McDonnell F-101 "Voodoo"
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Dain Leadmon, e-mail, 29.09.2023 23:42

Found this on the net. My Brother was a VooDoo Medicine Man at
Charleston AFB in the 444th. He loved that plane. Larry Leadmon passed away April 2007. He was there in the middle 60's.


Jeff Lynn Kolln, e-mail, 23.08.2023 21:24

Hello William, I just Thanked everyone that has been helping me. Vol. 1 of my F-101 books will be on Amazon in September. Tyndall could be a book by itself. I am trying to organize the squadrons right now and really trying to find teams and aircraft that were at William Tell over the years, a real challenge.


Jeff Lynn Kolln, e-mail, 23.08.2023 21:21

Would like to thank all that have helped me. F-101 "Voodoo" Volume 1 will be at Amazon sometime in September, this covers the serial number history of each aircraft. Also does anyone have a copy of the Book "William Tell 1982" by John M. Deur?


Chuck Fields, e-mail, 20.08.2023 19:12

Hi Don! I was looking through the aviastar posts again and I saw your reply to my post. I was 11 years old at the time of the crash and I turned 65 yesterday. The years fly by. Back then, you and my dad were young, cocky and proud young men and you deserved to be. I would love to know the reaction of other pilots from Shaw at the time. We were stationed in France and my dad was friends with Col. Kirby Burnich. Around 1987 I bought an RF-101 model kit to build and his name was on the decal for the pilot. I no longer have the model but wish I did. I hope to hear from you!


Robert Aldridge, e-mail, 04.07.2023 01:23

My father, J. F. Aldridge was VP Sales & Service for McDonnell Aircraft Co at the time and "single-handedly" (according to J. S. McDonnell) sold the F-101 to the Air Force. Additionally, my mother, Enid Aldridge, named the F-101 as the "Voodoo." The F-101 was the first billion-dollar contract for McAir and the first Air Force contract. McAir's primary customer to that point was the Navy.
Interesting tidbit of a back story.


David OConnell, e-mail, 12.06.2023 07:54

I'm looking for any information on Capt. James Nolan who died in June of 1964 in a crash of a F-101F near Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. He was my wife's uncle.


Don Pickard, e-mail, 20.05.2023 15:36

For Chuck Fields,
I was flying RF-101s out of the 29th TRS at Shaw AFB when your dad crashed in 1970. While I do not have all the official details I do remember the stories of what happened and what was discussed among fellow pilots at the time. I would be happy to share.
Don Pickard, LtCol USAF (ret)
4005 Batik Court
Leland, NC 28451


Jeremie S.A, e-mail, 02.05.2023 07:03

I just found a f-101 seat on Facebook marketplace which I am the proud owner now. I have almost no pipes and hardware running at the back but other than that, it's in fair condition. I didn't particularly searched for this aircraft in the beginning but I found myself impressed by the tech that was developped at that period of time. I guess the next step for me is to find someone that knows more about it in details... or somebody that literally flew the thing because I wrapped around internet quite fast.


Ron McIlnay, e-mail, 01.05.2023 01:28

Jeff, I haven't been on this site recently but I'll try to answer your questions on the F-101B Voodoo: Each Mission had a code, should Russian "Bear" bomber/s show up on the western coast, we would scramble 2 or 3 Voodoo's. If radar showed more than 2, our F-101's would be in contact/control with the USAF Command Center to determine if they were hostile. Should they be determined to be hostile by the Command Center, the "Data Link System" (ARR-60) would be sent the "arm" command which would arm the "Genie" and place the Fire Control System under the command of the Pilot and "RO", requiring both to agree to arm the missile, and both to agree to launch the missile. Ron McIlnay


Jeff Lynn Kolln, e-mail, 22.03.2023 17:05

Does anyone have photos and/or information about the Royal Flush Meets?


Nick Engelman Jr, e-mail, 15.01.2023 21:30

Jeff,

I crewed an F-101 at Tyndall from 1960-1963. The pilot was Cpt Bob Goad and the RO might have been Kimura. The plane went down off the end of the runway shortly after takeoff, and both were killed. We never learned what caused the accident. I was interviewed several times, as I was the last one to fuel the plane. I showed that the fuel ticket was signed for the JP-4.

When you publish your history, I'd appreciate seeing what you have.

