Hot SGI News

SGI Quarterly Meeting

Friday, April 13th - 1700 hours

Location: TBD

Our next quarterly SGI meeting will take place on Friday, April 13th at a location yet to be determined.  Festivities will begin around 5PM (1700 hours for the military guys).  Hope to see you there.

Combat Talon Reunion

May 17-20, 2012

Location: Quality Inn, FWB, FL

The 7th SOS/ 7th ACS are jointly hosting this year's Combat Talon Reunion.  Most activities will take place at the Quality Inn on Hwy 98 in Fort Walton Beach, FL, May 17th - 20th.  Please see the attached flyer for details and registration.  FYI, SGI will be holding its annual SGI Reunion in October (5th-7th) in conjunction with the Air Commando Reunion the same weekend.

Stray Goose Losses

We regret to pass on to the membership that we have been informed of the the following members who recently passed away:

January 14, 2012 - Msgt (USAF Ret.) Theodore (Ted) F. Trainer (Cancer)

January 13, 2012 - Msgt (USAF Ret.) Duane C. "Mitch" Mitchell (Heart & Kidney failure)

September 1, 2011 - Rick Dargis (Cancer) 

 

We are also trying to confirm reports of the death of Larry Hoff.  Anyone with information on his status, please advise.

The Summer '11 "SGI Times" Is Here

Read or Download the latest SGI Times issue.  Simply "Log On" above and then select "SGI Times" on the left.  Be sure to read the instructions at the top of the page on how to download the issue and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, the password needed to open the issue.  You can then read it on your computer, save it for future reference or print it out in either black and white, or color. 

*** Please note that you'll need an updated version of the Acrobat Reader (version 9.0) to read the newsletter.  You can update your reader at the Acrobat website ***

Another membership service brought to you by your SGI Staff!

MC-130E, 64-0567, Enters the Air Park

May 6th, 1100

Colonel Michael T. Plehn

Commander, 1st Special Operations Wing

cordially invites you to attend a Dedication Ceremony

honoring the placement of MC-130E, Tail Number 64-0567

in the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park

on Friday, the sixth of May

at eleven o’clock in the morning

Air Park

Hurlburt Field, Florida

RSVP by 26 Apr                                          Dress:

884-4742                                                                  Military – UOD

Email: tyler.rhyne@hurlburt.af.mil      Civilian – Business Casual

Webmaster NOTE: Following the ceremony, there will be an open house at the 15th SOS along with a BBQ and static displays of both an MC-130E and an MC-130H.  Additionally, following the BBQ, there will be a get together at Iceman Smith's house in Emerald Point off Hwy 98 in Wynn Haven.  See his address in our roster.

More good history information - from John Lewis

----- Original Message -----

From: "EXT-Lewis, John R" <John.R.Lewis6@boeing.com>

To: "Lee Hess" <stgooseint@cox.net>

Sent: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:19 AM

Subject: Tail Numbers

When I was at Nha Trang in 1969/1970, aircraft tail numbers were not used in-country, but designators were used instead.  The four Combat talon airplanes assigned during that time were:

64-0523 was Romeo Alpha

64-0555 was Romeo Bravo

64-0567 was Romeo Charlie

64-0568 was Romeo Delta

First Flight (Duck Hook) used "Whiskey" instead of "Romeo" as a prefix to their Alpha designators.

I found it curious/interesting that when we departed Nha Trang for a Phase Inspection and went to CCK, the flight orders were written used the Alpha designators; but when returning from CCK to Nha Trang, the flight orders used the actual tail numbers.

I don't remember what airplanes were assigned to the 1st S.O.S. when the four ex-Heavy Chain airplanes were newly assigned, but I believe that 64-0572 was there.  There were swap-outs  of airplanes on occasion, depending on the needs of the user.

Regards,

John Lewis

P.S.  For what it's worth, the four airplanes that were specially modified for the European (7th S.O.S./ECM Update) requirements were: 

