CargomasterRaster

Vietnam on the ground

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Sat, 28 Apr 2018 20:04:00 +0000

Doreen Griffith, the widow of Capt Alexander J. Griffith, asked me for any information that would strengthen her claims for any Veterans Administration benefits for which her husband’s service in Vietnam made her eligible.

Capt Griffith served was assigned to the 84^th Military Airlift Squadron at Travis AB from 1961 to 1965 as a navigator in the C-133 Cargomaster transport. He passed away on 20 Oct 2012. I was assigned to the 84^th from May 69 to Jun 71. I have prepared copies of my own flight log book for my time during which I flew into Vietnam 17 times. Capt Griffith’s log book would have appeared very similar to mine.

The C-133 flew into Vietnam many times between its first mission in 1962 until the airplane was replaced by the C-5 Galaxy in 1971. Undoubtedly, every aircrew member assigned to the three C-133 squadrons was on the ground in Vietnam many times. Indeed, this is the case with every Military Airlift Command crew member during those years, including Capt Griffith.

MAC crew flew on flight orders prepared by their squadron. Typically, the orders contained wording similar to this, “Proceed to Clark AB thence further as directed.” This wording was used because the squadron did not know in advance when or where crew members would actually land at a base in Vietnam.

Also included is a copy of the pertinent chapter in my history of the Douglas C-133 showing definitively that the C-133 was on the ground in Vietnam many times.

I urge favorable consideration of Mrs Griffith’s claims. Her husband is only one of thousands of MAC air crew who were actually present in Vietnam many times but were never assigned to a unit in country.

Winter Reading List

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 16:30:00 +0000

SUGGESTED WINTER READING FOR C-133 MEMBERS, 2016-17

I. THE ADAMS-JEFFERSON LETTERS

First, I am going to suggest a book that took me two years to finish. It was not a difficult reading, but one that I liked so much I had to figure out a way to extend its pleasure. The Adams-Jefferson Letters, The complete correspondence between Jefferson, and Abigail and John Adams, were such a joy that I decided to make them my friends, and live in friends at that. Every evening before retiring and with an adult beverage in-hand, I would read two or three letters only and try to imagine myself in America during those years of fruition brought forth by our Founders. I often cite the importance of taking care of our country for our progeny, and it happens that I am a descendant of a Revolutionary soldier. Their spoken future is here for us. Thus, the history of our country is important to me, especially when reading the original words of those at the beginning.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson spanned half a century and the letters embrace religion, family griefs, European living, separation from family, and joy. The Letters begin in 1777, ceases after1801 after Jefferson’s defeat of Adams for the Presidency, resumes in 1812, and continues until the death of both July 4, 1826. Jefferson died at noon and Adams a few hours later. Then they, the Founders, our dreamers of creating a country that allowed its citizens personal and economics freedoms under a Constitution embracing a constrained vision of governance, were all gone and the country was on its own. We became the shinning light for the world. This book will too become your friend.

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II. THE TRAGEDY OF RUSSIA

For about two years I have been searching for this text without success. There are simply no known original paper copies to be had according to the Library of Congress, at least not by ordinary mortals as I. So, after many attempts, I located a link to the document that tells the story of one of our major Historians, Will Durant, a communist sympathizer, and his 'come to Jesus moment’ after a stay in Russia in 1932. Durant warns at the time, those who read it may not like his analysis as it may ruin the Liberal Cause of this 'great experiment' that was being embraced by many of his colleagues and the American Democrat electorate.

It will take a few seconds to open, so be patience. But, it was the opening salvo, even though gently approached, of a warning about the future of this experiment of Communism that is so alien to the basic instincts of humans wanting liberty wherever they shall be. What followed is almost too sad to read about and for the younger who did not live through it, a warning to heed. And, the inability to be able to find a copy at any library, etc., makes one feel it was suppressed for citizen distribution by those in power at the time.

Go here: http://www.balderexlibris.com/index.php?post/Durant-Will-The-tragedy-of-Russia

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III. THE GREAT TERROR

The next is very depressing as it describes Stalin's reign of terror in the 1930s. It is the definitive work describing Stalin's purges, Robert Conquest’s,The Great Terror, and was universally acclaimed when it first appeared in 1968. Harrison Salisbury called it "brilliant...not only an odyssey of madness, tragedy, and sadism, but a work of scholarship and literary craftsmanship." And in recent years it has received equally high praise in the former Soviet Union, where it is now considered the definitive account of the period. This is the most chilling account of the rise and governance by a totalitarian state that I have read. I have been advised there are a few about Mao's rule every bit as inhumane. I cannot leave out Cuba as another possibility. They are all rotten to the core but still the darlings of many of the Liberal Left.