Thanks,
Nick


William Henry Daves II, e-mail, 08.01.2023 13:14

We flew F101S out of Tyndall AFB Fla. I was phase doc and engine trim.


victoria farwell, e-mail, 03.01.2023 00:12

Hey Bud, I wonder if you’re still here online…Your post was a while back. My dad was also a VMM at Hamilton. Did you know him? Perhaps I’ve met you if you’re still in NorCal? K.R. Farwell ? Please reply. I’d enjoy hearing from you. -V


BobQuinn, e-mail, 01.12.2022 22:09

It’s been 55 years for me and if memory serves there was 1 hydraulic pump on the starboard front of the starboard engine. Access was from the starboard intake.
There was also a Ram Air Turbine that supplied emergency hydraulic pressure. I believe it dropped out from the fuselage in front of the wheel well
I hope I haven’t shown my ignorance here.


Bob Quinn, e-mail, 01.12.2022 21:48

I was there with the 52nd FMS SCAFB from Sept. 1965 to Aug. 1966.
I, probably, worked the Pneudraulics on most every F-101B there at one time or another. A wonderful aircraft to work on.
I, especially, enjoyed being near the beaches during warm weather when the masses from the city invaded the area. Me, being from NC, seemed to have an advantage with the females when I turned on the charm with the southern accent.
Not bragg’n, just say’n.
Great site, I really enjoy the comments.


Grace Banks, e-mail, 20.09.2022 07:47

Hi
My father flew the VoodooF101. I am reading these posts and grew up in many of the air bases mentioned. Since his passing I have inherited lots of information.
My father was Bismarck Wichy.
He was a wonderful Dad and very proud of his Air Force career.
Please let me know what information would be helpful to publish his name in honor of his service.
Thank you
Grathel Wichy Banks
Gbanks0911@gmail.com


Grace Banks, e-mail, 20.09.2022 07:44

Hi
My father flew the VoodooF101. I am reading these posts and grew up in many of the air bases mentioned. Since his passing I have inherited lots of information.
My father was Bismarck Wichy.
He was a wonderful Dad and very proud of his Air Force career.
Please let me know what information would be helpful to publish his name in honor of his service.
Thank you
Grathel Wichy Banks
Gbanks0911@gmail.com


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 26.07.2022 17:06

I am slowly putting together the 322nd History and have a few unanswered questions from that squadron. Did you ever know anything about an R/O named Peoples that was lost on a flight? I have never been able to find the actual report, but just bits and pieces. Been trying to understand the Data Link thing also. Did the R/O have his own set of T.O's other then the Fire Control System and Radar manuals, been trying to track all these down. I have all the flight manuals. Jeff


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 26.07.2022 16:55

Would appreciate any history you could give me on the 75th! jEFF


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 26.07.2022 16:54

I have been trying to track down a lot of the Technical Orders for the F-101s. I have most the flight manuals, did the R/O's have their own? Or did they come under the Fired Control System? Jeff


Ron McIlnay, e-mail, 26.07.2022 00:48

Jeff, I forgot to include what the "RO's" we called, which was "Scope Wizards". Sorry for missing that before I sent the main e-mail to you. Ron


Ron McIlnay, e-mail, 26.07.2022 00:43

Hello Jeff, just found your site, as well as all the others listed. I see a lot of "Medicine Men" stories (which were the "nuts and bolts" guys), but none identifying the pilots as "One-o-Wonders", and RO's (Radar Observers) who were actually the "Weapons Officers". I was stationed at Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, OR from early 1963 to mid 1966, supporting the F-101B Voodoo aircraft, assigned to 408th CAMRON, supporting the 322nd FIS, of 25th NORAD.
I was assigned to the A&E shop supporting the F-101B COM/NAV equipment. I "gobbled up" learning the electronics of the F101, as a "Medicine Man". Then my life changed when I became one of two top students, in a series of classes being taught by RCA Engineers (not Air Force personnel). At that point, I (we) became "NON-EXISTENT", because we were taught the "AN/ARR-60 Data Link" system, meaning the two of us became "Witch Doctors". The Base Commander was Col. Witzenburger who lectured the two of us on how and why we became Non-Existent. From that time on, the other student was sent back East, and I became "isolated".


