Received 27 June, 1999 from Charles A. (Chuck) Sutton, Arlington, Texas

I was one of the original test pilots that set up the TDY Squadron at Grenier Field in Manchester, NH. The purpose of this Squadron was to calibrate the EC-47 with its classified equipment, assemble crew and send them on their way to Tan Son Nhut. The Squadron was formed in the spring of 1966 and after 6 months TDY, I went back to my home base at Hill AFB to find I had orders, along with several of my fellow engineers/pilots, Al Reeser, Joe Steinguesser, and Roy Gentry, to pick up a Gooney and take it to Tan Son Nhut. I was the last of the Hill AFB guys to pick up a crew and plane and head west. We left Grenier Field in January 1967 and after 33 days enroute made it to Tan Son Nhut. The 33 day trip is another story that would take too much space. I flew 120 plus missions at Tan Son Nhut, mostly with the 360 TEWS. After a few months, I became the 460th Recon Wing EC-47 Standardization Pilot and kept this job until leaving in January 1968. Thanks J.C. for a wonderful vehicle to renew memories and friends.

Email Address: sutton9665(at)sbcglobal.net

Postal Address: 3315 Doty Lane Arlington, TX 76001

Phone: (817) 465-8052

Received 29 June, 1999 from Roy Sherrett

Roy writes, I was a Major Squadron 360th & 362nd TEWS at Tan Son Nhut, and Pleiku Year 1966-67.

Early arrival July 66. Spent about 5 months at Tan Son Nhut and then trasferred to Pleiku. 140 missions.

Received 2 July, 1999 from Bobby D. Johnson

Bobby writes, I was a TSgt with the 6994th SS at Danang in 1970/71. Have some photos of EC's and the compound/quarters at Danang and a lot of memories. Share any and/or all. It was definately a period in my life but many other periods have been more memorable.

Received 7 July, 1999 from Chuck Trout

Chuck says, He was a Captain, a Pilot with the 361st TEWS and was stationed at NKP and Ubon in 1973. I flew the last EC-47 (and the last US aircraft)out of Cambodia on the last day of bombing. The ABCCC EC-121 (call sign Disco) signed off with me. The day started off with so much chatter on the radio you could hardly give a position report but gradually became eerily quiet. Lt Col Howie Pierson (Mr Clean and Nail 01) relayed a message over the radio from a ground commander thanking us and pledging to fight on. One of the saddest days of my life.

The Q model had an additional fairing to close the gap between the leading edge of the aileron and the wing for streamlining. One of our Q models at NKP was hit in the left wing by ground fire. Maintanence replaced the wingtip with the wingtip of an A model--obviously they were unaware of the fairing. I was the first pilot to fly this Q model after this "fix" and it almost did an aileron roll on takeoff due to the difference in lift between the two wings--it took a significant amount of right aileron (and rudder) to keep us from rolling over. I entered, in the 781, the number of degrees of trim required to keep us flying upright so maintenance would have some idea of the severity of the problem. The next time I flew the bird there was a note in the 781 to,before takeoff, set the aileron and rudder trim to the values I'd given them. To my knowledge this Q model flew this way (in a significant slip) from then on.

Chuck's Email Address: cgtrout(at)gmail.com

Received 8 July, 1999 from Christopher Koch

Chris says he was an A1c assigned to the 460th AMS at Tan Son Nhut in 1970/71 and helped to maintain our C-12 compass systems.

Christopher's Email Address is: cckoch(at)roadrunner.com

Received 8 July, 1999 from James R. Brown

James says I was in the 6994 Security Squadron (USAFSS) TSN 10/66 to 10/67. Air crewmember on EC47 with DF equipment at TSN, EC47 with standard intercept equipment flying out of Phu Bai. The Air Medal - 2/15/67. The Distinguished Flying Cross - 10/1/67

James also supplied the following information via the guestbook and added to this entry also.

