Invader vol 33 issue 2 2015 lrz

Vol. 33 No. 2

July 2015

The Devil's Own

Grim Reapers!

The Magazine of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association OUR HERITAGE - 13th Aero Squadron, 14 June 1917 www.13thbombsquadron.com

Nuke Takes CommanD

Brig Gen Paul W. Tibbets takes command of the 509th Bomb Wing!

July 2015

The President’s Corner Hello again from beautiful

early stages and was in the initial Ubon cadre—to come and speak to us about those experiences at Fort Walton Beach, where this year’s reunion banquet. (And he has graciously the outside temperature is 85, the humidity is 60% and accepted.) As many of you know, Jim was a Test the Gulf water temperature Pilot before he joined the 13th and continued with test activity while assigned with us. He has a very is about 78 degrees. The place is loaded with tourists interesting story to tell about “Tropic Moon III” and the birth of the B-57G—which, if you don’t already (so I don’t go across the know, was the test bed aircraft for several new bridge to the beach areas systems—including forward looking infrared, low without some very good light level TV, internal laser targeting and terminal reason). But, people love Charley Brown guidance, moving target radar, and the first digital our crystal white sand and computer-aided navigation and bombing system. the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Many of you have been stationed around here or have visited; but for those who haven’t, we’re about Additionally, I ask that each of you join me at Branson in September (see application form 45 miles from the western and northern borders of presented herein). And, please be ready to discuss Florida, with Alabama being our neighbor at each ideas for lowering the costs of coming to reunions. border. We’re also about 200 miles east of New I have several ideas—some of these being: to plan Orleans and 300 miles south of Atlanta. So, come and execute the meetings ourselves; and also to on down!!!

review things like length of stay, location and hotel requirements.

But, before you do, check out the 13thbombsquadron.net web site. Our past president, Bob Butterfield, has done a superb job of updating, and bringing new information onto, the site. You will find a thorough history of the 13th, a host of new photos and an easily navigated site, where you can enjoy your own place in this pantheon of shared experience. So, take a visit; you’ll be glad you did.

Finally, my goal to inform you a bit more on who your leaders are, has resulted in receiving resumes from some, but not all, of the current Association officials. So, in addition to mine, which was in the March Invader, the resume of our 1st VP, Bob Koehne, is presented herein.

As I mentioned earlier, we are actively seeking new members—and my personal goal is to recruit as many of the Ubon, Thailand, B-57G folks that I can. To help me do that I have asked my friend, Jim Humphries—who was with me through the

Hope to see you in Branson,

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July 2015

Biographies of the Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association

Bob’s last USAF assignment was as professor of aerospace science at Washington State University and the University of Idaho, the two campuses being only eight miles apart. Upon retirement in 1985, with 27 years of service, he attended the University of Idaho to earn a B.A. in education, having enjoyed his various teaching jobs in the Air Force.

The family moved to the Seattle area where Bob began teaching marketing at the secondary level. In a few years, his aviation bug resurfaced and he set about introducing a flight training program to the district in which all three high schools could participate. Bob, having received his pilot license and private and instrument ground school instruction certificates, taught private pilot ground school, and the flight instruction was contracted out under his supervision. Some of his students are now flying with major commercial airlines.

Through an old Air Force buddy, Bob got wind of flight training positions opening at the Boeing company and applied. Soon, he was an instructor in the 757/767 programs, where it was like old home week with a bunch of retired C-141 pilots and a few navs from his McChord days. They called it the “McChord Mafia” at Boeing. He was getting paid for having a lot of fun in the flight simulators. His stan-eval background caught up with him, and soon, he was giving ground school instructor checks.

Full retirement came in 2007, with many good memories.

Bob and Carole are enjoying their home in the Seattle area, their two children and three grandchildren, all of whom live in Washington, and they travel in the US and Canada in their motorhome and fly internationally while still in good health.

In the previous issue of the INVADER we featured the biography of Association President Charley Brown. In this issue we will feature additional bios of our officers.

1st Vice President Robert R. (Bob) Koehne was born September 16, 1936, in Alton, IL and lived there until leaving for college at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL, where he majored in Business Administration. Bob completed the full four year AFROTC Program. On graduating, he was commissioned in the USAF medical service corps June 15, 1958 and served as a hospital administrative officer at the Barksdale AFB hospital until 1961, when he transferred to Waco AFB for navigator training. Upon receiving his wings, he moved to Mather AFB for bomb-nav training. Bob then remained at Mather as an instructor and standardization evaluator in the program. It was at Mather that he met and married his wife Carole, an Air Force brat originally from Denver.

In May 1965, Bob received orders for the 13th Bomb Squadron at Clark AB. There, he was crewed with fellow association member, Dean Kruse. The second year at Clark, both Bob and Dean moved to the 405th Fighter Wing aircrew standardization shop, but continued to fly together.

The summer of 1967 saw Bob and Carole off to the University of Oklahoma in Norman, for graduate school and some great football, and in his spare time, back giving nav checkrides in the T-29, this time at Tinker AFB. Always wanting to check out the Pacific Northwest, Bob asked for an assignment to McChord AFB upon completing his M.B.A. After three years of crew duty in the C-141 at McChord, and the births of their two children, Lisa and Rob, the family was off to Travis AFB where Bob was assigned to aircrew standardization at 22nd Air Force. With four years at Travis, Bob was seeking a command slot, and ended up being chosen to command the 1369th Audio-Visual Squadron at Vandenberg AFB where the primary mission was high tech still and motion picture photography of missile launches. In addition, he was responsible for eleven base photo detachments stretching from New Mexico to Alaska to Korea, so he was still flying the Pacific.

Next, was Norton AFB, where Bob became the director of operations, and later the vice-commander of the Air Force audio-visual service. He has fond memories of his six years, and the great people he worked with in audio-visual, and like the 13th, maintains contacts through reunions.

2nd Vice President & Locator James R. (Bob) Parks was born on March 1, 1943 in Augusta, GA. My dad was drafted into the US Army in late 1942, and I believe he made the decision to make the service a career from the start.

This decision entailed much travel for our family, because keeping up with his assignments meant we sometimes spent less than a month at one post before moving on to another. Between the years of 1948-1955, we spent almost two consecutive three-year assignments in Germany. So, during my youth, I became, to coin the phrase, ‘an Army brat’, attending more schools than I can recall my name. I was, however, fortunate to be able to complete all four years of high school without a move and graduated from McCormick High School, McCormick, SC in 1961. cont. on page 5 The INVADER is the official newsletter of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association, a Non-profit organization. The INVADER is published three times yearly for the benefit of the Association members.

Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association or of the Department of the Air Force. *Members of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association must maintain contact with the Association or “after two years of not communicating with the association, a member will no longer receive the INVADER or the Directory”.

