Sembach Air Base: Back in the Day

[@ronaldjosephweech2444]

Sembach was my first assignment. I was an Electrician with the Civil Engineer Squadron. We closed the base in 1995 and I was given base of preference to my home base at McChord, AFB. It went on from there but I never forgot the two years I spent at Sembach. This video always makes me cry while I think of my 20+ year career, and it all started there.

[@MrGlendale111]

I'm glad you enjoyed your time at Sembach Ronald Weech

[@ronaldjosephweech2444]

@@MrGlendale111 my mother's side is german. so, it was great to see. i actually got to travel around the country more when i was later stationed at raf (royal air force base) lakenheath, england (weech - family name, from the southern tip of england in sommerset county. when i travelled back to germany, sembach, ab was left as a housing spot for airmen stationed around the area ... mostly ramstein, ab. i have very fond memories of germany and it was a great place to cut my teeth.

[@russhoffman6301]

My first duty assignment out of tech school. Assigned to the 66th SPS from 87-89. So many great memories from my time there.

[@bama1usaf]

I was at the Stein from 85-88 SPS. Great time to be in Germany🇩🇪.

[@live_free_or_die7260]

I was there from 86 to 88. I still have those dreams being back at Sembach.

[@nygearguy]

I was stationed at Sembach from May 1980-May 1982. I worked in the Engine shop. Away from home and family for the first time got all of us young airman closer. I loved that assignment.

[@rogervaughn8298]

My wife and I were stationed there from 1986 to 1992. Worked in ESC at Mehlingen then transferred to 17 AF Headquarters. Security Police as it was known then. I helped close many bases in Germany after the Berlin Wall came down. Then helped to draw down 17 AF before their turnover to USAFE. Best assignment of my career. Retired after 27 years service from there.

[@nobody666u]

i lived there from 1977 till 1983 was a middle school thru high school graduated from kiaserlauter american high school 83 miss the old base alot of memories lost there growing up.

[@johnwarner839]

My name is John Warner, and I was a Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, which I was in from 1965 till 1969. I Spent some of my best years , here at Sembach AB, in the 2134 Comm Sqdn, from September 1966 to September 1969. Having been born in Northern Germany in 1945 and emigrating to New York City in 1953, this tour was “Going Back Home“. I loved the Air Force and would have made it a Career Move, had it not been for the fact that I was an Aircraft Mechanic, for Pan Am, in New York City, at Idlewild Airport, which later became JFK International Airport. I joined the Air Force in 1965, after getting my Draft Notice, since I always wanted to do a stint in the Air Force, knowing that I had to fulfill my Military Obligation. After returning Stateside in 1969, I went back to Pan Am, as a Aircraft Mechanic, at JFK, until “The Handwriting was on the wall, about the longevity, or lack thereof, of Pan Am‘s survivability, and was given an offer to start at Delta Air Lines, in 1991, with all of my Pan Am seniority, since I had experience on Pan Am‘s Airbus A-310 Aircraft, that Delta wanted to buy, and that they needed qualified Maintenance Personnel for. THAT WAS A “NO BRAINER“, knowing Pan Am’s financial situation and I moved to Atlanta, with my wife , Kathleen, whom I had married in 1989. I worked there, for Delta, till 2017, having now accrued 54 years combined seniority, and only retired then because of Kathy’s failing health. We had moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2008, since our daughter lived there and had our first grandchild. We had also bought a cabin on Lake Champlain, near Plattsburgh New York, in 1990, just down the road from Plattsburgh Air Force Base shortly before Transitioning to Delta, in Atlanta. From 1991, through 2017, I commuted , weekly, from either Ft. Lauderdale, or Plattsburgh , to Atlanta weekly, to go to work. I loved the “commuting“, since I loved to fly, free of charge, non-reving. I did this for the next 26 years, until I retired in 2017, due to Kathy‘s failing health. Kathy “left us“ in 2020, due to Lung Cancer. With my Yorkie, Bentley, I spend winters in Ft. Lauderdale, and Summers in Plattsburgh, actuallly, Port Douglass, on Lake Champlain, just south of Plattsburgh. Job wise, between Pan Am, the U.S.Air Force and Delta Airlines, I have lead a Charmed Work Career and think about Sembach Air Base and my time there every day!!!!!