64-0523

64-0555

64-0561

64-0566

Goose 1 Update

From: Lewin, Andrew J

To: Papasan

Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 10:12 PM

Subject: RE: Fw: Goose One update

Sir,

The main effort right now is getting ready for the ORI at the end of next month.  Since we last talked we have flown missions to Nepal, Cambodia, Thailand and the PI.  We have a JCET in Udon Thani that starts in a couple weeks and should have most of the squadron there.  (should be fun)  I am currently down in Zambo as the JSOAD/CC, but should be back in the seat at the end of this month.  The fellas have done well at the group as far as awards and we expect to compete at AFSOC well. We also were able to get SSgt Kosnosky (one of our ELs) STEP promoted last month. Our deployed crew kicked ass out in the desert and are enjoying CTO prior to heading back out for the Thai JCET.  Personnel moves;  Col Brad Sullivan (former 7th CC) will be the new GP/CC; Lt Col Marc Martines (Talon Nav) is coming in as the 353 OSS/DO; Lt Col Jay Pelka (Talon Nav) is coming in as the new Chief of Safety; so the Talon mafia might eventually displace the 53 stranglehold on the command.  One small side note...In my travels down here in the JOA, I ran across a Phil orphanage called the Talon Talon orphanage.  Julie (my wife), after seeing some pics of the kids, rallied the other wives and we have supplied them with a ton of diapers and formula etc.   

Respectfully,

Andy

S-59/564 Memorial Flight 2011

Squadron marks 30 years of honoring fallen comrades

by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram
353rd Special Operations Group

2/27/2011 - NEAR CAPONES ISLAND, Philippines  -- Members of the 1st Special Operations Squadron marked their thirtieth consecutive year of honoring fallen brethren of STRAY 59 as the two loadmasters from GOOSE 99 released a ceremonial wreath from the ramp a MC-130H Combat Talon II here Feb. 26.

Eight of nine crew members and 15 special operators that were passengers perished 30 years ago when a 1st SOS MC-130E, call sign STRAY 59, crashed Feb. 26, 1981, during a joint exercise in the Philippines. Each year, a crew from the 1st SOS flies more than three hours to reach the exact coordinates of the crash site to release a ceremonial wreath in commemoration of the sacrifice made by the men of STRAY 59.

"The men and women of the 1st SOS are truly honored to be able to commemorate the lives of the crew of STRAY 59 and their special operations teammates that perished that fateful day over 30 years ago," said Lt. Col. Andrew Lewin, the 1st SOS commander. "We come from a proud heritage and this memorial flight is a small way for us to honor those who helped build it."

The members of the 1st SOS share their commander's feelings toward their unit and the crew of STRAY 59, and share a great sense of pride in honoring them -- especially the crew members of GOOSE 99.

"It has been 30 years to the day," said Maj. Darin Wheeler, the aircraft commander from GOOSE 99. "I take pride in honoring the memory of our fallen special operators; and it is a privilege to participate in any memorial flight. The significance of this anniversary makes it a special honor. "

"For 30 years the Goose family has honored these men for the sacrifice they made that morning," said Staff Sgt Zachary Kelhi, a 1st SOS loadmaster and GOOSE 99 crew member. "Being a part of this memorial flight shows that we never forget our fallen brothers, and it makes me proud to be a part of this family. Every member of this unit deserves to participate in this flight, and being chosen is a great honor."

In February 1981, crews from the 1st SOS were responsible for the airlift during Special Warfare Exercise 81, an annual joint exercise in the Philippines hosted by the U.S. Navy SEALS. The squadron established an Air Force Special Operations Base at Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Philippines, and crews flew day and night missions involving low-level, psychological operations, infiltration and exfiltration of forces.

Maj. James M. Kirk commanded STRAY 59 and a crew from the 1st SOS that was responsible for a total of 12 missions during the 16-day exercise. STRAY 59 was scheduled to be his crew's final mission during the Specwarex 81.

The morning of Feb. 26, 1981, the crew's takeoff time for the mission was slipped from 1:05 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. due to an extended crew day on their mission a day before. STRAY 59, executed a non-tactical departure from Cubi Point at 4:28 a.m. and executed a tactical landing back at Cubi Point at 5:06 a.m. to quickly load 15 personnel participating in the exercise. STRAY 59 executed a tactical departure two minutes later. The crew made their operational normal call six minutes into their low-level flight with a ground radio station. The second, and last, transmission from STRAY59 was received at 5:21 a.m.; and there had been no indication from the crew to indicate a problem with their aircraft.

Minutes later, a local fisherman watched the aircraft impact the water and explode. Eight crewmembers and 15 special operators were killed instantly. One crew member from the 1st SOS, the electronic warfare officer, was thrown from the wreckage and rescued by a local fisherman.

The investigation conducted on STRAY 59 could not pinpoint the exact cause of the accident. The lack of physical evidence following the crash hindered the investigation. Minutes after impacting the ocean the wreckage sank to a depth of 240 feet.

The 1st Special Operations Squadron members lost Feb. 26, 1981, during the STRAY 59 crash are Maj. James Kirk, aircraft commander, Capt. Norman Martel, pilot, Capt. Thomas Patterson, navigator, Capt. Gregory Peppers, navigator, Tech. Sgt. Stephen Blyler, radio operator, Tech. Sgt. Barry Chumbley, loadmaster, Tech. Sgt. Gary Logan, loadmaster, and Staff Sgt. John Felton, flight engineer.
 

