U-Tapao 1969

Footage of Airbase in Thailand taken in 1969. Super 8 film was transferred to digital by Texas Archive of the Moving Image (TAMI), Austin, Texas. Aircraft were used in direct support of the war in Vietnam. Preserving the memories of all of those who served with the 4258 Strategic Wing and those who came to the base TDY.

[@maxcorder2211]

Flew the Mighty D out of UT in 72 for Linebacker II. In my humble opinion, the D is one of the Great War Machines of history. She took me on more than 100 missions, 3 to Downtown Hanoi and 1 to Haiphong and brought me through dozens of SAM’s and back home. May she and all those who flew her, loaded her and maintained her live forever in history.

[@lyleanderson8160]

Bullet Shot 72-73 Andersen AFB Guam

[@lyleanderson8160]

Guam Bombers!

[@geraldmorain3166]

Oath to constitution

[@Snailmailtrucker]

I was an Aerial Combat Photographer on U-Tapao RTAFB (a B-52 and KC-135 base in Thailand) 1967/68. I was also the Base Photographer. One afternoon I got a call from the 4258 Bomber Squadron requesting I get down to their office ASAP. It seems that one of the Rookie Bomb loading crewmembers who was loading a Rack of 500lb. bombs into the belly of a B-52 somehow managed to spill half of the rack of bombs on the tarmac and not get everyone killed ! I dealt with Colonel Alexander Talmont, who was the Commanding Officer of the 4258th often, and he was a real great guy who loved his troops.... and his troops knew it ! Col. Talmont made the New Rookie Bomb Loader buy the rest of his crew a case of Beer and we all met in the Commander's office at 5pm that day and I took pictures of this new Airman presenting that case of beer to his Coworkers in his Commander's Office ! We all sat down and had a Cold one ... and I am sure everyone involved remembered this incident for the rest of their lives ! Shortly after this Colonel Talmont got his 1st Star and the Title of General ! Truly a Class act !

[@chanannipatmeesap986]

I live in Sattahip and just jointed the Royal Thai Navy. It is great to see what was Sattahip look like in the 70s (Its look the same as it is today), thank you for sharing this Young Thai sailor

[@AnhNguyen-ui9qe]

Support diplomacy, not aggression. ...

[@carlolsen5856]

Amazing to find this. In 1968-69 I was responsible for the design and installation of the kitchen and catering equipment at Utapao Airbase. I was based in Hong Kong. The pre-fabricated stainless steel equipment was shipped in from Hong Kong but all the electrical appliances were sourced from the US. I also designed and oversaw the kitchens at Udorn and Kampang Saeng airbases as well as Saigon.

[@lelandpratt4854]

I was a B52D Crew Chief Oct. 1969 to Oct. 1970 in the 4258th Strat. wing. Team 14 Thanks for the memories

[@tracypalermometzger9619]

My dad Michael Palermo was crew chielf on KC-135 tanker 1969-1970

[@Raymond62100]

I was a crew chief of 615. Have had lots of surgery. Agent Orange but no Comp. Raymond McConnell

[@ridethasno]

My father was stationed here from December 20th 1967 - December 20th 1968 George Spear Jr 4258 MMS. My father is 73 years old now living in Washington State. Thanks for all your service! 💪

[@robertbrink2240]

Visited Utapau 1972. Camouflaged B-52s and sentries with dogs everywhere. Impressive! Thanks guys for your service! You did your part!

[@charleswallace2080]

I was stationed here in Dec. 1966 to Dec 1967 as a jet tech. Worked on the KC135's before the B-52's. After they finished the back runway we had B-52's come in when they had engine problems and couldn't make it back to Guam. Once in a while one would come in with bombs hung up and wouldn't drop with the rest of them. I enjoyed working the B-52 and the KC-135's. Had a run license to trouble shoot engine problems on both aircraft. This video brings back a lot of very fond memories. Would join the Air Force again if I was a young man.

[@woodruffcrandall1803]

I was a Airborne RADAR operator in Navy P-3s (VP-22) that had ramp space at the south end of the field on west side. We had a couple of dets there in 69. This brings so many memories.

[@CynthiaKirkeby]

I was there too. My dad was stationed at Utapao and we lived in Pattaya Beach.. What a weird time that was! Even saw the Bob Hope show while we were there.