: For the record:

: Source Special Order P-18, 2 June 1966 HQ 6950th : Security Wing (USAFSS)

: These are the 292x1 reassigned to the 6994th SS

: TSGT Walter C Palmer, AF12329171
: SSGT Thomas J Buckley, AF12508907*
: SSGT Robert E Dwyer, AF12444921
: SSGT Joe E Hogg, AF19523792*
: A1C James R Brown, AF12688467 (me)
: A1C Jackie M Lavigne, AF19769580
: A1C Jeremiah W Nutt, AF16764490*
: A1C Danial D Richard, AF14829403
: A2C James T Cardwell, AF14818397
: A2C Frederick W Hammond, AF13795010*
: A2C William J Laverty, AF11417713
: A2C Dale L Zoebisch, AF19782405*

These are the airman releaseed from the 6950th (Jul/Aug 66) for survival school and then the 6994th Security Squadron (*) in the fall of '66. I flew the EC47 as SS crewman out of TSN and Phu Bai - 11/66 to 10/67.

Received 9 July, 1999 from Lucky Truong

Hi, Thanks for the memory, well set site, sharp pictures. I just sign a check to order your book. I was South Vietnamese Pilot with USAF 360th squadron 's training program in Tan Son Nhat Air Base during 1972. After that, we formed the South Vietnamese 's 718th squadron to replace the 360th and other squadrons.

It was 24 1/2 years to see our 718th squadron 's EC47 again (in your site), I told my wife !!!. Thanks again, be back! Lucky Truong

Received 10 July, 1999 from Willie E. Jones

Willie says he was a MSgt with the 6994th Security Squadron at Nha Trang, in 1967/68.

Received 12 July, 1999 from Kenneth "Wilco" Wilkerson

Mike McBride supplied the information on Kenneth as Kenneth does not have internet access. Kenneth was a backender with the 6994th Security Squadron in 1968/69 and would like to hear from any/all of his old friends. He supplied his U.S. Postal addres which is:

815 Pennsylvania Ave. Apt 1, Uniontown, PA. 15401.

Received 13 July, 1999 from Richard J. Guertin

Richard writes, I Crewed, Aircraft Tail number#882 to Nha Trang, March 1967, Arrived in April 67,return to the States in late March, early April 68. Ferry'd a second aircraft over in late 69 or early 70. Getting Old, can't remember the dates, but I do remember that an aircraft crash landed on the ice near Vancover. All aboard OK, but the powers to be decided only Instructer personnel could ferry over the rest. God Bless Jim, you are doing one outstanding job. Thanks for the all out effort. We made history and you are now the keeper of the keys. Thank You!

Received from Eugene D. Rossel, 14 July, 1999

Eugene writes, I was with the original test of the system which was brought from Gen Lemay's workshop on the 5th floor of the Pentagon, the MARS station. He and some half wit Maj. wanted to hook up a R-390 HF receiver to the ADF antenna to go out and listen to the bad guys with their little transmitter. I flew in the Commandos C-47 which we installed Lemay's R-390 and tecnically it wasn't going to work.

No one down at Gen Anthis shop would listen, they were teriffied of Lemay. I was told to get it to work which was an impossiblility. Later they spent millions to get the EC-47 to work but it really took a lot out of me while I was the project officer.
Eugene has a website at: http://home.earthlink.net/aircommando1/

Received from Duane Wiskus, 17 July, 1999

Duane sent this in via U.S. Postal Service.

Hello! former Nha Trang resident. Received your information from Dick in Arlington, Texas. Just to let you know I was at Nha Trang, August 1968 to August 1969. Was Crew Chief on 668, Also worked launch crew which included 668 and helping others.

A few close friends included Steve Jenkins, James Atterberry, and Benton (first name??). Duane would like to hear from any of his old friends, address is below. Also would like to find a copy of the 361st TEWS Logo, of the Turtle.

Duane does not have an email address, but his postal address is:
Duane Wiskus, 19011 Morrissey, Elkhon, NE, 68022

Received from Mitch Cooper, 20 July, 1999

Mitch left this on the Guestbook.
I flew aboard the EC-47's out of Tan Son Nhut and the 6994th SS as an X-1 Operator in 1966/67. Logged 177 mission and have many memories.

Received Sept. 3, 1999 from Mitch Cooper, Leander, Texas

Mitch was an A1c with the 6994th SS at Tan Son Nhut, 1966/67 and writes;

I had the privilige of being among the first to fly these missions. I ended up with 177 missions (almost one every other day) in the 13 months I was in country.

