tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38190314969945889422024-03-04T21:40:54.690-08:00Memoir Vietnam & SE Asia 1972Personal photos/text taken in/out of Vietnam combat zone from perspective of copilot on USAF C-130 345th Tactical Airlift Crew. Not just about the war, but also about the people/places of the region during 1972. This is where I got my first Nikon film SLR which turned into lifelong passion albeit now Canon digital SLR. The photos are recent digital scans from old 35mm slides wasting away in hot/cold attic for 40 years. Extensive Photoshop editing has been used to make them somewhat presentable.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-2051511203113371512013-09-17T14:54:00.003-07:002013-09-17T14:54:56.997-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Queen Elizabeth Hong Kong Wreck</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjCbytK5DOTKwNpAdzkc1SrcQQ1FuMCCbHtFVn4rmq90tsM2ntxlIqQJJIcHB0ZP5zrBhxfa_G5L8SJITxgFYlNmxWEbs5gXY8tImNyyMTm_E69UpCbhefBVOsnbmoFHOfRrcTI_rxeY/s1600/sea066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjCbytK5DOTKwNpAdzkc1SrcQQ1FuMCCbHtFVn4rmq90tsM2ntxlIqQJJIcHB0ZP5zrBhxfa_G5L8SJITxgFYlNmxWEbs5gXY8tImNyyMTm_E69UpCbhefBVOsnbmoFHOfRrcTI_rxeY/s640/sea066.jpg" width="640" /></a>Photo of sunken Elizabeth cruise ship taken while on R & R in Hong Kong in 1973. Ship caught fire and overturned the year before in 1972. In 1975 the top half of ship was dismantled while about half remained on harbor seabed which was a hazard to shipping. In 1990 the underwater wreckage was covered by a harbor land reclamation project. </div>
rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-57773937067816275362013-09-15T17:01:00.001-07:002013-09-15T17:05:03.422-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">C-123 and C-47 Array</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYgQybzim34lDjN8UgZXHAn0QQjywB8pXQd3EdIEiVHC5iya2t09lrhGANX613_MHCX0yuzXj_eVOzl11-m_mP05xmpNr8QKjCE2_0tGk966Jn5cGw5ldmDKIyKAHHzFSYtJAu8AvQtc/s1600/sea065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYgQybzim34lDjN8UgZXHAn0QQjywB8pXQd3EdIEiVHC5iya2t09lrhGANX613_MHCX0yuzXj_eVOzl11-m_mP05xmpNr8QKjCE2_0tGk966Jn5cGw5ldmDKIyKAHHzFSYtJAu8AvQtc/s640/sea065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Very neatly arranged array of alternating C-123 Providers and C-47 Gooney Birds on ramp at Clarke Airbase, Philippines 1973. Including tails visible in the background there appears to be at least 18 C-123's. It looks like these belonged to USAF from markings barely visible in photo. I did some quick research, but did not discover what wing or function these aircraft might have had although perhaps it may have been a redeployment ... just don't know as our C-130 crew was only a transient visitor to Clarke. The C-123 provided a large number of roles in Vietnam War besides medium transport: dispersion of Agent Orange (Ranch Hand), covert operations including CIA, illumination (Candle), and more. There was a gunship version of the C-47 called Spooky. There appears to be a gap in middle of photo where there is no C-47 between 2 C-123's; however on close inspection there is a C-47 there only it's camo and not white. Also in background is white tail of a C-141 transport with high mounted horizontal stabilizer. An accountant must have been responsible for the aircraft parking arrangement :-)rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-58337607020088678182013-09-15T15:35:00.002-07:002013-09-15T15:48:10.787-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Clarke Airbase