I joined Nas Atlanta (VR 54) in Feb 1977. Flew on the C118 from Atlanta to Azores and onto Rota, Spain until the C9'S replaced the aging C118's.The unit changed names from VR54 to VR46 sometime in that period of time. I was an AE and flew as a flight attendant in training on both air planes. The C118 was slow but very dependable. VR46 was the last unit to retire the C118's from military service. Had a great time and some memorable moments ( smoke in overhead, loss of power 75 ft off ground on take off)in C118. Enjoyed annual actdutra in Rota and made many good friends.
NORRIS SUMRALL, e-mail, 10.05.2013 23:32
I was Flight Traffic Specialist with 1600 Air Base Group, Westover AFB, Ma. Flying attached to 1252nd ATS. First C-97s then C-124s. All cargo type aircraft, then C-118s. They were so plush, we though we had died & gone to Heaven! I believe they were with the Navy VR-6 squadron which was attached to our base at Westover, Ma. This was in the 1953 era.
Noble Atkins, e-mail, 10.05.2013 04:42
My brother Bill Atkins while in the Navy reserves was assigned to VR-701 a C-118 unit flying out of Navy Dallas. His unit flew to Vietnam several times during his service in the late 1960s. I am attempting to help him locate anyone that he can contact that could assist him in establishing his participating in these missions. I was in the US Army flying OV-1 Mohawks out of Marble Mountain Vietnam during that time. Contact me at nobleatkins@mac.com
Ms. Aungelic Nelson, e-mail, 01.05.2013 22:24
Hello, I am the Wing historian at McGuire AFB (now Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst). We have a C-118 Static display that has been here since the 1980s. It was recently refurbed and on 14 May we are having a recognition ceremony to honor those who put hours of their own time into restoring it.
If anyone lives in the local area and would like to attend, please let me know as soon as possible. We'd love to have you there. Also, if you have stories of your time on the C-118s, please get in touch as I am in the process of putting together my remarks for the events.
I served in the USAF-WAF as a Flight Traffic Specialist(International Flight Attendant)McGuire AFB, NJ from 1962-1966. I flew all over the world as part of MATS 38th Squadron on the C-118. It is a great plane and I have a lithograph on my wall of it. I was Miss McGuire AFB in 1964 and Miss Air Force 1964. I served in the S.Pacific during the Viet Nam War and the C-118 always was a worthy and reliable aircraft. I have such great memories of the plane, crew and passengers that played such a big part of my life.
Richard Leonard, e-mail, 22.04.2013 14:55
Anyone with the 4650th CSS out of Richard-Gebaur AFB in the late 1960's? My father was the commander of the unit from 1967-1970. Would enjoy hearing from anyone associated with the unit flying C-118's.
Dick Goodwin, e-mail, 12.04.2013 04:55
From 1861 through 1965 I was a navigator and flight examiner on C-118s stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Logged over 4000 hours on flight all over the world. The majority of flight were carrying pasengers but a few cargo configurations. Of the more memorable flights included carrying UN combat troops from Sweden into the African Congo, several into Viet Nam with contractors before the offical war started there, and we were the 2nd plane to land at Guantanamo Cuba the day President Kennedy ordered the Soviet blockade. The C-118 was a stable and reliable airplane. Navigation was pretty basic using celestial, loran, pressure pattern and some unreliable radio signals. I left the Air Force after 5 years for a corporate career but I have fond memories of my experiences with the C-118 and MATS. Anyone with similar experiences wtih the 30 ATS at McGuree? Would enjoy hearing from you.
Dick Goodwin, e-mail, 12.04.2013 04:54
From 1861 through 1965 I was a navigator and flight examiner on C-118s stationed at McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Logged over 4000 hours on flight all over the world. The majority of flight were carrying pasengers but a few cargo configurations. Of the more memorable flights included carrying UN combat troops from Sweden into the African Congo, several into Viet Nam with contractors before the offical war started there, and we were the 2nd plane to land at Guantanamo Cuba the day President Kennedy ordered the Soviet blockade. The C-118 was a stable and reliable airplane. Navigation was pretty basic using celestial, loran, pressure pattern and some unreliable radio signals. I left the Air Force after 5 years for a corporate career but I have fond memories of my experiences with the C-118 and MATS. Anyone with similar experiences wtih the 30 ATS at McGuree? Would enjoy hearing from you.
Palmer Bowling, e-mail, 26.02.2013 01:52
Stationed at McGuire 1960-62 with VR-6. Worked electic shop on C-118 as AE-3. Went to AE"B" school at Jax. Fla. Sent to Brunswick,Me., VP-23 as AE-2 & flew flight crew on LJ-8,LJ-7 and then LJ-1.Loved flying the North Atlantic out of Iceland. We flew the P2V-7s,and I couldn't wait for the wing heaters to go off.Even with both Pratt/Whitt 3200s at full throtle along with the two JATOsgwe wouldd slowly fall out of the sky as we iced-up.By gettin the heaters back on line, I was assured of a free round at the club. After the C-118s the P2Vs keep you on your toes.
Greg, e-mail, 18.01.2013 06:42
I was one of the last aircrew of the C118 flying out of NAS Whidbey. I was a Flight Engineer flying geographical bachelors, parts, engines, reservists, and squadrons all over the country. Flew across the country, the Atlantic to spend two weeks flying around the Med in 1979. It was my pleasure to be the bane of MCPO Nicholson's career as an ADJ flying in his prestigious recip world. Great memories with great reservists.
Bill Carlson, e-mail, 05.01.2013 01:24
I want to know if it was the C 118 that I either flew on to Iceland in late 1953 or to Preswick, Scotland in Jan. 1956 and the seats were facing the rear of the plane. Can anyone tell me about rear facing seating?