Col Bob Howard, USA, Medal Of Honor Winner, Passes Away

Those of you who were in or associated with the 1st SOS during the late 80's and early 90's probably remember Col. Howard who was our COMSOCK (Korea) during that time frame and who attended several of the squadron Dining-Ins.  He recently passed away and here's what the news media had to report:

Get Combat Talon Stuff at HerkyBirds.com

From: cmbttalon1@aol.com [mailto:cmbttalon1@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 01, 2010 4:38 PM
To:
Subject: Talon Products availabe at Herkybirds.com site

Hello everyone --

Nine prints are now available for purchase directly from the http://Herkybirds.com site + more prints to be added in the coming weeks.

Payment can be maid via your Pay Pal account or via credit card through Pay Pal.  For other payment options and multiple print discounts please contact Casey@herkybirds.com.

The link is located on the main page in the "Support This Site" block at  http://Herkybirds.com or just click on this link  http://www.herkybirds.com/forums/cartplog.php  for other Combat Talon products click on this link http://www.cafepress.com/HerkyBirds

"Sir, do you remember that TDY to ...?"

(Well, I've still got the pictures!)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- General Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, talks with Chief Master Sgt. Michael Sundberg, 36th Airlift Squadron, May 12 about the aging C-130 Hercules fleet following a breakfast at the Yokota Officers' Club. When Chief Sundberg, who will retire this summer after 30 years of service, entered the Air Force in 1979 the 374th Airlift Wing's fleet of C-130s were already five years old. (U.S. Air Force photo/Osakabe Yasuo)

Webmaster's Note: And they are the same ones that Norty flew at the 374th when he was there in the 776th and 21st TAS before Sunny entered the AF!

Pacific Air Commandos honor those 'with the guts to try'
 

4/27/2009 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group gathered for a combat dining out here April 25 to celebrate and remember the service members that conducted Operation Eagle Claw 29 years ago. 

Operation Eagle Claw was an aborted rescue mission into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. 

"This combat dining out is a way to honor all of the service members that participated in Operation Eagle Claw," said Col. David Mullins, the 353rd SOG commander. "We pay respect to the eight fallen comrades and commemorate the efforts and the tactics devised for this mission because without them many of today's missions would not be possible. These brave men laid the ground work for the world of special operations as we know it today. It's a privilege for us to serve in the community they helped create." 

Airmen and family members from the group dressed up in their battle gear for the combat portion of the evening. During a "cease fire," people listened to retired Col. Thomas Beres, one of Eagle Claw's crew members and former 353rd SOG commander, share his experiences and lessons learned from the mission. 

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members raise their glasses to toast during a combat dining out here April 25. The dining out commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)

Col. Beres stated at the time the embassy was captured, special operations was still considered unconventional warfare. There were limited crews in special operations squadrons and some of the tactics the mission would call for didn't exist. The months leading up to Operation Eagle Claw saw crews rush to develop new tactics like refueling helicopters in remote locations and fly using night vision goggles in near blackout conditions. Crews were chosen based on their flexibility not experience, he said. 

After months of training and planning, a complex two-night mission was designed that had three MC-130Es, three EC-130s and eight RH-53s landing deep in Iranian territory at a dusty landing strip -- Desert One. The EC-130s would refuel the RH-53s, so the helicopters could transport rescue forces further into Iran. The MC-130s would infiltrate Army forces closer to Tehran to capture and secure an airfield that would be used to exfiltrate the rescue crews and hostages once the RH-53s delivered them to the captured airfield. The mission did not go according to plan. 

On April 24, 1980, three MC-130Es and three EC-130s landed at Desert One after taking off from an air base in Oman. Eight RH-53s departed the USS Nimitz. Two of the helicopters experienced maintenance issues and never made it to the landing site. Of the six that made it to Desert One, only five were still mission capable due to a hydraulic system failure. The mission required at least six RH-53s to continue. 

With fuel running low on the C-130s, the call to abort the mission was made. Before the aircraft could take off, one of the RH-53s needed to be moved. As the helicopter moved, it kicked up dust. The pilot of the RH-53 became disoriented and turned into one of the C-130s. Fire engulfed the wreck. In all five Air Force and three Marines were killed; several were injured. 

"I saw a flash of light out of the corner of my eye," Beres said. "It took a moment to realize what happened." 

