Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base is a Royal Thai Air Force facility. CD-ROM. . Greetings memock. About Us | It seems like almost ALL USAF -Thailand vets are having same problem with their AO claims: Proof of proximity. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Those two boys were about fifteen feet past my station when my exterior wall caught a small arms round. I need help and fast. Best friend to this day was Jimmy Dean. Joe my memory is not what it used to be but I do remember you and Mike Pruitt. my website, posted about 12 years ago, is dedicated to our group, circa mid 1968 to mid 1969. On 16 September 1974 the USAF forces at Ubon were inactivated and the facility turned over to the Thai Government. Spanning more than five decades and five wars, the 4th Fighter Wing is one of the most distinguished fighter units in the world. The following photos are of the full scale attack on January 13, 1970. An aircraft flies over houses and trees in Thailand as it approaches runway number 5 at Ubon Air Base for landing. Photo Details / Download Hi-Res. He flew 78 combat missions into North Vietnam, many in the Hanoi/Haiphong area, and led a flight into the Bolo Mig sweep in which seven Communist Mig 21s were destroyed . Christina. My flight to Thailand also stopped in Viet Nam at Bien Hoa but they deny that also. The entire area was overgrown with heavy thickets of vines and brush. If youre not already a member, I suggest you join the Facebook site Ubon Vets. Michael E Courtney Nov 69. I need an Email address so I can attach this 30 page pdf file, Has my email not come through to you yet? Had no luck finding anyone who worked in the Comm Shop. [4]:20, In response to the Easter Offensive, from April 1972 F-4E squadrons temporarily deployed from the US to Ubon during the Constant Guard buildup as follows:[20][13]:223, The 334th TFS flew its first missions of Operation Freedom Train on 14 April, followed by the 366th the following day. After crouching there for awhile I noticed I was shielding myself behind napalm that was on the aircraft. In addition several AC-130 gunships were deployed to Takhli from the 8th TFW at Ubon. As the command base for 7/13AF in Thailand, Udorn RTAFB played a lead role in accomplishing the objectives of the United States in fulfilling its policy in Southeast Asia. By way of this site I will try to post with any updates. I had a great time and intend to go again next year. [3]:255 With the deployment of USAF fighters to Ubon, the unit also performed joint exercises and provided air defense for the USAF attack aircraft and bombers based at Ubon. thought this is not the safest place and high tailed it out of there. This detachment was designated No. Its a closed group open only to Ubon Vets. We went on 12 hours shifts right away. I was sent TDY to train on C-130 gunship repair and had orders to work in the gun shop at Ubon. These are bombs man, this is napalm, that is HEI ammo, weapons loading you get to make a mistake only once. Thank you, too, phipson!! Many memories of Ubon. I was a weapons mechanic with the 408th MMS when that happened. There was a wide strip outside the fence with no vegetation, dont ever remember anyone mowing it. http://www.vspa.com/ub-bateman-sappers-1969-1970-1972.htm. My email in jaime_green@outlook.com. F-4D-30-MC 66-7533, c/n 2062, was assigned to the 40th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. I remember most of the experiences shared here during that time. 36; Ubon AB runway No. There were 4 squadrons of F-4s let me see if I can remember them 25th TFS, 497 TFS, 435 TFS, 433 TFS. There were no EOD guys available, so I had to crawl underneath the F-4, and dearm the whole plane, plus remove 2 AIM-7 missles. [20], The 13th BS remained but was no longer manned or equipped and was kept in a non-operational status with the 8th TFW until finally being inactivated on 24 December 1972. Ubon RTAFB. There is a Ubon group page on face book that you need to join. I will let John take up the story with his own words and photo captions. Thanks. There was an attack in jun 69 also and when I arrived in sept , all new guys got assigned to fence repair details. Bill Mahar? Ubon was attacked by sappers on 3 separate occasions during the Vietnam War period: On 2 October 1972 36 mortar rounds were fired at the base causing no losses.[27]. [13]:235, On 10 June 1972 8th TFW F-4s successfully destroyed the 3 generators of the Lang Chi hydropower plant 70 miles (110km) northwest of Hanoi, without damaging the dam itself. Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand Ubon RTAFB, Thailand | The Flight of BARON 52 On February 5, 1973, an EC-47Q electronic warfare collection aircraft tail number 43-48636, call-sign BARON 52, flying out of Ubon RTAFB, Thailand was shot down over Saravane Province, Laos, about 50 miles east of the city of Saravane. Only reason it wash;t mentioned was because no one had mentioned it until now! Dave Kreyer, Great site, did two years at Ubon,sept 69-70 and again June 71-72 , working in 408th mms gun services, ( 46250) also helped guys in Spectre gun shop. At 11:00 15 August 1973, the Congressionally-mandated cutoff went into effect, bringing combat activities over the skies of Cambodia to an end. I WAS ONLY STATIONED IN UBON 6 MONTHS IN 1972, BUT I MET THE LADY I HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO FOR 39 YEARS. Joe Nolin October 1972 73. Great to have you drop by I bet you have some stories to tell as well! Living & travelling in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, Laos & Kununurra in the Kimberley, Australia. Hi, Would love to hear more if you have the time. //-->. I have found an airman stationed at Ubon who worked on B57 has filed AO claim. You are ALL heroes in my eyes! Col. Robin Olds. Remember the good ole days of Thai Boxing at the NCO Club and waiting for my Crew while taking a break laying on Fat Albert as it hung on a wing pylon and to be delivered with kisses some where in the region.. This article incorporates public domain material from the .mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit;word-wrap:break-word}.mw-parser-output .citation q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output .citation:target{background-color:rgba(0,127,255,0.133)}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-free a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Lock-green.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .id-lock-registration a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .id-lock-subscription a,.mw-parser-output .citation .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg")right 0.1em center/9px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-ws-icon a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Wikisource-logo.svg")right 0.1em center/12px no-repeat}.mw-parser-output .cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:none;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{color:#d33}.mw-parser-output .cs1-maint{display:none;color:#3a3;margin-left:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right{padding-right:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .citation .mw-selflink{font-weight:inherit}Air Force Historical Research Agency. Major Mack stands next to EC-121 aircraft (552nd AEWCW). The unit's strength during the entire period was about 150200 men. The senior director supervises all the members performing their tasks. Skin cancer also seems to be linked to Agent Orange, unfortunately the VA does not recognize the link ( need more studies??) A friend of mine showed me your blog and a Thai lady I met had mentioned there is an army base in Ubon from the war in Vietnam. Featured Collections | FAQs - How to Order | 6) Reach out to other Thai Vets on Social Media. Worked 6pm-6am 6 and sometimes 7 days/wk. Dont give up, I filed a claim with the va last July and Im still waiting. Plane approaches air strip for landing. I was a Crew chief on F-4s in Ubon 1969-1970. This group is dedicated to the brotherhood of those who served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base,Thailand during the Vietnam War. Historic HD videos of Udorn Air Force Base Thailand 1969 from CriticalPast are royalty-free and available for immediate download. And I am trying to find others who have same conditions. I was a J4620 in the 433rd under Wing Com Col Robin Olds and Vice Com. I have heart disease and cancer. Think about it all the time. Am in the process of filing claim; ball in VA court. Brent once spoke of fellow Ubon friend named Brown Eye (Hahaha go figure!). Our three kids are all grown, young adults now and have fb accounts so thats an option to get in loop but AO claim in my name of course, if ever granted, our 3 kids would get their much deserved back pay so sad that they never had a Dad while growing up. 1972 (Maaaybe the 1st). On 23 April 1966, the 8th TFW scored its first MiG kills of the Vietnam War, shooting down two MiG-17 fighters. Do you remember any names like John Butyler, Billy Checkout or Chuck Egner ? V A says I was not a Police /Patrol personnel endnote near to the perimeter ( bomb Dump?) I will look up the Facebook Group too. I am . The following Photos of the January 13, 1970 attack against American forces stationed at Ubon Air Base, during the Vietnam War, are graphic and gory. Privacy Policy2023 CriticalPast LLC. On the night of the mortar attack I was Red 5 Line Delivery pulling two trailers of Sparrows & Sidewinders off the line back to the Missile Shop. Thanks! Anyone remember our duty position during attack,,on-base bomb dump , with no firearms issued, ha. The USAF forces at Ubon were under the command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). Sidenote: I really want to connect via Ubon Facebook but requirements (since its a closed site) are that you must be a blood relative. 