Editor: Don Henderson 254 Freeport Road, New Kensington, PA 15068-5421 Phone: (412) 417-6667 • e-mail: Don@HendersonGDI.com Henderson Graphic Design & Illustration • www.HendersonGDI.com

Cover photo: Air Force Maj. Gen. Richard Clark, Eighth Air Force commander, hands over the wing guidon to Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, 509th Bomb Wing commander, during the change of command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 5, 2015. Presentation of the guidon to Tibbets symbolizes the official change of command from the old commander to the new commander.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow/Released)

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July 2015

Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Charles J. (Charley) Brown 905 Holbrook Circle Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547-6733 charley6272@yahoo.com

President

1st Vice President/

Secretary

Member at Large WWII

Member at Large Vietnam

2nd Vice President

Robert R. (Bob) Koehne 23332 SE 225th St. Maple Valley, WA 98038 csrrk@comcast.net

Locator Data Manager

Treasurer

Edward T. (Tighe) Carvey 6980 Olympic View Ct. Silverdale, WA 98383 tcarvey@wavecable.com

Member at Large Korea

Edward D. (Ed) Connor, Jr. 1217 Earnestine St. McLean, VA 22101-2646 ravenfive5@verizon.net

Member at Large GWOT

Ron Silvia 20 Green Lane Assonet, MA 02702-1410 finefiftynine@verizon.net

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James R. (Bob) Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX, 78247 bob-parks@satx.rr.com

Roger A. Bauman 5664 S. Basalt Ave. Boise, ID 83716-9007 retafo4@cableone.net

Ron Jarrett 10349 416th Avenue Britton, SD 57430-5005 rjarrett@brittonsd.com

Karl J. (Buck) Shawhan 4014 Buccaneer Blvd.

Plattsmouth, NE 68048 shawhan9@gmail.com

July 2015

Biographies of the Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Bob Parks biography continued from page 3

While attending Clemson, I met the love of my life, Myrtle, in my hometown of Parksville, SC. We were married in 1964. We have a daughter, Barbara, and son, Ted. Ted has left us to be with Our Lord; but through our daughter, we are blessed with two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

I attended Clemson A&M College for a year and became a member of the ROTC. Guess I just wasn’t ready to stay put, so I joined the Air Force the following year and went to Lackland AFB for basic training. Basic training was followed by an assignment to Keesler AFB where I attended Communications Navigation Technical Training for my first year of Air Force service. My first duty station, following tech school, was Charleston AFB, SC where I worked on the many navigation systems on C-124 Globemasters and C-130 Hercules aircraft.

In 1965, I transferred to RAF Alconbury, UK to support the introduction of the RF-4C Phantom II into the European Theater of operations. Long on duty and short on leisure, was the operational norm for three plus years at Alconbury. Here, I worked on the Forward Looking Radar (FLR), Side Looking Radar (SLAR), Inertial Navigation (INS) and Auxiliary Data Annotation System (ADAS).

In 1968, I was transferred to the 45th Fighter Squadron MacDill AFB, FL as an INS maintenance technician on the F-4E aircraft supporting a Combat Crew Training Squadron. In July 1969, I was reassigned to the 13th Bomb Squadron Tactical--reactivated in January 1969 and programmed to receive the newly modified B-57G aircraft later that year. From July 1969 through the summer of 1970, I spent much of the time on TDY to receive training for the new systems installed on the B-57G and participate in Category II testing of the aircraft at the Tactical Air Warfare Center (TAWC) at Eglin AFB, FL. In September 1970, I deployed with the squadron to Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, where I was reassigned to the 8th Avionics Maintenance Squadron within the B-57G Bomber and AC130 Gunship Branch. Following this assignment at Ubon, I transferred in 1971 to Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC to the 336th Fighter Squadron to maintain F-4E aircraft. Between 1972 and 1973, I traveled back to Ubon on two separate TDY deployments with the 4th TFW in support of Operation Constant Guard. Later, I was assigned to the 4th Logistics Group as a Wing level Avionics Quality Control Inspector, followed by duties as the Maintenance Standardization Evaluation Program (MSEP) Monitor.

In 1976, I was transferred to Bitburg AB, Germany with a follow-on assignment to Spangdahlem AB as the INS Shop Chief, when Bitburg converted from F-4E’s to F-15’s. In 1978 through 1985, I was assigned to Ramstein AB where I performed duties in the HQ USAFE Logistics Directorate as the Conventional Avionics Supervisor. My final active duty assignment was to the San Antonio Air Logistics Center as Superintendent for the Automatic Test Systems Division. Since my retirement from the Air Force in May 1990, I have been working in Aerospace companies, providing oversight and products similar to those I supported during active service in the Air Force.

Treasurer Roger A. Bauman, was born December 6, 1939, in Alameda, California; however, his parents lived in San Leandro, CA and that became his home for the next 18 years. He attended Grammar School, Junior High School and High School in San Leandro.

After Graduating in January 1958, Roger entered the United States Air Force on July 10, 1958 as an Airman Basic and proceeded to Lackland AFB. After completing Basic Training, he was sent to Lowry AFB and completed Technical Training as a Bomb Nav systems mechanic. Then on to Dyess AFB, Texas, where he was informed that he could apply for the Aviation Cadet program.

After successfully completing the exams, he was accepted and sent back to Lackland as an Cadet.

Roger completed Cadet and initial navigation training in July of 1961 at Harlingen AFB, TX and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, rated as a Navigator and then assigned to Mather AFB, CA for advanced training. Upon completion of advanced training he was selected to continue at Mather as an Instructor. After 3 years he requested an assignment to SEA. In early 1965, Roger received orders to complete Survival School and to report to the 405th Fighter Wing in the Philippines at Clark AB. He arrived in August 1965 and was assigned to the 13th Bomb Squadron and trained by the 8th Bomb Squadron. He had his first flight with Jim Goodnight and loved it! His check out took 11 Flights with a check from Capt Zahn. On the September 23, 1965, he was crewed with Dan Hastings and dropped 3 1/4 tons of ordnance (flight time 1:05).

He also crewed with Bob Butterfield and Norris Olson for the majority of his 240+ combat missions. I was honored to fly with our Wing Commander, Chuck Yeager, and he was really the best! I was awarded the standard assortment of medals, given some preference for an assignment in the US and chose RF-4Cs at Mountain Home, Idaho.

I was assigned to the 22nd Tac Recon Squadron at Mountain Home arriving in August 1967. Their RF 4Cs were all brand new and were faster than the F4Cs and F4Ds (the camera compartment nose was more aerodynamic). They had two missions: NATO and Thunderbird support. For NATO the focus of training was low level high speed training in the Idaho area. Low level high speed was a challenge for radar navigation and proved very important when we deployed to Europe and flew an Operational Readiness Inspection. Our secondary mission was like a flying club. Get a plane and fly any place in the United States as long as you attempt to get vertical photography of any airport where the Thunderbirds might

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cont. on page 6

July 2015

Biographies of the Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Roger Bauman biography continued from page 6

Korean War Member at Large Ronald R. Jarrett was born on 4 March 1931 on a farm Northwest of Britton, South Dakota. He attended a country school for 8 years and graduated from Britton High School in 1949. From there he attended South Dakota State College, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in 1953.