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IV. THE BLACK BOOK OF COMMUNISM

I have also completed reading The Black Book of Communism, and here is a bit from a review: The authors and many others wonder why so many on the Left are still unwilling to admit to Communism's cruelty and its failure; especially, since new research makes it look more despicable every day. Such findings are dismissed by the Left as "right-wing, anti-Communist rhetoric" and further explained by the author as encountering one intractable obstacle: "That any realistic accounting of Communist crime would effectively shut the door on Utopia." Unlike Nazism, they conclude that it will be a very long time before Communism is accorded its fair share of absolute evil. This is an easy to obtain book on the internet.

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WHY READ THESE?

These three histories tell us why we had to live our lives enduring several 'hot wars' and a 'Cold War' of fifty years. Throughout Communist history, supposed enemies of the State were pejoratively labeled as leeches, rats, enemy agents, and capitalists. Such derogatory classifications of the enemy created the justification for terror, and totalitarian states need enemies to survive. There was no need for citizens to actually have done anything at all; extermination was in order to discipline and punish; enemies were to be killed. Trials, famine, and concentration camps were organized in the strictest secrecy and legitimized as a method. They are breathtaking in the descriptions of the tyranny used to control their people to further their false dream of world denomination.

For those our age, throughout our military service and most of our civilian lives, we were actively involved in the containment of Communism. And, it was for good reason. Communism killed over 100,000,000 men, women, and children, not to mention the near 30,000,000 of its subjects that died in its often-aggressive wars and the rebellions it provoked. Communism was the great and evil story of the twentieth century and at its zenith, ruled a third of mankind. It seemed poised to spread indefinitely and then it collapsed like a house of cards. It had violated one of the basic tenets of civilization, “Thou shalt not kill.”

It should be noted that many of our government officials during that period visited Russia, studied Communism, and returned to the Roosevelt administration imbued with it where among many it became the promise they were searching for to guide America's future. For reasons unknown to those with a modicum of intellect many remain persuaded to this day of its purity to solve social and economic problems even in the light of its historic failures for over a century, where the basic political idea of Socialism remains their playbook for a better America. Oddly, the American Communist Party has endorsed Hillary Clinton for President without a peep from the main stream media. They need to read these histories!

I urge you to read these compelling, timeless histories outlining man's inhumanity to his fellow man in the fight between individual liberty and government authority that led to WWII, The Vietnam War, The Cold War,and The Sino-India War of 1962. It was the great fight to save the world during our life and military service leading to world tragedy caused by totalitarian/socialist based beliefs that can only exist by destroying democratic forms of governance; and, that can only be done by killing a large number of their citizens.

There was no known end to the evil needed in order to exert the brutal discipline they needed. There are dozens written, but these were by those who were once active Communists, became ex-communists, who once dreamed the dream of a false utopia before they came to confront the truth of their beliefs through their experiences. They found evil, not utopia! This is a special history as it encompasses Communism and its spread throughout the world.

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V. AFTER TOCQUEVILLE: The Promise and Failure of Democracy

Now let us turn to my last suggestion. Since we have on the board an early history of two of the major players in our development as a Nation, three histories telling us about the formation and outcome of a most evil form of governance largely developed during our lifetime and that we engaged the world over. Here is one that is post WWII. Released in 2012 and written by Chilton Williamson, jr., After Tocqueville:The Promise and Failure of Democracy.

The fall of Communism sparked the popular notion that the spread of democracy was inevitable. But, in the few decades since the Berlin Wall’s failure, many segments of world societies militate against Democracy. This piercing plain written history raises crucial questions about the future of democracy. What is Democracy? Are Western Societies actually more free than in their origination years? Can we adjust to a globalized world? How do we survive when most care more about procuring what they want than securing liberty?

This author through fact, opinion, and philosophy actually thinks about democracy as it addresses our future. A reviewer had this to say: “A comprehensive and continually stimulating study of how we entered a post democratic age which has subverted nearly everything that was valuable in American democracy as understood by Tocqueville.” It tackles the horrors, contradictions, and absurdities of life after Tocqueville as it leads the author to confront “…the great question as to the probable future of democracy in a world in which the United States is either no longer a democratic nation itself or else too badly weaken by its commitment to democratic ideology to promote and defend something like the real thing abroad”?

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VI. THE UNKNOWN FUTURE

It appears to me that we seem to have let the future catch up to us as we are now facing the emergence of these questions every passing day; and, that makes me wonder, what is the future we are building or protecting for our progeny? Whatever it is, it is much different from the day of the birth of any C-133 member, and seemingly more unsatisfactory.

On September 11, 2001, came a direct attack upon our soil and we entered into a worldwide conflict against Islamic/Fascist terrorism. At this time no one knows where it will lead; we just know that we are up against an implacable enemy dedicated to the destruction of our way of life. Most serious students of military history do not think it will lead to a nation upon nation conflict but decades of Iraq and Afghanistan type military actions. But, it again raises the question of whether peace is so complex that it is beyond humanity’s reach and is merely an invention of the international bourgeois community. Maybe, Thucydides was correct in his analysis and a modern version of his quote would be, “History has shown that peace is merely the interlude between wars?”