Philippines</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk40BAfSkUfB5jLk6OUcTEezIzLvXkQMG3uuTGbioEw6DfjDNmTPdcoyPcBbJH6Q5JcoHl6EMuKM2wSqnxb76iY65MRp4uonAyCue6Lb9_o6jwYddOWfnKrc94k-VztFUZPL9BvUexn9A/s1600/sea061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk40BAfSkUfB5jLk6OUcTEezIzLvXkQMG3uuTGbioEw6DfjDNmTPdcoyPcBbJH6Q5JcoHl6EMuKM2wSqnxb76iY65MRp4uonAyCue6Lb9_o6jwYddOWfnKrc94k-VztFUZPL9BvUexn9A/s640/sea061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Pictured is portion of Clarke Airbase in the Philippines which I visited on numerous occasions while in SEA 1972 with rugged mountains in background. This was a very important base during Vietnam War including a very large military hospital. First visit I made to Clarke was for USAF Jungle Survival School based in nearby jungle via a quick rocky ride in large transport helicopter. Second visit was via a DC-9 Nightengale medivac jet when I spent 2 weeks in the hospital with an undiagnosed "jungle fever". Several other visits there were with C-130-E crew for operational assignments. Generally Clarke was a fun place. Remember playing liars dice at officer's club late at night, and shopping for "monkey pod" (wood carvings) at offbase shops in Angeles City. There never was enough transient on-base housing so our crew always spent overnights at local motels that had lively bars, and "covert" gambling casinos ... we usually stayed at the same place but I can't recall the name. There were Filipino uniformed, armed, government guards everywhere offbase as this was a time of Marcos martial law. Photo shows some old autos as well as a F-5 fighter (upper right) which was an armed version of the twin engine T-38 jet we flew in pilot training and which the USAF Thunderbirds used during their air shows for a period of time. The USA pulled out of Clarke and Subic Bay (important naval port) in 1991. The pullout was coincident with eruption of Mt. Pinatubo volcano which showered Clarke with ash and debris as well as cooling relations between Philippines and USA. Recently read in 2012 that USA may return to Clarke.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-62744036506626167662013-09-15T15:01:00.001-07:002013-09-15T15:01:34.889-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Floating Village Hong Kong</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqESo9TNEPT90ZR4wNfTyGzszwMouvnuya-_d4RrlBiOU5jcQ0bRkNgYfLgPx7ZL6l3L6A5ytdc_nq-MqeF6XSXK-5NT74HgHmQb1VlQd5jf97XiVc93Vy4IvT-RKPQt2fJoZpbc0Qco/s1600/sea060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqESo9TNEPT90ZR4wNfTyGzszwMouvnuya-_d4RrlBiOU5jcQ0bRkNgYfLgPx7ZL6l3L6A5ytdc_nq-MqeF6XSXK-5NT74HgHmQb1VlQd5jf97XiVc93Vy4IvT-RKPQt2fJoZpbc0Qco/s640/sea060.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Floating village in Honk Kong Harbor 1973 as crew takes time out from the war on a tour boat. Amazed at the mass and concentration of boats, rigging, masts, tarps, and people. Living on one of these vessels for a week would have been quite an experience I'm sure. Not clear how any of these boats could dislodge themselves from the pack to set sail. Appears that many of the boat structures are crafted from bamboo.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><br /></span>rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-70921452978013922992013-09-14T16:21:00.003-07:002013-09-14T16:21:50.828-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Peace at Ban Me Thuot</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdROkNSLEelLhek5Cks7ZTBBTT3cUy7jL1ZuuNPG-ANKYBBaJY-RscmVmaQR5omHWLagzFOM2R1ZmC12XRE19otb5bpEC3NBi2klWYMD9Hd40Tc_DIv3EhOQBKaFrtFFmjrpzA7z6gdNo/s1600/sea059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdROkNSLEelLhek5Cks7ZTBBTT3cUy7jL1ZuuNPG-ANKYBBaJY-RscmVmaQR5omHWLagzFOM2R1ZmC12XRE19otb5bpEC3NBi2klWYMD9Hd40Tc_DIv3EhOQBKaFrtFFmjrpzA7z6gdNo/s640/sea059.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As the sign reads "PEACE! ... BANMETHUOT TERMINAL". 