[@mikeoboyle4972]

I was at U-T during 71-72 and 74-75 with the 307th AMS. It really brought back so many memories of those days working on BUFFs. Nice to see glimpses of Howard Johnson's and flashes of K-Mart and the dorms where we all lived. Glad that someone had preserved these images for all to see and remember.

[@Yosemite-George-61]

I just realized how old I I am... I can say I flew in KC-135s with water injection... Fabulous video, great music, many thanks...

[@jameshartnett8947]

Thanks for the memory. Was stationed there for a year, I remember the barracks (walked to work everyday- air borne electronics). Worked both the B-52's and KC-135's both on the ground and in the air (when ground repair couldn't find solution). Was assigned from Westover AFB in Chicopee.

[@lhmnsbak]

Wow!!! I was at U T from 73-76 and worked in POL, the gas passers. It was fantastic to see the tankers and buffs in the pictures. This was by far the greatest assignment I ever had. The Thai people were so kind, understanding and a pleasure to have. I wanted to stay for another 5 years but the Mayaguez Incident happened. After that episode we were no longer wanted in country. I still love Thailand and the people and will till I’m no longer on this planet. The US government overstepped their boundaries and we paid the price.

[@goober208]

I WAS THERE FOF THE MAYAGUEZ UTAPAO 74-75

[@seabeanmanorbier4106]

I’m sitting right next to U-Tapao right now in the Royal Navy Hospital watching this video December 2022. Incredible history round here. Pretty much built up around here these days. Thanks for sharing 👌

[@garymcketo6941]

I was in the Army at Samae San 7/69-7/70 and saw Bob Hope at U-Tapao in 69, It still brings a tear to my eye 50 years later.

[@robertbrink2240]

Flew in on a C1-A 1970. Quite a view from the top of my plane while refueling. Camo b52s with sentries and guard dogs as far as I could see. A memory I'll never forget.

[@maddadram1]

Paul J... Yeah remember it well. I was stationed there from March '69 to Feb, '70. Did the mail courier run from U-Tapao to 9th Command in Sattahip. Thanks for your comments.

[@garycorbier9123]

I was there 69-70 with the 7th BW from Carswell AFB Ft. Worth ,Texas. Was on the Phase inspection team.

[@Terk1965]

My Father was stationed there in this time frame. B-52's from McCoy AFB, Orlando, FL which is now Orlando International Airport.

[@imfineproductions5847]

Appreciate all the Vietnam Vets!

[@copout1405]

I did the same thing at the end of the runway. Worked at the command post comm center. Left in July 68. Gotta come back here every few months to watch these reels. Nick

[@melodyrainguet479]

Was in the Hydraulic Shop 1972-1973, rode the launch truck , got my staff stripe mid year, ran the hyd truck after that. Rec’d the Master technician award while there. Was there for Linebacker two. What a year-7-12s!

[@melodyrainguet479]

Anyone remember Jim Rainguet in Hyd Shop in 1972? Answer...

[@toasty2k10]

I was TDY from the 93rd BW Castle AFB '68 - '69. Thanks for posting.

[@730guitar]

I was stationed at Utapao in 1975-1976. Worked 635th SPS. This video brought back a lot of memories. Thanks for posting. Got my suits tailored in Sattahip. Climbed to top of budda mountian. Had a lot of good times there.

[@govdon08]

Brings back fond memories. Stationed there May 1969 - May 1970. Worked Photo Intel shop scoring how close the B-52's came to the target (darn close).

[@johnboythai1514]

Was in ECM shop from 1970 to 1971......Been living in Thailand now since 1991

[@user-dg5vz8jf1d]

Stationed there May 1968 - May 1969 very busy place.

[@stevehyland4007]

I went PCS to U-Tapao in August 1966 from Barksdale. I installed the 800 line Stroger telephone switching system and worked with GEEIA on the installation of the 3,000 line XY switch. I don't miss living in an 8 man hootch.

[@pauldhoff]

I was there from June 1970 to June 1971, 307th MMS. Paul

[@user-en5fl2pz1j]

I was there during the same time period, MMS Preload.