Ed Fitzpatrick, e-mail, 26.11.2012 06:35
I was a Tar Hanger 80 Nas Willow Grove in the AM Shop. We took care of the Many Station A/C plus VR-52 C-118. When my Chief (Conolly)would Let me go flying to support them I would get to sit in the FE seat. Hi Harry Last Thanks for letting me up front. Over 2000 hours. Flew all over. Most of the pilots were reserve and full time Airliners. Many had served many years Active Duty in the Navy. Many Special Ops flight. Most memorible was first to bring in supplies 1970 Hurricain Camile. Plane was packed with loose gear. What a mess. Retired USCG 36 Years.
Susan Morris Collins, e-mail, 23.09.2012 05:14
Dianne, I came just a bit after you and was assigned to the29th. Flew almost 2 yrs with them. They grounded the FTS's and I was lucky enough to get into the 18th ( one of the jet Sqdrns C-135's). I flew with them until 1965 when I got out. C-118s were kind of hairy, kept losing engines plural. They had a lot of miles on them. I liked the C-135's a lot better .Did your husband by any chance transfer into the 18th? Your last name sounds familiar.
Paul Boellner, e-mail, 18.09.2012 21:28
Just attended the reunion for VR-22 at Charleston, SC. Good to see everyone. Hey Doug we are going to have the next one at Norfolk, VA. It would be good to see you again.
paul, e-mail, 17.09.2012 16:27
I remember flying on a C-118 from NAS Jax up to NAS Norfolk in the late 70's. It was the first time I flew on a plane with aft-facing seats. I believe it was out of Atlanta which would have made it a VR-52 MAC Flight... I will never forget the wonderful sound of those engines!
gene hauber, e-mail, 27.07.2012 01:09
I MUST BE A REALLY OLD COOT. I STARTED IN C-118'S IN VR-1 IN NAS PATUXENT RIVER, MD IN OR ABOUT 1962-1966. I WAS A FLT MECH (FLIGHT ENGINEER) IN THE C-118B AND THE VC-118B. WE HAULED PAX, MAIL AND CARGO AND VIP'S THROUGHOUT NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND EUROPE. LATER, 1968? TO 1972 I FLEW C-118'S IN VR-24 OUT OF ROTA, SPAIN.....IT WAS NOT A DET FROM NAPLES OR PORT LYAUTY. IT WAS A SQUADRON BASED IN ROTA. WE HAD C-118'S AND C-130'S.
LET ME BACKTRACK A LITTLE. WHILE AT NAS PATUXENT RIVER, MD WE PROVIDED THE C-130 AIRCRAFT THAT MADE THE HISTORICAL LANDINGS AND TAKEOFFS ON THE USS FORRESTAL. I KNEW THE F/E ED BRENNAN VERY WELL. WE ALSO FLEW THE ONLY AIRCRAFT DESIGNATED AS EC-118B BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE PORCUPINE ANTENNAE STICKING OUT OF THE FUSELAGE AND THE ELECTRONIC BAYS INSTALLED INSIDE TO MONITOR THE RUSSIAN ACTIVITY DURING THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS BACK IN THE 60'S.
Mark H Page, former S/Sgt., e-mail, 16.07.2012 22:58
I served at McGuire from November 1955 to February 6. 1957 in a C-118 maintenance squadron. My afsc was in airborne navigation equipment. The Hungarian airlift was on during this time. For near 3 months we worked 6-7 days a week, sometimes double shifts. It was a difficult time, but we prevailed. Thousands of refuges were brought to new homes. One of the "battles" of the "Cold War" that we won.
Adrian Rosales, e-mail, 19.06.2012 23:45
On behalf of my father-in-law. Having helped my wife establish military funeral honors for her father I came across the following on his DD-214. Ralph "Russ" Emerson Kincaid, Jr. Graduated AFROTC 1961 San Jose State. Entered REG Air Force Actice Duty 19 April 1961 as 2/LT. Became transport pilot C-118. My understanding is that he flew cargo and troops into Viet' Nam and fallen troops back home. Looks like he had total 4 yrs. 9 mons. 28 days active with 2 yrs. 6 mos. 21 days foreign and sea service. Looks like he was honorably discharged at last duty station 48th ATS, MATS Travis Air Force Base, 23 June 1965. He was stationed at Hickam AFB during his flights. Training was Webb AFB, TX APR 61 - May 62 Undergraduate Pilot Training, Tinker AFB OK Jun 62 - Aug 62, Advance Pilot Trng (C-118), Stead AFB, NV Aug 62 - Sep 62 Survival Trng. Honorable Discharge 1965, passed away 04 June 2012, memorialized with full miltary honors, flyby and the playing of TAPS, 15 June 2012.
ATC C. (Jake) Jacobson, e-mail, 02.06.2012 19:15
I logged 3000+ hours as a radioman on the C-118 in VR-21 Barbers Pt Hawaii 1967 - 69 to start my 20 year career in the Navy. I moved on to the VP Navy in Moffett Field, CA. The C118 was a great aircraft and provided lots of thrills and chills but always found a runway at the end of a flight. Was great times.
wayne robinson, e-mail, 23.05.2012 18:02
I was an ATC in VR-21 from 1968 to 1972. Was in Quality Assurance for a time and got to fly on A/C coming out of Check. Loved that C-118 and those four R-2800's. Before coming to VR-21 I had been in a VP outfit at Whidbey Island and made a few trips to Nam in one of 21's C-118's.A great and very reliable aircraft.
Stan Pedersen, e-mail, 24.01.2012 22:46
Was aircrew with VR-21, Barbers Pt. Jul 62 till Jul 64 with 2000 flt. hrs as AT-2 1st radio. Have all my flt logs with crewmembers names, etc. Flew CB's into Udorn in 8/62 then on to Bangkok. LCDR Wilkerson was A/C, Most flt's were westpac.