Ron had orders to go to flight school in Malden, Missouri, but due to 20/25 eye sight in left eye, was transferred out of pilot program assigned to Chanute AFB and the Air Craft maintenance school. After training, Ron was assigned to the 13th Bomb Squadron at Kunsan AB, K-8 in July 1954. In November and December 1954 the Wing moved to Johnson AB in Japan. From there, he had mobility’s back to Korea and to Okinowa, also to visit Clark AFB in his job as a Top Secret currier. In May, Ron was assigned to Group Headquarters to help in transferring the B-26 Invaders back to National Guard units and bringing in the B-57 Canberras.

Ron returned home in July 1955 and joined the AF Reserve unit in Aberdeen, SD, which was 60 mi away, for 15 years. First in the little red school house program, then Group Headquarters for 4 satellite units in the AC Recovery program.

Ron spent his last 4 years as a liaison officer for the Air Force Academy in Northeast South Dakota. In 1974, after 21 years, Ron retired at the rank of Major.

perform. I saw a lot of the US during my 3 years at Mountain Home, and also got to fly F4Ds and F4Es. Then I got assigned to RAF Upper Heyford, flying F-111Es, and running an USAFE instrument school and a Theater-wide flying rules program, pulling alert duty and serving as OIC of F-111 simulator training. I also took time to complete college courses in History, Government and International Relations. I had earlier met Pamela McGuire, a nurse at Mountain Home, and had corresponded over the intervening years. We eventually got together at Upper Heyford and were married there in 1975.

We then returned to Mountain Home for final duty prior to retirement.

WW II Member at Large Edward D. Conner was born on the 4th of September, 1922, in Los Angeles, CA, and currently lives in McLean, VA. He later moved to Seattle, WA, where he attended the local schools and enlisted military service early during WW II as a sheetmetal mechanic. Later, on 20 December 1947, Ed graduated Officers Candidate School at Lackland AFB, TX, and began his career as an officer. From duties as a Communications Officer he went on to become a Radar Observer and Rated Navigator after receiving his wings in 1954.

Ed's secondary and post graduate education includes a BBA degree from the University of Miami (FL) and an MA from Sacramento State College.

During my WW II enlisted time I served in the 13th Bomb Squadron in New Guinea as a Radio Operator/Gunner, as a radio mechanic at Maxwell AFB, AL, and as a student at the Officers Candidate School in Lackland AFB, TX, graduating in December, 1947. Ed's officer duties included assignments as a Communications Officer (Mather AFB, CA), Electronic Officer (Ramey AFB, PR; Forbes AFB, KS; and Biggs AFB, TX) as a Navigator (Mather AFB) and as a staff officer at Forbes AFB, KS, where he concluded my USAF career in 1963.

Ed's combat tours included combat missions against the Japanese out of New Guinea and against the North Koreans out of Yokota AFB, Japan. He flew a total of 67 combat missions against Japan during WW II and 16 combat missions against North Korea. Ed's awards and decorations include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters.

GWOT Member at Large Karl J. "Buck" Shawhan received his commission in 1986 from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Northern Arizona University. His background includes both flying and staff assignments. While assigned to the Joint Experimentation directorate of U.S. Joint Forces Command in Suffolk, Virginia, he organized and executed the Precision Engagement experiment with U.S. Forces Korea during Ulchi Focus Lens 2000. In February 2003, Colonel Shawhan deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam as Director of Operations for the 7th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron. Buck commanded the 13th Bomb Squadron which served as the initial cadre for B-1 Block E operational fielding. He deployed again in March 2005 to Diego Garcia, BIOT as Deputy Commander of the 40th Air Expeditionary Group in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Shawhan served as the Chief of the USAF Selection Board Secretariat at Randolph AFB, Texas.

Buck Shawhan is a senior pilot with more than 2,800 hours in the T-37, T-38, B-1, and B-52.

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July 2015

Continuing the legacy: Tibbets takes command of 509th Bomb Wing

By Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley, 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

“Each one of you is a source of power for the mission – you make it happen each and every day. I will serve with passion, humility, courage and respect every day, and I ask the same of you.”

-Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV

Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, 509th Bomb Wing commander, speaks to the guests during the 509th BW Change of Command Ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 5, 2015. More than 300 guests attended the ceremony to welcome Tibbets as the new commander.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow/Released)

During a historical ceremony June 5, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV took command of the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Tibbets’ grandfather, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr., was the pilot of “Enola Gay,” the B-29 Superfortress known for dropping the “Little Boy” atomic bomb Aug. 6, 1945, on Hiroshima, Japan. At the time, the then colonel was assigned to the 509th Composite Group, a predecessor unit to the 509th Bomb Wing. Now, his grandson is in command of the world’s only feet of B-2 Spirits and the 5,500 Airmen who make the stealth bomber mission possible.

Brig. Gen. Tibbets, is coming from an assignment as the deputy director for nuclear operations, Global Operations Directorate, U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He has been stationed at Whiteman twice before in multiple roles including a B-2 pilot, deputy chief of wing standardization and evaluation, director of operations, and commander of the 393rd Bomb Squadron.

Like VanHerck, Tibbets’ speech focused largely on thanking people: the Lord for making all things possible, the state and federal officials for their attendance and finally, the men and women of Whiteman.

The outgoing commander, Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, is headed to be the Air Force Global Strike Command director of operations at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. During his final farewell, VanHerck focused his speech on thanking those in attendance: the chaplain for the invocation, his family for their support and finally, the men and women of the 509th for their hard work during his tenure. “Stay razor sharp and ready to go,” said VanHerck in the final farewell to his Airmen. “It’s a matter of when, not if, you will be called upon again. Keep leading and own it every day.”

“Thank you for the time, energy, passion and devotion you have dedicated to welcoming my family to Whiteman for the third time,” said Tibbets, who in past interviews has credited his father with helping inspire him to join the Air Force. Tibbets said he hopes for three things from the base’s Airmen: that they take care of themselves, that they take care of their families and to be excellent in their duties.“If my grandfather was here today, he would tell all of you how proud he is of the great things you do for our nation,” he added.

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July 2015

Enola Gay pilot's grandson takes command of B-2 wing

By The Associated Press | Wire reports

Retired Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. (left) and his grandson, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, then a captain, fly the last flyable B-29 Superfortress, ‘Fifi,’ Oct. 2, 1998.

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. — A grandson and namesake of the man who piloted the B-29 that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, during World War II took over leadership Friday of the United States' aging fleet of nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers.

Tibbets, 48, previously served as deputy director for nuclear operations for the U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He also trained on B-2s at Whiteman in the 1990s, commanded a bomb squadron at the base and was a vice commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in southwest Asia in 2010-2011. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star for service and the Legion of Merit.

Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV took command of the 509th Bomb Wing during a ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, replacing Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, who has led the wing since February 2014.

The Bomb Wing at Whiteman is responsible for flying the fleet of 20 nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers to targets around the world, often directly. The B-2, which has been at the Missouri base since 1993, has been flying since the 1990s and still is the world's only long-range bomber with technology that makes the batwing aircraft difficult for radar to detect and track.

Tibbets' grandfather, Paul W. Tibbets Jr., was assigned to a predecessor of the 509th Bomb Wing when he piloted the Enola Gay in the world's first atomic bomb mission on Aug. 6, 1945. The bomb destroyed much of Hiroshima and killed tens of thousands of its citizens. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. died in 2007.