35th TCS, 6315th Operations Group, Okinawa, Naha Air Base - 1966 Excitement gripped the pit of my stomach as I heard the pilot say, "Go ahead and depressurize, so the loads can put out the chute." Hi all, my grandfather was in Ubon in 63-64 serving with the RAAF. The construction of U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield began in October, 1965 and was completed slightly more than two years later. It is scaled at 1:1,562,500 and provides coverage for all of Thailand. I happened to be in our shop at the time, and my NCOIC had me go with him to the crash site. AFSC 46150. I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. As an Australian airman I served two terms of duty at Ubon, Thailand. Lynn Young USAF. I served boots on the ground in Vietnam so my Type II Diabetes was awarded by the VA but I belong to Udorn Research Group a yahoo group and there are many Udorn vets trying to receive AO disabilities and keep getting denied. The V A has denied my claim twice already due to my job description as a weapons mechanic supervisor 46250 and in the bomb dump loading the Mers & Ters for a year. We had a phone in the shack, we called whoever, they said, stay low, turn out the light, its code red, we know you are out there. My job classification was weapons mechanic (462X0) munitions loader. Photo by . Was there in 67 but cant remember the squadron number. This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 00:18. If you served in Thailand please get to know your Veterans Service Officer who works for your county/ parish/district or talk to your local veterans service organization (they have VSOs) about the agent orange presumptives. Comprising the flying units of the Wolfpack were four F-4D Phantom tactical fighter squadrons. I was actually a "guest of honor" and attended the cast party and had a personal interview with Mr. Hope, Connie Stevens, and Theresa Graves. I have been thoroughly disgusted with efforts to get records from the military. This group is dedicated to the brotherhood of those who served at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base,Thailand during the Vietnam War. Website Terms & Conditions | It was Oct. 2nd, 1972 Gary (possibly Oct 1st,) Sappers hit Udorn Oct 3rd, and the report on that noted reports of Ubon being attacked the day before. Edward B. Endicott, Judy G. (1999) Active Air Force wings as of 1 October 1995; USAF active flying, space, and missile squadrons as of 1 October 1995. License Agreement | p.s. The F-4D had improved radar-bombing capabilities and could deploy the AGM-62 Walleye television-guided bomb, but replaced the AIM-9 Sidewinder with the infra-red AIM-4 Falcon which proved to be inferior. Plotters marking board, scope operator, senior director and combat information sector controller at radar sets. Col. Robin Olds, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing commander, is carried off the airfield after successfully completing Operation Bolo Airmen Jan. 2, 1967. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) denied his claim because the VA will not concede that all veterans who served at Thailand air bases were exposed to tactile herbicides (Agent Orange). 1970. Major Mack stands next to EC-121 aircraft (552nd AEWCW). As a result, 7 AF controlled air assets and operations in Thailand. I always guessed they just wanted to get close to the action. Pilot fills out Form 1. I am trying to help him with his VA claim. Only reason was to join Ubon vets group and happy I did. Thank You Virgil, I have found and recently joined the Ubon site as well. Another machine gun burst and impact on satchel charges on the VC sappers explode, six bodies or parts thereof were loaded up the next morning, hauled downtown to be burned on a brush pile. [15], LORAN-equipped 8th TFW F-4Ds began the Operation Igloo White sensor-dropping mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos from February 1968 taking over this role from the more vulnerable CH-3s and OP-2E Neptunes. So cool that he was involved with the construction of the golf course. Christina, Oops! Is Ubon Ratchathani about to be discovered? I was in FMS squadron, ejection seats (egress), cant remember the squadron number. Any way all of his personal belongings have disappeared. While doing a little research on Rice Bugs of Thailand, I chanced upon this blog page for John Bemiss. Col. Robin Olds preflights his F-4C Phantom before a mission in Southeast Asia. . 408 mms wpns loading sept 69-70, Joe just saw your post, I did retire about 5 years ago, should update my email I remember Mike well he was stationed at Eglin with me after Ubon great guy . My reply was because I too have applied for a/o, after spending months cleaning up the gantry area. 24; Udorn AB runway No. This is the final clip in a series of 9 in a row showing approach for landing at the following Thai Air Base locations: Don Muang AB runway No. Powered byWPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Cemetery Memorial Squad, Arlington National Cemetery Bivouac of The Dead, Arlington National Cemetery Innovations, Change and The Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery Mismanagement in all Respects, Arlington National Cemetery New wars, Visions and Progress, Arlington National Cemetery Prelude to Assassination, Arlington National Cemetery Rebuild - Another War - The Last Unknown, Arlington National Cemetery Resentment and Ownership, Arlington National Cemetery Table of Contents, Arlington National Cemetery Taps and Unseen Ceremonies, Arlington National Cemetery The Viet Nam Unknown, Arlington National Cemetery War Comes to Arlington, Co. B, 321st USASA Battalion Camp Casey, Tongduchon-ni 7th Infantry Division Photos - David Powers, History Arlington National Cemetery Table of Contents, Retired: Members Alphabetically with email. Navigator at desk. AGENT ORANGE SUCKS. That sound of the C130 of the C130 flying over head stuck in my head for a long time. I believe I handled the raw material of A O