Lew Ross, e-mail, 19.01.2012 02:05
I flew out of Chu Lai South Vietnam in June 1966 on a Navy DC-6. I guess it was known as a C-118. We went to Cubi Point then back to Chu Lai. Then to Atsuki, Midway/Guam or somewhere in the middle of the night and then on to Barbers Point. After a few there, we flew to Alameda, CA. I do not know the squadron name or number of who brought me home. I would appreciate knowing who it was. Thank you very much for any assistance. Lew Ross
Robert Atwell, e-mail, 06.01.2012 06:25
I started on C-118s out of McGuire as a FTS and went to Hamilton to fly C-121/C-47/T-29/C131s. Later back to Hickam and flew C-118s (3305) and on to Andrews to C-9s/C-140/VC 135s/Vc137s on to Offutt on E-4A. Finally retired as F/SGT. At McGuire I was in the 30th ATS.
Robert C Atwell, e-mail, 07.11.2011 07:12
Flew as a FTS on C-118s out of McGuire on all routes and flew C-118 from 63-70 (To include SEA). Ended up with about 7,000 on it. Last flight was out of Hickam on 3305. First Sgt in 30th 1964 was M/sgt Lopez. Went to FTS school Tinker with Fred Mattingly.Two other FTS Fran Guras/Eddie Wawru. Lost a lot of engines on the C-118.
mike donavon, e-mail, 04.11.2011 02:53
I worked on the C-118A's, at Wiesbanden Air Base, from late 1968, until they were transferred (think in 1970 or so). Was in the Instrument shop. The comment about "low BMEP was correct"! All of the instrument systems were "bears". The fuel quantity indicating system would work two men and a boy to death! :-) Overall, a great airplane - loved those R-2800's!
Mitch Allen, e-mail, 04.11.2011 02:22
I was honored to fly the C-118A out of Andrews AFB from 1972 to 1975. In 1975, the USAF went pure jet. I remember the old guys telling me about the great flight, they performed with Round Engines in 1948 and after. But after the T-38, I perfer jets. I feel that the real thrill of the Round Engines was in the exploration of flight. After 20,000 hours of flying, I thank all of those Real Airman of the Round Engines. Retired Captain Mitch Allen
Mary Vernoy, e-mail, 19.10.2011 20:46
As an AT3, I flew as a FCFCO (Flight Communications Operator) in VR 54 out of NAS New Orleans in the early 1970's (one of the few female Aircrew). Loved it!
ADCS Patrick Mc Closkey, e-mail, 07.10.2011 22:26
I FLEW IN THE R6D CII8 AS A FLIGHT ENGINEER IN VR3 AT NAVY MOFFETT FIELD CALIFORNIA IN 1952 UNDER THE COMMAND OF "MATS" WE HAD BRAND NEW AIRCRAFT AN ALSO SOME OLDER R5D C54 IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE TO FLY SOME TRIPS PRESSURIZED AND OTHERS NON'.IN THE RESERVE PROGRAM WE TRANSITIONED TO C9B'S IN ABOUT THE END OF 1983 I HAVE BEEN A "VR SAILOR"MOST OF MY NAVY CARRER {39 YEARS ACTIVE & RESERVE] I LOVED IT !!! VR3 [ACTIVE] VR721 VR723 VR51 (RESERVE "FLY NAVY"!!!!
John mahoney, e-mail, 25.09.2011 19:39
I worked on the DC-6/C-118 for Trans Continental Airlines at Willow Run Airport; Trans Air Link at Opa Locka Airport and Challenge Air Transport in Miami. It was a wonderful freightliner for hops around 500 miles radius. I went to Alaska with TCA in 1980 and flew salmon back to the cannery in Kenai. The airframe never let us down. I was blessed to have wrenched on this type from 1978-1983. I still have fond memories of the DC-6.
Charles Dickerson, e-mail, 03.08.2011 04:15
I was stationed at Floyd Bennett Field, NAS New York from 1964-1968. I flew as a flt/eng in and out of Viet Nam 67-68.I am having trouble getting my fight records. I would like to know if anyone else is having this problem? If you or anyone you know has pictures or flew with me I would appreciate you passing them along. Those were the good days and great people.
Waldo A Molina, e-mail, 01.07.2011 21:04
Flt.Eng.PAA Atlantic & Pacific. R-2800 a reliable engine. In cold and hot climates. Cruise Control a very important part of Flt. Eng.duties. wam
, 17.06.2011 06:49
air fly!
Floyd W. Smith, e-mail, 24.05.2011 09:00
I was attached to VR-21 as an ADR3 Mech. from 10/1962 to 10/1964. Worked 2nd shifr LINE TROUBLE SHOOTING crew. Earl Wigham was section leader. Ace Johnson was CO. Had preflight and engine runup quals. Many fond memories of those times. Would like to contact former squadrons members.
sally adams, e-mail, 21.05.2011 22:53
hey Dianne, I think you married my boyfriend, Gary Weitzel.. We broke up when I called it off, I suddenly realized I didn't really know him, most of our "going together" was through letters. There wasn't that "best friend" thing going on. He was a great guy, really cute.
Russ Colombo, e-mail, 21.05.2011 17:32
After a 43-year career as Professional Flight Engineer with American Airlines, (America's Leading Airline; Something Special In The Air; The On-Time Machine), I look back with a genuine fondness towards my time on the DC-6, 6B, and 7. Before the turbines took over, these aircraft were honest machines that lent themselves easily to logic and common sense but still retained a facility to forgive those lacking such virtues. The less forgiving turbine age, of course, required on board computers to fill that gap...(sigh).