[@philipmeader797]

Thanks so much for the video, music & MEMORIES! I was a Ssgt. crew chief on KC-135A Models at U-Tapao in 1970. I remember the 12 hour shifts, week of days, week of nights - and flying on some of the refueling missions over Laos and the Nam. The flight crews were awesome to work with, they really appreciated how we managed to get the birds in the air under some trying conditions (ever try to get a nose tire replaced? - took an act of God). Again, "Thanks for the Memories".

[@georgewest4255]

I was a KC 135 Navigator and had two Young Tiger deployments at Utapao. God bless you for the safe aircraft you gave us every time we flew.

[@semco72057]

I remember U-tapao since I spent two years there and hated to leave the second time because I knew it would be my last time there. The Thai people there was so nice and I loved the country. I enjoyed the Chiang Mei area also and that is where we had our R&R's during those two years. The base is now there they have their area airport as it is in a great area and already had a nice runway due to the B-52's, KC-135's, P-3's, and the Recon aircraft stationed at.

[@garymcketo6941]

Was stationed at Samae San 69-70 538th Engineer Battalion, used to watch the B52's take off from U-Tapao, What a sight! Saw Bob Hope in 1969 there. Still miss Thailand and can still speak Thai 50 yrs. later.

[@richardmcgeehan6496]

I went TDY to U-Tapao from CCK Air Base Taiwan in 69 for 1 month, remember it well.

[@billmish2069]

I was at CCK when a SR-71 Blackbird landed with mechanical problems.

[@teresahall4247]

Thank you! My Dad was at U-Tapao in 69/69. This is so cool to see where he was. Can't wait to show him this, hopefully it'll spark memories and stories. Besides Ann Margaret LOL. I love the music and he will too.

[@danmulcrone6581]

Hey Teresa--I was there in '73. Yes, I'm also a dad, and I REALLY think he will (has) enjoyed it. CCR did great music for the (and a lot of other videos). Take care, love to your Dad.

[@conniepacheco3492]

thank you jim devojack for bringing those dead bodies back from the war zone.

[@DavidEVogel]

Great memories. Many Vietnam veterans were just kids straight out of high school. You grow you fast.

[@davidsandell7833]

One of those 135s could have been my Dad. R.I.P.

[@andrewkyle2540]

Great footage! Back when the planes were "new"!

[@johnboythai1514]

Sattahip still the same..more or less. Just there yesterday....It's where I live.

[@copout1405]

67-68 command post comm center. Thanks for the video. Brings back a most momentous year.

[@jamesgoodrich4858]

I was at U-Tapao from July 69 to June 70. 635th MMS, worked in Bomb Assenbly, 461 “AMMO” IYAAYAS. Remember, on July 19 or 20, a B-52 aborted takeoff, going north on runway, stopped on end. Then, caught fire and exploded. All crew escaped, but a HH-43 Pedro was nearby when the B-52 exploded and all three crew died. I was 20 years old then, now will be 73 in less than a week. IWIKTWINK!!!

[@goober208]

Utapao 73-74 635 MMS Line Delivery best job i ever had

[@TheRichram]

I was at UT Aug 68/Aug 69 I was 4258 oms Tanker launch truck. I was towing a Tanker when that B-52 blew up . I understand there was a sachel charge put in the nose wheel compartment when the arcft. was waiting to take off till the heavy rain moved out.

[@mightaswellbe]

U-Tapao, Pearl of the Orient. Break my legs, rip off my arms but don't send me back to U-Tapao. No No NOOOO, don't throw me in that briar patch. USN P-3 crewman, sonar & radar was my job and a good one it was. I was there back in '73. Sweet duty. Thanks for the video and hats off to all you troops that went in harms way and to the guys that kept'em flying. My Dad was SAC, I love the BUFF.

[@PaulTJessen]

Thanks for the memories. Worked in Base Ops 1968-1969. Always happy to hear from others who shared that experience.

[@colemanyoung8245]

Did you know my grandfather? Charlie young 68-70 he was there when the B52 bomber crashed on the run way.

[@PaulTJessen]

@@colemanyoung8245 I did not. Do you know what he did?

[@colemanyoung8245]

@@PaulTJessen I would love to pick your brain and show you some pictures maybe you would know what he did. He passed in 1995 but I’ll message you my number!

[@pauldocka2659]

4258/307 AMS/Radio Dec 69 - Dec 70 and drove AMS-51 Tanker side launch for about four months. What memories, what memories that came back like it was last week and it's pushing 50 years.

