Peace at Ban Me Thuot

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.

Airborne Touchdown

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.

Hong Kong Junk

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.

Rice Patty Beast Power

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.

Mechanical Beast

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.

Indonesian MiG-21 Serial #2160

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.

Malaysian Chopper

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.