Paul W. Tibbets IV's role leading the 509th Bomb Wing comes as the Air Force has been seeking to build a nextgeneration long-strike bomber, estimated to cost at least $55 billion for up to 100 planes.

The government in Japan has said that thousands of people have been categorized as still sick from the Hiroshima bombing's radiation. Three days after Hiroshima, another U.S. B-29 dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, killing about 70,000 people. Japan surrendered six days later, ending the war.

A 2014 report from the Congressional Research Service said the nation's existing long-range bomber fleet "are at a critical point in their operational life span."

Tibbets, who wears an old Rolex his grandfather gave him and whose son is also named Paul W. Tibbets V, told about 500 people attending the ceremony that his grandfather would be "touched by your appreciation for his service and the service of those that he was with back in that time."

Because of their age, the report said, "military analysts are beginning to question just how long these aircraft can physically last and continue to be credible weapon systems."

The B-2s, however, have undergone upgrades and will remain "our penetrating bomber for quite some time" and an integral aircraft into the 2040s, Tibbets said.

His grandfather would also tell them, Tibbets said, that "he's counting on you, he's counting on us, today's generation of airmen, to continue as you do each and every day to raise the bar and set the standard and continue the great work that our nation relies on us to do."

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"The bottom line is nothing's going to stay the most advanced weapons system forever because the adversary continues to improve just like we do," he said.

July 2015

BRIGADIER GENERAL PAUL W. TIBBETS IV Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV is the Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. He is responsible for the combat readiness of the Air Force's only B-2 Spirit wing, including development and employment of the B-2's combat capability as part of the Air Force's Global Strike Task Force. His command provides logistics support for the Air Force Reserve 442nd Fighter Wing, Missouri Air National Guard 131st Bomb Wing, Air Combat Command 20th Reconnaissance Squadron and the Missouri Army National Guard 1st Battalion, 135th Aviation Unit. He manages flying assets in excess of $46 billion and an annual operations and maintenance budget of $147 million.

General Tibbets received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1989. Following graduation, he served in a variety of operational assignments as a B-1 pilot and subsequently as a B-2 pilot. The general has commanded at the squadron and wing levels, and flown in combat missions in support of operations in Southwest Asia, the Balkans and Afghanistan.

His staff assignments include executive assistant to the Commander, Eighth Air Force, Chief of the Nuclear Policy Branch at NATO Headquarters. Prior to his current position, he was Deputy Director for Nuclear Operations, U.S. Strategic Command. General Tibbets is a command pilot with more than 3,800 flying hours.

EDUCATION 1989 Bachelor of Science degree in Human Factors Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo.

1996 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (resident/non-resident) 2000 Masters of Science degree in Human Factors Engineering, University of Idaho 2001 Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (IDE/non-resident) 2003 Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, College of Naval Command and Staff, Newport Naval Station, R.I. (IDE) 2006 Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. (SDE/non-resident) 2009 Joint Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Va. 2010 NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy (SDE) 2010 Leadership Development Program, Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, N.C. 2012 U.S. Air Force Enterprise Leadership Seminar, University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Charlottesville ASSIGNMENTS 1. September 1989 - September 1990, Student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Williams AFB, Ariz.

2. September 1990 - April 1991, Student, B-1 Combat Crew Training, Dyess AFB, Texas 3. April 1991 - July 1995, B-1 Pilot, Safety Officer, Flight Scheduler, 37th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. 4. August 1995 - November 1995, Student, T-38 Pilot Instructor Training, Randolph AFB, Texas 5. November 1995 - March 1997, T-38 Instructor Pilot, 393d Bomb Squadron/394th Combat Training Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 6. March 1997 - September 1997, Student, B-2 Initial Qualification Training, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 7. September 1997 - August 1999, B-2 Pilot, Instructor Pilot, Flight Examiner and Chief, B-2/T-38 Standardization and Evaluation, 393d Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

8. September 1999 - April 2000, Deputy Chief, Wing Standardization and Evaluation, 509th Operations Group, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 9. April 2000 - April 2002, Executive Officer for Commander, Eighth Air Force, Barksdale AFB, La. 10. April 2002 - June 2003, Student, College of Naval Command and Staff, Newport Naval Station, R.I. 11. July 2003 - May 2004, Assistant Director of Operations, B-2/T-38 Flight Examiner, 325th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 12. June 2004 - June 2005, Director of Operations, 325th/13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 13. June 2005 - April 2006, Director of Staff, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 14. April 2006 - October 2007, Commander, 393d Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo. 15. October 2007 - August 2009, Chief, Nuclear and CBRN Defense Policy Branch, NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium 16. August 2009 - February 2010, Student, NATO Defense College, Rome, Italy 17. June 2010 -July 2011, Vice Commander, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, Southwest Asia 18. July 2011 - July 2013, Commander, Air Force Inspection Agency, Kirtland AFB, N.M. 19. July 2013 - February 2014, Deputy Director of Operations, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale AFB, La. 20. February 2014 - May 2015, Deputy Director for Nuclear Operations, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Neb. 21. June 2015 - present, Commander, 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman AFB, Mo. SUMMARY OF JOINT ASSIGNMENTS 1. October 2007 - August 2009, Chief, Nuclear and CBRN Defense Policy Branch, NATO Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium, as a colonel 2. February 2014 - May 2015, Deputy Director for Nuclear Operations, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., as a brigadier general FLIGHT INFORMATION Rating: command pilot Flight hours: more than 3,800 hours, including 350 combat hours Aircraft flown: T-38A, B-1B, B-2A and B-52H MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS Defense Superior Service Medal with oak leaf cluster Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Bronze Star Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster Air Force Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters Combat Readiness Medal with four oak leaf clusters EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION Second Lieutenant May 31, 1989 First Lieutenant May 31, 1991 Captain May 31, 1993 Major Aug. 1, 2000 Lieutenant Colonel April 1, 2004 Colonel Sept. 1, 2008 Brigadier General Aug. 8, 2014

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July 2015

509th Commanders Form a Distinguished List

WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- A long list of distinguished commanders, including an Air Force chief of staff have led the 509th Bomb Wing in its mission.

The wing traces its historical roots to a World War II ancestor, the 509 Composite Group. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John D. Ryan was commander of the group and wing three times in his career. The first commander of the group, Col. Paul Tibbets Jr., made history when his aircraft the B-29 Superfortress "Enola Gay" dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Today, the wing's mission is just as vital as the B-2 Spirit maintains a forward presence that has proved it can deliver combat airpower any time, any place.

