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I enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, June 17, 1964, immediately after graduating High School.
I spent 33 months assigned to the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
During basic training, a career counselor asked me what training schools that I would like to attend. I told him either jet engine mechanic school or aircraft mechanic school. He said, “I’m sorry, those schools are full, however, there are openings in missile mechanic schools”. So, that’s how I got into the missile mechanic career field. Little did I know that I would still get my dream job from an unexpected twist of fate?
I arrived there in early September 1965 as a young 18-year old A2C freshly graduated from two Mace Missile Mechanic Maintenance Courses. I was assigned to work in the Airframe and Engine Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Shop.
We had 36 Mace Missiles on Okinawa; 32 on alert, and 4 spares. My new job entailed performing annual and semi-annual inspections on the missiles. All 36 missiles came through our shop every year inspections and repairs. We had two 3-man crews, each crew worked on 18 missiles every year.
Annual inspections involved removing the engine from the missile for inspection and repairs, checking the fuel nozzles for the proper spray pattern, removing the tailpipe and replacing the shroud ring surrounding the exhaust turbine wheel, replacing components that failed inspection criteria. Operate the jet engine outside the missile, and making engine throttle speed adjustments during engine runs. Reinstalling engines back into the missile.
Also, we performed inspections and repairs on the missile airframe hardware, the hydraulic flight control system, and fuel system.
After completing the annual inspection and Quality Control inspectors gave their final blessing, the missile became a replacement spare for the next missile due its annual inspection.
I was promoted to A1C/E-4 on October 1, 1967. I only served at that rank title for only 19 days because the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara changed the Air Force E-4 grade title to "Sergeant" and made them junior NCOs like the other military services. We were nicknamed “McNamara Sergeants” and “Buck Sergeants” during that time.
I celebrated my 19th, 20th and 21st birthdays on Okinawa. I truly enjoyed my work on the Mace.
I completed my first enlistment and reenlisted on June 17, 1968 and left Okinawa June 18, 1968.
After Okinawa, I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile weapon system at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. My new job entailed transporting, removing, and installing missile guidance sections and warheads on Minuteman II Missiles.
I retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 1984 at Vandenberg AFB, California.
I spent 33 months assigned to the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
During basic training, a career counselor asked me what training schools that I would like to attend. I told him either jet engine mechanic school or aircraft mechanic school. He said, “I’m sorry, those schools are full, however, there are openings in missile mechanic schools”. So, that’s how I got into the missile mechanic career field. Little did I know that I would still get my dream job from an unexpected twist of fate?
I arrived there in early September 1965 as a young 18-year old A2C freshly graduated from two Mace Missile Mechanic Maintenance Courses. I was assigned to work in the Airframe and Engine Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Shop.
We had 36 Mace Missiles on Okinawa; 32 on alert, and 4 spares. My new job entailed performing annual and semi-annual inspections on the missiles. All 36 missiles came through our shop every year inspections and repairs. We had two 3-man crews, each crew worked on 18 missiles every year.
Annual inspections involved removing the engine from the missile for inspection and repairs, checking the fuel nozzles for the proper spray pattern, removing the tailpipe and replacing the shroud ring surrounding the exhaust turbine wheel, replacing components that failed inspection criteria. Operate the jet engine outside the missile, and making engine throttle speed adjustments during engine runs. Reinstalling engines back into the missile.
Also, we performed inspections and repairs on the missile airframe hardware, the hydraulic flight control system, and fuel system.
After completing the annual inspection and Quality Control inspectors gave their final blessing, the missile became a replacement spare for the next missile due its annual inspection.
I was promoted to A1C/E-4 on October 1, 1967. I only served at that rank title for only 19 days because the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara changed the Air Force E-4 grade title to "Sergeant" and made them junior NCOs like the other military services. We were nicknamed “McNamara Sergeants” and “Buck Sergeants” during that time.
I celebrated my 19th, 20th and 21st birthdays on Okinawa. I truly enjoyed my work on the Mace.
I completed my first enlistment and reenlisted on June 17, 1968 and left Okinawa June 18, 1968.
After Okinawa, I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile weapon system at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. My new job entailed transporting, removing, and installing missile guidance sections and warheads on Minuteman II Missiles.
I retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 1984 at Vandenberg AFB, California.