[@johnwarner839]

I also worked part time at the Rod and Gun Club in the Restaurant with “Lutzie“ and “Maria“ from 67-69.

[@LB-ty6ks]

I was there 1965-68, 2134 Comm Sq. This brought back so many memories. The background music was perfect for the video.

[@seanellis4532]

We lived in KMC / Vogelweh from '83 - '91. My dad worked on Sembach for part of that time in the 601st TCW (rest of the time at Ramstein and Kapaun). i just went back (July 19) and wow is has changed so much.

[@Cindy-hc2qg]

Fantastic video! Thanks for the memories! Stationed there '79-'82 with the 601st CSG.

[@johnpuzewski4966]

Lived there from 1954, Volgavay, to 1956 as a child. 13 years old when we left for Langley AFB, VA. GLENDA E. WALKER

[@roberthamill2451]

Cindy, did you happen to go through the NCO class while there? I was stationed in Gelnhausen, near Hanau, with the Army as a Forward Air Controller, but Sembach was my administrative Air Force Base. Major Hollets (later Lt. Col.) was our commander. I was also in country '79-82, your post just caught my attention, hope all's well.

[@Cindy-hc2qg]

Hi Robert - Just saw your post. I can not remember specifically attending the NCO class, but I probably did. It was a fabulous 3-year tour & I do remember the base Commander, great guy.

[@pclayton5063]

Great pics! Was just down the road at Ramstein 81-85 and visited Sembach frequently.

[@billhyland9360]

Great video was there in 86 to 89 I worked in fuels and I sure do miss Sembach. Best duty assignment I ever had

[@JohnWilson-nt2gd]

Stationed the from 1969 - 1972, 601st TCMS group, Radio Geronimo, Chicken Man,and all the local heroes. The coolest of days.

[@elvulch]

I wouldn’t trade the times I had growing up on Sembach in the late 70s through 80s for anything! I rode in a CH 53 when I was 10 years old and that was when I made the decision that I was going to become a helicopter pilot. The awesome thing is, I landed my Blackhawk on the officers club helipad years later.

[@MrGlendale111]

Elvulch. That is an interesting story to hear. I think many of us will always remember Sembach with fond memories

[@skybarwisdom]

I was assigned there in 1980-81 as a firefighter and traveled, drank with the guys, played football and other sports and had some roaring good times during my time there. Some of the best times of my life as a young man.

[@ChrisDIYerOklahoma]

Wow...the memories. Was there 93-94...actually worked at Alzey Air Station (601st Air Control Squadron) but lived in the dorms on Sembach.

[@collinkpg]

Hi ich bin von Alzey schöne Grüße aus Alzey 😀

[@collinkpg]

Und Aktuell arbeite ich da wir machen alles Platt und bauen um es ist nicht mehr viel da

[@philipcormier9880]

I was with 621st at Wiesbaden (sister unit) in 80's when 621st closed. Went to Sembach for leadership schoo

[@philipcormier9880]

Was at Ramstein for my last Assignment before retiring and Sembach was still used for housing at least till 2003

[@Merlinherk]

Loved that base, never 'stationed' there, but deployed C-130H at Ramstein and billeting never had room so we always stayed there. Most base closed by late 90s. Clinic, SP detachment, motor pool, and a AFRTS satellite unit. Then also guys kept housing open to supplement other base nearby. Sweet pier diem cause no chow hall.

[@osubuckeyeno1]

Dependent at Sembach 66-70. Stationed at Rhein-Main AB as C-130E Loadmaster 86-94. Periodically flew touch & go landings etc. on the Sembach runway & would do a 360 over base & housing area for next approach, tears to my eyes, rest of crew annoyed at my reminiscing! Saw R. Jackson/Larry Eldreth in Jacksonville Florida in late 90’s! Best years of my life!!

[@osubuckeyeno1]

test

[@timothykraus1457]

I was at Ramstein AFB (1988-1990) but spent a lot of time Sembach Air Base. The F-16C in the slide show was an aircraft we had at the 86 TFW. I really enjoyed the slide show, thanks for playing it. Great memeries.