DeVere Williams, e-mail, 12.07.2022 06:06

1 was airman clerk in when hq. I’m pretty sure this was the crash for which I was assigned to a detail to go to the crash site to look for parts.
There was a huge crater where the plane went in.
We we taken there by. Us about 100 miles from base, as I recall.
Area was a ww1 battleground. Trenches were very evident but overgrown. Unexplored shells, canteen, bayonets were found.
I thougt we were told at the time two planes collided, but a history I’ve seen since, indicates this was one plane crash. I understand pilot died.


DeVere Williams, e-mail, 12.07.2022 05:55

I was at Laon same time period. I was a clerk in wing hq.


Jeff L Kolln, e-mail, 11.06.2022 22:29

Wally,

I probably have an accident report. Send me an E-Mail.


Jeff Lynn Kolln, e-mail, 11.06.2022 22:25

Chuck,

Very sorry about the loss of your father. The first set of books I am doing is a serial number history on each of the F-101 aircraft. What I currently have on 56-0106 is below. It looks like he had a "Pitch Up" on his aircraft, sadly a thing many F-101 aircraft were lost to. When they went into this most could not be controlled and did crash. They did install warning devices in later models and taught pilots what do do, which helped a few, but again it was a serious problem which was a flaw in the 101, and was taken into account when the designed the F-4. I will keep an eye open in the histories and let you know if I find more about your father. If you see in great RF-101 photos or info please keep me in mind. Please keep in touch and stay healthy! Jeff

Jeffrey L. Kolln Sr.
17125 Briar Street SE
Yelm, WA 98597
360-764-0553

79. RF-101C-70-MC 56-0106



Available 9/5/58. Accepted 10/29/58. Delivered 11/7/58.. To 17th TRS/432nd TRW Shaw AFB, SC 11/7/58. To Shaw AFB 1/1/59. To 66th TRW Laon-Couvron AB, France 5/13/59. To Phalsbourg-Bourscheid AB, France 3/17/60. To Laon-Couvron AB 3/18/60. Deployed to Toul-Rosieres AB 4/17/60.. Operation “Dim View”/Runway Repair) To Laon-Couvron AB 8/27/60. To Laon-Couvron AB 8/27/60. To Hill AFB, UT 11/18/60. To Laon-Couvron AB 7/30/62. To Chateauroux-Deols AB 7/27/64. To Laon-Couvron AB 10/23/64. To 17th TRS/66th TRW RAF Upper-Heyford, England 8/10/66. To Lake Charles 4/5/67. To RAF Upper-Heyford 6/12/67. To Getafe AB, Spain 4/3/69. (Camouflage Paint Applied) To 18th TRS/66th TRW RAF Upper-Heyford, England 6/14/69. To 18th TRS/363rd TRW Shaw AFB, SC 1/5/70. To Shaw AFB 3/3/70.



Involved in an accident with Major Charles P. Fields of the 18th TRS 3/3/70. He was planning to fly a low-level cover mission. Preflight, taxi, run-up, and takeoff were normal. He took off from Shaw at 1334 EST. At 1337 EST he called Squadron Operations to give them his departure time. At 1345 EST Major Fields made the following transmission: “Mayday, Mayday, Medal 11 just pitched up, thousand feet punching out!” Major Fields was airborne for 11-minutes. The impact area was 3.7 NM south of Batesburg, SC. The aircraft crashed in an open field with an estimated fuel load of 16,000-pounds. The aircrew landed 026 degrees and 6,270 feet from the aircraft impact area. An HH-43 helicopter arrived on the scene at 1445 EST with a Flight Surgeon on board who verified the fatality. The helicopter brought the Accident Investigation Team to the scene and returned the body to Shaw at 1730 EST. The aircraft crashed near Batesburg, SC.


Chuck Fields, e-mail, 11.06.2022 18:03

Jeff, my father flew the RF-101C during the Vietnam war. His plane apparently suffered a nose up situation on 3/3/1970 flying out of Shaw AFB and was killed. He ejected and his chute opened but, when found, he was still strapped to his seat deceased. I can find nothing about this anywhere. I found that, on that date, RF-101C-70-MC Voodoo/56-0106 was written off with no other explanation. It isn’t mentioned at all in military air crashes that year. What are they hiding about the incident. I know this isn’t what you are looking for but you seemed like a great source to answer my question.