Nick Messina, e-mail, 12.05.2011 02:53
I was attached to VR-3 NAS Moffett Field, CA, and McGuire AFB, NJ. from 1956 to 1958. This was the best Navy duty I had and would be interested in hearing from anyone that was also serving at the same place and time. We had a fleet of R6D's based at hangar 3 at Moffett.
ken miller,USAF,class61E, e-mail, 06.05.2011 17:06
As Dave Stockbridge above, I also was in the 29ATS (McGurire) and also the 48TH ATS (Hickam) flying the C-118. The C-118 had a very reliable engine, R-2800 and when the squadron closed down, I was transferred to Hill flying the C-124 with the R-4360 (a rougher running engine). I had an engine quit climbing out of Pago-Pago on a hot day on the equator in the C-124 at max gross at a crosswind only runway with no tower and it took all my skills (the few skills that I had) to get it back on the ground safely! I flew for United for 29years with 10 years on the B-747. I now live in Reno after 42 years of flying!
Lynn H Hackett, e-mail, 15.04.2011 21:05
I was 10 years old in January 1960 when my family and I flew from McGuire AFB to somewhere in Newfoundland, then to Prestwick, then to Mildenhall. A staff car took us from there to Alconbury AFB, where we arrived at Headquarters in what seemed to me to have been the middle of the night. There was no housing for us, so we moved into two barely heated rooms in an English hotel in Huntingdon and lived there for six weeks. Just as in Mark's note above, in Newfoundland the snow towered above us. Us kids found that pretty cool, but mother was 5 months pregnant and had her hands full with me, my 11 year old brother, and my six year old sister (we were of course bored by the long flight). Mother has always remembered a young Navy officer giving her a glass of juice, with the comment, "Compliments of the US Navy." Our Dad, who had been a squadron commander with the Eighth Air Force in WWII, and a POW at Stalag Luft III, took it all in stride. I always wondered what aircraft we had taken to England (I recalled props and backward seats) until I met a retired USAF flight mechanic who told me that likely we were in a C-118.
Marvin Webb, e-mail, 06.03.2011 05:28
My only flight(Jan 1959) in a C-118A was scheduled McQuire-Harmon-Prestwick-Frankfurt. It did not turn out that way. We took off and lost an engine and circled back to McQuire for repairs, then took off again with an engine "cowl? left off, and returned again to replace the cowl. We flew to Harmon(and spent the night awaiting repairs on the same engine, then we flew close to Prestwick(fogged in) and so were diverted to the Azores for re-fueling(I think for the plane and the passngrs). Then we finally flew to Frankfurt. It was a horrible smelly airplane by that time with full toilets and dirty diapers. What a memory!
Vern Baisden, e-mail, 01.03.2011 22:04
Only flew the DC-6B once. As co-pilot on first leg, then Captains seat on second leg. Having flown the same engines in Cv-340 and 440, The thing that made flying this airplane so easy was the flight engineer. Just call METO and it happens, climb and cruise power the same way. It was an easy airplane to fly. Just fly the gauges and let the flight engineer do the work. Lots of fun.
Dick Spencer, e-mail, 08.02.2011 16:27
I was in the 30th ATS at McGuire From Nov. 1960 until Feb. 1965. I left the USAF to go to work for American Airline. The 4000 hours of C-118 time made new hire school (DC-6/DC-7) with American a "piece of cake". The MATS experience was great training for an airline career. I married Nancy Darrough in 1962 who was a FTS in the 38th squadron. I remember flying with Mel Mendelson and Dianne Weitzel. I still have fond memories of Mcguire and the C-118! Would love to fly one again.
jack i was at hickam 1963-64-65 iwas aflight engineer in the 48th ats i remember acrew chief by the name arrowwood,i also remember flying with col nordyk,i left after thesquadron was deactivated in 1965, we went with 3 airplanes to clark,in 66 iwent to c141s at travis then c5s retired in 1978.the c118 was one of the greatest airplanes and a flight engineers fun time to fly.i think i remember stockbridge.
jack i was at hickam 1963-64-65 iwas aflight engineer in the 48th ats i remember acrew chief by the name arrowwood,i also remember flying with col nordyk,i left after thesquadron was deactivated in 1965, we went with 3 airplanes to clark,in 66 iwent to c141s at travis then c5s retired in 1978.the c118 was one of the greatest airplanes and a flight engineers fun time to fly.
Jack Pickard, e-mail, 21.01.2011 07:26
Just looked at comment by H. Alan Davis. I was @Hickam AFB from 1962 to 64 as a crew chief on C-118s tgat you flew. We had a fine group of flight crews and I always were treated good. The one colonel I remember was Colonel Nordike. He was tough but fair. I still love my time at HAFB. I never had an abort or lost engine.the R-2800 was a good engine
Michael Baker, e-mail, 12.01.2011 00:02
A loadmaster in the c-118 out of Barbers Point from 67 to 68. The pineapple express was a good time. Remember those wes pac adventures starting inQuam and then to Japan and on to Nam,Phillipins,Thailand. What great crew rests we used to have. Have the same problem looking for people to document our time for Disability. HELP
CDR Jim Glendenning, e-mail, 02.01.2011 21:01
Flew the C-118 in the Navy Reserves at Los Alamitos (1968-71) Then at NAS Whidbey (1972-75). I was always single engine (A-1, TV-2, T-28) while on active duty. Learning the ropes of transport flying was a great experience. Two years to become TPC then trips to West Pac, the Aleutians, Europe, and many CONUS flights. The knowledge gained helped in my civilian job, flying for UAL.