[@MrGlendale111]

Excellent video. Thanks. Enjoyed my 2 years at Sembach 1975-1977.

[@dianelee7471]

At time marker 15:25. the incident/fire you see was caused by the propeller assembly dis-engaging from the turbo engine. There was a minor injury on the ground and the engine was destroyed, but it worked out.

[@jimmyharris1481]

Nice to see this video ! I had a friend who served there in a Tropo-Scatter Comm unit and I visited him for the first time in 1973. Met with him exactly at the Guard House, which is shown at the start of the video ! He lived in Weiherhof Housing Area... Nice remembrance of good times !

[@Bullhunter57]

I was at Sembach 1978-1982. Some of the pictures you used are mine. Nice job.

[@Eggo645]

My Dad flew C-123B aircraft out of Sembach from '64 to '67. I don't remember much of it except that we lived on the 3rd floor of an apartment building in K Town.

[@cheshire-yu4nz]

John Eggert that's about the same time I lived there but we lived on the base I don't have a single pic of being there.

[@maltese_tiger_272]

Contrary to believe. Sembach is still open, the air base itself is owned by the germans now but there's a section we still own that was converted to an army base. I would know, I go to school there right now.

[@socialjusticejewelry]

Can anyone visit the place now. I tried to go in the 90s and was told I had to have military ID to get on base. Dad was stationed there from 75 to 80. Loved that little base.

[@maltese_tiger_272]

@@socialjusticejewelry sadly no, as of recently, the Germans are renovating the airstrip to turn it into a german airforce base, and the part that's still owned by the army, you're still required to have a Military ID

[@Bbendfender]

This takes me back in time. I was in the USAF from 1971-75. Sure enjoyed my time as an airman during this time.

[@terrybazzarre6064]

Our dad, Major Alfred B Bazzarre, Sr was stationed at Sembach 1959 -62. Our mom, Ida, my brother - Al Jr and my sister, Lynn - all loved our time at Sembach. General Sands was the commander when we lived at Sembach. We loved going to Ramstein to enjoy the Italian and Chinese restaurants there ... Terry Bazzarre

[@richardmullens5206]

Was stationed there for just about three years in the early to mid eighties in the appliance shop. Can't say it was all peaches and cream, but I'm glad I was there. Sometimes the whole experience seems like a dream. Wish I had my act together better at that time but better late than ever.

[@olympic1969]

I was stationed there from June of '80 till June of '82. Worked in the print shop in the 17th AF building. Good times, mostly. Miss it.

[@statman7]

Was one of three dependent boys of a AF Comm Squadron Tsgt at Sembach 1966-1969. What a great place to grow up, sledding down Mount Whitey, all the Base Sports teams and AYA youth teams. I remember Halloweens, must have been 200+ kids on that base. Lived in 661A, close to the front of the housing and had a small baseball field nearby. Went to the rod-n-gun club often There was a pizza restaurant in the village we hit alot too, and the pool in Winnweiler. Re-visited Germany in 2006, 14 of us now and all went (with mom & dad along). The base was pretty vacant, I believe before it transitioned to Army, was called an annex to Ramstein. German rent-a-cops at the main gate let us go onto the base. Much of it was just like the 60's, particularly the housing. Walked the base gym floor and the football field down in that valley. Memory Lane.

[@11musikerful]

Hi then i must know you. I lived there the same time, remember AYA football, the teen club, tiger stadium, pizza in the village,etc. I lived in the first building on the left as you entered the housing area, right next to the commissary. Those were good days. Much love.

[@ronjackson8176]

***** Hi, I'm statman7's brother Ron. We probably did know each other. Were you first building on the left taking the left fork past the commissary, or was it the first one on the left as you veered to the right & headed toward the AYA (with small baseball field across the street)? Either way, you were close to us (which I believe was 79-C4, not 661A). I was class of '71, did 8th grade at Sembach Jr High in the '66-'67 year and then moved on to K-Town as a freshman the following year. Left in the fall of '69 as a junior but sure hated to leave (would have liked to have graduated from K-Town). Without a doubt the best 3 years of my life growing up. Our AYA football team dominated in '67 and '68 and our AYA baseball team won it all in '68 (pretty impressive for a relatively small base, but we were blessed with a lot of athletes back during that time).