Adams and Jefferson when exchanging their letters always ended with an original complementary closing. Here is one that all C-133 members can use as written by Adams to Jefferson on Sept 03, 1816.

I am with ancient friendly sentiments,

Richard Spencer 39th ATS DAFB, 1962-1965

PS A BONUS PICK: If you want to obtain a good background about the historic years of the Twentieth Century other than your life experiences, I would suggest perusing this link to Paul Johnson's Modern Times that has a chapter by chapter review from the early 1900s. I especially like the chapter about America's Suicide Attempt.It is fascinating in itself:

http: //homepage.eircom.net/~odyssey/Politics/Quotes/Modern_Times.html

Unsung Giant, the C-133

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 15:46:00 +0000

That is the name of my new group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1233636480019864/. I post at least one photo per day along with commentary.

Books are now $24.95 and I have about 800 remaining.

Cal Taylor

Facebook C-133 pictures

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 22:41:00 +0000

I finally got better organized and started posting pictures with brief comments on the Firstfleet Publishers Facebook page. It is https://www.facebook.com/Firstfleet-Publishers-251101818288566/. I will post at least one picture daily and will hop around among various subjects.

Spencer posts 2nd Hole-in-one!!

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Mon, 23 May 2016 13:32:00 +0000

Our Crew Colleague, combination Author/Historian/Reunion Emcee, Rick Spencer, has hit Another Big One! CONGRATULATIONS, RICK!!

Volume 6

Special Edition

May 19, 2016

Delmarva Seniors

River Run Golf Group

Special Early Season Report for

May 19th , 2016

While the Press Corp has not officially arrived good news travels fast this early in the season. It was reported to Rambling Rudy that one of our players experienced a lifetime achievement in Rumors fly constantly, these stories are investigated, interviews conducted, verified by our Auditing Firm, Dewey Cheatem and Howe and witnesses validated prior to publishing this type of achievement...In the post game ESPN SC telephone interview Rick stated this is his second Hole in One . The first coming at the Salt Pond in Bethany Beach on the 3rd hole a 185 yard par 3 using a 3 iron. Speculation is that this had to be a LONG TIME ago as Rick hasn’t hit an iron 185 yards in years. His game revolves around hybrids and woods. He admitted he couldn’t remember the year. For some of you new to the group Rick is a colorful character, highly educated (PHD … Piled High and Deep) a man with a vocabulary to take on the Wall Street Establishment yet down to earth, whether on the course or in a social setting Here are the many faces of Rick…. Aka Andy Rooney, the golfer, the Patriot, scoring a hole in one during the May 19th weekly play at River Run.

Congratulations to Rick Spencer for his Hole in One on

Hole #2 River Run Golf Club during weekly play May 19,

2016, A par three playing 125 yards. In a post round

telephone interview Rick stated he hit a high trajectory

shot that hit on the edge of the green, bounced and

rolled about 15’ into the cup. The photo at left shows the

ball nestled in the hole. Witnesses to the spectacular

shot were Steve Mitchell, Tom Sneltzer and Tom Villa. He

used an 8 iron on the shot.Those private lessons are

paying off for old Rick…. More to come!!!

SMILE RICK! YOU'RE ON CANDID CAMERA!!

Vietnam Air War Memorial Park

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:59:00 +0000

The latest issue of Aloft, the Museum of Flight's monthly magazine, describes the new Memorial Park the Museum is developing. a Vietnam Air War Memorial Park. The centerpiece aircraft will be the B-52G that has sat at Paine Field for 24 years. This will be the only memorial to the Vietnam Air War in the United States and is aimed at "remembering all of the aircraft flown in Vietnam and honoring the crews that supported them."

As all C-133 people know, the Cargomaster was quickly forgotten and was paid little attention in nearly all books and commentary. When I saw this notice, I promptly wrote a long email to Jim Farmer, a Museum of Flight trustee and point man for the memorial park. I pointed out that the C-133 was flying in Vietnam from 1962 until 1971, carrying cargo that no other airplane could haul. I expressed the hope and desire that the C-133 be appropriately recognized for its role in the Vietnam Air War and offered my willingness to be involved in that regard. I mentioned that the three C-133s in the best condition are those at NMUSAF, AMC Musem and the Travis Museum.

Mr Farmer's email is jtfarmer33@gmail.com.

I urge other C-133 people to contact him and to provide whatever assistance and information that they are able to do.