[@TheRichram]

4258/OMS Aug68 - Aug 69 flight line nite super got the tankers ready to go for morning launch , great vid many memories.

[@Le_Petit_Lapin]

That sure is an interesting choice of backing music considering the content of the video. :P

[@rash4843]

Man, thanks for the memories! I was there Feb 70 to Feb 71, Electrician on the B52's! Long hours but off time was great!

[@mantyme]

@TheRichram OMG, I was there in 71-72. I remember the python - he was still there. Bob Hope came while I was there, but I had to work and didn't see him. I remember the barracks, our Thai maid service, the USO club, the bowling alley, and the 'entertainment' at the NCO club. And of course trips off base. We worked 12-hour shifts, 4 on and 2 off. I hadn't thought about any of this in years.

[@terryburres]

His name was Pete, was it not?

[@charleshollingsworthjr448]

Was an exMarine and join the Air Force after my discharge and never regretted it. Became a surgical technician and got stationed at the U Tapao base hospital 1969. Had great staff and doctors and nurses were cool. Took karate and met a Coast Guard petty officer in the dojo. Thought it strange seeing a Coasty on base. Got a commission while attending Penn State in the Coast Guard Reserve because the AF said I was too old for a commission at 36. Stayed in the CG until retirement (should have made Admiral), but U Tapo was the best duty, hands down. How come no one mentioned New Land here?

[@Raymond62100]

Hotel California off base to Left.

[@williebattle8127]

New Land New Land clamp clamps. And the GG shots dam.

[@vrod912]

I was TDY from Ramey AFB- Puerto Rico for 3 months in 1970 --Crew Chief on a KC-135--When we left in November we had changed out all 4 engines and the whole boom assembly--Missed Bob Hope by one week -Dang-Thanks for the post

[@TheRichram]

I was stationed at Ramey 64 /66 tanker chief 501.

[@apollomasta]

those BUFF's smoke the sky like my grandpas 'ol 1955 chevy. Jeez, those old turbojets were powerful but they sure did burn fuel like crazy!

[@JimSharp-u8h]

As A Marine who severed in the 80s. I thank my Brothers and Sisters who served during the times before and after me.

[@jenniferpowell5348]

Thomas L Powell, USAF Air Traffic Controller, Sept. 1969

[@conradbrassel8337]

Thanks for the memories. Served with the 4258 MMS loading those B-52s from 67 to 68. Truly a year I will never forget.

[@colemanyoung8245]

Conrad did you know a Charlie young from Oklahoma? He was there when the B52 went down on the runway.

[@conradbrassel8337]

@@colemanyoung8245 No... the name is not familiar to me. Also, the year I was there, I never saw a B-52 go down, although a KC-135 went down taking off, crashing into the jungle. Sadly no chance for escape for the crew. There was also an incident involving a fork lift that slammed into a bomb revetment causing a bunch of bombs to explode. That was a freakout for sure, trying to have a good time downtown.

[@BlaneysChannel]

I don't know if you're still reading these comments or not. I was at Utapao from June 70 to November 71. This video with the music is dead on. Great job and thanks.

[@coastalsailor9151]

I enjoyed a short stay in '73 or '74. We stopped off on our way to ... another place. My memories are the tall green fields with a giant Buddha in the middle of nowhere. We enjoyed a great baby kobi beef steak dinner with a beer for next to nothing. All while watching the islands dotting out into the distance as the sun was setting. Enter a B-52 coming back as the thatched roof "restaurant" is starting to sift dust down onto us. As the plane came closer everything started moving. Seems the recommended place to eat was at the foot of the runway. Great times. Thanks for the hospitality. Thanks for the video.

[@ivanmoralesist]

i was there from 1971 to 1973 AGE shop on KC135 side. Dennis Brock

[@danmulcrone6581]

KC-135 Nav at U Tapao toward the end of your tour. Thank you.

[@atthebrink74]

My dad was a nav on a 135, spent some time in U Tapao

[@davidsandell7833]

Ivy Marie Geniza: my Dad flew young tiger off and on from 65-70. I think.