1973 photo of primitive terminal next to aircraft ramp at Ban Me Thuot Airfield in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The airbase was pretty much abandoned when we landed there with disintegrating ramp, taxiways, and buildings. Lots of signs of intense battles that had taken place there earlier during North Vietnamese offensives when the base was occupied.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-55365582088131687182013-09-14T14:57:00.002-07:002013-09-14T15:51:49.084-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Airborne Touchdown</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGjVMFVrYZ220vXTudb3IJ0YfVzCEqMJvFPnnu3bsQF8M1DEvLjWJFL4Pa3PKxjAemdBmIqkFFeXZk7WZ4_hlI6kqke4yvbCfrSHWXcNmCvcNj-J_ijuQXhUzR0sLhw-dbBRIMys2xZk/s1600/sea058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGjVMFVrYZ220vXTudb3IJ0YfVzCEqMJvFPnnu3bsQF8M1DEvLjWJFL4Pa3PKxjAemdBmIqkFFeXZk7WZ4_hlI6kqke4yvbCfrSHWXcNmCvcNj-J_ijuQXhUzR0sLhw-dbBRIMys2xZk/s640/sea058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
Photo that I stylized depicting touch down of airborne trooper in drop zone (DZ) in 1973. Most of the airborne exercises we participated in within SEA were not operational. Generally this involved static line training jumps of troops from doors designed for that purpose aft of the wings on both sides of the C-130. On this occasion we were part of the drop zone ground team helping to direct C-130 crews flying above. Balloons, smoke flares, and ground-to-air radio communications were used to convey ground conditions to the aircrews above so as to help provide safe, timely, and accurate flight path for the paratroopers. Red-to-green lights in rear of C-130 controlled from cockpit were used to signal precise time to jump. Note cutout panels in parachute which allowed maneuverability to the jumper.</div>
rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-16105012480945934842013-09-14T06:26:00.000-07:002013-09-14T06:31:30.244-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Hong Kong Junk</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkL9wiz7l0Ap-No4bzsphY2CxDGcviSCgArHke4BuHpTZq9eoUNGEIiUe4nEx1PGiFVq4er-Ary6opcfEJ2Z0eXpxm75B70I3qUpxs2AF_cVk3gbFyIfFU_0pLFaEDJTSPKRQbFTkC98/s1600/sea057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkL9wiz7l0Ap-No4bzsphY2CxDGcviSCgArHke4BuHpTZq9eoUNGEIiUe4nEx1PGiFVq4er-Ary6opcfEJ2Z0eXpxm75B70I3qUpxs2AF_cVk3gbFyIfFU_0pLFaEDJTSPKRQbFTkC98/s640/sea057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
What I think would be referred to as a junk motoring without sails. Taken in Hong Kong harbor during a side trip outside the war zone in 1972-73 time frame. Vessel probably transported cargo, and also doubled as family home. What appears to be several seated children can be seen up on the stern of the boat.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-51353132449822234762013-09-14T06:07:00.001-07:002013-09-14T06:33:26.063-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Rice Patty Beast Power</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD9hpK0aTg9TzFqMhf2-EeMYwPpO0ol1YvnD8xS-2A8lpz1gRiuy6sJLdzqGfo15pXNX7NPFIu_cdPo7j5nu4q6bvdI0x_5ARVdo7rc0Er_QJId3Md-jihJq2S1xleDU140sy3fskM9c/s1600/sea056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD9hpK0aTg9TzFqMhf2-EeMYwPpO0ol1YvnD8xS-2A8lpz1gRiuy6sJLdzqGfo15pXNX7NPFIu_cdPo7j5nu4q6bvdI0x_5ARVdo7rc0Er_QJId3Md-jihJq2S1xleDU140sy3fskM9c/s640/sea056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Beast power, no gas required. Somewhere in SEA, 1973. Doing rice patty cultivation the old traditional way. Not sure what type of animal this is although it resembles the kind used in rodeos, but with a somewhat milder temperament. These rice patties were often directly next to some of the more remote runways we landed on.