Tan Son Nhut

= Vietnam =

360th Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron.

We were not the first crew to arrive at Tan Son Nhut, but we were among the first few.  The flight crews were split up, on arrival, into crews consisting of Aircraft Commander or Pilot, Co-Pilot, Navigator and Flight Mechanic.  I was fortunate enough to stay with Col Hinkle, Maj. Lagasse and Capt. Harris.  We flew together here for about six weeks. After about six weeks, when the squadron had a few aircraft and crews, my officer crew was scheduled to move on up to Nha Trang and start another squadron, the 361st.  I was scheduled to stay at Tan Son Nhut.  The day before they were to leave, Col. Hinkle told me to have all my bags packed in the morning, He would come by and pick me up.  He said he was taking me with him to Nha Trang.    Boy, did this make me feel good. The next morning I was packed and ready when he arrived,  he helped me load my gear in his pickup and we were off to the aircraft.  Upon arriving at the aircraft, Col. Hinkle told the other flight mechanic to find a seat in the back, that I was his flight mechanic. Shortly, we were off to Nha Trang, me with no orders other than Col. Hinkles verbal.  I do not remember ever getting any orders moving me from Tan Son Nhut either.   I guess the Squadron Commander at the 360th and Col Hinkle being good friend had some bearing on it.    At any rate it is now part of the un-written history of Vietnam. To read about the Squadron Mission Objectives, read the "Enlisted History Research Project". Now it's Off to Nha Trang