Commanders, 509th Wing and predecessors 509th Composite Group/Bombardment Group (1944-1952) Col. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. - Dec. 17, 1944 Col. William H. Blanchard - Jan. 22, 1946 Col. John D. Ryan - Sept. 15, 1948 Col. William H. Blanchard, July 21, 1951-June 16, 1952

509th Bombardment Wing Col. William H. Blanchard, Nov 17, 1947 Col. John D. Ryan, Aug. 1, 1948 Brig. Gen. Clarence S. Irvine, Sept. 15, 1948 Brig. Gen. Hunter Harris Jr., Jan. 15, 1950 Col. John D. Ryan, Feb. 1, 1951

Col. Berton H. Burns, July 19, 1951 Brig. Gen. William H. Blanchard, April 7, 1952 Col. Wilson R. Wood, Feb. 11, 1953 Col. Howard E. Jackson, April 22, 1953 Col. Harold E. Humfeld, circa May 12, 1953 Col. Wilson R. Wood, circa May 15, 1953 Col. Harold E. Humfeld, July 30, 1953 Col. Wilson R. Wood, Nov 23, 1953 Col. Clifford F. Macomber, May 16, 1955 Col. Brooks A. Lawhon, Feb. 11, 1959 Col. Donald G. McPherson, June 1, 1960 Col. Edward D. Edwards, March 10, 1962 Col. James O. Frankosky, Oct 21, 1963 Col. Madison M. McBrayer, Jan. 23, 1967 Col. Joseph V. Adams Jr., March 28, 1968 Col. Robert E. Blauw, Oct 1, 1968 Col. Winston E. Moore, Feb. 11, 1969 Col. John M. Parker, Feb. 22, 1972 Col. Alan L. Hichew, June 14, 1972 Col. Isaac M. Glass, March 26, 1973 Col. Paul W. Maul, Aug. 21, 1973 Col. Richard A. Burpee, Feb. 26, 1974 Col. Fredric E. Roth, April 1, 1975 Col. Guy L. Hecker, Jr., May 3, 1976 Col. James M. Greer, Jan. 11, 1978 Col. Samuel H. Swart, Jr., May 4, 1979 Col. John A. Dramesi, June 22, 1981 Col. Trevor A. Hammond, Dec 21, 1981 Col. Dennis L. Walsh, May 10, 1983 Col. Frederick A. Fiedler, June 13, 1984 Col. Robert J. McCracken, May 14, 1985 Col. Thad A. Wolf, Feb. 27, 1987 Col. Orin L. Godsey, Feb. 25, 1988 Col. William C. Brooks, Feb. 28 - Sept. 30, 1990 Non-operational Sept. 30, 1990 - March 31, 1993

509th Bomb Wing Brig. Gen. Ronald C. Marcotte / April 1, 1993 Brig. Gen. Thomas B. Goslin, Jr. / March 26, 1996 Brig. Gen. Leroy Barnidge, Jr. / June 8, 1998 Col. Anthony F. Przybyslawski / June 7, 2000 Brig. Gen. Douglas L. Raaberg / April 22, 2002 Col. Christopher D. Miller / April 24, 2004 Col. Gregory A. Biscone / May 1, 2006 Col Garrett Harencak / Sept. 1, 2007 Col. Robert E. Wheeler / March 1, 2009 Col. Thomas A. Bussiere / June 18, 2012 * Brig. Gen. Glen D. VanHerck / Feb. 19, 2014 Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV / June 6, 2015*

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* 13th Bomb Squadron

July 2015

In Praise of Crew Chiefs

By Jim Humphries, Colonel, USAF (Retired)

With that said, it is the bond IN THE FLYING GAME between the crew chief there are many people and the pilot that I want to involved in getting an airplane develop. For those who know ready for flight and actually the history of aviation, there is flying it. The pilot is the first no finer example of this bond to come to mind. Without than between the author-pilot, his skill and confidence, Antoine de Saint-Exupery, the airplane would have no and Andre Prevost, his longbusiness in the air. In military time airplane mechanic, as flying, the second essential a crew chief was known in person involved with each those early days in aviation. It flight is the crew chief. In the seems in vogue today to sully U.S. Air Force, the pilot is a the reputation of our heroes. I commissioned officer and the have read articles that belittle crew chief is always a skilled U.S. Air Force crew chief, Sgt Jim Pickles, standing proudly before his aircraft, the flying skills of Saint Ex. enlisted aircraft mechanic.

B-57G #588.

Some of this disparagement The two often become a has crept into the legend of the great man. Reading his close-knit team, with the pilot reporting to Operations, and stories of harrying flights in crude aircraft in those years the crew chief to Maintenance. reveals a man of great courage and skill facing fearful The bond between the two deepens, especially during weather conditions with few flight instruments, without combat operations, when the crew chief is assigned his icing protection, flying long distances without navigational “own” airplane. The professional pride of a good crew chief aids that we take for granted today. is no small thing. With his name painted on the fuselage, St. Ex flew frail aircraft with unreliable engines, opening his honor rests on presenting a safe, properly-functioning new air routes connecting continents. Airplanes developed plane for every flight. He is all too aware that lives depend so rapidly in the 1930’s, and especially in the next decade on the airworthiness of the craft, especially the pilot’s life. during World War II, that he had his hands full keeping Pilots are required to conduct a walk-around inspection of up, so the story goes. He managed to get into the War as a the plane before starting the engines for a flight. But every French reconnaissance pilot, flying over the Mediterranean pilot knows that there are many things that are not visible in a version of the high-performance, twin-engine to him during his walk-around. He’ll usually ask his crew Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter, modified to a recce chief if she’s ready. Crew chiefs take that responsibility configuration. very seriously. Any short cuts in maintenance procedures can render a servicing or repair unsafe. No crew chief His assistant Ops officer, Lieutenant Raymond Duriez, could sleep well knowing that he pencil-whipped a required was there with the mechanic each time St. Ex flew, inspection, or did a half-way job of fixing a discrepancy. concerned about the safety of the famed writer of “The Little Prince” and other literary treasures. St. Ex was I recall watching my wife’s anxiety and trepidation as she older than most pilots flying that fast plane, and Duriez waited on the flight line while our older son made his first joined the mechanic to have everything ready when St. solo flight. His flight instructor was a long-time personal Ex was flying. Duriez would start the engines and warm friend of mine, which gave me the assurance that Tom them up just before the pilot arrived to fly. And when St. would do well, which he did. Crew chiefs can only have Ex arrived, the lieutenant would help St. Ex get into his that level of confidence when they are certain that every harness and strapped in, ready to taxi out for his combat piece of their airplane is as near perfect as they can get it. mission. Duriez and the mechanic would watch him take A pilot depends heavily on that confidence, and feels an off and disappear into the sky on mission after mission. As inward pride for the integrity of his crew chief. Likewise, the time approached for the pilot’s return, they would be the crew chief has confidence that his pillow won’t abuse waiting anxiously, watching the sky for his plane. As the his plane, and will fly it safely and well, within the limits story goes, St. Ex applied for leave, and wouldn’t be flying of its capability. Thus an unwritten contract is implied during each preparation and flight. Occasionally, especially the next day. Knowing that his friend wouldn’t need him tomorrow, Duriez himself took leave and rested for a day. in the heat of battle, a pilot may over-temp an engine or But the demands of the flight schedule trumped St. Ex’s over-stress the airframe. Integrity requires that he report this to his crew chief so that the plane may be inspected for leave, and the pilot was put back on the flying schedule for the morrow. Duriez was unaware of the change, and possible damage. was not there to help him into his harness and prepare his

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cont. on page 14

July 2015

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July 2015

(U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Bryan Crane)

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July 2015 Continued from page 14 plane. The famous aviator flew that last reconnaissance mission out over the Mediterranean, and didn’t return.

