Takhli (TDY from Travis AFB) from 9/68 to 12/68.
Still carry fond memories of the guys there.
James Hugunin
jhugunin@NSmediaone.net
Associate Prof. (Photo Historian)
Dept of Art History - School of the Art Institute of
Chicago
http://www.uturn.org
I was the maintenance chief for a deployment of KC-135's to Takhli in 1970 (out of U Tapao). We kept about 6 tankers there for a couple of months and did all our fueling out of rubber bags. It was the highlight of my Air Force tour, and a ten year active duty stay. I remember a thud landing wheels up and scaring the shit out of everybody. The rumor was that the pilot was the same guy who had hosed down the O-club the night before. We were there when every plane on the patch lined up one morning for the Cambodia incursion.
Now I'm a lawyer doing VA benefit work for vets. Half the fun of the work is to listen to the war stories.
Ted Jarvi
TCJarvi@NSaol.com
355TH FIELD MAINT. R&R SHOP....F-105'S & EB-66'S....HAD BUNGALOW BEHIND STARLITE BAR.....LATER WENT ON TO TORREJON AB SPAIN........NOW RETIRED FROM THE NEVADA AIR NATIONAL GUARD
Ralph Langley
RGLANGLEY@NSCHARTER.NET
I was sta at Takhli from approx Apr 67-Apr 68. I loved every minute of it. I was with the 354th and I worked in the nose docks on the 105 under Sgt Alfi whose name I'll never forget. I kept thinking about that song "What's it all about, Alfi?"
What was interesting was I came from Shaw AFB and was qualified on the B-66 and was looking fwd to going on flt status . When I got to Takhli they sent me to 105's. I knew the army had 105's but they didn't fly.I think they called them the howitzer. To top it off they {personnel} took the 105 guys and sent them to the B-66 outfits. Now if there is anyone out there that can convince me this was the intelligent thing to do I'm all ears but so far I haven't been convinced. Be that as it may I fell in love with the Thud and have many fond memories of Takhli.
As I went thru a lot of the comments made by guys stationed there before and after me I sure did a lot of reminiscing. It seems like it was just yesterday. I would be emulating most of the remarks by adding like comments however one of fondest memories I have is of the Bob Hope Xmas show. maybe we can do something in the way of thanks to Mr. Hope for his selflessness to be with us during Xmas 67/68.
By the way I/m trying to reach Paul Roche who is listed in the Bios for 18 jul 99. I'm unable to reach him via his web address...any contact info would be greatly appreciated. Aalso looking for a George R Moore unk svc nbr at this time.we were together at Takhli and McConnell.
By the way I found the Takhli web purely by a whim.i was sitting at my computer and just happened to think of Takhli and wondered if there was anything on the web about it and bingo there it was. Thanks.
Walt Leuci
PTLTOWING@NSMSN.COM
I was stationed there from Jan. '67 to Jan. '68 in the 357th TFS as a weapons 46230 right out of tech school at Denver, Colo.
I had many good friends stationed there in the weapons shack.
Bob Loebig
bcloebig@NSrtcol.com
Col. Bottomly was my wing commander, and if I remember correctly, Lt.Col. Leo Flaherty was my squadron commander at the time.
I know we lived in the 2 story barracks right beside the road that ran along the street that had the Bank, exchange etc. I saw it in one of the pictures. Sure brings back a lot of memories after 31 years. Made a lot of friends and lost a number of them also.
The Thuds were still operating when I left, although If I understand correctly, the month after I left, which would be November 70 I believe they suspended F-105 operations (except for the w/weasels) and they were turned over to the guard (I believe) shortly after. I never worked on a Thud after leaving Takhli. I went to Osan AB Korea, and there worked Transient ALert. We had two pass through one day and they came and got me and another guy who was in the 333rd. Got us off duty to service them because we were the only one's who knew anything about them.
Larry W. Long
zappata@NSearthlink.net
I was at Takhli from Jan 68 to Jan 69 in the 355th AEMS, Comm/Nav Shop.
My responsibilities included servicing the radios,
intercom, etc. on the
F-105s, B-66s and transient
aircraft. I also maintained the guidance
systems
that were installed in the F-105s for the Bullpup missiles.
Larry Long
355th AEMS -
Comm/Nav
Perrin 66-68 | Takhli 68-69 | Kadena
69-70 | McConnell 70-71 | Osan 71-72 | Shaw 72-73
llong@NSlanier.com
TDY from Yakota AFB 1965 - Initial Deployment 355 A&E - Nov 65 to Aug 66 - Fire Contol Systems - Installed/Maintained ECM - Helped with Camera.