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 06.03.2022 00:10

Hello, the first part of my Voodoo History is almost ready to go. If anyone has lists of assigned pilots and crew Chiefs to aircraft let me know, I will give you a bit of fame when published. Also does anyone have information on the following,

57-0307 was last seen at Kulis ANGB ins 1994
56-0228 setting in a field near Camp, Shelby, MS
A "Complete" history /record cards of Peace Wings aircraft
Info on the Candian 3 OTU and 414 Elect SQ
Info on F-101 William Tell participation
The Two Jets/pilots that flew in Movie "The Russians Are Coming"


Martin Hoppe, e-mail, 02.11.2021 22:04

Wonder if there is any relevance. My grandfathers name was Orland, and he worked for McDonnell Douglas around that time. Interesting info.


Ken Ester, e-mail, 07.09.2021 17:48

Joe,
I think you and I were in Tech School together at Amarillo late 60 to Jan 61. You went to Shaw and I went to Yokota.
Ken


Clay Hinkley, e-mail, 31.08.2021 01:27

Stationed at Laon AB MAY ‘65 - Mar ‘67 as teletype operator. Barracks backed up to 101’s parking pads. Damned near blew out our windows when they fired up the engines! Had approx. 3,000 airmen stationed there. Around 1/67 crew of approx. 400 Army came in to start dismantling base because France was closing all US bases. We went down to a skeleton crew of 100. Voodoos sent to US to be camouflage painted and sent to Nam. Witnessed one belly landing when landing gear wouldn’t engage.


hipolitotgomez@aol.com, 09.08.2021 23:02

I was RIO at Grand Forks AFB in 1962 - 1966 Logged 1960 hours in the F-101B/TF101B


Reuben Smith, e-mail, 09.07.2021 03:39

Crew Chief 63 t0 66 F101B


Laird Rollins, e-mail, 08.07.2021 06:34

I remember that crash it was huge news in the 87TH I believe the pilot was killed and if I am not mistaken his name was blackburn.


Laird Rollins2, e-mail, 08.07.2021 06:30

My dad was with the 87TH FIS at lockbourne until he went to Vietnam in 65 and after his tour was stationed at Wurtsmith AFB with the 379TH bomb wing. In the late 60,s the 94TH hat and ring operated from Wurtsmith.


Howard Wicklund, e-mail, 07.04.2021 16:41

with the 75th from 1959 -1960 c/c


Howard Wicklund, e-mail, 07.04.2021 16:39

Test


Howard Wicklund, e-mail, 07.04.2021 16:36

Hi Phil, I lost touch with you a few years ago, still like to hear about the 75th . Please put me back on the email list if you can, howies2@hotmail.com


Jud Rigsby, e-mail, 20.12.2020 00:15

I was stationed with the 87th at Lockbourne AFB from June 1966 until January 1967 and went to Cam Rahn Bay to work on F4's. I worked on the Autopilot and weapons guidence systems. left the Air Force in 1970. Now retired and living in my home town of Richmond Indiana, one hundred miles from Columbus, OH.
Jud


Gary "CRASH" Cranford, e-mail, 02.11.2020 19:03

Hi George,
I worked with you at the 78th A&E for a couple years. Left in 1966 for Ubon, Thailand and worked mainly F4's RF4's for a few years. Was at Seymour Johnson AFB, at Goldsboro, NC for a couple years, F4's, and spent 6 months in Korea during Pueblo crisis. Then off to Viet Nam for my first tour of duty at Tan Son Nhut in '69. 1970 at McChord AFB, WA.working Delta's then 1971 back to Nam, Danang AB and F4's. 72,73 at Loring AB, Maine and UTapao, Thailand for 9 mo TDY on B52's. Got out in June 73 and stayed in civil service for 37 years. Got to fly in an F101 while at Hamilton and flew on a test hop in a F4 at Ubon. HANG IN THERE OLD BUDDY..Gary


William Boyle, e-mail, 29.09.2020 21:07

I was stationed at Bentwaters near Ipswich UK. I believe we were the first to receive the VooDoo overseas. Our Commander was Adrian Drew, who broke some records in the 101. I was CC and did lose a pilot due to a mistake performed in maintenance
My squadron was the 92nd TFS. Any members can e-mail me at wboyle313@gmail.com. I now live in Florida.


Larry Friend, e-mail, 05.07.2020 04:21

Hello Wally,
If you are asking about
F-101B-75-MC s/n 56-0297 *1962: USAF 87th FIS.
*9/8/1962: Crashed near Washington Courthouse, OH.
It crashed on Sept 8, 1962 not April 8 and I am very familiar with this crash and what caused it. There's a reason why the Tail Section broke off and floated to the ground miles away from the crash site.