His circumstances and whereabouts were unknown for years until a German Messerschmitt pilot reported downing a P-38 over the sea that day. St. Exupery was dead. When Duriez returned to duty the following day, he learned the Antoine de Sint-Exuperyin the cockpit of his P-38. tragic news. It was nearly his undoing.

He was heard to lament, “I killed St. Exupery!” And I think he blamed himself for the rest of his life. That’s the powerful bond of camaraderie I’m talking about.

Charles Lindbergh knew well of that professional camaraderie forged in duty. He wrote to give credit to the unsung members of his team, the crew chief and the maintenance support that gave him quality airplanes to fly.

“If I have been lucky, it was because I got fitted out with a perfect ship, equipped by men who took every care and precaution. Nothing was overlooked, and from the first, we never had any trouble or setback.”

didn’t have enough fuel to fly that far, even by island hopping. The first, and most obvious solution to increase the range was to install a fuel tank in the bomb bay for the ferry mission. Curiously, the bomb bay on the airplane was a rotary design. The bomb load was carried internally on the top of the bomb bay door. The outside of the door was contoured to the streamlined fuselage. To release the bombs, the door was rotated in flight by the pilot, leaving the ordnance free to drop away from the plane. When a bomb or bombs were released, the bomb bay door was rotated back to the streamlined position. The ferry tank for the airplane would sit on the inner portion of the door just like the bombs. Obviously, the bomb bay door was not intended to be rotated with the tank installed. But that happened one morning when I was starting the engines on Sgt. Dilla’s plane.

I had completed my walk-around preflight, and had climbed the ladder and strapped myself in the cockpit. I ran through the start-engine checklist, gave a way of my gloved index finger to the crew chief to let him know that I was starting the first engine. The external power cart was droning loudly as I pressed the start switch. The starter cartridge fired, and the RPM began to increase during the start sequence. At the same time, the hydraulic pressure began to build as the engine continued to accelerate. And then, the unexpected happened.

The bomb bay door, with a ferry tank full of JP-4 jet fuel began to rotate. Sgt. Dilla saw it before I had any indication in the cockpit. The engine had ignition and fuel flow and combustion as the RPM increased. Meanwhile the bomb bay door continued to rotate, rupturing fuel lines and I was inspired to write this tribute to the crew chiefs of dumping gallons of raw fuel on the ramp in close proximity the world by the courageous action of one of my favorite to the operating engine. Sensing that an explosion and crew chiefs, Sgt. Dave Dilla, assigned to the 13th Tactical massive fire were imminent, Sgt. Dilla ran toward the plane Bomb Squadron which was preparing to deploy across waving to get my attention. I saw his hand drawn across his the Pacific during the Vietnam War. His airplane, #865, throat – the signal to shut down the engine immediately. was a highly-modified B-57G tactical bomber. Its design As I closed the throttle to extinguish the combustion in the mission was night interdiction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail engine, the sergeant was up the ladder in a flash, reaching in Laos. Every night a heavy flow of war material moved into the cockpit to un-strap my seat belt and shoulder down the unlighted network of jungle roads heading for harness and disconnect the oxygen hose from the mask. the Communist With his assistance, I war effort in the was out of the cockpit South of Vietnam. and moving well away The bomber was from the plane in record equipped with seetime lest it explode. in-the-dark scopes, Fortunately it didn’t, radar, laser-guided and the ground crew and 500-pound bombs fire department went to and incendiary work cleaning up the cluster bombs to spilled jet fuel. I thanked destroy truck traffic. the crew chief for his Getting the airplanes extraordinary help in across the Pacific getting me out of the to the theater of cockpit so quickly. But, operations became long after the incident, I the long pole in the often reflected how Sgt. tent. The bomber A ferry fuel tank for the B-57 on the upper half of the bomb bay door, ready for installation.

Dilla had risked his life

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July 2015

Sgt Dave Dilla, crew chief, 13th Bomb Squadron, with a laser-guided bomb

without a second thought to get his pilot out of harm’s way.

My dedicated crew chief passed away in 2011. But he will always be remembered by me and those who knew him as a brave man who, on one occasion, at risk of life, did his best to protect me from a sudden, horrible outcome.

Years ago, I met an airport fireman, and had the chance to thank him for the many times throughout my flying career

of my flying suit without the crew chief seeing what I did.

I strapped in, started the engines and taxied out for takeoff.

An hour later I landed, and taxied back to the parking area.

The chief marshaled me to a stop, and I shut down the engines and climbed down the ladder. I walked around the airplane and ducked down over the new tire and re-taped the yellow tag along the tread where I had discovered it on the preflight. When the crew chief noticed the yellow tag, he was incredulous.

“How’d you do that?!” He asked, knowing that the airplane took off and landed at nearly 180 MPH. I kept a straight face as I explained that I held the wheel off the runway on landing until the airplane had slowed way down. Then I eased the tire down gently, and slowed to taxi speed. He rolled his eyes. I reminded that test pilots were referred to as “golden arm pilots” because we could do things like that.

My face broke into a guilty grin, giving away my secret.

We both laughed at my friendly deception.

On a student training flight in a twin-engine B-57 bomber that we used to teach engine-out performance and test techniques for determining the minimum control speed on a single engine, the tables were turned. On the landing roll, my student suddenly pulled the control wheel full aft, raising the nose high to slow to taxi speed without using much braking. He slightly overdid the maneuver and, unknown to me, scraped the tail skid (which was sacrificed to save the underbelly of the aft fuselage). Later in the day, the crew chief found me in my office and presented me with a red and white, striped B-57 tail skid with the words, “Tail Dragger”, stenciled on it. The deep scrape was immediately obvious. “Uh oh!” As the instructor pilot, I was responsible for the scrape. The chief reminded me that, according to unwritten tradition, I owed him and his crew a case of beer. And so the game works both ways!

It’s that kind of rapport that typifies the relationship that I’m describing. Long live the great crew chiefs of the world!

Sgt Dave Dilla, crew chief, 13th Bomb Squadron, with a laser-guided bomb

that unknown fireman had rushed to my assistance during many aircraft emergencies. He became for me the token fireman that I owed many thanks for being there when I was in trouble. In the same way, Sgt. Dave Dilla is the token crew chief standing for all the fine crew chiefs who prepared my planes for flight, and awaited my return.

In the spirit of camaraderie between pilot and crew chief, I played a little trick on my crew chief at Edwards Air Force Base, California, while I was instructing at the Air Force Test Pilot School in the 1960’s. The mechanic had prepared a supersonic T-38 jet trainer for a local flight over the Mojave Desert. When I arrived at the airplane and started my walk-around inspection, I noticed that he had replaced a worm tire on the right main wheel. The yellow tag was still taped to the new tire. I peeled it off and stuck it in a pocket

Sgt Dave Dilla, crew chief, 13th Bomb Squadron, with a laser-guided bomb

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July 2015

The Day Before the Armistice, 26 July 1953

By Don Butler

We received word that all fighting would cease on 27 July 1953. As I recall, the 13th Bomb Squadron as well as the other squadron of the 3rd Bomb Group were scheduled for a maximum effort, daylight, high level bombing mission on 26 July near the 38th Parallel to insure the integrity of the agreement against North Korean Aggression. This was unusual for the 13th since most wartime missions were flown at night.