[@11musikerful]

Ron Jackson Hello I was first building on the left as you veered to the right. If you went to the left it would eventually take you to the right. SB lived right across the street from me . CF lived across the hall from me.I was third floor. First door on the left as you face the building. ..

[@ronjackson8176]

***** Yep, I know exactly which bldg you lived in. I recall the Malone's (Steve & Mike) and the Kinsler's (Mike, Keith, etc) both lived in your bldg. Do you remember them? If you came out of your bldg and turned to look over your left shoulder, you would see our bldg 79 on the other side of the open/grassy field. I worked at the commissary, mostly on Saturdays, and then walked the left fork back to our apartment. You are right......those were the days!

[@11musikerful]

Ron Jackson Hi. Yes I remember them all, and many many more. If you figure out my name please do not post it. My initials are RP and I played AYA football as a quarterback and little league as a pitcher/infielder.

[@bob1653]

Stationed there 1984-1986. 66 Transportation Sq. GP Vehicle Mechanic. Best Air Base in Germany. Lived in Winnweiler, oh how I miss Bischoff Bier. Went back to Germany in 2009, stayed in Winnweiler a few days and tried to get on the base but couldn't. Snake Hill, Schnitzel Stands, and Honey Wagons in the summer. Funny the things you remember. I spent a lot of time at the Auto Hobby Shop. Those were the good old days.

[@vondertann]

Served at Sembach AB, Sector Operation Center 3 between 1989 and 1991. Lived in the dorm between the NCO club and the dining hall. Great times, fond memories

[@tinomartinez7820]

Wow my dad was station there 98-2003. I went to elementary and middle school there. By the time we were leaving it started becoming a ghost town. Great times before that though!

[@bhbluebird]

I was there in 68-70, but as a young child (military brat). I remember "the tigers", the football games the "crackerjack box" housing and the 12 noon siren.

[@maltese_tiger_272]

I was the part of the last class to graduate from sembach, the high school was converted to a middle school about a decade ago, and as of 2020, the middle school is sadly being demolished. Truley sad that it had to go

[@bobbrooks4398]

I was with the crew that helped open Sembach Air base, I was there 1954 to 1955. worked in Vehicle Maintenance as a Vehicle mechanic, have the K-town curfew article 15's to prove it :-)

[@airforceveteran71]

Did the big move from Wiesbaden AB in Nov. '75 to Sembach..left in early '77..601st TACC Sq.

[@MrGlendale111]

I was at Sembach from Oct 1975 to Aug 1977. I left the day Elvis Presley died. Of all the places I was stationed, Sembach was my favorite base. It had a small town feel to it, and a beautiful setting in the green hills of Germany. I really enjoyed my 2 years there.

[@Jmp5nb]

brazil5657 I was also stationed at the same time, 601st TACC, usually worked @ Site 1, Mehlingen. Good times as an op’s weenie!

[@Jmp5nb]

Also Ops weenie at site 1, 601st TACC, radio ops- best days of our lives!

[@blaze-robello1]

I was stationed at Sembach June 1976 to April 1977 in the base clinic. This video brought back some memories, Sembach was a good, centrally located spot to travel around from. There used to be a little mom and pop place to eat in village, not too far off base, they had the best veal cordon bleu I have ever had. I doubt the place is even there anymore, this was 46 years ago 😱

[@MrGlendale111]

@@blaze-robello1 I use to go to Portifino's in Sembach. An Italian Restaurant. I looked it up it's still in business. I remember the clinic. I think I had some Dental work there. I worked in the Personnel Office on Barracks Row. Across the street from the NCO Club. I was all over Europe while at Sembach. From Ireland to Austria. I visited so much of Germany, Austria and Germany by train and my VW Bug. One week my roommate drove from Sembach to London. That was quite a trip.

[@blaze-robello1]

@@MrGlendale111 You are so right my friend, Portifino's, I had totally forgotten the name, can't believe it's still there. Yeah, usually me and 2 or 3 of my fellow compatriots, lol, would go down there for a great meal with a bottle of lambrusco wine, boy, we knew how to live, those were fun times that I'll never forget.