I was stationed with the 87th FIS at Lockbourne AFB when this happened in case you're wondering.

Please send your Email address to me at lfriend1@bellsouth.net and I will try and fill you in with more details.
Thanks,
Larry


Wally Soplata, e-mail, 07.04.2020 06:40

Does anyone recall what happened with the F-101B from Lockbourne AFB that crashed near Washington Court House, Ohio, on April 8th 1962? Crazy as it sounds, my father purchased the wreckage on a scrap bid there in October 1964. At age 11 then I helped Dad load the wreckage and haul it home. Dad sold most of the wreck for scrap, but did keep the tail section that is still on the property of my family estate in Newbury, Ohio.


Richard Owen, e-mail, 25.03.2018 00:30

Would like to hear from Jonathan Myer or any other former 13th FIS pilot or RIO. I programmed the F-101B flight simulator in the years November 1960 to November 1962. Remember you and other 13th FIS pilots. Taught myself to fly the simulator and flew it most days for test hops before crews arrived. Retired CFIAMEI. A2C Richard Owen, 58 years in grade.


bernie, e-mail, 20.03.2018 16:45

was at suffolk county afb from 1965-1966 at 2nd. FIS in operations. so many great memories around the voodoo. I was on the desk when I got a call on the land line from one of the pilots who was out on a mission wanting a ride back to the sq. seems he an his rio ejected and wound up in a swimming pool of one of the houses on the island. don't remember the crew but do remember the phone call.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 20.11.2017 00:26

@michaek arnold,One very rude welcome to Montana and the F/L bays that were not heated,to do preflights, made the sad mistake of pulling off a glove to key the throttle mike at -20F. You guys did one hell of a job keeping the ground power running in those temps, it was damn hard on gear. Think I kept bunny boots on for 2 months. That was one heck of a Bird, the air crews worked their tails off, and to boot I was a auggie Weapons Load Team B man. Froze my butt off doing Mass loads. Good to hear from you. I am at digitaldoc1@msn.com


michaek arnold, 17.11.2017 04:24

@Jerry Roberts, Hi Jerry, I was discharged in May 65. Can't remember too many long lost AF pals. The ground support shop was headed by Sarg Udink. My best buddy was Jim Kingma (weapons), Bob Godfrey an I were together from tech school. After I got married and left the barracks, I lost contact with most of the guys in the squadron. Hope all is well with you. Michael.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 13.11.2017 22:17

@michael arnold, Hi Mike, How late into 1965 were you there?
I arrived Jan 65 to do Comm/Nav when Carl Hoppe had the A&E shops. Maybe you recall a couple of the guys we replaced, Orland and a fella name Root. There was a F/L dude that I hungout with down in Missoula that year he split for the PI and I went to the Det #1. lost that name tho.


michael arnold, e-mail, 13.11.2017 04:06

I was assigned to the 29th FIS from 1962-65. I worked ground power and was "Dispatch 1" delivering the MC 11's, MD3A's or what ever was needed (heaters for the -30 degree nights) on the flight line. I really enjoyed my time on the "flight line" with all the ground crew and air crew, the alert barn experience and the and the scary 62 Cuban Crisis.


Lou DeSantis, e-mail, 23.08.2017 13:11

I am responding to Kathleen Dewhurst, e-mail, 25.07.2017 17:18 Hi, I could not retrieve Kathleens e-mail, but I may have some history for the F101B tail #80324. I was assigned to the 445th FIS, Wurtsmith AFB Michigan, 1961/62. Our squadron won the 1961 William Tell Air Weapons Competition. I have a photo of the 445th FIS F101B aircrafts, the sixth back from front appears to be the tail #80324; and the winning certificate, which was a decal placed below the cockpit on all our aircrafts.
Kathleen Dewhurst if you have can use this info contact me Lou DeSantis Email: desantisl@sbcglobal.net


Kathleen Dewhurst, e-mail, 25.07.2017 17:18

Hi, I run and restore an air museum in Palmdale, California and happen to own a F-101B (F) 80324 , that was assigned to the ANG in Arkansas and part of the Pueblo Crisis. Am in the middle if trying to find the right tail flashing and nose are for this group. Anyone have any pictures and stories of my bird would be most helpful. Please contact my email. Thanks, I like getting things historically correct.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 16.05.2017 16:58

Robert Roop, froze the buns off too many times doing Mass Loads at Malmstrom AFB. I hated those more than anything. Fast turns were a breeze, slam bam and move on. Yep that got the competitive juices flowing. I still have the lanyard pins from a Genie launch at Tyndall in 1966 when the 29th was there to shoot at drones. I was the Com/Nav shop at Det#1, Even with Nam going I would never trade that life experience for anything. Knew the 101 like a family member. be well sir.