Cal Taylor

Gen Jack Cram

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 04:16:00 +0000

For Gordy Smith, who left a Comment in Oct 2014 on my Jun 2013 post: Please contact Cal Taylor at firstfleet@aol.com to answer some questions about Gen Cram. I also have a contact with Gen Cram's grand-niece, Molly Boggs. Any info you have would improve the bio I wrote about Gen Cram.

133s in the Sino-Indian War of 1962

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 23:07:00 +0000

Happy 2016! Our combination Author/Historian/Reunion Emcee, Rick Spencer, has connected on this subject that should be interesting to any of us crewing 133s in ’62, especially those actually involved in "An emergency airlift of supplies was sent to Calcutta” (a quote from a related article in the “Economist”) like he was. I highly recommend you click on the links to the WSJ & Economist articles and Sign-in/Register if you’re not a Subscriber. Here’s his story for your follow-up:

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Good Day All C-133 Crewmembers:

We need your assistance!

There is a rich history throughout our many missions embedded within that service we provided the country during the years of the C-133, mostly the ‘60’s. Much of this history now lies among our surviving veterans and from time-to-time we are reminded of it.

It was especially so for me while reading a recent WSJ’s book review of JFK’s Forgotten Crisis, by Bruce Riedel. Riedel has produced a “… readable and timely account…” of the Sino-Indian War that began 20oct62. It brought back the memory that I was on the first plane to take CIA cargo into India via a SAM mission, so I thought Riedel might be interested as a matter of curiosity as he is a bit younger. He was delighted to hear from me and I am now in the process of attempting to recreate that flight from memories of old for his files.

Bruce O. Riedel is one of America’s leading experts on U.S. security, South Asia, and counter-terrorism. He is currently a senior fellow in the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution, and a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He also serves as a senior adviser at Albright Stonebridge Group. Bruce is a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst and counter-terrorism expert, serving in the Agency for 29 years until his retirement in 2006.

I then directed Bruce to our website and suggested that almost all of the CIA cargo and the actual historic memories lie within the surviving crew members who participated and that we can access them via our website.

Thus, this is a call for any and all who participated in those flights to contact Mr. Riedel via his e-mail in order to set up how they would like to communicate with him as he would like all the history that he can obtain for his file of that era and that particular conflict.. The Sino-Indian War of 1962 truly is a forgotten war.

Mr. Riedel can be contacted through his e-mail: briedel@brookings.edu and would very much like to hear from you.

Also, here is the link for the WSJ review of the book that jolted my memory as it will yours: http://www.wsj.com/articles/when-kennedy-stared-down-mao-1450742247;

and another in the Economist:
http://www.economist.com/news/books-and-arts/21684764-war-echoes-down-decades-clash-titans

Thank you very much for your help in this project of bringing our service history alive.

Richard L. Spencer,

Navigator, 39^th ATS DAFB, 1962-65

Click on: http://www.amazon.com/JFKs-Forgotten-Crisis-Tibet-Sino-Indian/dp/0815726996/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452192968&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3ABruce+Riedel

Bruce Riedel: briedel@brookings.edu

Price change Unsung Giant

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 18:26:00 +0000

The price for my book, Remembering an Unsung Giant, is now $24.95. Shipping and handling to US addresses is $5.05. Washington addresses add $2.25 for sales tax.

Plenty of copies are available.

Cal Taylor

133 Cockpit Video

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Fri, 06 Nov 2015 15:52:00 +0000

Thanks to Dick Strouse, here's a link to an amazing 360 degree tour! Even the sextant port in the ceiling! Bring back the memories!

Click on: http://www.nmusafvirtualtour.com/media/067/C-133A%20Flight%20Deck%20Overview.html

Which bird is that? What museum? I think it's not 2008 at Wright Pat is it?

On 11/06/15 Gus Ogushwitz answered:

This is indeed Balls-8. Blow up the navigator panel to maximum magnification. Look just below and to the left of the altimeter. You will see a tag "Radio Call 62008". Thank you, Dick Strouse, for this wonderful treat. Highlight of my day!

Paul R. ("Gus") Ogushwitz, former Nav, 1 MAS, Dover AFB.

November 6, 2015 at 2:54 PM

Gus, you must be a young guy. When I was a nav with the 1st it was called the 1st ATS. That was 1962 to 1964.

Jack ("Slocs")Slocombe , former nav, 1st ATS, Dover AFB.

January 27, 2016 at 4:47 PM

Wake Island Hotel 1941

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Sat, 10 Oct 2015 18:43:00 +0000

An article in Feb 42 Air Trails had this picture of the PanAM Wake Island Hotel as it looked before combat scalped the island. This predates even the old Drifter's Reef!

Bob McMurry's Recollections

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:43:00 +0000

Capt Bob McMurry flew C-133A 40140 to the Paris Air Show in Jun 1959. While there, he demonstrated the C-133's ability to fly low passes with two engines out on the side toward the reviewing stand, where French Pres. Charles DeGaulle was watching.