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-71168855841480251352013-09-14T05:51:00.002-07:002013-09-14T06:32:33.156-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Mechanical Beast</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcrQkOWmcjMd0ITJgT0Vg2fwtI5yBO8JI4xzl__p4nFWD6jokGX7LTz6G2fWflCjRez8MEAzEhZ1IF-QAhrRXYI2Xy16JFPosTFsPx82LDNv0paBcrZM5PGIBk3Uw1Mf-mQmC9KDk6WE/s1600/sea055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcrQkOWmcjMd0ITJgT0Vg2fwtI5yBO8JI4xzl__p4nFWD6jokGX7LTz6G2fWflCjRez8MEAzEhZ1IF-QAhrRXYI2Xy16JFPosTFsPx82LDNv0paBcrZM5PGIBk3Uw1Mf-mQmC9KDk6WE/s640/sea055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Mug shot of C-130-E parked on sun drenched ramp at Danang, Vietnam, 1972. Nice view of black radar domed nose, 4-bladed props, and external underwing fuel cells. Another C-130 can be seen parked directly behind.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-22160049716236383402013-09-13T04:41:00.001-07:002013-09-14T06:35:39.393-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Indonesian MiG-21 Serial #2160</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid55hCRfj1gWWH_G1WgFTutBqZUz4o-6ELO7v1DDN_oh1X-HtltdtQvfk_SnbdKeVqGcH1ykpKCTpxO-gAScTVgWO_QoZNEFWiIs1E1y-uqEUIT9O6r5ey5x9I9yVwebK12nb79kk8gH0/s1600/indo044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid55hCRfj1gWWH_G1WgFTutBqZUz4o-6ELO7v1DDN_oh1X-HtltdtQvfk_SnbdKeVqGcH1ykpKCTpxO-gAScTVgWO_QoZNEFWiIs1E1y-uqEUIT9O6r5ey5x9I9yVwebK12nb79kk8gH0/s640/indo044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Inspecting Russian built MiG-21 belonging to Indonesian Airforce on a refueling stop at Iswahjudi Airbase on the island of Java. The MiG was one of at least four situated in a large hanger along side of several MiG-17's. It was not clear if these aircraft were operational.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-64087462573490006072013-09-13T04:34:00.000-07:002013-09-14T06:34:34.452-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Malaysian Chopper</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkINTFp6hBuQmF853GAbjy32B5SFno7UJP7hVeoz7fo6HRZAMeu_oujq226NZHGzK-gE4LIbk38f0ogkwb5V7pcE0QmSJICwIHiwxcw_huO2i1A0WaHa2dIpaRmaM2c1oU0zzCDqHb04/s1600/indo043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkINTFp6hBuQmF853GAbjy32B5SFno7UJP7hVeoz7fo6HRZAMeu_oujq226NZHGzK-gE4LIbk38f0ogkwb5V7pcE0QmSJICwIHiwxcw_huO2i1A0WaHa2dIpaRmaM2c1oU0zzCDqHb04/s640/indo043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Large Malaysian helicopter in hanger at Kuching Airport on the Island of Borneo. Kuching was we stopped for an overnight enroute from Saigon to Diego Garcia which was a tiny airfield on island in middle of Indian Ocean.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-74929474153475313972012-03-28T05:49:00.003-07:002012-03-28T06:07:35.471-07:00<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;">
Vietnam Ration Card</span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_EAVv2eB9CaLHOg7ebreF3XpjANUZjFmI3FuRn86t01ta9XtupxBBuXaJyZ0m03ezXBjW0RmOv_qMtpC2qoyR4ZBVdEbaf0h5apPxNxqeL4bQijylJEKOKyk7Q8CPeBiNwPUt9WDr_0/s1600/vietRation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_EAVv2eB9CaLHOg7ebreF3XpjANUZjFmI3FuRn86t01ta9XtupxBBuXaJyZ0m03ezXBjW0RmOv_qMtpC2qoyR4ZBVdEbaf0h5apPxNxqeL4bQijylJEKOKyk7Q8CPeBiNwPUt9WDr_0/s640/vietRation.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