In 1965 I was on a TDY assignment from McConnell to Yakota AFB in Japan and went TDY from there to Takhli for a while. There wasn't much there at the time. Just the old WW II Japanese Barracks, Long Run ways, A flight of Thai F86's, and a Flight of 105's. Oh yes there was this strange group that flew U-2's out of the far end of the complex. We lived in one of the old Japanese Barracks. Things were fairly Low key at that time.
I returned to McConnell and found out that the 355th was getting ready to deploy so I volunteered to go over with the initial deployment. It was weired -- we were a TAC unit and were supposed to be ready to deploy to any place in the world. So we had parkas and long john underwear packed along with everything else. It didn't take us long to get our shirts cut of into short sleeve. By the time we got there they had built a group of small barracks out of teak. They were clean but not as cool as the old barracks. Food was good for a while and we would have a beer and steak outing once in a while. the beer was cooled down in one half of a J79 shipping container. I was trained and assigned to Fire Control but apparently we ran short of camermen so I helped load gun cameras and develop film while off duty. The 5's were going through a depo rework and part of it was to install ECM gear to detect Sams, AAA and air born Threats. The birds were all wired up and had the antenna housings and mounting gear for the equipment but they didn't have enough gear to install in all the birds. So, many mornings I would be out there as the sun came up switching gear from one bird to another and testing it so we would have at least one in each group with the ECM capability. It was a very peaceful time. The humidity hung heavy in the air, It was the coolest time of the day, power units were at a menimum, and the birds had not begun to fire up. It was amazing how quickly that would change though.
Anyway, I am glad that I found this site. The pictures brought back old memories.
Tom Loveday
tloveday@NSaustin.rr.com
I was in the USAF from 1962 to 70 as a jet engine
mechanic. Was TDY from Itazuke and later Yokota AFB in Japan, at
both Takhli and Korat in the early sixties (64/65).
Would love to hear from any of the guys I served with.
Bob Lundberg
lundbergconsult@NSnetnitco.net
I also was at Takhli in 1969 and 1970. I was part of Support Command..i.e. the USO!! I loved that particular tour. If you don't remember me; maybe you remember my Rhesus monkey, Tealock?!!
One story from Takhli...
I used to eat at Thud Ridge, the raised platform where the pilots all ate at the far end of the O-club dining room.
One morning a fellow was back from R & R at home with the rest of the table asking how his visit had been. He answered: "Oh, it was great, except for my legs."
"Your legs?" was the response.
"Yeah. You know how we talk around here? Well, everytime I said a word I shouldn't in front of the kids at the table, my wife would kick me in the shins! I am completely black and blue."
Sawadee
Marsha "USO" Luzzi
marshams@NScomcast.net
I WAS TDY TO TAKHLI FROM APRIL 1965 TO SEPTEMBER 1965. WE WERE FROM MCONNELL AFB.
I WAS THE WEAPONS LINE CHIEF DURING THAT TIME. OUR DETACHMENT OF 24 WEAPONS MEN WERE AWARDED 23 AF COMMENDATION MEDALS.
Robert A. Mccauley
MCCAULEY91RETI@NSMSN.COM
I helped bring the first USAF helicopters (to my knowledge) to Takhli in Sep, 1961. I was one of 4 pilots with Det 14, EARC TDY for 180 days from Langley AFB, VA. EARC - Eastern Air Rescue Center later changed to ARRS for Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service. We brought 2 HH-19B helicopters which we left there for whom I know not since we were not replaced by H-19 crews. HH-43s came later. Our mission was to support the "Triple Nickel" Sqdn then flying F-100s. Two of the other H-19 pilots were Jim Hartley and Guy Hahn.
We had a lot of spare time on our hands so we volunteered to shuffle the Thai base commander (Col Boncha) and his deputy (Col Paitung) around Southern Thailand within our training time allotment. This was culturally a very rewarding experience. Also, we got the top-drawer treatment as long as we were with them.
On one of these jaunts, we searched (very hard) for two Air France pilots and four stewardesses missing off of Patia Beach. Turns out they had made land way North but, nonetheless, the local dignitaries treated us like heroes with free everything at a party that night. But, oh well, I digress.
Paul McComb
Hilopilot@NSaol.com
I was assigned to the 333 TFS as crew chief on the F-105's from August 21, 1970 until Takhli's first closure on November 24, 1970. I then moved to Korat and was assigned to the 42 TEWs as crew chief on EB-66.
