December 2007
AND NOW A WORD FROM THE PILOT...
We've always known that "our chopper" (serial number 157848) now
tethered outside of the Hootch is a smaller, training version, of the
Huey than the birds that many of us rode in or on the skids of (and a
few of us like Charlie Yonts got to "drive"... and land in one or more
pieces)... and that it was a Navy Helo. But now we get to hear
about her past from a Marine Corps officer who actually piloted her
"back in the day"...
All the TH-1Ls were delivered by the end of 1970 to HT-8 at NAS Ellyson Field in Pensacola, FL. HT-8 was the sole helicopter training squadron for the US Navy and Marine Corps and USCG pilots. The TH-1Ls retired the SH-34J piston engine trainers.
March 1972, HT-8 split and HT-18 was formed as the Advanced helicopter training squadron with HT-8 remaining as the Basic training squadron flying the TH-57A (Jetranger). All 45 TH-1Ls moved to HT-18.
Because there was a need for more pilots during the Vietnam war, UH-1Ds were borrowed from the US Army and UH-1Es were borrowed from the Marines to augment the TH-1Ls.
I arrived at HT-18 as a student in April 1972 just after the change-over to HT-18. I first flew 157848 on the 1st of May 1972. By the way, 178 was her side number. Nothing special, just a routine flight. I flew in her a few more times as a student, then I was off to bigger and better things.
I saw 178 again in 1977 when I went back to HT-18, now at NAS Whiting Field , FL, as a flight instructor. 178 provided me with a platform to instruct my very first pair of students.
HT-18 was the largest squadron in the US Navy with over 70 aircraft. Since only 45 TH-1Ls were ever built, they were augmented by retired Marine UH-1Es and the 6 surviving Navy UH-1Ls from HAL-3 in Vietnam. Once they were painted in the standard red and white, you couldn't really tell them apart.
I do have very fond memories of that time and I ALWAYS loved the Huey. She always treated me well, with no surprises. In my real “fleet life” I was, and still consider myself, a Marine UH-1N pilot. I just may have to stop by for a peek if I'm passing by on Interstate 10.
The photo of 169 (above) looks just like 178 did in use at Pensacola. I took this photo flying as wingman on a cross country trip. In military training use her color was not OD, but I don't have any problem with painting her as she is now. Actually that is a GOOD paint job for a VN vet. Medevac. I'm glad she has a good home.
Steve Hornberger
Lt Col USMC (Ret)
P.O. Box 1334
Carrabelle, FL 32322
www.campgordonjohnston.com
(850) 697-8575
December 10, 2007
We cordially invite Chapter 96 to participate in the thirteenth annual Camp Gordon Johnston Association Reunion Parade in Carrabelle, Florida on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 10:45 AM (EST). This parade will honor many World War II veterans. There also will be other events over a three- day period. The parade will also feature the 98th “Silver Wings” US Army Band from Ft. Rucker, Alabama.
To participate in the parade, please fill out the application and return it by the deadline date of February 18, 2008. We are confident the addition of your organization will be an asset to our parade and reunion. This function will give your organization not only an opportunity to have a good time, but also the privilege of meeting a rapidly diminishing group of individuals, “the men and women who sacrificed much to ensure the freedoms that we all enjoy today.”
The events of September
11, 2001 have, once again, put our Nation in jeopardy. This is a
great opportunity to show your support for your Country and our World
War II Veterans. Thank you in advance for your consideration and we
hope to see you at the Camp Gordon Johnston Reunion Parade in
Carrabelle on March 8, 2008.
Call Mike Horan at (850) 697-2533 if
you have questions or need more information.
On these dates the Board will meet at 5:45 p.m., and Members will meet at 7:00 p.m.
Unless otherwise determined by the board, monthly board meetings on the
first Monday of each month will resume on 2 January 2008.
REMEMBER TO BRING CANNED GOODS FOR HOMELESS VETS!
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Veterans Day was a success. The Legion Post 13 crew did an excellent job on the breakfast. There were several Chapter 96 members involved in cooking also. It's great to see the Legion and VVA 96 working together to better the veterans and the community. We had an open house at the Hootch and had a great turn out. Charlie Yonts once again had great helicopter stories, this time with pictures to prove them. Charlie crashed two Hueys his first six days in country. No wonder the Vietnam war cost so much. Glad you made it home Charlie.
I personally want to thank all who helped with Bradley's Fun Day. We had a great work crew and it was a success for the Chapter. There were lots of new faces and I don't think anyone was overworked. Thanks to all!!
Something I would like board members to think about. This is the end of our three month one board meeting per month trial period. With all the planning needed for all the upcoming events next year, maybe we should consider returning to our old two board meetings a month schedule.
Our next meeting, December 20th, is going to be our Christmas social. We will have a pot luck meal, so bring a covered dish if you can. However, we will have a board meeting at 5:45 p.m., as usual, prior to the social.
See you on the 20th.
Rick Clevenger