U.S. Military Vietnam Ration Card - 1973. Certainly beer, liquor, wine, and smokes were not discouraged, and were a large part of military lifestyle at the time. Notice big ticket items were also restricted (in this case totally voided) I think at least in part because of the large black market where quality goods from US sources could be worth many times their original purchase price in the local economy. Also many items could be used as barter ... for example a new pair of jungle boots could be gotten quickly for a carton of Marlboros.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-35946113869571077812012-03-07T14:38:00.001-08:002012-03-07T14:43:10.049-08:00Hanoi Tourists?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNurgzDnnWT7HFh9CvcvgM_xYqK41TfFLeKbzWDRNRMJuLLyrEnzqPUhJwFxVE922nqFUJxXJSHKJomzHNRY_eWc2yO4SzAGga69MWAraLprQf-WodvytvJXbHpUwwsOURDlnHjryrH0w/s1600/hanoiTour525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNurgzDnnWT7HFh9CvcvgM_xYqK41TfFLeKbzWDRNRMJuLLyrEnzqPUhJwFxVE922nqFUJxXJSHKJomzHNRY_eWc2yO4SzAGga69MWAraLprQf-WodvytvJXbHpUwwsOURDlnHjryrH0w/s640/hanoiTour525.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Seems like a boring photo, but interesting to me WRT context. Photo taken on ramp at Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi on a truly historic fight by our USAF C-130 crew there shortly after a ceasefire in 1973. As mentioned previously in blog, we transported NVA peace delegates back to Hanoi from Saigon ... this was not long after the heavy bombing of Hanoi in the Christmas Linebacker II air campaign. The airport understandably had primitive facilities, and lots of collateral destruction. Guess I was surprised to see what seemed to be a large group of western-dressed women boarding a Soviet made prop-driven aircraft looking very much like tourists ... with many well wishers bidding them farewell from the patched building in the background. Would really like to know the truth and story behind this happening as it did not make sense at the time. An NVA dressed man can be seen at the head of the passenger line with the wing of the Soviet aircraft overhead.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-27054312204522097202012-03-07T14:05:00.001-08:002012-03-07T14:06:52.061-08:00Indonesian MIG-21s at Iswahyudi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8135AsChk9Iwn5OYk9I_YwRU94mLRgoWa0kKWMeuLnr5BkE6oFwynGBU6NPbh0p-oCnoM3Dto7fXLf7m24CnNgPgNhjgz1gUb5CvIfRP2AjnvowfQPIR6SiL1nP6nTLo8cwMUsxv8U0/s1600/migsIndo524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8135AsChk9Iwn5OYk9I_YwRU94mLRgoWa0kKWMeuLnr5BkE6oFwynGBU6NPbh0p-oCnoM3Dto7fXLf7m24CnNgPgNhjgz1gUb5CvIfRP2AjnvowfQPIR6SiL1nP6nTLo8cwMUsxv8U0/s640/migsIndo524.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Occasionally our C-130 crew would get a "good deal" trip somewhere outside the war zone. In early 1973 we headed for Jakarta, Indonesia, and on the way stopped at Iswahyudi Airport in the central part of Java, several hundred miles east of Jakarta. The Indonesian Royal Air Force had a presence there, and we were able to tour one of the hangers while our C-130 was getting refueled. In the hanger were a half dozen Soviet made MIG-21s belonging to the Indonesian Air Force. It was not clear if they were operational. However I was surprised at how small they were.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-86202003445790372542012-03-07T11:28:00.001-08:002012-03-07T11:31:57.344-08:00Crew Bus and Post Flight Beer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFydnQ4nRW0u0B3M5Ys2hozBDEMx0s0YSgjeB9SWsR3CU-RWAV_3Gckk_m5Ik6cbx14eEJLnx4myeRzb_yzFTubG6WDSH9rlu7P4ocGXs6Qm287t8itWi2NE87DkcWyD88r6sjqGZgA0/s1600/crewBus523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFydnQ4nRW0u0B3M5Ys2hozBDEMx0s0YSgjeB9SWsR3CU-RWAV_3Gckk_m5Ik6cbx14eEJLnx4myeRzb_yzFTubG6WDSH9rlu7P4ocGXs6Qm287t8itWi2NE87DkcWyD88r6sjqGZgA0/s640/crewBus523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Takhli, Thailand, 1973. I took this photo from rear on one of the familiar dark blue and noisy USAF crew buses that took us to/from the C-130 when we flew. Here Joe (navigator) on left stands next to Tony (flight engineer) giving