Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation / EC-121

I was an ACW3 assigned to VW3, VW1 and AEWBARRONPAC from 11 /59 to 2 /62 in CIC in operations from Okinawa, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Guam, Midway, Alaska and Hawaii. After active duty joined VP 661 (Reserves) and flew radar on P2V-5's and 6's from Andrews AFB. Discharged in 1962.

reply

I was an ACW3 assigned to VW3, VW1 and AEWBARRONPAC from 11 /59 to 2 /62 in CIC in operations from Okinawa, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Guam, Midway, Alaska and Hawaii. After active duty joined VP 661 (Reserves) and flew radar on P2V-5's and 6's from Andrews AFB. Discharged in 1962.

reply

I just put up a FaceBook page for VW 13 AEW Barrier Operations this month September 2012 with pictures from 1964 and 65.

reply

Help! I have been all over the internet trying to find info on my Dad. William A Staley Agana Guam 1967-1969. He was a flight engineer. He flew the Willyvictor's Super Connie's. He passed away at an early age 55. He would be 75 or around that. The only name I can remember is Dave Snyder, I think they worked with each other. Thank You!! Any info would be great. Leslie

reply

My first airplane ride was on a TWA Super G from Columbus to Dayton Ohio in the summer of 1961. I have loved this airplane ever since that life changing event, which initiated my 40+ year career in aviation.

reply

I was an ATW-3 then AT-2 in AWEBARRONPAC from 1961 till late 1963 on CREW F-42 (later renumbered F-20)I was in the CIC crew and when I left was flying enlisted ACICO on that crew. I have many flights in 143221, Our #21, that is in the museum in Pensacola now. I got out of the Navy in 1968 and worked as Chief Pilot for an AirTaxi outfit in Delaware. I love the old Connie, it is the prettiest airplane ever.

reply

i flew out of Iceland in April 1968(USAF). it was the admirals aircraft.we flew from Iceland to Rhode island. on the return flight the #2 engine started leaking oil and within a few minutes fell off. we were between Greenland and Iceland. turn around to Thule AFB for an emergency landing. i need some help to verify that this happened,or that this was a common problem with the aircraft.
thanks for any help Ssgt Steven Bernstein

reply

I spent 2 1 /2 great years assigned to VQ2 in Rota, Spain and spent a couple thousand hours in the WV /EC-121 Connie and another 500+ hours in the EA3B Skywarrior. Many of these hours along great people like Capt. Don East, Lt. Kelly, LCDR Hettinger and Oberholtzer etc. While flying in the WV I would usually put my order in for Pork Chops....they were the best. I served as an EWOP and Post Mission Analyst. They were great years!!! I was discharged in Spain, was married there and well.....I don't think I ever left. I maintain a retirement home there and have been back every year for the past 40+ years. I wish you all well. Ed Smith AKA Smitty
PS Now happily retired in Las Vegas playing Poker.

reply

I was a Radar Tech with 15 months flying status from 1967-1971.552 AEWC Wing McClemman AFB,Ca, one tour in SEA. Spent 4 more years with 79th AEW SQ in Homestead flying Presidential support missions. Flew on EC-121-D, E, & T. Flew on %%% that is in the Air Force Museum, Wright Pat. A lot of Air Force EC-121D on display at McClellan and Warner Robins are actually Navy 121's repainted with AF colors.

reply

First VW12, then AEWBARR... Started flying early 1959, quit when discharged in late 1963. Received 4,000 hour pin in '62. Estimate I flew Willie Victors for over 6,500 hours. Loved almost every minute. Spent a lot of time at the Marigold in Waipahu while not flying.

reply

I was assigned to Otis in Jan of 1955. The 960 AEW&C Squad was the original Radar outfit, then came the 961st (mine) and the 962nd. The RC121C were the first to arrive followed by the 121D model about a year later. As a 19yr old kid, I had the time of my life. Cape Cod was the place to be. Patti Page singing "Old Cape Cod" is still one of my favorite recordings. Loved the place.

reply

Arrived from Pax River into Argentia in January 1964 and stayed to the end of VW 13 July 1965. Flew Crew 2 Haliday while to deployment to Keflavik and worked in flight records when back at Arg. Ltjg Riker was CIC officer most of that time. Stayed in touch with only one sailor from that time James Holper. Jim lives in MN and Me in TN

reply

I was an ACW and flew WV2 /EC121 with VW3,crew 7; VW1, crew 5 from 11 /59-2 /61 from Guam, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Okinawa and Iwakuni, Atsugi and Yokota in Japan. Plus AEWBARRONPAC from 2 /61-1 /62, crew F36. After active duty was in Naval Air Reserves at Andrews AFB with VP 661 flying P2V5's where I was a radar operator. Discharged in 1964

reply

I did my basic training at Great Lakes IL , AT (A) School Memphis, Tennessee & CIC School at Glynco Naval Air station,Ga.
I was stationed at AEWTULANT Pax River, MD from 1962 to 1963, I'm trying to locate some of my old crew mates. I loved flying on the Willy Victor.

reply

I was first radioman, crew F-42, VW-14 later it became Airborne Early Warning Squadron Pacific (AEWBARRONPAC) 1958-61, stationed at Barbers Point, HI. We flew WV-2 "Willy Victors" out of Midway Island north to Adak, AK, 14 hr round trip as an extension of the DEW Line. Great airplane and great group of people to fly with. An EC-121 flew in to Yanks Air Museum, Chino Airport in Jan 2012. Interior configuration exact same as our WV-2s.

reply

I was the 10th enlisted man assigned to VW-11 in Pax River, 1955. Did 2 tours in Argentia, 56 & 57. Was an ADR-3. We saw the first Willie Victors come in right from the factory. Great airplane and great crews. There are 9 of us from VW-11 living in Minnesota that still get together.

reply

I was an Electrician's Mate 2nd class at NADU So.Wey.Ma. in 58& 59. I remember meeting Jim Lines of Lockheed at that time.Also I set up a mock-up of the PB10 autopilot,and later did one for the guys at Otis AFB on the cape. Previous post of Ron Susi brings to mind a friend of mine who was a connie pilot who went out of Otis and was never heard from again. His name was Bob Baird You must have known him.

reply

Was an AC on the Connie at Otis AFB from 1967 till they announced the closure of the base in the fall of 1969. Arrived in the summer of 67 just as they grounded the Connie for several months after a number of accidents out at sea. Found out it was the aircraft heating unit located in the wing route that was causing the fires. Enjoyed the great people and times at Otis. The Connie was a pleasure to fly and could go through all kinds of weather. Had icing of station that some times the de-icing boots couldn't break so we had to drop down the lower altitudes to melt it off. Then fly back up into the weather. Had a lot of nasty weather flying in and out of Iceland. All in all got a lot of flying time, experience, and enjoyed Otis.

reply

ANYONE KNOW WHERE WV2 PM7 IS NOW I SAW IT DMAFB TUCSON AZ IN JUNE 2000 WITH A NEW PAINT
I would likew knowit is now.

reply

I flew on both wv-1 and wv-2 when stationed on Guam set 57 to may 59. I was assigned PM 7 as a radar operator and operated the folk with engine adapter changed a few engines pulled few sumps and striners the engines and removedand installed a few MAGIES .
I woiuld like to heard any else onm PM_&

reply