[@bhbluebird]

I was a Sembach AFB brat from 68 to 70. That shot at 5:34 is the way I remember it.

[@tammybrowne7735]

We were stationed in Sembach 65 to 68. Before we moved on base we lived in the little town of Sembach. There used to be a farm on the main road not too far from our apartment. I suppose that is gone now?.

[@xdjrockstar306x]

I’m gonna be there in April, but can’t find any updated videos

[@alexmar7938]

hey Bob I was station in sembach air base from 86-89 also 66 trans sq , also a mechanic, but i was on the other side, on the flight line working as special purpuse mechanic.....what month did you leave in 86 , I got there en early nov 86.......

[@roynuss3127]

Served there 76-78, one hell of a good time.

[@almadrewad]

We were stationed there in the 80's, Where can we get pictures. My husband played football and I was a cheerleader for the base.

[@alexmar7938]

wow, that video ,was a blast from the past, take good care

[@proman1926]

My very first duty assignment. Man I miss that place.

[@kmain0]

this base is still being used I believe but as a satellite base that Ramstein and Vogelveh use... Creek Defender does there training out of the buildings there and some additional field training in Baumholder for US Air Force Sec. Forces.

[@boodlewoodle]

great to see this my father served there in 1949

[@cjshrift1450]

I was stationed @ Sembach in 1986 - 1987 with 2134th Comm Sq. My Son was born @ Landstuhl ARMC, since he had medical problems, my tour was short lived. I had to return Stateside ..... Grudgingly !! I'd rather be in West Germany than Stateside anytime !!

[@walterharp1773]

Did some drag racing on Sunday on the airstrip,anyone has pictures ?

[@granskare]

I was at Sembach near Kaiserslautern,I even had a bowl of blood soup, 1959. I was an airman second in personnel.

[@granskare]

I notice I saw this before: I provided the foto of the hq staff of the 6910th rgm and a few others - many pics I have not seen before...very nice indeed ! I should add that we went into town to the Gasthaus zum Hirsch and had wiener schnitzel with potatoes, and salad, and bier all for less than 4 marks (4,20 dm = 1 dollar) a great place to be :)

[@tomgrove4287]

I was stationed there 85-88 GP mechanic . Great times.

[@mikedoughty2534]

I was in vehicle Maint. on the main base from 82 to 87

[@paullee3212]

mike doughty Hey Mike, I remember you. Didn't you stay till past '87? We worked in same shop Paul Lee

[@obfuscated3090]

I was there with the 20 AMB, '81-82. I remember when the anti-cruise missile demonstrators ( there were no GLCMs at the 'Bach of course) werescheduled to picket the flightline. The farmer hit the nearby fields so heavily with "liquid" and "solid" that we had to roll up our windows to drive past it without gagging. Never saw the demonstrators show up tho they might have changed location, perhaps someone knows more. I pity the gate guards but if it was passive resistance it sure worked.

[@walterharp1773]

Drag racing on Sundays , loved it .

[@kenhamilton2770]

I sold cars on the base 93-96 (AAFES) saving people the journey to Vogelwiegh to be hassled by all of the car salesmen down there, great memories & friends made.

[@bob1653]

Alex, looks like I missed you by about a month. I left at the end of September. I actually went back to the states a year early due to a terminal illness in the family. Humanitarian reassignment.

[@dixonsmith6894]

I served at Sembach in 1955 to 1956 as part of the 11th PBS. I remember the Hungarian revolution when we went on high alert.

[@tonycounter8776]

I was stationed there from September 1992 / June 1993 I was with the 601st transportation Unit

[@WayIntoAdventures]

We recently posted a video of the base on our channel, it was fun exploring!

[@vintagelovinfreak]

PLEASE...I am desperately searching for information about Lilo and Richey (as they were called, last names unknown) as they were stationed at Sembach in 1958 with my parents, Edwin Leo ("Bud") Shifflet and Dorothy Bowers Shifflet...I had just turned 3 years old when my 38 year old father died suddenly. I JUST found out from an older sister that they had a child after we came back to the states. They named their child after me, Geraldine. I know this is like finding a needle in a very large haystack, but if you have ANY information regarding T/Sgt Shifflet or Lilo and Richey, PLEASE let me know...I will be so thankful as my mother has gone, too...I would love to find out just anything about my father and our beloved friends.....Thank you, and many blessings...