McMurry has completed a fascinating autobiography that gives a great picture of an Air Force pilot's life from WWII into the 1960s. My review is as follows:

A heartwarming tale of the life of an aviator in World War II and after. My eyes were misty from the first pages. This is a complete story, not just wartime and military service. The anecdotal format is an excellent way to tell the story through important events in his life. Bob and Jeanne McMurry were in the first generation of Air Force people who lived in many countries and experienced life in new cultures. They went from rubble-strewn Munich in 1946 to civil war-torn Greece then to California's Hamilton Air Force Base and Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. He was the high time pilot on the Berlin Airlift and endured challenging missions in Italy, Iceland and the Azores. Together, they experienced Paris, the Pyramids and Venice and welcomed a daughter born in Germany. At Travis AFB, California, they raised two daughters and explored Northern California. One daughter witnessed an airplane crash that claimed the life of a dear family friend. At the 1959 Paris Air Show, McMurry flew a magnificent demonstration of the largest Air Force transport before witnesses including French President Charles DeGaulle.

Once retired from the Air Force, in 1964, McMurry continued flying with the airlines. He added 13,000 airline hours to 20,000 flown in the military His personal and professional performance brought recognition as the airline pilot of the year in 1980.

Throughout the book, McMurry's love of his wife and family is a constant thread. They shared life in all its facets, from his marriage to 18-year old Jeanne to her passing 68 years later, surrounded by her family. After that, they all moved on to care for one another as the years caught up with him.

This is a personal and loving tale of Bob McMurry's years in life and the air. I recommend it very highly and salute him as, indeed, a Proud Pilot who had reason for that appellation.

If you are interested, please contact him via his daughter's email, gail@hotwithheart.com

Nebraska Crash Memorial

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 16:30:00 +0000

Jerry Penry, of Denton, Neb., sent the following:

I stopped in Palisade, Nebraska, last week and talked to some of the local residents about the possibility of getting a memorial sign placed for the men who died in the crash north of that town on 6 February 1970. The local residents are very interested, so we will proceed slowly. If you are interested, I will keep you updated.

I've done several memorials for WWII crash sites and have investigated every WWII crash in Nebraska that involved a fatality.

Here is my website: www.NebraskaAirCrash.com

His web site is excellent. The memorial plaques are permanent and good-looking. I will provide any assistance I can.

Giant 133 Model For Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 14:28:00 +0000

Where do you think it belongs? Our Dover AMC Museum, right? Remember this highlight from our Last Hurrah Reunion in May, 2014? If somebody can come up with $6,500, it''s "Ours!"

Master Modeler George Maiorana now says, "2014 at Dover is etched in my mind. A very wonderful experience. It's at the top of my memory list of modeling experiences. Be well!"

Here's a quick link to a YouTube video of the model in action as a National Champion in RC competition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_1Jcf3nJ0

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 17:12:00 +0000

Tempelhof Flughafen

For those who landed there a time or two, here's an interesting look at Tempelhof Flughafen now.

Click on: http://www.thirtythousand.us/2015/05/29/tempelhof/#.VWyzkmfJBhE

CalTaylor

Remembering 62014 Crash at Goose Bay

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 22:10:00 +0000

Thanks to Dick Quimby, helped by the ever alert and knowledgeable Cal Taylor, we've connected with a very determined friend in Canada, Chris Charland. Dick noticed a listing in his Nov, 2014, issue of AF magazine about an event Chris had planned for the 50th Anniversary of that tragic loss.

Cal added: "That notice concerned Chris Charland's long-time effort to have a plaque installed at Goose to memorialize the crew on that crash. In the end, it did not come about... He still wants to see it happen. Chris was a 12-year old boy scout returning from a hike when he saw the crash."

Here's what Chris had to say about it:

G’day Gentlemen

The ceremony was supposed to held in November, but we had a pair of terrorist attacks here in Canada that put everything on hold. The ops tempo accelerated and Defcon went up a notch. My plan now, is to have the ceremony in June of this year. That gives plenty of lead time for some of the dignitaries that said they would have attended with a bit more notice.

I have talked to a female cousin of the children of Guy (Vassalotti, AC of the 1st ATS crew lost in the crash) and hope to talk to them sometime in the near future.

Take care and look forward to hearing from you all.

Cheers...Chris

Chris Charland
USAF PAO
4722d/722d SUS
June 1991 – May 2003

Later, he added:

I designed the plaque which is 8 1/8 by 12 inches and made of brass. It is already mounted as part of the memorial at the museum at Goose Bay. I am not going to change the dedication date.