the one-finger salute. Captain Ed (AC) watches from front of bus. Notice we all already had beers in hand as it appears late after returning from the day's sorties that were probably into Vietnam as was the norm. Signs in bus only said No Smoking so I guess Drinking was OK at least upon return from flying :-).rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-20969805917201887702012-03-07T11:11:00.002-08:002012-06-12T08:29:11.424-07:00Saigon C-47 and PEDROS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC_t-9G5O3c8X7F1DA5iM371DbGX35vxD0ep6hq5YaChqXLrEMQWP9dcm2JONp3u8b6HIpL9QvHUBuTZ61cNUs79_CHSZEOUTKlKPLICAxnN1N3sq21EBFvFMMRnsSsL69liRxtZB4aI/s1600/tsnC47522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMC_t-9G5O3c8X7F1DA5iM371DbGX35vxD0ep6hq5YaChqXLrEMQWP9dcm2JONp3u8b6HIpL9QvHUBuTZ61cNUs79_CHSZEOUTKlKPLICAxnN1N3sq21EBFvFMMRnsSsL69liRxtZB4aI/s640/tsnC47522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tan Son Nhut Airbase, Saigon, 1972. Puddled ramp shows taxiing South Vietnamese C-47 Gooney Bird; tail number 0-49814 .... probably configured to carry passengers. In the distant center of photo is a red-signed "PEDROS" USAF squadron building ... to the left is one of the PEDROS HH43 rescue helicopters at the ready. Pedros squadrons were often scrabbled to provide air rescue to downed air crews and others in perilous situations.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-40782774376942852092012-03-07T10:25:00.002-08:002012-03-07T10:26:18.645-08:00Saigon Passenger Terminal?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur4NqLHZKsKSVWTt2Pft4ZI35uvaewoI7v3N0GW-sAk9QKrh5Lsnup0BvUVVLu8PIxKR411UdodiEw9hD-xZxFpls37K8gz-M8vgfMbBjQk2Db-iIOjyMHObZ4j3uhnvpXmK2KJavF4M/s1600/tsnTerminal520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgur4NqLHZKsKSVWTt2Pft4ZI35uvaewoI7v3N0GW-sAk9QKrh5Lsnup0BvUVVLu8PIxKR411UdodiEw9hD-xZxFpls37K8gz-M8vgfMbBjQk2Db-iIOjyMHObZ4j3uhnvpXmK2KJavF4M/s640/tsnTerminal520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Tan Son Nhut Airfield, Saigon, 1973. View from C-130 parked on ramp. Often we received flight passengers that walked from the direction of the large white building ... therefore I assume this was some kind of passenger terminal. Blog readers please correct me if wrong. Red emergency vehicle departs on left with a bus and truckload of soldiers visible in front of building. Commonly seen ... several white-shirted Vietnamese airport workers milling around on ramp.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-73605809165207226852012-03-07T10:04:00.004-08:002014-06-28T03:42:16.040-07:00C-130 dawn NVA passenger loading TSN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9buWbUmY_7eNF5gb-CNjk1H4V3haOnFYW19HY8ZxXj8nKxCzFrBOXOTc5wp6HRcWPOiWj1Xtt5vigO11fIxdfYpJizOgNqLefINqej0s19NZIF_BiTdwgPZmwBaJB6kxIa8SJlMVORBw/s1600/nvaEntryC130519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9buWbUmY_7eNF5gb-CNjk1H4V3haOnFYW19HY8ZxXj8nKxCzFrBOXOTc5wp6HRcWPOiWj1Xtt5vigO11fIxdfYpJizOgNqLefINqej0s19NZIF_BiTdwgPZmwBaJB6kxIa8SJlMVORBw/s640/nvaEntryC130519.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
Tan Son Nhut Airfield, 1973. A NVA pith helmeted soldier (left) walks to board C-130 in predawn light for flight from Saigon to Hanoi courtesy of USAF. Bright yellow aux power cart on far left, and two NVA officers standing at center. Several C-130 crew members watch on right. "Flying Horse and Chariot" insignia of the 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing visible on side of C-130. The 463rd TAW was out of Dyess AFB, Texas, and had C-130 aircraft on rotation to the Pacific theater throughout the war.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-24511899106039875472012-03-07T09:33:00.002-08:002012-03-07T14:45:26.749-08:00View of C-130 cockpit from crew entry door.