We had a rash of engine failures in the 70s because the Navy had farmed out overhaul of the R-2800s to an outfit in Hondo, Texas. We were getting about 600 hours out iof them before failure. I became very good at engine failure procedures. Experienced three engine failures in a week at one point.
I was CO of VR 51 Det Whidbey (Scoochamendi Airlines)in 1975 when I retired from the Navy.
Jerry Lewis, e-mail, 14.12.2010 19:51
Jim Scherman, jscherman=cableone.net, 24.08.2009 I was in VR-21...I was a Aviation Electronic Tech. 1969-71 We might have flown together. I was a Radioman/Natops at the time. Joined VR-21 as an AT2 and left as an AT1
Jack Pickard, e-mail, 10.12.2010 09:50
I was a crew chief on c-118s at Hickam AFB in the 1502oms. Loved the aircraft cause she never let me down. We were set up to fly dependence and military. Our air craft had full gallies with 2 bathrooms. Still love this aircraft. I was at Hickam 1962 to 1964
Steve Cotton, e-mail, 08.12.2010 21:07
I was stationed at NAS Los Alamitos from 1968 thru 1969 with Aircrew training division. Was C-118 loadmaster and Flight communications operator until transferred to the C-188 simulator school at NAS Glenview in 1970 under Commander Henry Putek and TDCS Ben Lauretta. Went thru flight engineer training and spent hundreds of hours flying the C-118 simulator which was an excellent trainer. While at NAS Disneyland, as we referred to NAS Los Alamitos, I logged hundreds of $118 aircrew time including some WESTPACS supporting VR-21 out of Barbers Point. The DC-6B was a fantastic aircraft, very forgiving and we did things with that airplane that I still can't believe. One trip from Barbers Point to Los Alamitos we developed an oil leak on number 2 that completely coated the wing and that R2800 didn't miss a beat. They basically trashed the engine after we landed. So many more stories about that airplane and our crews, I'll never forget it. Check out some of the youtube clips of the Red Bull DC-6 in flight. Graet memories. Any other Los Alamitos or Glenview guys out there from late 60's early 70's??
conkle, hj, e-mail, 27.11.2010 21:18
With VR21 Nov 61 to Apr 64. In workload sched with CMDR Fogg as Maint Officer. Flew as orderly/loader and loved the C-118. I remember we put a late model 58' Ford on one and flew it to Guam for officers. The Ford got trashed by a typhon, but we never lost a C-118.
Barbara McFarland/ Wathen, e-mail, 13.11.2010 19:11
I was a Flight Traffic Spec. (Stewardess) at McGuire for the 30th ATS. Got there in summer of 1959 and left in late summer of 1960. My first flight was to Mildenhall (sp?) England. On our return, we circled out over the Atlantic and dumped our fuel as they had put jet fuel in the C-118. Was a first flight experience not to be forgotten. Love seeing other folks here and their comments on being at McGuire AFB. We Waf personell have a difficult time staying in touch as all of us undoubtedly married and lost contact.
Joe Lewand, e-mail, 06.11.2010 07:10
I was stationed at Andrews AFB 75-78 as Avn Ops Chief and doubled as a steward for CMC on the VC-118. It was a great VIP acft and very durable. Ours had are own full galley and crew compartment and VIP qtrs for General's. We also had Covair 440 equipped the same way. Both were a lot of fun.
Dave Stockbridge, e-mail, 25.10.2010 07:22
Flew the C-118 in the 29th ATS at McGuire AFB 1958-1964,then Hickam AFB in the 48th ATS, then PACAF SAM sqdn on CINCUSARPAC SAM TRIPLE THREE O FIVE. Finished career at McClellan AFB 1969 with over 9000 hours in this great aircraft. Loved every minute, no problems. Had some happy hours with H Alan Davis. Would like to touch base, Hugh.
Don Jaynes, e-mail, 21.10.2010 06:07
i was station at mcguire afb from 1957-1960 and i was a aircraft electrican and i worked on the c-118 and have a lot of good memories from those days.a bunch of us from mcguire have a reuion every year at mrytle beach,sc in april and talk about the good times we had there !!
Stanley Spiro, e-mail, 14.09.2010 04:25
I flew as radioman/aviation electronics technician for VR-832, a C-118 reserve squadron stationed at Floyd Bennett field in Brooklyn, NY. In 1965 and 1966 our two weeks of active duty involved transporting cargo and personnel into Vietnam. The military has unfortunately lost all records of crew members on those flights which makes it nearly impossible to file disability claims based on past Vietnam service. Has anyone else encountered this problem?
Wayne G. Lawson, e-mail, 09.09.2010 20:58
I started working on C-118's in October 1973 at VR-54 Atlanta, and started flying in 1975, I believe, as a Flight Attendant. Later I qualified as a Flight Engineer and was an instructor at the C-118 Flight Simulator School at NAS Glenview, Il from mid 1979 to late 1981 when I was transferred back to VR-46 Atlanta where I flew until they were replaced by the DC-9's. I sure wish I had some in-flight video of these things--sure miss them. A magic carpet.
Gene Hauber, e-mail, 04.09.2010 05:09
I flew four yrs as flt mech with VR1 out of Pax River, Md from 62-66, then again in VR24 in Rota, Spain, 68-72. Got to see a good part of the world and loved every minute of it. It was a flight engineer's dream and very forgiving, almost lovable.
Harry Wismer, e-mail, 15.07.2010 22:53
Flew engineer from 61-76 retired out of VR-52,Nas Willow Grove.Great aircraft,a real workhorse,plus it saved my life many times.
Harry Mitchell, e-mail, 02.07.2010 01:55
Did they ever fix the corrosion problem on the main spar caps?