Dennis McNulty
joysdent@NSmyexcel.com
Takhli TDY from Nellis AFB NV Sep 1972 - Jan 1973 with the 474th OMS (429th TFS). Crew Chief F-111A
Active duty Air Force Sep 1970 - Apr 1997 retired
as SMSgt. Currently: Civil Service employee at Bolling AFB,
Washington DC
Entered active duty from North Carolina
but "home" is now San Antonio, Tex.
Randall Mahaffey
Randall.Mahaffey@NSbolling.af.mil
SSgt Dave Mangan - 333rd TFS Crew chief Tahkli Feb 69-March 70 F-105's second revetment from tool crib.
Worked the night shift in A flight near the Tool crib.
Never forget the first night working on an engine change with the light-all
glowing our
revetment like daytime and the line chief
and the guys who had been there a while going to the shack for a coffee when a
few sparrow sized
bugs started landing on the tarmak
and we freaked at the size of them ...then more and more till we were covered in
them. The guys were on
the dock laughing and running
towards us with trash bags and scooping them up. One guy says Man these are
better than nylons and tooth paste
to the mama-sans. As
we huddled in the afterburner the three of us newbies looked out in awe and
wondered "what kind of a hell hole is
this place.."
Just then we heard the crackling of the igniter plugs and tripped over each
other getting out of the ass of the plane as we
looked
up on the ladder to see the Sgt. laughing in hysteria....
A few months later I was spray painting the little
dragons and putting numbers on thier backs and racing them. It was amazing how
fast
they would move with a little JP-4 on thier tails.
We made bets and killed some time.
Anyone seen Chif Master Unch, Bob Sopshire Tenn. Ron Charpentier Maine, . Brian Cutler Cal. Mr. Hogue Okla.
Gotta love this web site, man the rainy season, the rice
bugs( taste like bannanas) boilem long and they crack like crabs....Ling-Ling
Mugridge are you out their...or mt. Hienbuck from
Michigan where are you....
Dave Mangan
alphenk@NSbc.edu
I was assigned to the 354TFS as a jammer driver. Can still hear those gears grinding as we loaded the heavies on the MER racks. The THUD certainly was a work horse. I remember some of my buddies such as Bob Nelson (crew chief), Earl Freese, Mark Hagedorn, Lou Johnson, Mike Tucker and many others that pounded the flight line. Sure miss those rice bugs. I can still see a Thai sentry snapping off the head of one and sucking out the juice, then trying to offer me one. Thanks but no thanks.
Would like to hear from some of my old friends or anyone else that want to swap stories . I am proud to have served in Thailand, and to be a part of the Thud heritage.
David Manzi
manzidm@NSearthlink.net
I was stationed at Takhli from Sept 67 -Sept 68. Worked in the Jet shop, Engine Conditioning on EB-66s and F-105s. Also helped the Thai AF with their F-86Fs and T-6s. Had a wonderful time and then got a couple of years in Viet Nam as an AF advisor to the VNAF on A-37s.
Got out the business of war and went on to be an FTD instructor on C-5s, T-Birds and F-106s.
I spent 25 wonderful years in the AF and retired in 1990 at Hanscom, where I still work as a contractor
Terry Martin
Hudson, NH 03051
Termart46@NSaol.com
I was stationed at Takhli, TDY, in the Spring of 1962. Did 120 days+. Was one hot place. Got off the plane, and saw all the beards and mustaches and immediateley threw my razor in the brush. So much has come back to me since joining this group. We were all TDY at that time. From Japan, Okinawa, PI, Hawaii, and the pilots and planes and crews were TDY as a group from Cannon AFB.
I remember Ed Nestor as we were in CES together. Have forgotten a lot of guys names. But the memories are coming back. Maybe I am making inroads on the CRS syndrome. Keep the e-mails coming guys.
Bill Miller - Wichita KS
TAKHLI, 1962 CES
MILLVENT@NSaol.com
I am Retired TSgt Jerry B. Mills and I was TDY to Takhli
in July and August of 1973. 5 Personnel Specialist from Hickam AFB
went there to assist in
receiving and in-processing the
personnel being evacuated to Takhli from Da Nang AB, Viet Nam. We lived in
a tent city and were in direct support of the
366
Gunfighers out of Da Nang.
Jerry Mills
JMills1885@NSaol.com
After all these years I have found a web site that brings back memories of my youth.