[@MissNocturnal09]

My first duty station from '93 - '95.

[@kenhamilton2770]

Sold cars on the base from 92-94 on the base. Had a lot by the shoppette & SFCU building. Moved to Sicily & wished I never did as Sembach had a strong community.

[@wildbillrisky]

... DOS Sept 1972... 601 TACC Det 1. Top a the hill, Staff Sgt William L Rieske,, Ground Power Specialist... Also, with Staff Sgt Edward S Kendall , DOS 1973, Passed on in 1979, {only found out of recently} ... He sold everything I left in 4th floor barracks room # 305. Later back in the world, went to my parents house in Ohio & gave them the profits... Irony, I had already gone back to Europe with my girlfriend & missed him by few months... 1974, Visited Sembach with long hair & found Sgt Google still there, in the latreen , definitely a surprise moment sitting down.... I backpacked another year or so & settled in NE, Tacoma Washington near McChord AFB / US Army Fort Lewis... W/B

[@gordonpotter3590]

wildbillrisky Gordon

[@gordonpotter3590]

St Gordon Potter ground power. 601 TICS.

[@robipete]

my dad was vice base commander at that time and his best friend Jack Best was base commander

[@granskare]

I was with 6910th RGM, 1959-60...there was a nice gasthaus in the town..gasthaus zum hirsch...great meals and with exchange rate 4 marks to the dollar :)

[@bigal1940]

bigal1940 Wow! I too was with 6910th RGM Jan 1959 - Nov 1960 Fine base...good duty. Lots of visits to K-Town....really miss it. F B Old Man

[@obfuscated3090]

20 AMB on OV-10 Broncos, 1981-1983. Enjoyed it but should have gotten much less drunk and seen more of Europe. We had a group of anti-cruise missile protestors scheduled to picket the main gate when an interesting thing happened. A local farmer hit his field HEAVILY (we'd smelled the "standard" often enough to compare) with the usual liquid and solid bovine waste. We had to roll up the windows on the AMB building as well as our vehicles going on the road to the flightline. I can't prove it was passive resistance but the stench was stunning. The protestors supposedly used the back road behind the village instead but I never saw them so can't confirm. The Germans were excellent hosts and it was a pleasure to help defend West Germany. Totally worth the many NBC exercises in MOPP 4. Nearly everyone I knew tried to extend their tours, self included. Seems the Cold War is back on and with forward basing further east it's a chance for more G.I.s to defend people who are worth defending instead of Middle Eastern religious fanatics who either secretly or openly hate our guts. I'm retired or I'd be on that like folds on a fat chick.

[@elvulch]

Oh, one more thing… the old bowling alley downstairs had the best hamburgers!

[@robipete]

he used to drive all the kids home after school in his vw bug, no matter how many i showed up with

[@granskare]

I was in the rod & gun club in my 2 years in Turkey.

[@geraldmoscicki5435]

I vehicle maintenance supply 1956 to 60. One of my better assignments in my 26 years of service.

[@randolphthorbeck1231]

the song Burning heart

[@robipete]

i lived there as a kid from 67 to 70

[@RandyHudson]

It lives, it lives

[@robipete]

Me too!

[@FarmerDeez]

did they pipe that music through the loudspeakers ? Intense!

[@bhbluebird]

So did I. 68-70. As a kid, I remember going to the "Tiger" football games and the brawls

[@AngelTjr]

I was there 1968-1969

[@paulmaddox1969]

Stationed there 1979-1981 601 AGS, OV10 E5 electrical technician / crew chief, came from Charleston AFB (1974-1979) C141 & C5. Was great area, didn't like the OV10 though.

[@M.S.M.111]

Sembach is closed down now

[@delonet]

It belongs to the Army now.... Army of one.....

[@robipete]

i remember the sheep

[@historyfan95]

Robi Petersen They still let sheep roam through the remains of the flightline today.

[@walterharp1773]

Did some drag racing on Sunday on the airstrip,anyone has pictures ?