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Retired Col. Thomas Beres, one of Operation Eagle Claw's crew members and former 353rd SOG commander, shares his experiences and lessons learned from the mission during a combat dining out here April 25. Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students  took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of  eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech.  Sgt. Aaron Cram)

The surviving personnel and C-130s departed Desert One for the air base at Oman. Upon their return, the C-130 crews found a British contingent on the base had left them a gift: two cases of beer and a note that read, "to you all from us all for having the guts to try." 

Over the last 29 years, Col. Beres said he has heard many versions of the events that took place at Desert One. He stated he does his best to share his story and lessons learned when he gets the chance. During the combat dining out, the retired navigator shared five main points with the people in attendance. They are: 

-- "Special operations is a frame of mind. Special operations forces say we can do it if this happens or this happens, not why they can't do the mission. It's a can-do attitude that makes these impossible missions possible. 

-- "You can never 'what if' it enough. We would ask questions and be told not to worry about it because it wasn't in the plan. As we all know, not everything goes according to plan. When planning a mission, I suggest you 'what if' that mission to death." 

-- "Let the people doing the task decide how it gets done. The best way to get a task done right is to let the people performing the task determine the best course of action to carry out their duties." 

-- "People are more important than equipment. Make sure you have the right caliber people in the right place. If you don't, no piece of equipment can save the mission." 

-- "Rank does have its privileges, but don't take it on a mission. Rank should be used to expedite the mission, not limit what a person can do. No matter what rank you are, a mission task is not beneath you." 

Col. Beres closed his speech noting the strides special operations forces have made since crews began pushing the envelope when they started training for what would become Operation Eagle Claw. 

"I look back at some of things we did preparing for the mission and think they were pretty dangerous," he said. "We were doing things that were unheard of or thought to be impossible. Today, you do these tasks and other extraordinary things thought to be impossible and make them look routine that amazes people like me. We respect you for it. We're kind of in awe and know the best is yet to come."

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 353rd Special Operations Group and their family members raise their glasses to toast during a combat dining out here April 25. The dining out commemorated Operation Eagle Claw, an aborted rescue mission April 24, 1980, into Iran to recover more than 50 American hostages captured after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in Tehran Nov. 4, 1979. The mission resulted in the crash of two aircraft and the deaths of eight American service members at a remote site deep in Iranian territory known as Desert One. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Aaron Cram)

Nha Trang Painting Retrieved

From: Jeff Bliemel [mailto:JBliemel@Poquoson-VA.GOV]
Sent: Monday, April 06, 2009 6:30 PM
To: SGI@StrayGoose.org
Subject: Original 15th SOS Painting

Hi,

I tried this before but got no response so I thought I’d try again.  I’ve attached a photo of the Stray Goose velvet painting that hung in the An Hoa hotel in Nha Trang until we were moved on base.  I’m guessing it is about 16” or 18”  by about 20”.  It has no frame.  Is there a better place to share it with everyone?  If so, please let me know.

Cheers,   jeff

Jeffrey J. Bliemel, P.E.
City Engineer & Infrastructure Coordinator
City of Poquoson
500 City Hall Avenue
Poquoson Virginia 23662
(757) 868-3590 FAX (757) 868-3515

Webmaster's Note:  On this second attempt, we connected with Jeff and Papasan has acquired subject item and is getting ready to present it to today's 15th SOS as a gift from SGI.  Thanks for your perseverance Jeff!

 Worldwide Combat Talon Reunion Recap

For the “first-ever” Worldwide Combat Talon reunion, it was a weekend where the stars came out.

On one hand, some of the “stars” who helped make Talon history over the past four decades were there for the weekend, the last weekend in May.  Seasoned crew members from the Son Tay Raid, “Desert One,” “Urgent Fury” and “Just Cause,” joined Talon vets who flew combat over the skies of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan (to name a few areas of operations) to share and compare stories with their Talon comrades in arms. The weekend together gave all the Talon members, past and present, the chance to “catch up” on each other’s stories and reflect on friendships that have lasted through the many years.

On the other hand, the stars came out in blue, in the form of General officers there to honor the Combat Talon mission and the men and women who flew it. General Norty Schwartz, currently the Commander of United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), came in for the reunion, and was the keynote speaker at Sunday’s memorial service. Gen Schwartz has a solid Talon legacy as a pilot and former commander.

Joining him were Lt General Donny Wurster, the Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) his vice commander, Maj Gen Kurt Cichowski, Maj Gen Dave "Chode" Scott, Deputy Director at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Center for Special Operations (and former 16 SOW/CC), and the current Vice Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Col. Mark Alsid. This esteemed collection of the most influential leaders in today’s Air Force Special Operations was testimony to the Talon legacy and the people who brought it to life.