Robert Roop, e-mail, 12.05.2017 02:18

Jerry Roberts, Yes, we loaded 2 Genie and 2 GAR. We had the same auggie crew the whole time I was there, about 2 3/4 years. We loaded 5 time a month minimum with dummies plus taking turns loading the alert birds with the real things. Fond memories there.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 26.04.2017 23:34

Bob Roop, you were a bit ahead of my era, Good to meet someone that loaded the beast. Did you have 2 and 2, 2 genie and 2 Gar on the rails? Auggie loaded for almost 3 years 1965-68 with the same crew. Our crew did the fastest (fast turnaround) recorded in 1967 and got chewed out for it.


Robert Roop, e-mail, 14.04.2017 18:09

I was in the 98th FIS Dover, Delaware 1961-1963 and worked on the radio/Navigation/Data Link/Comm on the F101B. I was also the B man on the loading team. When the Squadron moved to Suffolk Country I was shipped to McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA and work on the EC121. During the Cuba Crisis I was TDY to Atlantic City with four Voodoos.


Lottie Seaman, e-mail, 16.03.2017 02:47

Gary Long... My father (Billy Sanchez) was also at MacDill during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He taught me a lot about those old fighters when I was a kid and still recognize most of them on sight. :)


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 13.03.2017 23:04

WHO, among us participated as an auggie B or C men to Load the F-101? If there are any A men weapons guys jump in please.
Bill Clark and I from the 29th FIS DET#1 at Logan Field in Billings Montana(out of Malmstrom AFB) 1965-1968 loaded with an armament guy that we cannot recall his name. We set a record on the 101 for a fast turnaround with LIVE ordnance and would love to give credit where credit is due. Thanks Folks.


Gary A. Long, e-mail, 21.02.2017 01:42

Reference to above mention in the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo. There was a mention of an RF101 Voodoo being shot down during the Cuban Crisis... I was stationed at MacDill AFB Florida from October 1962 to 28 February, 1966, witnessed an RF 101 VooDoo land with no hydraulics, with lots of cannon fire holes in it. Don't know how the pilot brought the bird home, it was in such bad shape. I am pretty sure the shot down RF101 had flown out of MacDill at the time, as I saw an aircraft crew chief in tears, as he waited for his aircraft to return at the end of the runway. It never did. Lots of history and information about the huge amounts of paratrooper birds, 44 of them, I think, lined up at MacDill. Lots of old bombers were parked there as well. As a weapons load team, we mixed gasoline and powdered white phosphorus into napalm drop tanks hanging right on the F84's. Happy we didn't have to send the birds to Cuba...


J. M. Jones, e-mail, 18.02.2017 21:26

Todo,
I was stationed at Suffolk from July 1963 to July 1967 working out of the 2FIS. Who was you Dad. It became the NY Air National Guard in 1972/73. I also was in the Guard there from 1973 to 2001. Its not a Rescue Wing..


Jones, e-mail, 06.01.2017 19:38

Hi, I am interested in the RF-101C and wonder whether the engines were as reliable as generally said. Were the engines likely to suffer double flame out on takeoff? One Pilot has said that this was a risk. Rgds. T Jones. tob@tj44.demon.co.uk


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 06.12.2016 23:47

anyone have a handle on a Dale Johnson with the 29th FIS Malmstrom AFB Great Falls Montana 1/1965-1/1968? From Milbank So Dak, It's Appreciated.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 04.11.2016 16:46