Paul Boellner, e-mail, 18.05.2010 17:12
I was a radio operator in VR-22 1958-1960. Many trips to Port Lyauty and Naples. Great trip to Christchurch New Zealand. Many good memories. VR-22 is having a reunion in Mertle Beach SC in October.
Dennis Baxendale, e-mail, 05.05.2010 06:44
Canadian Pacific Airlines flew 4 DC6B's from Vancouver, British Columbia Canada in the late 50's to Amsterdam, Buenos Aires/Argentina, Sydney/Australia,and Hong Kong/China. Long, long trips but great layovers as the old 6 didn't come back for a week to pick us up. I can't remember an engine failure during my time on the aircraft. Landing at Shemya and Cold Bay under G.C.A. approach plus going through the thunderstorms with no radar were the main challenges. God bless the old bird
Doug Hendrickson, e-mail, 04.05.2010 21:51
I was a flight traffic spec. in VR-22 from 1959 thru 1962 logged in about 3800 hours in the C-118s A lot of found memories.
Larry Wittmayer, ISC,USN Ret., e-mail, 22.04.2010 21:25
I was a passenger on COMUSTDC R6D in 1977 that crashed on takeoff at Chung Shan AB Taiwan. Crew did fantastic getting us out of the aircraft. Nose gear strut collapsed. I took the only pictures of the aircraft after crash. Would be glad to hear from anyone who is aware of this.
Shannon Fuhrmann, e-mail, 17.04.2010 22:54
I hope someone can answer this for me. I have a friend that is working on restoring a C-118 here at McGuire and was wondering what the armature on the underside of the engine cowling is? It looks like some type of exhaust outlet & I wasn't sure of its purpose.
Also does anyone know where my friend can get some type of technical data on this airframe?
Bill Taylor, e-mail, 21.03.2010 19:57
Was stationed with VR-21 at NAS Barbers Pt. HI from 1972 until 1977. I was a inflight radio operator and a avionics tech on the C-118 until I was moved to the C-130. Periscope Sextants and LORAN ALPHA, it's a wonder we could always manage to find Wake Island during a rain storm in the middle of the night. "Fill the oil, check the gas!" Looking for fellow aircrewmen who can document operations into Viet Nam (Tan Son Nhut, Da Nang)for a disability claim. Old flight orders listing crew mmebers which inclued my name - William Taylor - would be most helpful.
H Alan Davis, e-mail, 18.03.2010 02:42
I read Ron Stout's comments about the DC-6B. I flew them for years (1957-Dec 1992) He is right about the swing-tails. There were two which were converted in Finland. I flew one out of Miami with Trans-Air-Link and it was later sold to Northern Air Cargo in Anchorage. I also read Tom (T.P.) O Connor's comments. I don't know what the record is from Tachikawa to Honolulu in a DC-6, but on one winter night with a light pax load out of Tachikawa, we climbed to 21,000 and for the first 3 hours we were going so fast that our navigator had difficulty keeping up with the aircraft. I can't remember just how strong the tailwind was but I believe about 180K initially. Everything in the cockpit was shaking. It took us ten hours and five minutes from Tachi to HNL.
David Witt ADC(Ret) 87, e-mail, 18.03.2010 00:41
While stationed at NAS Barbers Pt. HI. 1965 I lived in the barracks across from VR-21. Late night mag checks used to drive me crazy, no sleeping until early morning with those 2800's roaring out there. Loved the A/C though, many flights on them as a pass.
H Alan Davis, e-mail, 14.03.2010 22:26
H Alan Davis,had1932@yahoo.com, 14.03.2010 I first flew the C-118 at McGuire AFB in 1957. Transferred to Hickam AFB, HA in 1962 where I flew the C-118 for over 3 years and continued to fly C-118s until leaving Wiesbaden, Germany in Nov 1970. Flew the DC-6 out of Miami with Rich International and later Tran Air Link in both passenger and cargo flights. I also flew the DC-6 on contract with Northern Air Cargo in Alaska. Forced to retire in Dec 1992 by FAA after reaching 60 years of age with 24,000 flying hours and over 20,000 hours in C-118s, R6-Ds,or DC-6 A&B all accident free hours. Douglas built a great airplane although
Dick Culbertson, e-mail, 12.03.2010 01:40
I got into R6Ds (DC6/C118) in VR 6 at Westover AFB in mid 1951. Next tour in R6Ds was VR-21, NAS Barbers PT. Then off to VR-22 at NAS Norfolk. Last flown at NARTU Jax in 1969. The bird was a Cadillac! I was a flight examiner (check pilot). I ended up with 6,000 plus hours. Used to do FCLP landings at NAAS Fentress in late 50s. What great fun!
Richard Coca, e-mail, 15.02.2010 15:49
I worked on the aeroevac C-118a and C-131A off/on at Scott AFB IL from April 1966 thru 1972. First time I flew the 118 we had to come in on emergency due to the right gear door control rod breaking off and sticking through the gear door. The C-118 required a lot of maintenace to keep them flying the biggest problems were broken exhaust stacks, pork chops, low BMEP and they had to be washed every time they flew.
James Garland, e-mail, 14.02.2010 15:17
Around 25 years ago I worked for a company called JET WAY in Ypsilanti Michigan.We had some Lear jets and DC-6s.I was sent to Pontiac Michigan to pull 4 engines off an old DC-6 that had been flying down in the Caribbean.The plane didn't even have heaters on it as they were remove. The planes Data plate said DC-6 ship # 1.We were scraping it out.I pulled the tin off the outboard #3 Eng,grabbed the main oil to pull my self up on the maintenance stand and the oil line broke.It was so rotten.All the fuel and oil lines were rotten.The plane had just landed less than 2 hrs ago.God must have been watching out for that crew.