Father Patrick seeing our ships off, the day before the Armistice.

Many of the Squadron Maintenance Airmen were on the tarmac to see them off. There was considerable risk since North Korea had improved its anti-aircraft weapons and some damage was inflicted on our aircraft during this mission.

The next day, the Armistice was agreed to and three years of fighting ended.

Moore (Radar), Whitney, Coston, Lupo (Engineering)

13th Bomb Squadron sign on the Orderly Room

Sign on the Radar Tent. Oscar's Radar sees all!

CO coming out of Operations building.

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July 2015

The Day Before the Armistice, 26 July 1953

By Don Butler

Out on the flightline at K-8, 13th aircraft are loaded and ready to go.

Moore and Walters atop a blast barrier viewing a rare daylight bombing mission the day before the Armistice. .

Roberts and Colthard with new power unit towed with ammo carrier by Radar/Radio techs.

On the 13th Bomb Squadron flightline at K-8 the day before the Armistice.

There they go, up North again one last time the day before the Armistice. Our aircraft took some flak damage that day.

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July 2015

13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION September 16-20, 2015

Radisson Hotel Branson – Branson, MO (417) 335-5767 (888) 566-5290 www.radisson.com/branson-hotel-mo-65616/mobranso

Location 120 South Wildwood Drive, Branson, MO 65616 The Radisson Hotel Branson is located just off the strip and in walking distance to many attractions. The hotel is approximately 55 miles away from the Springfield Branson National Airport.

Reservation Information Call the number above and please remember to reference the 13th Bomb Squadron Association or please visit www.radisson.com/13thbsa.

Group Name: 13th Bomb Squadron Association Reunion Dates: September 16-20, 2015 Rate: $99 + tax (currently 11.6%) Rate will be offered 3 days before and 3 days after reunion dates, based on availability. Cut off Date: 08/14/15 Late reservations will be processed based on space availability at a higher rate.

Cancellation Policy: Must call 3 days prior to scheduled arrival date to cancel reservations and avoid being charged 1 nights room + tax.

Parking & Shuttle Information Hotel parking is complimentary. Four airlines (American, Allegiant, Delta, and United) service the Springfield Branson Airport. GrayLine offers service to and from the airport, current fare for one way service is $95 for 1-2 people, $115 for 3 people, and $135 for 4 people. Please call 417-334-5463 or visit www.grayline.com/things-to-do/ united-states/branson. Branson Coach also offers service to and from the airport, current fare for one-way service is $100 for 1-2 people, and $10 for each additional person.

Please call 417-339-4888 or visit www.bcnwa.net to make reservations and verify pricing.

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Branson Airport, a smaller privately owned airport, uses Grayline for shuttle service to and from the airport. The cost is $25 per person one way. For questions or to make reservations, please contact Grayline at 417-334-5463 or visit www.grayline.com/things-to-do/united-states/branson.

All prices are subject to change, please call to verify pricing. Reservations need to be made twenty-four hours in advance for all shuttle services.

Wheelchair Rental ScootAround rents both manual and power wheelchairs by the day and week. Please call (888) 441-7575 or visit www. scootaround for details and to make reservations.

Wednesday, September 16

Hospitality Room Open 2:00pm-5:00pm Reunion Registration open 5:30pm Cash Bar 6:00pm Buffet Dinner 8:00pm-10:00pm Board Meeting

Thursday, September 17

Hospitality Room Open 8:30am-9:00am Reunion Registration open 9:30am-1:30pm Veterans Memorial Museum

(description follows) 5:00pm-6:00pm Reunion Registration continues 6:30pm-10:45pm “Red Shirt Night” – Dinner Cruise

(description follows)

Friday, September 18

Hospitality Room Open 9:15pm-2:00pm The Bretts Show / Lunch

(description follows) 6:00pm Cash Bar 7:00pm Banquet is served.

July 2015

13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2015 Saturday, September 19

Hospitality Room Open 9:00am-11:00am Business Meeting Free Day to explore the Branson on your own.

6:15pm-10:30pm SHOJI TABUCHI THEATRE

(description follows)

Sunday, September 20 7:30am-9:00am

Farewells Breakfast Buffet

Cancellation And Refund Policy For Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. For attendees canceling reunion activities prior to the cutoff date, Armed Forces Reunions, Inc. (AFR) shall process a full refund less the non-refundable AFR registration fee ($10 per person). Attendees canceling reunion activities after the cut-off date will be refunded to the fullest extent that AFR’s vendor commitments and guarantees will allow, less the non-refundable AFR registration fee. Cancellations will only be taken Monday through Friday from 9:00am until 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time, excluding holidays.

Please call (757) 625-6401 to cancel reunion activities and obtain a cancellation code. Refunds processed 4-6 weeks after reunion. Canceling your hotel reservation does not cancel your reunion activities.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armedforcesreunions

TOUR DESCRIPTIONS Veterans Memorial Museum Thursday, September 17 This privately owned museum contains over 2000 artifacts in ten display rooms, covering WWI through Desert Storm.

For those who lived through these times, the memories brought back are vivid and overwhelming. The hallmark of the museum is the world’s largest war memorial bronze sculpture – over seventy feet in length weighing over fifteen tons! It depicts fifty life-sized soldiers (one from each state) storming the beach. For lunch and shopping, we’ll head to Branson Landing, Branson’s premier waterfront shopping area. Stores include Bass Pro Shop and Belk anchor stores, among many other specialty shops.

You’ll have a wide variety of choices for lunch including subs, Mexican, Italian, burgers, and more.

9:30am board bus, 1:30pm back at the hotel $43/Person includes bus, escort, and admission. Lunch on your own.

Showboat Branson Belle Dinner Cruise Thursday, September 17 The Showboat Branson Belle presents an unforgettable

experience for your entire group, especially since they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a new show and menu! Themed after the majestic showboats of the 1800s, the Showboat Branson Belle evokes the spirit of a bygone era when river boat adventure, glamorous travel and dazzling entertainment converged into what we remember as ‘Those Grand Old Showboatin’ Days!’ Your 2-hour cruise on magnificent Table Rock Lake includes a delicious 3-course meal (with roast beef and chicken) freshly prepared in the ship's galley and the exciting variety production Celebrate featuring singing, dancing, comedy, and more.

6:30pm board bus, 10:45pm back at hotel (8pm cruise) Cost is included in the package price.

The Bretts Show / Lunch Friday, September 18 Having appeared on worldwide television and in more than 3000 live performances around the globe, The Brett Family delivers high energy, high-caliber professional musical entertainment. The two-hour show mixes timeless classics, current chart-topping hits, and award-winning original music, all presented with The Bretts’ signature polish and professionalism. The Bretts Show proudly features Branson’s #1 Patriotic Tribute and also includes a host of fun surprises. After the show, enjoy lunch at the adjacent American Bandstand Grill. Details are still being worked out, but you’ll have a choice of several entrees such as sandwich/fries or salad.