For anyone that may have passed thru the 29TH FIS at Malmstrom AFB 1965-1968 or you happened to be in Billings,MT and DET#1, I got this info from Tim Bopp and thought I'd share it with you.
Mersereau, Gage M. Col. Gage Marston Mersereau joined his fighter pilot buddies in the sky on April 3, 2012. He passed in peace and flew on to his next journey with his family by his side. Colonel Mersereau served in the US Air Force for 29 years as a decorated fighter pilot. Colonel Mersereau was born on March 11, 1931, in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Waite High School in Toledo, Ohio, in 1949. He entered the Air Force through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program following graduation from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, in 1953. His USAF career included two assignments as a base commander, one in Billings, Montana, and the other in Syracuse, New York. He served our country in Vietnam as an A-1 pilot in 1968 and 1969, where he was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross. His career also included assignments in Athens, Greece and Rome, Italy. He retired from Luke Air Force Base in January, 1981, with decorations which included the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. Following his retirement from the USAF, Gage worked as a flight instructor at the Airline training Center in Goodyear, AZ. He also owned a Pitts Special aircraft in which he competed and taught aerobatics.


Dave Romesburg, e-mail, 22.10.2016 02:51

Was 46250 at Suffolk co AFB 1967. Loved the Voodoo to work on. Took early out due to family emergency. Lost track of rest of 462's I worked with who were great and talented. Hope they made it home safe. I did rum into to two vets who assembled the 2A's at an Arizona Festival but they worked at different bases. Good memories!


Bill Milliken, e-mail, 15.09.2016 00:03

My dad flew the F-101 out of Laon France circa late 50s to early 60s. He died a few years ago. His name is Gordon Milliken. I have a black and white of him standing outside the jet. He later flew the F-4C for recon in Vietnam 1967-1968 out of Camron Bay. I always figured he flew recon out of France, but I am trying to confirm this and also figure out which model he flew. Does anyone have any information?


Timothy Bopp, e-mail, 14.09.2016 09:12

To Jerry Roberts,
I was assigned to 29FIS Det. 1, 1967-1968 left when 106s brought in. I worked in AGE,became a friend and flew a number of times with Maj Gage M. I was the one who got the Det. in trouble for purposely breaking the sound barrier just before passing over the cliff at the edge of Billings. When Mayor Fraizer complained, Gage couldn't very well do anything to me because he was in the plane with me and was the one who taught me how and where to do it to get the best shock wave back on the town. Did you participate in the Yellowstone river floatilla? If you want to communicate contact me at timothyf.bopp@yahoo.com


duane schmidt, e-mail, 28.08.2016 19:15

i was a crew chief on 90-283 c flight, in 60 to 1962
was a very good bird. i thing of the good airman in
the 29th. it was good times


p.bender, 25.08.2016 17:01

also crew chief on rf101c out of 15 trs kadena ,Okinawa.
1963 for the recaord. we lived in a tent city in the graveyard across from gen. ky's villa . very interesting


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 16.05.2016 17:51

JL Brown, I was a B man auggie loader on the 101 at Malmstrom and at Det#1 for 2+ years. That book would have been an armament troop teams bible. If that is what your trying to find


JL Brown Jr, e-mail, 11.05.2016 10:26

Art Harrell, does anyone know if he still has a ATR-2A genie rocket load trainer? If anyone know where bouts one can be found,
Either AIM-4F or G, or a ATR-2A trainer, please let me know
Thanks. Brownie


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 07.02.2016 04:58

I have couple questions for anyone that may have knowledge of the 27th FBW F-101 aircraft. First the Fire Wall aircraft was 53-2426, but there was a "spare" aircraft also sent, does anyone know the number of the aircraft. Also I am trying to find which squadrons the following aircraft belonged to at Bergstrom? The Wing history does not show them; 56-028, 56-029, 56-033, 56-034, 56-035, 56-038, and 56-039.


Joe Shallcross, e-mail, 27.01.2016 21:54

I worked on RF101C 56-0088 at Misawa AB,Japan in 1964. It was a wonderful aircraft, I have worked on F105's,F4's and KC135's in my 26 years service in the AF,Navy,NJANG and proud of it!


Jim Hupp, e-mail, 20.12.2015 18:14

I was a Supply Secialist with 87th @ Lockbourne from 10/63 to 6/67. Any former 87th out there still in Columbus ?


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 10.12.2015 23:32

is there anyone left from The 29FIS Malmstrom AFB, or DET1 Billings from 1/1965- 1/1968 still around? A&E shops, Radar, FL, POL, and that crappy ass alarm sys in Billings for NOSO area that the MPs watched.


Lanny A. Eichert, e-mail, 21.11.2015 09:35

Lanny "IKE" Eichert @ LAtrehcie@aol.com
Retired in Utah among the Mormons, but certainly not one of them.