Louis Snyder, e-mail, 12.02.2010 01:07
I was in the AF and a Mechanical Assessories Repairman stationed at McGuire from 1961 to 1964 and worked on C-118's, A/C , Pressurization, Oxygen, Heating, systems. Went on the the C-135 then the C-141, was and E-4
Johnny Perez, e-mail, 08.02.2010 14:25
I was an AirCrew Man on the C-118 at Naval Station Keflavic,Iceland from 1980-1984. It was the best four year tour I spent in the Navy. I enjoyed going to Europe ( England, Scotland, Spain, Italy, etc) we flew bachk to the states alot also.
Max T. Hansen, e-mail, 01.02.2010 05:28
Made one of the first C-118 flights from Mc Guire AFB to Thule in July 1956 . We were told that they just replaced the C-54's.Stopped for fuel at Goose Bay (I think ). My second military flight & much plusher than my first ,a B-25 hop out of Chanute Field .Worked & flew on a lot of Douglas products . Always made it .
Jim Dodds, e-mail, 29.01.2010 04:57
Was A & P mech on them at American Airlines 1957 till they where gone as the B-707 came on line.
Marty Hall, e-mail, 21.01.2010 06:03
We have 10 DC-6/C-118's flying in Alaska and will have as long as there's 100LL available. Good plane. We have 4 hauling fuel and the rest as scheduled air carriers flying from Fairbanks and Anchorage. We've just started the process of putting DC-9's on our certificate but have no intention of getting rid of our DC-6's and C46's. The round engine still has a home in Alaska.
Ron Stout, e-mail, 16.01.2010 20:32
When I started work at Western Airlines(April 1,1955)the DC-6B was the queen of the fleet.I was told that if I ever dented one to just clock out and keep on going.They were a terrific plane to ride in with 66 first class seat and a four person lounge in the rear.A dream to load and unlaod compared to evey othe plane and reliable as hell.Two of Western's were later converted to swing tail cargo types in Finland and one was still at Northern Air Cargo in Alaska as late as 2001.
Jim McKinney, e-mail, 10.01.2010 01:38
I flew on two DC-6's in the summer of 1960. I was thirteen years old. The first was a Mexicana flight from Monterey, Mexico to Mexico City. I remember it having sleeper births that folded up into the ceiling. The second flight was a Aeronavis (now Aeromexico) flight from Mexico City to Juarez, Mexico with stops in Toreon and Chihuahua. I found that if you sit in the back of a DC-6, it is a fairly quiet plane. Seats were nice and wide and comfortable, unlike the cramped seats on todays jets.
sam n. rhodes adr1, e-mail, 09.01.2010 03:57
I was attached to VR-53 Memphis tn and started to fly the C-118 in 1978 I was the first flight engineer in the squadron to complete 1000 hours, 2000 hours, 3000 hours and complete over 7000 hours in this bird. Loved every minute of it. I went on to fly the DC-9 with VR-60 with over 2300 hours. I retired from northwest with over 27000 hours (no accidents)
Wayne "Fish" Salmon, e-mail, 27.12.2009 20:10
I flew in the C-118 for 3800 hours as a flight navigator. We had no GPS to do the work for us, it was navigation on the order of what was done in WWII and Korea. I was fortunate to have command of VR-51 at NAS Glenview for one tour. One particular flight in the C-118 sticks out in my mind. In the "118," just before you entered the cockpit, there was a series of "eyebrow" gauges that registered the engine oil quantity. We were on a Viet Nam flight and I was navigating after our departure from NAS Barber's Point. I was in the process of seeing how the pilots were doing when I noticed that #3 engine oil quantity gauge was reading almost zero, while the others were full. I was just in the process of going forwad, and telling the pilots about the oil quantity gauge, when "all hell broke loose" in the cockpit. A heading for Barber's was asked for immeadiatly. About 20 minutes of flight after the problem was identified, and dealt with, it was obvious that we didn't have enough engine oil to reach land. We were in "deep do-do." It was obvious that our only hope was Johnston Island. For those of you that aren't familiar with Johnston, it was then a top secret AF base that was not used by all military flights. We found UHF and ADF frequencies andquickly in the enroute supplement and headed towards Johnston. When we finally established com with the tower, we said that we had a problem and needed clearance to land. The reply was simple, "declare a mayday" or don't land. That was an easy question to answer, and shortly after that we landed. After turning off the duty runway, and shutting the remaining 3 engines down, the first person on the airplane was a full bird colonel, who said, "Welcome to Johnston Island, you're under arrest." We had just landed at a super secret AF base that was in the middle of a security excercise!! When the CO figured out that we really had a problem, things quited down considerably The problem was quickly diagnosed as all four engines not having the oil cooler screen nut not properly torqued down when a 50 hr. oil cooler screen check had been performed at Barber's Point. After filling up the oil tanks on all four engines, and properly securing the retaining nuts, we took off for Wake Island as the first stop on the remainder of our Viet Nam flight. The day after I returned home, I was back in my classroom where I taught 9th grade biology. Such flights really gave you a different perspective on life.
Tom[ T.P.] Oconnor, e-mail, 27.12.2009 08:47
I flew the C-118 21 years.VR-21 july 1962 to july 1966.Reserve Olathe-Memphis-Glenview July 1966 to Dec 1983.I was CO of VR-51[Glenview-Whidby Is.]1982-1983.I retired in 1986 with 10000 hours in the C-118.I hold alt.record[29000ft.]speed record[400kts.]with tail wind!What a neat aircraft!
Fred Gharis, e-mail, 07.12.2009 21:38
Flew the old C-118 from March 1965 to May 1968. AT1 radioman. Was on aircraft that crashed on takeoff at Barber's Point. Don't remember exactly when it occurred or which BUNO it was.We were taking off on a west pac with half cargo and half passengers. Nobody was hurt. Tried to take off with full flaps.
