Test Flight
The test of my new craft was set for sundown. Sun dogs on the Horizon beckoned me, a beautiful site to behold. I had no need to speed, just enjoy the setting sun for a bit. Always careful with flight controls yet bumped the throttle, the speed lock stuck on high. The sun was soon overhead, then set again. Three sunsets later the earth was much smaller in my rear view mirror.
I was assigned to the 45th tactical reconnaissance Squadron out of Misawa Air Base Japan in 1961 and 62. We went to Bangkok Thailand and flew out of Don Muang Royal Thai Base in November and December 1961. I thoroughly enjoyed all the information here about the great RF-101c as I was the crew chief on 56-080 in 1962. I have a picture somewhere in my stuff with a kangaroo painted on one aircraft.
FEB 2011 – In another amazing insight (thanks to ebay sale) i have come into contact with a person whose father was a USAF F-86 Sabre jet fighter pilot, RF-101 Vodoo reconnaissance pilot and finally a 0-2 Deuce FAC pilot in the 1950-70s.
Additionally for a few years i have already known another person connected to the pilot and they both served in the same squadron in Vietnam at Tan Son Nhut… tho different years.
RF-101C seen landing at 45th TRS home base – Tan Son Nhut AFB in late 1960s.
RF-101 HISTORY OVER VIETNAM
RF-101s from the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing deployed to Vietnam in October 1961.
They started off flying flood damage photos and missions over Laos. As the war grew tactical recon for operations in South and then North Vietnam became more common.
RF-101s acted as leaders/pathfinders for F-100s in the first USAF strike against North Vietnam…
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