My name is Michael Munson and I was TDY at Takhli from Jan. 1973 to Sept 1973. I was a crew chief on F-111A's . The tail number was 67-109, which I have found is still flying. I was with 474th OMS 429 TFW out of Nellis AFB.
Had alot of good times, despite the heat. CO was LT.COL. Carmen Annillo could be wrong on spelling of last name, you couldn't miss that bald head of his.I would like to hear from anyone from the old squadron.
Mike Munson
mikem@NSgmi.net
Oct 65-Oct 66 1980 Comm sq Tropo.
Also worked TRC-24 shot off of what might have been hill 260 to Phitsanulok. I remember the Tech Controllers always wanted to take the TTY circuits down because the distortion was too high. Users on the other end always said "leave it alone - it's working"
John Nash
vfw4276@NSmidwest.net
E-4, Takhli 65-66, 355TFW A&E group, F105 Fire
control
Came over from McConnell in Nov. 65. I was
formerly with the 23rd TFW at McConnell.
Pat Nemes
nemesp@NSgdls.com
I was with the 42nd TEWS phase docks in Feb. 1970 to it's phase out in August I believe. For the next 4 or 5 months I was in Korat. I worked on the suey all that time, even though I went to McConnell AFB for training on the F-105. There in McConnell I met a bunch of nice guys who went to Thailand with me. I hope I can hear from at least one of them. There's Richard Scott from N. Carolina, Joe Saez from New York, A!C Jjones who I saved from getting fried in an airplane fire while he was running it up. Emilio Valdez an FMS engine mech fromLlubbock Texas. Oliviera from San Francisco also an engine mech. Staff sergeant Spinner who was constantly getting harrassed by SM Sgt. Reardon, actually he harrassed everybody he's the reason I didn't re-up. By the way I was called Tex by everyone even the pooyings and poochais. The guys in my class in McConnell gave me that nickname and it stuck now i'm known by the nickname I got at laughlin-Ollie. so if there's anyone out there who remembers me, send me an e-mail I sure would like to hear from you ! Also, I was stationed at Laughlin AFB, Texas in aero repair working on T-37's and T-38's from 1967 to 1970.
Simon Olvera
SOllieBaba@NSaol.com
JULY '70 23rd FMS and JAN '71-'72 563rd TFS -- AIRCRAFT ELECTRICIAN
WAS THE TALLEST MAN IN THE AIR FORCE 1968-1972
Orville Osborne
orvsisq@NSpacbell.net
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from Feb 68 to Feb 69. I was assigned to the 355th Air Police Sq., working as the Law Enforcement Investigator. Not only conducting investigations on base, but working with the Takhli Police on incidents happening off base. Investigated all incidents involving military personnel occurring in the Takhli and surrounding areas. Also filled in on Town Patrol to give those troops a night off. Coordinated all liaison with both Thai Military and Civilian Police regarding off/on base incidents involving military and civilian personnel.
Enjoyed the tour and the experience. Many good memories.
Ronald Palmer
PalmerRonald@NSemail.msn.com
I was stationed at Takhli RTAFB from September 1969
through September 1970. I was first assigned to the 44TFS as a crew-chief of an
F-105D (59-0153). I
was in the squadron when it moved
from Korat to Takhli. I later transfered to the 42TEWS as a EB-66E crew-chief
assigned to 53-0446.
Craig T. Parsons, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
cparsons9@NScox.net
I was at Takhli Jan.69 -Feb.70. I worked at base flight on the two c-47s also worked transient alert. returned to Thailand 71 this time Korat with 7ABCCC but my time at Takhli was the best.
Larry Ptemecky
petmymonkey@NSbendcable.com
I had a duo AFSC. 74190-U Combinned Recreational Services Superintendent, Combative Measure (Judo ) Instructor for Security Police and local RTAFB Security Force personnel.
Visited Takhli two years ago and paid for free school
lunches for one year at one school in the boonies. I still keep in contact with
Air Chief Marshall Chaloey Warintrakom, former RTAFB Security Commander.
My wife and I stayed with him and his family in Bangkok and drove up to Takhli
and visited the old Wing 4.
Worked with BGEN Aderholt when he was CO
MACTHAI. Visited Takhli in 1999 with the former RTAF
Security Commander Air Chief
Marshall Chaloey of 44
S&W magnum fame.
Leaving for Bangkok on 27 Jul 2001 for another 5 week stay. Again plan to keep my civic action projects going. Will peruse the pictures on Vaughn's site too to see if I can see my former hobby shop, bowling center, gymansium, etc. I opened the gymnasium, i.e., actually was there to cut the ribbon. I also had the swimming pool and O Club, E-Club under me.