9:15am board bus, 2:00pm back at the hotel $67/Person includes bus, escort, show, and lunch.

Shoji Tabuchi Theatre Friday, September 19 Branson’s hottest ticket is the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre. Shoji and his magic violin will dazzle you with practically every kind of music. Listen to country, bluegrass, Cajun, swing, jazz, and even a little Classical music. Enjoy the show that's become the "talk of the town" as one of Branson's most delightful shows. The family that plays, sings, and dances encompasses all the wholesome values of truly great family entertainment, yet the show rivals the pure excitement of Las Vegas or New York. Shoji’s wardrobe is sensational and even the rest rooms are a show-stopper!

6:15pm board bus, 10:30pm back at hotel $65/Person includes bus, escort, and show.

Drive and Staff gratuities are not included in the tour prices.

Please plan to be at the bus boarding area at least five minutes prior to the scheduled time.

All trips require a minimum of thirty-five people, unless otherwise stated.

Register online and pay by credit card at www.afr-reg.com/13bs2015

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cont. on page 20

July 2015

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July 2015

Deaths Not Previously Reported As of November 2014

George C. Duncan.

January 18, 2015 Gunner 1955-56 Lawrence J. Dober March 12, 2015 Radio Mechanic 1952-53 Don G. Harris May 16, 2014 Navigator 1954-55 John Melnyk February 17, 2014 Engineer 1952-53

Rest In Peace

Earl H. Laatsch Marc 31, 2013 Photo Lab 1942-45 David M. Hammett February 15, 2015 NAV/Bomb 1967-68

Billy L. Roth November 5, 2014 Gunner 1951-52 Thomas A. Dietrich October 20, 2014 Navigator 1964-65 Robert Ferguson June 17, 2015 Gunner 1951-52

David J. Christensen November 22, 2014 Line Chief 1950-52

I'll Fly Away

By Albert E. Brumley

Some bright morning when this life is over I'll fly away To that home on God's celestial shore I'll fly away I'll fly away, oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone I'll fly away Oh how glad and happy when we meet I'll fly away When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away I'll fly away oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away

21

Just a few more weary days and then I'll fly away To a land where joys will never end I'll fly away I'll fly away oh glory I'll fly away in the morning When I die hallelujah by and by I'll fly away I'll fly away

July 2015

It’s winter above North Korea. Your airplane has been hit, and the pilot is unable to feather the prop.

You are going down. The other three crewmen are discussing when to jump. The new untrained 2nd lieutenant navigator in the right seat with a borrowed and ill-fitting parachute knows he will likely fall out of the chute when it opens.

This isn’t an action movie. It’s what real people experienced as aviators during the Korean War, spending countless missions flying through the dark, risking life and limb to navigate the mountains and valleys of enemy terrain.

For veteran navigator Charles W. Hinton, his time in the war was short, but the memories of what he and his squadron accomplished will last a lifetime.

Pulled from navigation school straight into a tour of duty, he had no previous training to speak of and learned to fly combat in a B-26 attack while literally in the line of fire.

Korea: A Short Time in a Small War is a firsthand account of Hinton’s six months of experience during this tumultuous period in history, along with the stories of a diverse collection of friends and foes he interacted with along the way. Charlie's book is available on Amazon at http://tinyurl.com/kry6ltu

13th Bomb Squadron Assoc. Hats & Patches please contact John Fortier at (310) 540-2596 or john_fortier@msn.com or write to him at 713 South Broadway Street Redondo Beach, CA 90277

September 16-20, 2015 22

July 2015

The Hot SEAT Through

Editor’s Comments

my association with the 13th Bomb Squadron, I have had the honor and pleasure of meeting some amazing people who have served with this squadron. From maintainers and armorers to flyers and gunners, even a combat photographer. The flight and ground crews of the 13th Bomb Squadron made the Grim Reapers the standard for others to follow. The long list of accomplishments by the squadron both in war and in peace bears that out. The 13th is and has always been one of the elite squadrons in the Air Force and now, once again, one of your own is the top dog of the 509th Bomb Wing! I'm of course talking about our friend and Grim Reaper, Brig Gen Paul W. "Nuke" Tibbets IV.

The first B-2 Reapers at Whiteman AFB

that Brigid was bored to death, and started talking to her and gave her his Grim Reaper flying scarf!

She was thrilled and still has the scarf hanging in her room.

Over the years, through each new assignment, Don Henderson, Editor I have had the honor of creating the artwork for each of the challenge coins that Paul had made, and even some Friday Patches for both the 13th and the 393rd Bomb Squadrons.

I also designed the departure certificates for the 393rd that Paul personally signed and gave to each pilot leaving the squadron.

My association with the 509th Bomb Wing goes back almost as far as my association with the Grim Reapers. The centerfold of this issue is based on coins I designed for Dan Vargas, who was with the 509th at Whiteman. It was interesting how both blended into one. Kind of ironic the way this all worked out. I have also done artwork for the 442nd Fighter Squadron, as well as the 113th Bomb Squadron of the Missouri Air National Guard, also at Whiteman AFB. I also want to point out, that Paul Tibbets is not the first Grim Reaper to command the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB. The first Grim Reaper to command the 509th Bomb Wing was General Thomas "Bra" Bussiere, who Paul flew with. Thomas "Bra" Bussiere was the first B-2 commander of the 13th Bomb Squadron and he went on to command the 509th Bomb Wing from June 2012 - February 2014.

We first met Lt Col Paul Tibbets at the reactivation ceremonies at Whiteman AFB when Oscar, the Devil's Own Grim Reaper and the 13th Bomb Squadron again took its rightful place as an active unit of the United States Air Force. Paul was a B-2 pilot and DO for the new 13th Bomb I was sorry that I wasn't able to make it out to the Squadron.

COC to see Nuke take command of the 509th, I Charlie Hinton was introducing me to Jack Heyn was too many miles away on vacation with the at the Mission's End Club and one of the 13th's family, but I was there in spirit and take great pilots overheard the introduction and introduced pride in knowing that a Grim Reaper is once himself. Turned out that Paul, or "Nuke", Tibbets again in command of the 509th Bomb Wing! was a fan of my artwork and we became fast I want to wish Nuke and the 509th Bomb Wing all friends. Ironically, I had met his grandfather at the the Best. It is certainly an honor to be associated WWII Days Air Show in Reading, Pennsylvania. with such an elite outfit as the 509th Paul and his lovely wife, Angelle, sat down with Bomb Wing. my wife, daughter Brigid, and I and we got to know each other. At some point, Paul noticed 23

13th Bomb Squadron Association

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Bob Wood, 394th Combat Training Squadron T-38 Talon Crew Chief, unveils the name of the 509th Bomb Wing commander, Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets IV, on a T-38 aircraft during the change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., June 5, 2015. As part of an Air Force tradition, one aircraft is painted with the new commander’s name.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandra M. Longfellow/Released)