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6jfqZU26I1LB3gaNYd40EpLUkX5mELw0MCh0Dv490twYmQiNJh4sosA2YXvMju9IkG-8C6kbxyHkUUaiVwUjiOyZ8osLdN6eafQqWf32UocLYYpzHGY9IQLJKAJmllRk3lTFA4xyHA8/s1600/copitolrdy518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6jfqZU26I1LB3gaNYd40EpLUkX5mELw0MCh0Dv490twYmQiNJh4sosA2YXvMju9IkG-8C6kbxyHkUUaiVwUjiOyZ8osLdN6eafQqWf32UocLYYpzHGY9IQLJKAJmllRk3lTFA4xyHA8/s640/copitolrdy518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Photo taken from crew entry door of C-130 on port side of aircraft. There was fold down steps into the plane, and then a short ladder up into the cockpit. Cargo area is to the right in this photo. Note rack of aircraft tech publications on right, and a sextant port for celestial navigation in roof above copilot's head. On the copilot's left part of the bench seat that was at the rear of the cockpit can be seen.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-23545408579475491462011-05-17T17:22:00.000-07:002011-05-17T17:22:56.547-07:00Army Medivac Chopper at Phu Cat Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_1UVYd-Yoowz-d3W0J_qQCU61HsQ_5qc_wlvqgDuQybqIUbKruFOKI64L2f85Vrxo3qZlio5r78Mn_ZsDrx1-pgrgYZ_u48JlYZhyYwktHRTOpfxtyq3KxTx06b21PdQtXjYb7yEPbI/s1600/hueyMedivac464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_1UVYd-Yoowz-d3W0J_qQCU61HsQ_5qc_wlvqgDuQybqIUbKruFOKI64L2f85Vrxo3qZlio5r78Mn_ZsDrx1-pgrgYZ_u48JlYZhyYwktHRTOpfxtyq3KxTx06b21PdQtXjYb7yEPbI/s640/hueyMedivac464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>US Army Medivac Chopper hovering over aluminum metal ramp at Phu Cat Airbase, Vietnam - 1972. Aircraft framed by mountains, revetment, and external fuel tank of C-130 against backdrop of billowing afternoon thunderheads.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-12416308943487228282011-05-17T16:57:00.000-07:002012-07-25T05:13:32.974-07:00Fork Lift Riders - Saigon Tan Son Nhut Airfield<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHp6guJK5hwOOGybtBkMIb6aiRdcrB1ZIpukwN5S13Qj_27AK_lm5AL3ZG1kZL6YRDMN9M4M1ttpwTB_u1EduQbF1poHSK5syx0ol43AsUkLFVUu-Mqeolze-KlK-j2G3DjcITd93iTA/s1600/forkLiftBoys463+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHp6guJK5hwOOGybtBkMIb6aiRdcrB1ZIpukwN5S13Qj_27AK_lm5AL3ZG1kZL6YRDMN9M4M1ttpwTB_u1EduQbF1poHSK5syx0ol43AsUkLFVUu-Mqeolze-KlK-j2G3DjcITd93iTA/s640/forkLiftBoys463+-+Version+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVamhC9JgFYvAvkJWY8kUN1Dmth9MDOK8ytUjIBwTgY9_84pI-o70l2ywxzD7SI2lGqRUUG_O_LjUvgaXrBjvv5IEoJhdAJYophmOHSkipUG_ntrri3RblsYxmasczIpsrjcDqNWj8QA/s1600/forkLiftBoys463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVamhC9JgFYvAvkJWY8kUN1Dmth9MDOK8ytUjIBwTgY9_84pI-o70l2ywxzD7SI2lGqRUUG_O_LjUvgaXrBjvv5IEoJhdAJYophmOHSkipUG_ntrri3RblsYxmasczIpsrjcDqNWj8QA/s640/forkLiftBoys463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Favorite Vietnam photo technically from a photographer's viewpoint ... Saigon's Tan Son Nhut Airfield - 1972. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">Heavy metal, a combo of human insights, and nature's building fury in the background. i also think this is very strong compositionally.</span>rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-71749216171106068382011-05-17T16:08:00.000-07:002011-05-17T16:11:27.214-07:00Destroyed Passenger Terminal at Phnom Penh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNzdeGZ4JXxzlF-cJmfP7qPsGPlqHDDKFRGgohQWfgN2F2566O1_Otpebrmic1Z9sd9q2QBVjZOAFPggC2AUA5KqnnzmEPJX2FKOYmOec5Ur-RrfLTjHonUyOl5BH_LChHCoGeQMOx1M/s1600/paxCambodia462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNzdeGZ4JXxzlF-cJmfP7qPsGPlqHDDKFRGgohQWfgN2F2566O1_Otpebrmic1Z9sd9q2QBVjZOAFPggC2AUA5KqnnzmEPJX2FKOYmOec5Ur-RrfLTjHonUyOl5BH_LChHCoGeQMOx1M/s640/paxCambodia462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here a copilot friend Frank from Mississippi who was on another C-130 crew stands inside a recently destroyed passenger terminal at the Phnom Penh Airport in Cambodia - 1972. In the background some guy is scavenging anything of meager value. We flew frequent resupply missions here using much caution during approach and departure because of hostiles not far beyond the perimeters of the airfield.