Dedicated to the crew of MATS 1^st Air Transport Squadron C-133 Cargomaster s/n 56-2014 on the 7^th of November 2014 at

5 Wing Goose Bay'

Aircraft Commander - 1^st Lieutenant Guy L. Vassalotti

Co-Pilot - Captain Charles L. Jenkins

Flight Examiner - Major Frank X. Hearty

Navigator - 1^st Lieutenant Douglas H. Brookfield

Flight Engineer – Technical Sergeant John. A. Kitchens

Flight Engineer – Technical Sergeant Norman H. Baron

Loadmaster – Airman 1^st Class Shelton Toler

“Forever Remembered”

A bit of trivia for you all. 2014 was the 50th anniversary of the crash. It is also the last four digits of the aircraft’s serial number.

Maybe I’m crazy, but I feel like I have a special bond with the fallen airmen and their families.

And here's Chris' first hand account of the crash:

The Crash of USAF C-133 Cargomaster at Goose Bay

by Chris Charland

They say that every person experiences a certain event in their lives whether it be good or bad that leaves an indelible mark on their psyche. Mine came at 16:49 hours on the 7^th of November, 1964.

The day had been relatively an uneventful one for myself and fellow Boy Scouts. We were slowly making our back way home to Spruce Park after a day of hiking and survival training north of R.C.A.F. Station Goose Bay, Labrador. It was a calm evening with light snow falling. Our hike homeward bound took us along a path just below Hamilton River Road and north of the fuel tank area where 100,000-gallon overhead tanks were located. There was a van waiting on Hamilton River Road to take us the rest of the way back to our homes in Spruce Park

As I was getting ready to climb inside, I instinctively looked skywards when I heard the sound of an approaching aircraft. I had no idea of the impending doom as I followed the navigation and landing lights down after it had taken off from Runway 09. In a heartbeat, there was a terrific flash of light, the likes of which I had never experienced before or since. The monster fireball lit up the sky from horizon to horizon. The first thing that instantly came to my mind was a nuclear bomb. You have to understand the Cold War mentality at the time. The United States and Russia both had their fingers on the button ready to launch weapons against each other at a moment's notice. Tension between them was akin to a large rubber band being pulled to its maximum length. Any more and it would have snapped.

There was a dull thud of the aircraft impacting followed by a loud

whooshing sound as the fuel ignited. The wreckage came to rest close to one of the 100,000-gallon tanks. We were just about back into Spruce Park when the first of the emergency vehicles passed us. Later at home, the T.V. station located on the American side, known as Goose Air Base, was broadcasting an appeal for all off duty emergency personnel to report to their respective units to assist with the crash. The sky stayed lit up for hours after.

The ill-fated aircraft that crashed was a Douglas C-133A Cargomaster s/n 56-2014 from Military Air Transport Service’s 1^st Air Transport Squadron, based at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. It arrived at Goose Bay 01:55 hours local time. After a 15-hour crew rest, they proceeded to depart enroute to Thule Air Base, Greenland with a stop enroute at Sondestrom Air Base, also in Greenland. They were loaded with meat and other provisions

The first departure attempt was delayed due to a technical issue. The aircraft sat for a period of time without being de-iced before making a second try. At between 120 and 150 feet, the aircraft’s starboard (right) wing suddenly dropped 20 to 30 degrees. The aircraft commander managed to momentarily regain a level attitude. The aircraft then rolled to the left. The port wing dropped even more quickly and was almost vertical. The aircraft commander was unable to do anything. At 16:49 hrs local time, the Cargomaster struck the ground in a left wing down, nose high attitude.

After an intensive investigation, the accident investigation board determined the primary cause was a power stall. The most probable reason was structural icing of the wing and /or vortex generators that had accumulated ice over the 15-hour layover.

noreply@blogger.com (firstfleet) — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 02:56:00 +0000

Once again, there was a posting on Facebook saying that the C=133 was built to carry ICBMs. As the old radio program had it, "T'ain't so, McGee!" I know this is an old topic but part of my intention when writing my book was to address various C-133 myths.

My research has shown that, if anything, the ICBMs were sized to fit into the C-133. The C-133 design was frozen BEFORE final design of any of the ICBMs. The first purchase contract for the C-133 was dated 1 Sep 53. The C-133 Definitive Contract AF33(600)-22452 was dated 17 May 54. Convair got the first Atlas contract on 14 Jan 55, for a missile 10 feet in diameter. Whether this design change was related to the C-133 as a potential ICBM hauler is unknown. This was smaller than the initial Convair design of Atlas in 1953. Atlas D was the first operational Atlas ICBM, making its first flight on 14 Apr 59, three years after the first flight of the C-133. Titan was contracted to Martin in Oct 1955. Minuteman design studies began in 1956 and Saturn grew out of studies in 1957 by the Army Ballistic Missile Agency. Saturn was too big for C-133 transport, though its engines were moved by the Cargomaster. It is clear that the C-133 design was set well before that of any of the ICBMs. The closest sizing of the C-133 to the missiles to be carried was the modification of the aft cargo doors to make a larger opening and easier loading of the ICBMs. This was the C-133B. Interior cargo compartment dimensions remained the same, however, as in the C-133A.