When we closed the 2nd time I went to Ko Kha as the
Chief of Recreation and tookover the Civic Action Officer's position. Had
tour also at U-Tapao and took a dive off a baht bus when the sappers came in.
I have lots of photos, patches and other stuff
somewhere. Hope this gets through to you. Pass it along too
please. Thanks.
H. G. Robby Robinson, MSGT, USAF (Ret) 74190-U
Takhli 68 - 69, 74-,75, Ko Kha 76, U-Tapao 71-72
Now GS-13, 98th ASG, Wuerzburg, Germany, Home of the Big
Red 1
robinsonh@NSxs1.mwr.army.mil
or Robin0305@NSaol.com
My name is Ken Scalella. I was station at Takhli from Dec.'69-Dec'70. I was in the 355th FMS working int the Fuel Systems Shop. I worked on F-4, F-105, B-66. I had a TDY tour in '71 for four months at Korat.
I have fond memories of Thailand.
Ken Scalella
paa3567@NSdscp.dla.mil
I was at Takhli from Oct 65 - Aug 66. Brought the first EB-66-B's from Chambley, France. I was a pilot with the 19TRS flying the RB-66. I completed my tour with 101 missions over DRV in the EB-66B.
I enjoy your site and it does bring back many remembrances. On small point that is a pet peeve with me (just my thing) and that is the reference to the Congressional Medal of Honor. There is no such animal. It is the Medal of Honor. The only thing Congress had to do with it was to make it a permanent Medal after the Civil War. Keep up the good work.
Charles Schaufler
PilotRF4C@NSaol.com
I was stationed at Takhli from April 65 - May 66. I was an A2C and an A1C (ranks prior to Sgt, SrA, etc) 46150 munitions troop. I have attached some photos from my time there, but some are of poor quality because of age and processing facilities available while stationed there.
When we arrived, we could not take photos of the base, as we were not there. The Thai Government eased up somewhat later, but the only cameras we had were instamatics.
I too remained in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant in July 1990. I now work for a contractor supporting the USAF and the USMC.
Hope these photos can be used on your page. It really is excellent and brings back lots of memories. [photos will show up in Photo Gallery later - d.w.]
Carl Schultz
Carl.Schultz@NSHILL.af.mil
I served at Takhli RTAFB with the 6280 CSS as a 73250 Personnel Specialist with the CBPO (Consolidtate Base Personnel Office) from March 1973 to March 1974. Originally I was TDY from Nellis AFB, Las Vegas Nevada but decided to turn the TDY into a full tour.
Richard C. Schwaberow - also known as "Poo"
rcschwaberow@NSyahoo.com
Website: http://communities.msn.com/RichSchwaberowsTravels
I just recently came across your site and was taken way way back. I was at Takhli from Jul 68 to Jul 69 and was at Ubon from Oct70 to Oct71. I was in FMS-AGE
I will be checking back periodically, hope to come across some friends. Keep up the good work.
James Sheposh
F105man@NSmsn.com
As a Boom-Operator on A KC-l35A, I spent many a day and yes, even weeks and months TDY at Takhli. I was with the 321st Air Ref Sq., Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.
My crew flew 25 missions in Jan - Feb l966. I was again at Takhli in l967, (32nd ARS). 72-73 (92nd and 43rd ARS). We were one of many hundreds of tanker crews that were assigned TDY there at various times.
My crew was credited with saving a badly mauled F105 by towing the aircraft back to the base from northern Thailand. This happened in l967. Also the KCl35 maintenance personnel served thier duty tours also. They were truly unsung heros in my book.
MSGT Robert Sherman, USAF Ret
Tinkyhtwheels@NSaol.com
I was at Takhli Sept 69/70 in the 355FMS Electrical
Shop. Came out from Kansas as a AIC, Aircraft Electrician. They were
giving orders to all the
other "Spark Chasers" in the
shop when I left getting ready to deactivate.
I have lost track of all the friends I made there but
think of them often. Your web site really brought back memories! I
have two boxes of pictures,
I plan to go through them
and get some to the gallery.
Charlie Shinn
CR1825@NStwlakes.net
Takhli dates: Dec 65-Dec 66 355 TFW, Maint Control Officer. Thanks for adding my name to your list, and thanks for all the time and effort you have spent to allow the rest of us to share and enjoy so many memories of yesteryear.