while dis-assembling, cleaning and re-assembling the gun barrels on the C-130 Gun Ships. Thanks. Hi Bob, I love the first hand reports of these mortar attacks on the base. Steve Ritchie and two more flying with Capt. #, Really enjoyed reading all of these posts. My roomie and I lived on base 2 nights before we were in a bungalow downtown. Major Mack speaks about the 552nd Airborne Early Warning Control Wing, at Ubon Air Base in Thailand. It soon became the largest American military base. (just learning at 68 how this thing works). I was at Ubon in 8th A&E May 67 to May 68 . Cant remember what I went by in Ubon. also maintained the AB Telcom and VOR/TACAN (VORTAC channel 51) equipment. Part two with more about life in Ubon and photos of the city will follow shortly. My squadron was at the end of the ramp towards the gate. Views of RF-4C Phantoms landing at Ubon Thai Air Force Base one by one, deploying drag chutes. My husband was stationed in Ubon from March 1963-March 1964 and has a lot of photos taken during that time. CRITICALPAST.COM: The RTAF 231 Squadron "Hunter" is assigned to Udorn, equipped with the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet -A. lol. We Lived. I no doubt worked on an A/C you flew. Upon arriving at Ubon Sept 1969, as part of the inbound process, we are issued an M-16, the guy hands you the rifle, you check the serial number, sign the form, he takes back the rifle, locks it up. As I got to the gate, there was more 60 fire and an explosion. Do you have UBON AIR BASE THAILAND Reunion information you'd like to share. Privacy Policy | Links Just doesnt have the same flare. maxhightForP2 = 29964; google_ad_width = 250; Was assigned to Augmentee duty but VA denies my records show duty. We Werent There. The facility is also used as a civil airport. more Respond you guys for the truth, as I know it. EC-121 Aircraft parked on ground at Ubon Air Base in Thailand during College Eye airborne radar surveillance mission. Still growing your hair long? I was at Ubon for both of the Sapper attacks working in Avionics. Very much so! I was on the top floor of the Ubon hotel recently for a cold one while the sun went down. Even better if you have photos! Website Terms & Conditions | The Laos border is about 60 kilometres (37mi) directly east. 1972. Photos are great reminders. Major Mack talks about the individual tasks of each crew member. Hi Mike Keep us posted on the VA there is a link USmedicen.com is where I found the possible link AO and skin cancer. Law Enforcement Desk blotter Ubon, Thailand 13 September 1968. He was the commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Air Base, Thailand, and was credited with shooting down four enemy MiG aircraft in aerial combat over North Vietnam. They flew the F-4C and D Phantom II's on various missions from CAP to CAS. Shopping Cart | Humped a lot of 20mm, Lots of memories. My afsc was Aircraft Electrician. The members have put hundreds of photos of the base and town there. Just started looking at the history of the tour and read your stories has brought back many memories. Branch of Service: Air Force. Well my friend i was next door building the paveway bombs. I was warned by others whove been through this claims process that I would probably have to stand on my head to get it through but I hold no resentment and I feel in the long run, well be treated fairly. [17][15]:105 By April 1969 the 16th SOS accounted for 44 percent of all trucks destroyed in Laos while flying only 3.7 percent of the sorties. He played a great West Virginia guitar. Crew ejected successfully, no injuries. According to my papers, was in 8OMS Section A. Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, 1965-1974; Major USAF Unit: 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1965-1974. . Major Mack stands in front of EC-121 Aircraft at Ubon Air Base in Thailand during College Eye airborne radar surveillance mission. For me, I was scared, kneeling there on the floor writing. Those were the days. My real name is Raymond but a lot of people know me as Marty. Final approach cockpit view to runway 18 at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand. From 1965 to 1974, the base was a front-line facility of the USAF during the Vietnam War. I was stationed at Ubon Apr 71 to Apr 72. Ive lost many of my best buddies in the army because of Agent Orange with cancer, diabetes,nerve damage, heart disease. As a former load crew trainer on B-52s at Minot, and having gone through F-4 training at Homestead, I was assigned to the training crew at Ubon shortly after my arrival, so Im sure I met most of you guys who were at Ubon in 1970. I must also tell you guys anyone interested there is a Facebook page titled UBON VETS, it is a closed group, but recommend you join , a wealth of information,good luck. Allow me to share some names I do remember. There are a TON of sites for Veterans all over social media. 8th Security Police Squadron, Ubon Air Base, safeguarded and defended the base, which was probed and attacked in force by NVA and VC soldiers. So many wonderful people out there with helping hands extended ! The passing of a King a real King. I WILL BE RETURNING TO UBON AS SOON AS SHE GIVES ME PAROLE AGAIN. 1968-1969. Pingback: Trainieren Moers Bauchmuskeln - Bodybuilding-foren,