[@kittshausman6191]

Ivy Marie Geniza I’m born in there 1972. My dad he is MP

[@adrianrosenlund-hudson8789]

Thanks for sharing! Absolutely fascinating. We left Malaya in '69, when I was three years old, and even though this is Thailand, it evokes feelings in me. A dreamlike familiarity, since I don't actually remember much. Perfect musical accompaniment to your film too. Really sets the scene.

[@melodyrainguet479]

Jim Rainguet, Hydraulic Shop, 1972, launch truck. Loved Thailand!

[@TheCustomsMP]

My brother-in-law, Jerry Rogers, was a bomb builder here at the time; while I was in Asmara, Eritrea with Army Security Agency.

[@paulcady6247]

I was stationed at U-Tapao from June 1968-June 1969, except for 45 days TDY at Anderson AFB in Guam. I was in structural repair in FMS working on both B-52's and KC-13's. I wonder when in 1969 the original video was taken. I was young and stupid then. A friend of mine and I used to lay on our backs on the beach at the end of the runway on the Gulf of Siam and watch loaded B-52's take off right over our heads. Anything went wrong we would wake up in the great beyond.

[@cojaysea]

wow what memories! i was stationed here in 1969! great just great! thanks for posting

[@tesdnzakzp]

Came right out of tech school to U-Tapao 11th USAF hospital squadron July 1969-1970. returned in August 1971-August 1972

[@dgrat100]

was a crew chief on a 135 outta beale afb and made alot of tdys to ut thanks for the memories

[@veganwriter1355]

U-Tapao ... 365th Combat Security Police K-9 ... 1972. BEST year of all of our lives ... hands down. To all my brothers in arms ...

[@user-ck5sf2cc1h]

Just found this site and see you posted 11 years ago, just wondering the name of the dog you handled. I came over in the second wave of dog handlers in July 68 bringing Arry OK33 which I picked up at Lackland.

[@Thunder_6278]

WOW, a slice of life at the air base, I bet a couple of these B-52 H models in this film are still active today. CCR fits the era perfectly.

[@HoolaaBaaloo]

Most of them are the D model, you can tell by the taller but narrower horizontal stabilizer, on the G/H models the stabilizer are shorter but wider

[@AcebassII]

69-70 307 FMS squadron A.G.E. bomber side on the hill. Loved the videos!

[@s.kightlinger1054]

WOW!... What a trip back to memory lane....... Did my tour of duty there in jan. 1969.... I was a sgt. with the 635th security police... Did my time and if it was not for the war I would love to live there for the thai people very friendly and life was laid back...Thanks for the vid......saw wa d kup.........

[@jamestaber7797]

Served 4258 AEMS airborne radio tech. 1-68 to 1-69. Was in back of launch truck when B-52 blew up at end of runway. Saw it all from a safe distance. Aborted take off during heavy rain. Loaded with fuel and bombs. Ran off end of runway. Fire started in front wheel well. All the bombs and fuel blew at once. Largest piece left was engine pod. Blew a firefighting chopper out of the air. That was a good year. Grew up a lot.

[@vinyltapelover]

I saw a comment, from an Air Traffic Controller, at another y.t. video., You remember how Paul Harvey would say, "Now the rest of the story"? Just in case you haven't been to this video, check it out. See y.t video @ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJXScoxppqx_fs0 "'DODGFISH 3 years ago - Hi, I am George Fisher and was at U-tapao in 1969-1970 as a radar air traffic controller. The b-52's were launching I think July 19th 1969 and in very bad weather in the daytime. I issued a Hold to prevent the b-52's from launching and to prevent loss of aircraft and men. A sac general overrode my hold the aircraft started taking off and the winds/weather caused the 2nd b-52 to crash into the end of the runway with loss of the helicopter above the b-52 and 2 men lost their lives. I wish I could have done more but dumm ass generals cover up their mistakes at the cost of millions and loss of 2 lives. I am so very sorry for those men and their families and friends. george t. fisher". I thought I would pass this along. Have a good day. Richard , Det30, 10th Wea Sq(MAC), Utapao , 70Dec-71Mar Show less REPLY

[@davidsandell7833]

James Taber: I think a 135 blew up there once too. They all carried lots of fuel. Major explosions.

[@garycorbier9123]

I got there sometime after the B52 blew up ,several of our phase team told me about it.