Ben Shuppert
bshup369@NScharter.net
I was a crew chief F105D, assigned to the 357 TFS,
Takhli Thailand, Feb. 68 to Feb 69. The aircraft that I crewed was 61-0100 a
F-105D, the "Golden
Goose"! I was at that time a Airman
First Class, I retired from the Air Force Dec 1988 as a Chief Master
Sergeant.
Like so many Airforce Crewchiefs of that era, if you
stayed in, you got your share of Southeast Asia assignments, for example, I was
at Tahkli Feb.
68-69, Bien Hoa Vietnam, Dec 70-Dec 71,
back to Korat March 73-Sept 73. Then I had a few years of moving all over the US
and then assigned to Bitburg
German 79-82 on F-15s. I
finished my 22 years in the Air corps at Randolph, retiring in December 1988. I
still do the aircraft thingy, but for NASA,
Ellington
Field, Johnson Space Center, Houston Texas, where I serve as the Heavy Aircraft
Maintenance officer, Flight Engineer on the Vomit Comet - the KC135A Zero
Gravity Research Aircraft.
I have really enjoyed moving the calendar back to when I was just a pup, a young lad eagar to see the world! I was 21 in those days, and now this 54 year old continues the adventure with the Space programs of our country.
Sandy Sloan
sandy.sloan1@NSjsc.nasa.gov
http://www.angelfire.com/yt/alphastrikeforce/index.html
Alpha Strike Force gaming Community! Site
My name is Robert L. [Bob] Smith I was at Takhli from May 70 till the base closed Dec 70. I was with the 333TFS Crew Chief on F-105 62-4253 . I would sure like to get info on where the bird is now. Last I heard it was in Kansas at he air guard base but after contacting someone there they didn't know anything.
Would also like info on what ever happend to Col Nutt. I know that after Takhli he went to Semour Johnson But nothing after that. Thanks ever so much for the format to be able to get together with long lost friends.
Bob Smith
SDBLTRBL@NScs.com
I was at Takhli from Oct 1965 to Oct 1966 with the 355th MMS as an EOD Technician. During the year of 65-66 there were a number of incidents at Takhli involving the crash landings of F-105's with ordance aboard. Our building was just in front of the Air America complex. Does anyone remember a Msgt Scott assigned to the MMS Sq in 65-66? I am trying to locate him.
I read Lance Gunderson's message and thanks Lance for the plug. I am now the State Adjutant for the VFW in New York. I retired from the USAF in September 1976 from Plattsburgh AFB.
Jack T. Smith
stateadjutant@NSYahoo.com
My name is Robert L. [Bob]Smith I was at takhli from May 70 till the base closed Dec 70 I was with the 333TFS Crew Chief on F-105 62-4253 . I would sure like to get info on where the bird is now. Last I heard it was in Kansas at he air guard base but after contacting someone there they didn't know anything.
Would also like info on what ever happend to Col Nutt. I know that after Takhli he went to Semour Johnson But nothing after that.
Thanks ever so much for the format to be able to get together with long lost friends.
Robert L ( Bob) Smith
SDBLTRBL@NScs.com
Takhli Tour: May 72 - Nov 72 Outfit: 49th TFW/8th TFS Duty: Repair & Rescue/Crew Chief F-4D
I was stationed at Holloman AFB, NM in 1971-1972 and was sent to Takhli from May to November, 1972. I was a crew chief on the F-4D with the 49th TFW in the 8th Blacksheep Squadron with the rank of Sgt. at that time. At Takhli I was also assigned to Repair and Rescue Duty.
We were joined by the 366th Gunfighters from Da Nang (the Da Nang Gang). Before we left, we were all given key chains with a medallion showing the 366th Gunfighters on one side and the 49'er's on the other.
I remember that one of our "hooch girls" was the daughter of the Thai base commander. I also remember a lot of snakes, a lot of chess playing, planes with holes in them and the F-4 Phantom bar in downtown Takhli.
Cliff Stone
middeltastone@NSaol.com
I was assigned to the ECM pod shop from Jan 68 to Oct.69. I have numerous photos of the base and area but will have to hunt them down. Wold like to chat with some of the vets who were there.
I am presently living in Ohio near Columbus. Please contact anytime
William Strange
Firetalk #
921564, leave message.
ICQ#69508408 Dr.Z
bstrange47@NSyahoo.com
BARNEY", Jan 73 - 74, 474th AMS, F-111 Avionics
I would like to hear from: Bradley J. Bodine, nick name "BO," Gary Jackson, the custodian of "A-Shop's photo album," and anyone else who might remember me.