Cal Taylor

Master Model Builder Mentor

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 13:47:00 +0000

Hi,

Here are some pictures of Skip Mast's electric C-130. 130 inch span.

He was with me when I took the pictures of 2008 in Dayton back in 2001. Remember, I had told you that he was going to build the C-133 with me but had to back out of the project because of family issues. Skip was my mentor in RC scale. He is responsible for me building all these large planes.

Happy holiday,

George

PS Later today from George:

Hi,

Just to let you know that Skip maidened the 130 this afternoon. All went well. He said it flew better than any of his other 130s.

George

The Legacy Lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Sat, 09 Aug 2014 12:57:00 +0000

Anyone, ever associated with a USAF C-133 Heavy Cargo Transport shares a unique bond. Flight crews, ground crews, families of crews, all have a living connection, not just because it was a unique airplane. But the airplane itself is the ultimate symbol of uniquely shared experiences.

This blog post attempts to sample the memories of those experiences through three dramatic moments, "The Last Flight" of the real thing in Aug, '08, when a "very old girl" C-133A S/N 61999 flew from her "commercial home" in Alaska (known in her commercial after-life as N199AB) back to California to become the "Travis Bird" in her final resting place.

Here was the post on this blog on 30 Aug 2008: "...the airplane launched on its final flight. Takeoff at McChord was 0800 and landing at Travis at 1101 PDT. At shutdown, the airplane had logged some 18,250 flight hours with more than 6,100 landings. Thanks to all those who made this last flight possible. It will be an excellent display in the Travis Museum."

And here's the same "old girl" in live action in May, '68, with a memory from Fred Dietsch (as posted on this blog on 22 Apr 2010): "I am attaching a photo of 61999 which I believe I took while flying between Andersen, Guam and Mactan, Philippines. My pilots were Capt Stan Bryk and Capt Bill Gilbert. We left Andersen on 18 May 68 in 62010; 61999 was right behind us so we made some lazy "S" turns and waited for them. They were cleared 2000 feet above us. When they caught up we flew loose formation to Mactan. The other Nav. (I think it was Jim Woody) and we took turns navigating."

To view the spectacular 5:48 video, "The Last Flight," be sure to click on HD, Full-screen, and crank up the sound to relive (as Jimmy Ratcliff, 1st ATS A/C in the 60s, says in the Comments) "Sweet music to old ears!"

Click on: http://vimeo.com/6194717

Then come back to this blog post for more memorable connections!

OK, Memorable Moment #2 was in May, 2014, when Master RC Model Builder George Maiorana brought his Magnificent Replicate of C-133A S/N 62008 on display at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB to our Crew Colleague Reunion in Dover, and taxied it around the apron in front of our own C-133B S/N 60536:

Click on: http://bcove.me/dekgngx5

And here are two photos of the model inside the cargo compartment of 0536, and with the remarkable builder, George Maiorana, in front of 0536:

The final Memorable Moment came in July with the Maiden Flight of George's model in Muncie, IN, where he achieved National Champion status:

And here is the message just received from George with the link access to a 12:40 video of The First Flight! Again, click on Theater Screen or Full Screen & turn up the sound! AMAZING!!

Hi,

Here is quick link to the video: http://youtu.be/ka_1Jcf3nJ0 http://youtu.be/ka_1Jcf3nJ0

There will be an article on the plane in the October issue of Model Aviation magazine. Their video of the maiden flight will be posted on their site when the issue is released.

Fair skies,

George

We just heard from Randy Chambers, the grandson of a former 133 Crew Chief:

He said...

"What a beautiful model! My grandfather Cmsgt Jack Chambers was Crew Chief on the C-133 2008 when it set the weight lift record."

August 10, 2014 at 10:59 PM

World's Tallest Symbol of Freedom & Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 14:07:00 +0000

Thanks to Andrew Fleming for this inspiring video:

Standing 400 feet tall, the new Acuity Insurance Flagpole is the tallest flagpole in North America. Located on the Acuity Insurance headquarters campus in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, along Interstate 43 between Milwaukee and Green Bay, the pole supports a 60-foot-wide by 120-foot-long American flag. Located at the base of the flagpole is a brick paver patio featuring the names of Sheboygan County residents killed in active duty.