As a bonus to everyone in the Talon community, just a few days after the reunion we found out that General Schwartz had been selected to serve as the next Chief of Staff of the Air Force! Having a former MC-130 pilot and 16 SOW Wing Commander as the upcoming leader of the United States Air Force only emphasizes how the Talon and its people have become integral to the mission of the USAF and today’s mission in the Global War on Terrorism.

Friday and Saturday were days for the Talon family to eat, drink and visit together. Saturday morning also featured a visit to Hurlburt Field for an update-brief on the current and future ops of the Combat Talon around the world. Thanks to Ned Calvert for putting that very special presentation together. In that “up close and personal” brief, we  heard, first hand, of some of the incredible combat exploits in ongoing Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and then we saw what’s in the future for the Talon mission and aircraft. From that briefing, we went out to the Hurlburt flight line and took an in-depth tour of Combat Talon I and II aircraft. For many of the families who were there, it was the first time they had ever been onboard this aircraft so important to their spouse or loved one. For some of the folks for whom it has been a few years since stepping aboard a Talon, it was a nostalgic trip back to a familiar time.

One of the highlights for the weekend was when Buff Underwood unveiled a LARGE draft of a Combat Talon memorial monument. This magnificent, stone monument will be placed in a prominent spot to be announced later.

The replica showed that the monument will commemorate all of the organizations that have been home to the Talon over the years, as well as serve as a memorial to the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Talon mission. The cost for this massive stone will be borne totally by members of the Talon community, and we raised more than $10,000 in donations in this reunion weekend. Quite a good omen for the campaign we’ll be conducting over the next year to raise the funds for the monument. By the way, a special commemorative Combat Talon coin was unveiled at the reunion, and it will be presented to all donors to the Talon Monument fund over $20. This is definitely a collector’s item, and it’s available in a limited quantity.

Sunday morning we gathered at the Hurlburt Air Park for a memorial service, honoring our fallen brothers and sisters. At the service were family members of our lost comrades. Gen Schwartz gave a tribute from the heart, and we were all touched by this solemn ceremony of distinction and its meaning to the Talon community.

For all of you who missed the reunion, you deprived yourself of a great time! The hospitality room was a popular place with eats, drinks and friends, and the weather at the Quality Inn was perfect for all to enjoy a Spring weekend during one of the best times of the year for the Florida panhandle. Barbeque, wurst on the grill, free-flowing suds and a few hundred members of the Talon family were a perfect mix for the three days.

For the many people who helped plan and execute this weekend, we say thanks. There are too many to mention in this article, but without your hard work and commitment, this weekend would not have happened. Talon members have been noted for their dedication to mission, and the volunteers who put together this first reunion exemplified that proud tradition. We’ll be posting photos of the weekend soon, on the 7^th ACS and SGI websites, so check them out!

Although this was the first all-Talon reunion, it won’t be the last. We’re thinking this should be an event held every two years and we’ll let you know when we have another one in the planning stage.

Dues Reminder

Almost 200 members became inactive on the 30th of June.  In order to remain a member in good standing, you need to update your dues. If overdue, please remit dues ($15/yr or $40 for 3 years) to:

Stray Goose International

P.O. Box 9355

Hurlburt Field, FL 32544

Update Your Email Address

"SGI Times" mailing costs continue to soar - now up to $2.00 per copy mailed.  If you'd rather get an email alert to download the newsletter, please confirm that we've got your correct email address by signing into the members only side and then clicking on "Member Roster".  Once there follow the links to update your personal information and make sure we've got your current email address.  If you'd rather continue/start to receive the "SGI Times" by snail mail, then let us know and we'll add you to the list.  Thanks for your help with this!

Hurlburt Field News

Read the latest news here.

Kadena AB News

Read the latest news here.

 "Stars & Stripes" Now On-Line

Read the latest issue here.

Master Roster Available

A copy of the 2010 master roster is now available from Papasan by sending him a request for it or downloading it from the main Roster page.

  SOF Research - Three Key References Available for Download

Electronic versions (Acrobat) of the following books are now available for download off the SOF research page:

The Praetorian STARShip The Untold Story of the Combat Talon by Jerry L. Thigpen Colonel, USAF, Retired

15th Anniversary History of United States Special Operations Command by USSOCOM

Apollo’s Warriors US Air Force Special Operations during the Cold War by Michael E. Haas Colonel, USAF, Retired

SGI Proudly Supports America's Fighting Men & Women (3.0MB download)

OPSEC