If it will help anyone else's memory, I was the geek who arranged the transportation, a bus and driver, for our A-Shop Outing " A night out at the Nakornsawan Bowling Alley." We took: Lots of munchies, gallons of hard liqueur, tons of heavy american trash cans full of ice cold beer, and anyone who wanted to be with us. We literally partied our asses off all the way there. And when we got to the bowling alley: We took our trash cans of beer, full of ice water, right up to the edge of the bowling lanes. Then, we cranked up the volume and rocked long and hard until it was time to go home. Needless to say, "The ride home was much quieter."
I was at Takhli with the F-111s until Takhli closed. (By then we were the 347th.) Then I went with the F-111s to Korat. A month after the F-111's were sent back to Nellis, I too left Thailand. That was in Aug of 75.
I married my wife, Surin, while stationed at Takhli. She worked as a janitor for Life Support, where I used to deliver fresh magazines of camera film for the WSOs. I spent as much time as I could every day talking to her. Well, one thing lead to another. And, now we have two sons and three grandchildren.
My memories of Takhli, "The best years any teenager could ever ask for."
If anyone knows BRADLEY J. BODINE or GARY JACKSON please give them my e-mail address jswiger@NSmsn.com or e-mail me so I can contact them.
James "Barney" Swiger
jswiger@NSmsn.com
Was assigned to Takhli RTAFB from Dec 66 to Dec 67 with SAC, Det 1 4252 Strategic Wing, and ultimately it became Det 1 4258 Strategic Wing out of Utapao. Worked in SAC Command Post communications center.
Great to find your site and become part it via the roster.
Alvis L. Utley, CMSgt, USAF Retired
03/02/1962 -- 07/31/1987
autley@NSaustin.rr.com
At age 20 I delayed enlisted in the USAF and went active March 15th 1967. Basic was at Lackland with everybody else and I was steered into the 306xx career field. After Basic I was assigned to the Crypto School at Lackland where I graduated in January 1968. After two weeks leave I reported to Travis for transport to Thailand and Takhli, my first duty assignment. The flight to Bangkok was uneventful. I stayed at a Bangkok hotel for a couple of days until I met a C-130 going to Takhli.
I spent my 12 months at Takhli with the 1980th Comm Sq., AFCS, which was commanded at the time by a Maj. Frankel. During OJT I worked at the base comm center for TSgt. Ashford, the crypto shop supervisor. After promotion to E4 I worked at the 355th TFW HQ comm center. Other crypto troops at Takhli during my tour included Don Brown, Raymond (Ray) C. Eckert, Johnny (John) Coppola, Steve Meisner, Tony Arato, Tony Dorme, Jim See. Other than several one day bus excursions, I didn't seem much of Thailand other than the area around the base and town. I departed Thailand for the US in January 1969. The Thai people were wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed my tour.
After two weeks leave I reported to my next duty assignment, the 6596th Instrumentation Sq., AFSC, Vandenburg AFB. The 6596th at that time was commanded by Col. Gail Halvorsen, a fellow known in Germany as the "Candy Bomber," a story I'm sure you all know. The 6596th manned and operated the Vandenburg Tracking Station, whose mission included operations support of DOD recon satellites and the occasional satellite launch support. It was a great assignment. I was near home (LA area) and in Central California and I worked with a bunch of great people. If you're going to be assigned to a SAC base, its best to be there with a tenet organization. We didn't do any of the military stuff that the SAC troops did. I spent almost two years in that assignment, separating in December 1970, an early out, to start college at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in January 1971.
The following 30 years saw me complete college (EE, 1973), get married, and get a masters degree (UC Santa Barbara, 1975). I went to work as a computer engineer for a small part of General Motors, Delco Systems Operations (DSO), in Santa Barbara, that did aerospace things. In my 17 years with DSO I worked on computers for the
F-16A/B (FCC) F-16C/D (EFCC) F-117 (I first saw the Ghost at the Skunk Works as a plywood mockup) C-5 (the MADAR system computer) Tacit Rainbow (Mission Computer and system power supply) C-17 (Mission Computer, cockpit display and control instruments)
In 1992, with the aerospace industry shrinking, I transferred to our parent company, Delco Electronics in Kokomo, Indiana, to do computer systems for automotive applications. I've done ABS and traction control ECUs and lately some inertial measurement instrument packages for automotive and other motion control applications.
My wife, son and I live in Carmel, Indiana and retirement isn't far away. I'm always interested in hearing from people I served with, so if any of you guys see this, please contact me.