Despite the time that has passed since my tour, I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember the sweltering heat inside the goon as we sat in line for what seemed like hours prior to take off.

I remember the combat assault landings when there was artillery fire around the base. I remember the 50 caliber bullet that went through the bottom and out the top of the plane and creased the navigators forehead.

I remember the R and R's to Bangkok and Hawaii. Most of all, I remember the people I flew and worked with. I only remember a few names, but I havn't forgotten the faces, especially the faces of those we lost in 1967 (one of which I helped train). At the age of 20/21, I had no fear.

Years later, one of my daughters was sent to Saudi during Desert Storm as a member of the Army's 82nd Airborne. My, how your perspectives change when it's your kid and not you.

Received from Mike Rooney, 2 August, 1999

Mike didn't say much, just that he was SSgt and a Backender with the 6994th SS at Tan Son Nhut in 1969/70.

3 August, 1999 Received from Russell L. Strickland, Tennille, Georgia

Russell left the following information in the EC-47 Site Guestbook. I was the Crew Chief on A/C 980 at Pleiku. Her name was "Ring Dang Doo". I was stationed at Pleiku from Nov. 67 thru Nov. 68. It is good to hear that someone remembers us for what we did. Would like to hear about the next reunion for our squadrons.

Received 11 Aug, 1999 from Frank Bowlby.

Great site. I have bookmarked it and put it at the top of my listing. I just posted my information on your site, then this popped up. So will send it again, just in case it didn't make it.

I served as an RO, SRO, and AMS at Det 2, 6994th SS (Pleiku & Danang) from May 70 to May 71. One of the most interesting assignments I had during my 27 year AF career. Many great AF people involved in the mission, performing in a highly professional manner. Great to see so many names on your site roster. I recognized many of them from my tour there as well as other tours during my AF career.

I have quite a few good photos taken in and around Danang, many of them are airborne photos, if you would like some more for you site. Even have a couple of a Phu Cat bird flying in formation with us when we met up one day on our respective missions.

Couldn't make the recent reunion, but hope to make the next one.

Keep up the great work! Sure brings back a lot of memories!

Recieved from Bill Pickard

Bill left this in the Guestbook.

I was stationed with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut from July 1966 to July 1967.

Recieved 12 August, 1999 from William T. Ballard

William is a Retired Col, and was assigned TDY as the first Commander, 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut. He was to start the organization, get some realestate, get established with 7th AF, the Army and the NSA Office in Saigon. Also write some ground rules and trying to get along with the Army etc..

He continues, Having been in Saigon earlier as the first SS Liasion officer to 2AD/7AF, it was not too bad as I still knew many of the players.

Recieved 12 August, 1999 from Curtis Parker

Curtis left this in the Guestbook. Curtis is from King George, VA. Says he was station with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut from October 1966 to June 1968 and again from October 1969 to October 1970.

Received 31 August, 2000 from Curtis A. Parker, King George Virginia.

Curtis writes, I was a MSgt assigned as an Airborne Mission Intercept Operator with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut. I arrived at 6994th, TSN AB, RVN, in Oct 1966. I did my year then extended for 6 months, departing in June 1968 for the 6949th, Offutt AFB, NE. Returned to TSN in Oct 1969, departing in Oct 1970.

Received 12, August 1999 from Eugene "Ick" Mattke.

Eugene writes, I was in Saigon, Tan Son Nhut, with the 6994th Security Squadron from Jan - Nov, '72. I flew 92 missions on such memorable birds as 009, 013, 158, 703 and 980. I lived in air conditioned comfort, took 3 showers a day and "vacationed" in the PI. Rank was SSgt.

At least that's the way I remember it - my memories of those days are a bit hazy (if you remember me you know why!). It was the guys there that made it tolerable: Bill Watters, Frank Adams, Bill Schroeder, Rick Summerour and many more whose names are locked in my memory banks but beyond retrieval. Loved the cargo net doors, but you can keep the honey buckets! Wouldn't have traded the experiences for anything - we did the job and I am proud to have been a part of it. If you remember me, feel free to e-mail me. ([email protected]).