Flagpole Facts:
400-foot flagpole weighs approximately 420,000 pounds
There are two versions of the 60- by 120-foot flag:
- 220 pound flag is flown during normal conditions
- 350 pound flag is flown during harsher weather
Each star is 3 feet high and each stripe is 4 1/2 feet wide
680 cubic yards of concrete used in foundation
Over 500 gallons of paint cover the pole
11-foot diameter at base tapers to 5 1/2-foot diameter at top
Three pendulum-style tuned mass dampers reduce movement and vibration
Designed to withstand a low temperature of -42°F

Click on: http://mortenson.wistia.com/medias/tejnwpitig

HUGE SUCCESS!! NATIONAL CHAMPION!!

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:41:00 +0000

Congratulations to George Maiorana!! Your Dover 133 Fan Club is thrilled by your achievement!! And so proud to have had the privilege of meeting you and seeing your baby up close and personal at our Reunion. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Hi,

What a wonderful week we had with the C-133. Here are some pictures of her flying. Dave flew her about 16 times from Thursday's maiden till the end of the contest on Sunday afternoon.

We took first place in our division (Team Scale). Because I had many problems with my 3 blade props we had to fly with 2 blades. I'm sure there are better pictures out there and video also.

More to come when available.

Smiles all around here. :))

George

Dave, our pilot

Maiden Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:55:00 +0000

Just got the following from our Giant 133 Model-maker, George Maiorana. And below is his full power, ground run-up photo (tethered to the fence) on 7/05.

Check out the NATS event in Muncie, IN, where he’s making his Maiden Flight: http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats.aspx . Click on Nats Schedule, to see George’s category, 2014 RC & CL Scale Nats.

Dick H.

From: George
Subject: C-133 maiden flight
Date: July 10, 2014 at 6:59:07 AM CDT

Hi,

All packed and off to the NATS to tempt fate :-)

Back Monday.

George

Classic 133 Incident

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 12:11:00 +0000

Breaking news from Giant 133 Model-maker George Maiorana!

Does this bring back more memories or what???

Hi Guys,

Well it's been a traumatic week here. I was running up the C-133 to full power and checking static thrust (19.5 lbs) when #3 threw a blade. The resulting instant vibration tore the motor off the fire wall and took a chunk out of the cowl. It was a moment that I reflected upon for an hour or so. The good part of the problem is that the blade went into the garage about 30 feet and not thru the fuse or me. Had to count my blessings. Another blessing is that it happened here and not in the air (total disaster if it had occured in the air).

I took all 6 of my props and did a complete mod B to them. Yesterday I ran all 6 props in a "bunkered" test stand for 4 minutes at WOT. All survived. The motor mount and cowl are repaired and I just came in from running up the plane teathered to a fence. What an awesome sound. No problems! So I'll begin getting all my ground support equipment sorted out ready for the trip to the AMA NATS.

The "plan" is for me to arrive at the site Thursday afternoon (July 10th) and set the plane up ready for the maiden. My pilot, Dave along with his wife Vicki, plans to be at the site Thursday afternoon around 6 PM and take her up. If he gets there early enough and all goes well we may be able to get a second flight in. Friday we will get the plane static judged and fly some more. Contest is Saturday and Sunday with two judged flights each day.

Here is a link to the AMA NATS news and you can keep track what is going on during the contest. http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx

Cross your fingers :-)

George

Computer Simulation of Model 133 Flight

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 13:13:00 +0000

Paul (Gus) Ogushwitz connected with me a couple of years ago when he discovered our CargoMasterRaster blog, and we were planning another Reunion. His background and interests collided with our very special "Giant 133 Model Maker" George Maiorana, who created such a sensation at our Reunion with his model. The following message from Gus, and the material he has provided via links is self explanatory. Enjoy the amazing story of Gus' background and his computer simulation of George's model.

Gus predicts that George's model 133 can fly successfully in Muncie, Indiana next month.

Note his interest in hearing other stories. I will pass along any feedback from our list.

Dick Hanson

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Paul R. Ogushwitz"
Subject: C-133 Model Simulations
Date: June 26, 2014 1:53:05 PM CDT
To: "Mr. Richard Hanson"

Hi Dick,

Here is link to my long-overdue report on computer simulations George's model C-133:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/100982744/Computer%20Simulations%20Of%20Maiorana%20Model%20C-133A.pdf

I wrote the report with the www.cargomasterraster.blogspot.com community in mind. If you see fit to post the link there, please do so before George flies the model. Last I heard, maiden flight scheduled for 9 July 2014.

Also, you might like to include the link to my article about a C-133 mission to Easter Island:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/100982744/USAF%20C-133%20Mission%20To%20Easter%20Island%20December%201970.pdf

I would love to read other C-133 stories that our colleagues might write. Turns out to be very easy to sign up and post items on DropBox. If you get some responses, then I respectfully suggest you start another list -- like "C-133 War Stories" or whatnot -- on the right side of the blog (where "Book Reviews" and "Blog Archive" are located).

Best regards,
Gus.

Dover Reunion Banquet

noreply@blogger.com (Papa Hans) — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 02:55:00 +0000