A couple of Takhli remeberances...
I remember the weather office at 355 HQ and always wondered what the heck you weather guys did, other than live at the OC that is. I helped to service the weather teletypes at the tower one time. That is, I stood around with the radio while the TTY guy serviced the machines. On that occasion (early one morning) our truck was stopped by an SP outside that triple fenced compound across the road from the flightline out in the direction of the tower. Shortly an SR-71 was towed out of the building and across the road to the flightline. Once the road was clear we drove like hell to the tower to stand and watch the -71 fire up and take off. I've since learned that that particular aircraft had aborted to Takhli during a recon flight. Apparently the triple fenced compound was set up just for that eventuality.
Another story. About 9pm July 4th in '68 I was sipping beer with a group of crypto and TTY guys in one of our hooches when all of a sudden an aircraft goes over low and the area lights up bright orange. We went outside to see this streamer of flame in the sky and came to the conclusion that someone was is serious trouble. As we watched, the flame shut off abruptly. Three or four minutes later it started up again and continued for the length of the flightline before again shutting off abruptly. Later we learned (Takhli Times? Radio?) that the fireworks were provided by the F-111 detachment. The -111 has a fuel dump located between he engines. If you light the burners and start the dump pump, the plume of fuel ignites and you get what we saw. Wonder what that display cost the taxpayers? Next time you're at Wright-Patterson and the AF Museum, take a look at the -111 they have and you'll see what I'm talking about.
I saw the demo of the Fulton Skyhook extraction system that was done at Takhli. This demo was conducted in the grassy strip between the runway and taxiway more or less in front of the tower. For those of you unfamiliar with the Skyhook, it consisted of a balloon, 1500 feet of nylon line, and an arctic suit with a built-in body harness much like a parachute harness. All of this gear was delivered to a stranded flight crew via a pod carried as an external store on a C-130 or other aircraft. For this demo the pod was delivered by an F-4. Actually, two pods were dropped, the second being needed when the first's chute didn't open, which spread it and its contents around the impact area. The second one came down intact and the volunteer, a fellow who worked in the parachute shop, unpacked it, got in the suit, inflated and released the balloon, and waited for the pickup. A C-130 made the snatch, catching the line at about the 1000 foot point and lifting the volunteer almost vertically off the ground and up to the aircraft's flight path The vertical rise was due to the stretch in the nylon line. Once stretched, a nylon line rebounds, which in this case meant that the volunteer's path to altitude wasn't the mild curve you might expect. He overshoot the altitude by a substantial amount, then undershoot, then overshoot, etc., until he settled in formation behind the C-130. For the benefit of the viewing public on the ground the C-130 trolled this poor guy around a bit before they cranked him onboard. It was quite a show.
John Waidner
Carmel, Indiana
jtwaidner@NSiquest.net
or john.t.waidner@NSdelphi.com
I arrived at Takhli in either May or June of 1972, deployed from Holloman A.F.B., and was on the first plane to arrive there. I was with the 49th TFW, I was a 46250 Weapons Mechanic Crewchief, working with the 417 TFSQ. We were told that we would be there for about 1 month, when I finally left I had just short of six months. Left in November 1972.
I would like to hear from old friends.
Mike "Willy" Wilcox SSgt
Mikesmonza@NSaol.com
I was stationed at Takhli from Jun 65 - July 66 with the 355th TFW FMS as an aircraft electrician. Before that, I was stationed at Korat from Jan 63 until Apr 65.
I now reside in Sedalia Missouri. I have worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 26 years. Am married with 5 children, youngest 27, I have 15 grandchildren.
Jim Wilks
thebranch@NSmurlin.com
I went into TaKhli with the opening party of the 4252nd Strat Wing (King Cobra Tanker Task Force) in September of '65 from Kadena, Okinawa. There was 10 of us including the Lt. Col. in charge and the First Sgt. I was an instrument repairman but we were a consolidated maintenance group. We rotated between TaKhli, Don Muang, Kadena, Clark, and Anderson in Guam.
Clint Willis
Willisc386@NScs.com
I am Dave Withers, former EWO, 42nd TEWS, stationed during 1971-1972 at Korat RTAFB with the 355 TFW. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Dave Withers
dmwithers@NSexcite.com
alternates: withersduo@NSyahoo.com or
David.B.Withers@NSusdoj.gov
You are now on Bios 2001
Dick
Williams
Takhli RTAFB Det 12,
10th Weather Squadron
rjw@NSkcsky.net
8 jan 02 updated