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-2052356860926437352011-05-17T15:43:00.000-07:002011-08-26T15:48:25.897-07:00Creative Transportation 1972<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7vXcD4CQFF0-fEQrdqg-kfpyofRXwwbL33z-hH60VQzldQgQ2Pg_5t0vYhg7Y8B4yfwZun_wBYdgPCaMq4BcHFYtW9MNRce7X-nn7-U_wT8__V_FrQ3OA2KrtpgmnJjxE4shuIcb-zg/s1600/bikeTrailer461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7vXcD4CQFF0-fEQrdqg-kfpyofRXwwbL33z-hH60VQzldQgQ2Pg_5t0vYhg7Y8B4yfwZun_wBYdgPCaMq4BcHFYtW9MNRce7X-nn7-U_wT8__V_FrQ3OA2KrtpgmnJjxE4shuIcb-zg/s640/bikeTrailer461.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I kinda laugh every time I see this ... the guy pedaling in front must have lost the bet. And why the heck is he carrying a bag in his hand with all the room on the cart ... maybe it contains his valuables and he does not trust his buddy in back. Here's what I call a mega bike trailer putting today's tiny modern ones to shame. Photo taken somewhere in Taiwan ... probably Taichung - 1972. If you want it, they probably have it on that trailer.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-75122296640930367212011-05-16T18:45:00.000-07:002011-06-26T14:39:44.853-07:00C-121 Constellation at DaNang Vietnam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn5aOO7m6-h6JjpVLHZVNwU6TzJ9pZSjIIwMXQLnzvCzP6hsjlRnG3EL9yRck1WiBO1iMJRomxMDEmb8eswrdenXjV-OXI0OrZscw_oj0WGGFyL7r5BxO5zLWKxJomI3cbV0UN-uRKGM/s1600/c121TSN460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHn5aOO7m6-h6JjpVLHZVNwU6TzJ9pZSjIIwMXQLnzvCzP6hsjlRnG3EL9yRck1WiBO1iMJRomxMDEmb8eswrdenXjV-OXI0OrZscw_oj0WGGFyL7r5BxO5zLWKxJomI3cbV0UN-uRKGM/s640/c121TSN460.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>A USAF Lockheed C-121 Constellation as seen through open rear cargo doors of C-130 on ramp at DaNang, Vietnam - 1972. 856 Connies were built from 1943 to 1958, and had the distinctive dolphin-shaped fuselage and triple-tail design. With its four 18 cylinder engines it saw service both in WWII and here in Vietnam. In the background are a squadron of C-119 Flying Boxcars parked along a row of revetments. Among other things some of these Connies served as airborne command posts coordinating various real time air operations.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3819031496994588942.post-76937153257461346542011-05-16T18:19:00.000-07:002011-05-16T18:19:41.799-07:00Hammock at Nakon Phnom Thailand (NKP)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnB6n0SJPlFsEQ9jsv7IEtIP8czWp4bct67G9YRUQtByXYhV1XPxcBojXdVdCP9i_mcIA6DDYC_Vm06Y-H8OqYAWLYrMQlB5uecJIZ9Oin6hnlBLx41u4w-I0q7Exijnb1KNDbuHPbulE/s1600/nkpHammock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnB6n0SJPlFsEQ9jsv7IEtIP8czWp4bct67G9YRUQtByXYhV1XPxcBojXdVdCP9i_mcIA6DDYC_Vm06Y-H8OqYAWLYrMQlB5uecJIZ9Oin6hnlBLx41u4w-I0q7Exijnb1KNDbuHPbulE/s640/nkpHammock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Hanging out in hammock strung up on wooden walkway outside barracks at Nakon Phnom Airbase, Thailand -1972. These nylon hammocks were very common, and often used in cargo area of C-130 on long trips when deadheading in and out of Vietnam. If you didn't have back ache to begin with, you would after lying in these things for a while.rdyoungphotoshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04833547374983739099noreply@blogger.com0