Received 15 August, 1999 from Mike Staggs

Mike says, he was an E-3/E-4 stationed at Tan Son Nhut in 1971/72 with the 6994th Security Squadron.

Received from Ken Clark from Mt. Vernon Ind.

I was a 202 assigned to the ACC from Nov 67 to Sep 69. Going thru this site brought up a lot of buried memories.

Also, recognized quite a few names but was more surprised that there are lots of names missing. One fond memory is of the great sandwiches made by the hooth girl across the street from the 6994th barracks/hootch bar.

Does anybody remember Banger, our little crippled mutt, and all the times she met the crew bus and the beers she put down. A few of the names I remember are: Don Stagg (202), Ken Abernathy (292), Ray May (702), Ray Parker (292), Ken Harris (292), and CMS Walter Hunt (Ch of Maint). I was at NKP with May in 72-72, LinKou with Harris in 69, Don was a classmate at Goodfellow. I remember playing ball with Rick Hand at TSN. Les Kimball was our 1st Sgt, I've got pics of Mike Pressler leaving (lei aroung his neck an the steps of a 727), and Paul Weyandt and I had more than a few of the local brews at both NKP and Clark (one hell of a man - he was far to young to go). I traveled abround quite a bit in 20+ years (San Vito, NSA, Vn, Thai, Laos, Taiwan, Oki, P.I., Korea, March AFB, Wright-Patt, Fairchild, and Scott.

The most memorable times are the ones I spent with the 6994th. Drop me a line or two and rekindle old memories and friendships.

Information below was received in March, 2002 and added.

Ken says he was with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut as an Analyst (202) from November 67 to September 69.

Assigned to ARDF Coordination Center (joint 6994th SS/509th RRG) on JGS Compound and with 174th MI Det (173rd Abn Bde) at/around Bien Hoa. Holed up at the ACC during Tet 68 and got sweaty, dirty, and scared with the Sky Troopers in their AO around Bien Hoa.

Great tour, lots of memories. Also did time in Vito, NSA, and SLK in USAFSS and tours as 204/201 at Wright-Patt, NKP, Laos, March AFB, Kadena, Fairchild, PI, Korea, and Scott AFB. Retired in '86 and now hiding out in USPS (as all good retirees do). See you at the reunion.

Received from Bob Hotaling from Altamont Springs, Florida

Greetings to all fellow TEWS folks. I was pleased to find this site while "surfing" this morning. I was a pilot with the 360 TEWS in Saigon from April 1970-1971. The Y2K Reunion will be on the list of "gotta' do's."

I often wonder whatever happened to "Lady Sux".... I do know where the CTF (Crew Training Facility) bell is from Saigon however. It will make it to the reunion!!

Bob's Email Address is: Bob(at)miata.net

Received from Tom Duncan from Tulsa, Oklahoma

I was really suprised to find a site dedicaed to the EC-47 and its mission in Viet Nam. I was a Life Support Specialist, 360th TEWS, Tan Son Nhut AFB from 9/68 to 10/69.

Received from Robert R. "Carp" Carpenter

Robert was an E-4 and writes,

I was a 202 with USAFSS at DaNang, April 1965 to December 1965 and again in Saigon at Tan Son Nhut, August 66 to April 1967. Worked between 6994th and Army Security Agency/Davis Station at Tan Son Nhut in setting up mission targets. Flew various missions on EC-47's.

Received August 28, 1999 from Charles 'Chuck' Greenwood of Grants Pass Oregon.

Chuck says, My tour ran from August 67 to August 68. I Arrived in country in Aug. 67, spent about a month with 362 TEWS at Pleiku. Was then moved to the 360Th at TSN. (aircraft commander) Flew out of TSN but also had TDYs to Pleikue and Hue Phu Bai. Was at TSN during TET and was there for the move from Horn Hall to on-base at TSN. Left in Aug 68,retired in Aug 79 as a Lt/Col after tours at the Pentagon, AFROTC (Central Washington U.), Extension Course Inst.(Gunter AFB Ala.) Taught high school math and was freshman football coach in Grants Pass, Or. before retiring for good in 1994.