[@goofygus6855]

A B-52 crashed at the end of the runway on 7/18/69 while my dad was stationed there. He was working when it happened and they received a warning from the tower that the blast was coming. Everyone got on the floor except the Thai National buffing the floor. He said the Thai and the buffer went into the air. Days later he was walking near the end of the flight line and picked up a battered piece of a 500 or 750 lb. bomb. My dad died in Sept 2023 and that bomb piece is now the doorstop in my home office.

[@michaejlt]

Michael Lockhart from 1972 - 1973. Worked as OMS Crewchief on KC-135A Tankers. Enjoyed my tour at U-Tapao. Great times!

[@tracypalermometzger9619]

My dad worked as crewchief on KC-135 tankers 1969-1970

[@kencoates2693]

Although I sure appreciate these videos, they were so long after I was there that nothing looks like it did back then (1966-67)

[@nan16cd]

I was there in 72 TDY out of Clark AFB.

[@renecordova5106]

i was there in 1967 (3 months tdy from guam) i was sent there with the first b-52s......loved it! some of the buildings were just tents.......but barracks were large 3-storied concrete.........

[@tivivesrj]

Was at U-Tapao from Aug 67 to Aug 68. 4258th BW. Went back in 2009 and visited the base and Satthip still the same not much has changed. Russians charter planes fly into U-Tapao for vacationers. Thai Airways has a maintenance base and the Swan Lake Hotel with the fading blue roof still there. Thank you for this video post. Brought great memories

[@neilrickards8828]

Neil Rickards. I am an Australian (ex Army) who was at U-Tapao Jan Feb 68 and back in April 68 We were on a SEATO exercise. Had a ball and befriended a guy called Ray Stem but lost contact with him,I was there when Johnson stopped bombing the north

[@wmiller685]

Most EXCELLENT video. I was there in 69 also, starting in July with MMS preload. Great film, great place, great friends and great tour. Wouldn't change a minute of it. Thanks for the memories. I have a few vids on You Tube as well about UT.

[@michaelausting9344]

My brother-in-law, Jerry Rogers, was a bomb builder there '69-'70 with 655th Munitions Squadron.

[@dennisdickerson165]

Was there 67-68, A2C cook assigned to the base food service ops located in a hootch and worked as an admin clerk. Supv. was SMSgt Jackson. Another cook, Tom Steadham, was assigned to oversee and manage the enlisted transit barracks (hootches). My barracks was one of the concrete bldgs. across from dining hall. Of all AF experiences, Utapao was best duty. Remember ration card for cigarettes, beer, and hard liquor? Slot machines in the airman's club. Base library was a trailer. Baht buses "go now"

[@petrofilmeurope]

Thank you for a very nice video. I visited U-Tapao, or what was left of it, in August of 1980.

[@billhicks5401]

Did 200 Young Tiger and Arc Light mission from Utapao as a co and later aircraft commander. KCs. Great memories. Thanks.

[@veg1run]

Does the name Edward Vallejo sound familiar to you ? He was a KC Navigator, active duty, '71 to '91. Retired as a Lt. Colonel.

[@TheRichram]

I was in sac 62/69 Minot, Ramey,Castle, Utapao all that time Kc chief , your name is familiar Bill may have flown with you. I saw alot of the World, I really never had a bad station I guess it was what you made it. Great memories, Thanks for Posting.

[@paulbrun55]

Great soundtrack..!

[@butchbarber9471]

January 1969 - January 1970 Psychiatric Specialist 91471 assigned to a medical Unit. One Psychiatrist, one Psych Clinical tech and myself. We were kept busy.

[@bstamper97753]

Great footage. I was there dec 72 to dec 73. Things had not changed much from 69. I worked out of 26 on the Buff side. Thanks for putting the footage together. Garland

[@johnjohnson3292]

Work in the SAC Command Post Communications Center from Jun 1971 to Jun 1972. First duty assignment out of tech school. What a great time.

[@victorleonard7087]

Thanks for the nice footage. I was with the Army in Vietnam in 1969 and 1971.

[@candymanal]

Worked there in the 307FMS/MMS. Then second tour, after cross training, to a tail gunner.Awesome place. But 12/7/365,(Hours/Days/Year) was a real drag.

[@veg1run]

Holy shit ! How did you guys get through it ?

[@frankshirley4581]

JST LOVED IT THERE. IN MY TWENTY YEARS IT WAS BY FAR ONE OF MY BEST ASSIGNMENT NEXT TO MCCHORD AND NORTON RETIRED AT MARCH IN 1989.