John Smith, e-mail, 14.11.2009 02:54
I was in VR-21 Barbers Point 1963-1965. I was a loadmaster on our C-118B's.
Capt. Johnson was my squadron CO and replaced by Capt. Westerlund.
The "Pineapple Airlines were slow but very dependable"
Found memories of that time.
Jim Scherman, e-mail, 24.08.2009 23:53
I was in VR-21...I was a Aviation Electronic Tech. 1969-71
David Dyar, e-mail, 20.08.2009 19:49
flew as load master on c118B with vr21 at barbers point naval air station in hawaii we flew all over incuding flights from cubi and sangley point phillipines into vietnam we carried all type of supplies and sea bees into vietnam
Steve, e-mail, 12.08.2009 18:41
20-odd years ago, I was near Pangborn Airport (Wenatchee, WA) watching what I think were DC-6s converted to water bombers take off to fight a fire. I noticed that some of them appeared to head straight out, while others gained altitude circling the airport. I mentioned this to an old ANG pilot that I worked with, and he laughed that I was seeing the difference between ex-fighter jocks ("OK - Let's go!") and ex-transport drivers ("Let's stick close to the field in case we blow an engine on the climb!")
Jim Eells, e-mail, 30.07.2009 20:23
Was in VR-21 from 72-76. Flew in 118Bs all over WestPac. Cubi to Danang shuttle. Flew CINCPACFLT around, great time of my life, great squadron with alot of great officers and enlisted attached.
Susan Morris-Collins, e-mail, 25.05.2009 20:42
I flew in the 29th at McGuire AFB in early 62 and then transferred to the 18th C-135 and was much happier! I must have been a jonah as we were wracking up lost engines left and right no pun intended.
Susan
Mark, e-mail, 28.04.2009 00:13
Hey Mel Mendelsohn,
You may have been my pilot on my first overseas trip. If you were, thanks for a job well done. Other than the long hours and the snow removal delay, it was a seamless journey.
Mark
Mark, e-mail, 28.04.2009 00:10
Hey Dianne Weitzel,
You may have very well been my flight attendant. Seems we were in the same place at the same time; just whether or not on the same flight. I do recall, as you mentioned, that the flight took a long time. If you were, thank you for your support.
Mark
Mark, e-mail, 28.04.2009 00:06
My first overseas deployment was via a C-118(?). First thing I noticed was that the seats were all backwards. Heard that military aircraft had it that way to protect you in case of a crash landing.
Went from McGuire, NJ. to Harmon, Newfoundland and on to Prestwick, Scotland and finally to some place in England....don't remember the airport.....possibly RAF Mildenhall. Do remember seeing many sites of the steel plate matting that was apparently used for WWII remote air strips.....they were all over the place from Prestwick to Mildenhall.
In Newfoundland we were there for half an hour or so for refueling. Snow banks were probably 20 feet high and had been plowed out with vertical sides where the aircraft had to maneuver. During the time we were there, snow piled up on the wings to the point that they had to clean the stuff off just before we took off.
Not a fun trip as I had just gotten married and had to leave home for who knows how long.
Mark
Jeff Jarvis, e-mail, 27.04.2009 07:07
I flew the DC-6 series (DC-6, 6A, 6B and former military C-118A) for about 5 years (1977-82) all over the Caribbean, Central and northern South America. They were very nice flying airplanes, some of them older than me! I got about 3200 hours in them on freight contracts for ALM Antillean Airlines, Caraibische Lucht Transport Maatschappij, TAN Airlines of Honduras, BWIA, Guyana Airways, Surinam Airways, Air Jamaica, etc. I was young and loved every minute of it, including hitting a bird at 13,000 feet out over the Caribbean going from Tocumen, Panama to Curacao, and also watching the nightly light show from the thunderstorms over Colombia while hauling beef from Monteria, Colombia to Curacao in perfectly smooth air while the lightning flashes stopped the propellers with their stroboscopic effect. Since I grew up in the Canal Zone town of La Boca beside the bridge, I probably watched Mel Mendelsohn flying around the pattern at Howard AFB doing takeoffs and landings. I only have fond memories of those years flying the DC-6s and C-118A (DC-6A).
Dianne (Bryan)Weitzel, e-mail, 07.04.2009 19:33
I flew as a flight attendant on the C-118 out of McGuire AFB from 1959 thru 1961. Troop transport was our mission, in peace time that meant relocation of dependents as well. Our squadron,(30thATS) also regularly flew NATO VIPs in C118 with 1st Class cabin. Our galley was equipped to cook frozen dinners and breakfasts for all passengers and crew, as flight time to Europe was about 18 hours,with a refueling stop, usually Harmon, Newfoundland. My Husband,Gary Weitzel, remained in the aircraft till 1963 when he transferred into jets and later into civilian airlines.
Mel Mendelsohn, e-mail, 05.07.2008 15:40
I flew the c-118 at McGuire AFB,from March 1960 to December 1961, then flew them in Chatearoux, France from December 1961 to December 1965 as a NaATO Airborne Command Post. Flew the VC-118 at Peterson Field ColordoSprings from July 1966 to May 1969in a Special Missions outfit. Then flew the VC-118 at Howasrd AFB in Panama from November 1970 to April 1974. Great all weather airplane. Had over 6700 hours in that aaircraft.
Tony Piacentino, e-mail, 13.05.2008 23:59
As a young LT.,I flew the C-118 Navy version with VR-21 (Barbers Pt)in the early 70's. It was very capable for it's designed mission and both stable and "forgiving" to fly. Many good memories and a cast of "characters" made it a fun experience.
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