I have two HU-16 Bush Pilot/Crewmember Goose Bay, Canada patches that I've had since 1977. I am trying to find out what unit wore them.I'm not sure that I can attach an image to this e-mail. If I can, I will, if not, I can do so later if requested.

1952 through 1967 I had been flying and parachuting first from SA-16 and then from HU-16 Air Rescue Service aircraft (then replaced in out unit with HC-97, the 'Cadillac of the Air'. The SA/Hu-16 was the 'cat's meow'! I always felt very safe in it, even during extreme conditions.

Info above generally accurate, with a few exceptions. No Air Forces or Navies still operate Albatrosses, the last were the Greeks, they had 14, parked their last in the mid '90's. The airplanes were never civilian certificated so can not be used "as is" for any kind of work for compensation or hire. 13 airplanes were converted by Resorts International back in the '80's to Standard Category ($3.5M each) and were used for a while by Chalks Airlines in FAR 121 airline operations. About 30+ airplanes flying/flyable and another 15-20 that could easily be made so. Rest are in museums, displays (including Jimmy Buffet's) and will likely never fly again. Contact me if you really want one. But this is not a cheap proposition. You REALLY have to want one and have $$$ to do this. BTW, the long wing version was all about single engine performance. SE service ceiling with the short wing was SEA LEVEL at 33K lbs. SE service ceiling with the long wing at same weight is 8000'. However, long wing airplanes have structural issues that short wings don't.

I was assigned to the 58th Air Rescue Squadron (Unit changed to Air Rescue and Recovery Sqdn in 1966) Wheelus AB, Tripoli, Libya 2/64 - 2/67. Was a radio operator on HU-16B's. When I got there the HF/SSB radio on the airplanes was a Collins KWM-2A using a Johnson Matchbox for antenna loading. Had to stand up on the RO seat and face back to the top of the bulkhead across the isle to load the antenna every time we change frequency. The tuning dials on the Matchbox kept vibrating out of position, so it was a constant battle to stay on frequency. What a HOOT! We finally got the 618T to replace it. Most of us just stuck to the old AN/ARC-8 when we could get by without SSB. Many memorable missions that tour. Very trustworthy airplane in the hands of our great pilots.

I was stationed at Otis ANG Base on Cape Cod from 80 - 82 and I was one of the last military aircrews to fly the HU-16's. Great plane but you could not hear a thing on takeoff roll and they leaked like sivs... Shortly after I left for my next assignment the last of the breed left for Elizabeth City and now it sits at the front gate on a pedistal...

While assigned to the Air Department at Kodiak Naval Station (Alaska) 1952-1953 I was crew chief on SN 22893. See the monkeyview website link below for some interesting pictures of the UF-1 and other Alaska sights.
http://www.monkeyview.net/id/4191/yesteryear/index.vhtml

I flew as radio operator 1955-56 at Goose bay, Labrador in the 54th ARS. We had 5 of these great aircraft. Flew to Greenland and allot of other places in the area. We picted up a SA-16 at the Grummand plant in "56. Would enjoy talking to anyone that served with this aircraft and any others in that country, John in Payson, AZ johnnygo@localnet.com

The SA-16 was one of my favorit4e airplanes, My dad was a career Air Force Pilot and he flew air rescue out of Elmendorf from 1953-1956. His name was Captain Truman "Pappy" Weaver. He loved flying that plane and in those conditions. It was a wonderdful place to spent some childhood years. I still have a pre-made model of that plane my dad gave me for my 7th birthday. I would love to hear form anyone who knew my dad. dwtrain@yahoo.com steven weaver

Hi! I'm looking to purchasing of these planes for business use. We would need to land on water and snow..can anyone suggest? Thank you for your help! Best regards, Robert

Flew SAR on BuNo 137922, (was a UF-1 converted to a UF-2) NAS Port Lyautey,Kentria, Morocco 1960-62. Best two years of duty out of the eight active years.
Did the JATO thing out of the bay of Gibraltor.
137922, did time at Midway, Is. South America, and ended up in the Philapene (sp) air force, cut up for scrap in 1995. Shame/.

I was assigned to the 71st Air Rescue Squardon at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage Alaska 1952 to 1953. We had 6 SA 16's. I was a propeller mechanic. The propeller was the Hamilton 43D50 Electric. I have many fond memories of this aircraft, and the many times I removed, repaired and installed the propellers on this aircraft. Also of the many times I flew in one in beautiful Alaska, especially the water landings and JATO take offs from water. I enjoyed reading this page. Thank you.

As soon as I get my $#!^ Together I plan to buy one..
This would be great as a bush plane well for me and my friends. I realy wont one.