[@ddevol]

Arrived June 5, 1968 and departed June 5, 1969 POL tank farm just down the road from the Red Horse compound. Remembered the heat and the fact that we did not get much in the way of rain for that entire year. I had just crossed the end of the runway when the KC crashed in Oct. of 1968, will never forget that either. Mostly good times but hard work,

[@MrWellVu]

Ray Roerick Arrived Dec 24 about midnight 1967 til Dec 1968. I was a flight mec on the ol gooney birds (C-47), went as a kid, came back all together different. What a blast, .10 beers, $2 and change for a carton of Kools. Gret memories. Thanks for the post.

[@melodyrainguet479]

Btw, love this vid, great tunes,, still remember the tail numbers of these planes. Best year of my USAF four years.

[@60vanbaker]

Went back in 2008 a reunion with the yahoo group the Utapao Alumni Assoc. Had a blast a great bunch of guys. Toured UT was able to go back to my duty station the POL tank farm.

[@melyndaorr2612]

My grandfather warren kent davis was stationed here and died in a helicopter rescue mission in July of 69. If any one has any info on him or personally knew him pm me.

[@user-ck5sf2cc1h]

Was he on the chopper that was blown out of the air when the B-52 blew up at the end of the runway in July 69? If so, I saw it happen. We were at Base Ops waiting for a C-130 to take us to Bangkok to catch our flight home. We were watching the B-52s launch for a mission when one popped his drag chute while making his take off run. He taxied to the north end of the runway while the fire trucks rolled out and headed to where he was. We could see smoke coming from the plane and in a few minutes the fire trucks were pulling back away from him since he was loaded with bombs and fuel and it appeared the fire was getting out of control. It wasn’t long before the B-52 blew up sending parts flying and shutting down the runway. I wasn’t focused on the chopper as much as I was the bomber, although I didn’t see it blown out of the air, I just noticed it wasn’t there afterwards so didn’t find out what happened until later. The runway was shut down so the C-130 wasn’t going to be picking us up that day. We were giving the option of waiting until the next day or getting Thai taxies to drive us to Bangkok so being so ready to get back home, we chose the latter. It was later that I learned that, first off the B-52 had a brake on a wheel that didn’t release while making the take off, causing a fire. The crew on the B-52 all got out however there was a crew member unaccounted for so the the chopper was trying to spot him when the plane did explode causing the chopper crew to be killed.

[@billmish2069]

I was working there with the 8th AF 509th BW AMS out of Pease AFB, NH in 68 - 69. Loved trying to watch a movie on the beach when a sortie of BUFF's were taking off for a mission towards the ocean.

[@widecut7116h]

I loved when the 52 s were stationed at plattsburgh ny . we live about 2 miles from the end of the runway . when the a b52 would take off and fly over the my moms copper jello molds would shake & rattle on the wall . too cool fb11 were ok ,but they wern't THE BUFF. thank you all for doing your duty ! fly high !

[@atthebrink74]

My dad was there, not sure the year. He was a navigator on a KC-135. This reminds me of the home movies he shot over there.

[@goofygus6855]

My dad was stationed here March-Sept 69.

[@microdubber]

Amazing that many of those B52s and KC 135s are still in service!

[@goober208]

B52H is all that is left

[@captainbuttnuggets4786]

My father was a BB stacker in Thailand that’s where he meant a native dragon lady and had me and my sister 😃

[@dogman622]

17th Bombwing B52 & KC135 Tankers 1969-1973 Spent a lot of time At Anderson and Japan with many stop overs in U- Tapao.

[@catfish252]

great stuff - thank you

[@georgepacheco4521]

Great stuff? What about all the body bags that went throught the ut.

[@glennpaul6075]

Bob, same here, 4258th MMS.

[@af2543]

Great ! Just a visit! Catching a flight on a C-5 for 30 days leave. Tuy Hoa and Phan Rang Vietnam and NKP, Thailand (1970-1973) CMSgt Bob Remel Base Fire Chief 100% Combat Disabled Vietnam Veteran

[@davidsandell7833]

I live about 30 miles from Macdill A.F.B. It’s a huge difference between the “A” Model and the R with the high bypass ratio engines.