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Post by beana51 on Aug 19, 2014 14:09:05 GMT -5
Old Pilots Never Die,They Just Buzz Off! 60 years later, the C-130 celebrates its inaugural flight. The aircraft – on display at Little Rock Air Force Base – was the last C-130 out of Saigon as it fell to communist forces in 1975. One of the hundreds of people packed on the plane that day was 24-year-old Tim Nguyen. Grateful for his flight to freedom, Nguyen now works for the company that builds the plane  |
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Post by sgtmajor on Aug 20, 2014 8:09:54 GMT -5
Great aircraft.....I got some hours logged on 130's..........most Marines do......a real work horse for the Corps. When I made the move in the Corps from the ground side to the aviation side, I had the scores to become a 130 Navigator. The Gunny in Memphis, however, talked me out of it. He was a 130 navigator and talked about being gone all the time etc., etc., etc. To me, that sounded exciting, however, talked me into Avionics......something I had no idea what it was. Turned out to be the best move........although I couldn't help think, from time to time, what wonderful places I could have visited. (smile)
60 years, huh? Since I turn 60 in a couple months....guess the 130 & I should celebrate. Something tells me the 130 has been far more productive the past 60 years than I have. (smile)
Cheers,
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Post by beana51 on Aug 20, 2014 9:38:53 GMT -5
Great Story Sarge ..thnx..Vin
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Post by stoney on Sept 3, 2014 15:05:19 GMT -5
I was a U.S. Air Force S/Sgt, crew chief on C-130Ds in the 1960s. We,(the 17th T.A.S. "Firebirds") were tasked the re-supplying of all the DEW line sites across the Greenland ice cap in TDY assignments. We staged out of Sondrestrom on the coast, but were stationed at Elmendorf AFB. Alaska.
The "D" model was essentially an "A" model, (three bladed props and aux tanks outside 1 and 4 engines), with a complex Lockheed hydraulic system to raise and lower the skis independent of the wheels. The squadron had a Lockheed Tech Rep assigned to us permanently to assist in ski problems when they arose. In my opinion the C-130 was the GREATEST aircraft in the world. And still is.
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Post by beana51 on Sept 3, 2014 15:59:47 GMT -5
Old Pilots Never Die,They Just Buzz Off! Thnx Stoney
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Post by frankr on Sept 3, 2014 21:10:41 GMT -5
60 years, huh? How time moves along!! I was a motion picture cameraman documenting the "A" model in 1957 to 1960 at the plant in Marietta, GA. Had many flights in that noisy aircraft including a long flight that ended in Norway. Photographed the ski testing off a frozen lake in Minnesota. Temp: -22f. Lead cameraman on "Hercules and the Four Horsemen". Four C-130s flown somewhat like the Thunderbirds. Another was "Operation Checkmate" How the Air Force moved troops, planes, etc. to "brushfire wars" Had the full cooperation of the Air Force! Had a great time and a few stories. But California called. This time: the Minuteman guided missile program. I agree with Stoney: The C-130. It's the Greatest!!
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Post by beana51 on Sept 4, 2014 19:27:49 GMT -5
Old Pilots Never Die,They Just Buzz Off! Thanx frankr always interesting first hand stories
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