Lanny A. Eichert, e-mail, 21.11.2015 08:56

87th F.I.S. @ Lockbourne AFB, Columbus, Ohio weapons control systems mechanic I enjoyed running intercepts on landing aircraft from the cockpit of the parked F101 I was repairing during 1964 - 1967. Pilots complained it'd fly either a hump course or a sub course. It took three years before I visualized the whole system and got real confident knowing where to go to get it repaired the first time. My barracks room was #222. Jeff Wallace was at the other end of the floor and he was in the drague chute shop. 1967 I went to Clinton County AFB, our deployment base down in Wilmington, OH; east of Wright Patterson from which I processed out 03Jan68 to start January semester at Appalachian Bible Institue in Bradley, WVA. I preached the Fundamental Baptist Gospel in the barracks and took the heat from the guys for it. TSgt Scott Sprague was our training NCO and he was a born again Christian also. So was our base deputy commander Col. Ridgley Ryan whom I heard on J. Vernan McGee's radio Bible study program in 1999. Some of us guys had Bible studies at his base housing. Col. Ryan's wife made the best pumpkin pie I ever tasted. Last year I flew out to Columbus and toured what's left of the base and I could not recognize anything, not ever get my orientation. On line search showed me in '67 the 87th began shipping out its F101's one by one.


Marty Hutto, e-mail, 11.08.2015 18:45

I was in the 75th FIS Falcon missile shop at Dow from late 1960 to early 1961. It was a great aircraft, but it was just too cold out there on the flight line working in the missile bay. I volunteered to cross train to the BOMARC-B. and ended up a Langley AFB where the 48th had the F-102 and the winters were less severe.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 03.08.2015 17:44

Art Harrell, are you still out there somewhere? We had to be working DET1 at the same time. I had the COM/NAV shop.


Gerry Bowden, e-mail, 30.07.2015 06:02

I was stationed at Kingsley Field, Oregon. I was assigned to the 408th Camron Sq in the hydraulic shop. Is there anybody else that was there? The F-101 was the first aircraft I worked on. It was a sweet bird to work on.


Robert L Roberts,Capt.Retired, e-mail, 27.06.2015 00:33

YES!! ~AIM HIGH~ Flew both of MD fighters. F101B-75thDow AFB Bangor,ME 9/61to8/66; 322ndKingleyField,OR as RIO both Sqds.1st&only scramble on unknown on1st 5min alert successfully exequited. LtCol Sam Hill sqd Co. New Capt.Dick Carter at 322nd also Capt.Dean Wherly@ both Sqds. See about F4DCE under that. 251missions NAM. ~~~AIM HIGH~~~


Richard Lloyd, e-mail, 14.06.2015 04:30

Hi to everyone. I was at Shaw AFB, S.C. from Aug 1961 to Apr 1965. I was a jet engine mechanic and worked on the 101s in the 363rd CAM squadron.


hipolito gomez, e-mail, 30.11.2014 23:32

Flew 1960 hours as a Radar Intercept Officer from 1962 to 1969
Aircraft was a great interceptor.


Benjamin, e-mail, 30.11.2014 03:15

Voodoo "medicine man" 98th FIS Dover AFB, 1959-1961.transfered to Tyndall 61-63. Man what a ride. The 101 was beyond....good to see some of the old hands in here.


Jerry Barrow, e-mail, 03.11.2014 06:04

I was stationed at Oxnard AFB,CA 0961-1965;





























I was stationed at Oxnard AFB,CA 1961-1965; Assigned to the Base Gym and Swimming Pool; during the Cuban Missile Crisis was assigned to the AP and guarded the ISL end of the runway; after CMC over, back to the gym. Many 437FIS pilots,ROs,camron troops use the gym. I remember when we lost the F101 during the crisis; the RO that ejected was a regular in the gym....great people...great aircraft


Harry Spencer, e-mail, 17.09.2014 04:47

I too was a happy wrencher upon the F-101B ,Hyd shop
75th FIS, Dow AFB, Me. Was stationed there 11-60 to
12-63 (ETS).Shop NCO t/Sgt Pierre M. Evans.Excellent
assignment,outstanding A/C . Officers & inlisted were,
to a man,a privelge to work for and with .


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 02.09.2014 20:42

I am looking for copies Technical documents/publications on the Fire Control Systems, Radar, and Camera's (RF-101) for F-101 books I am writing. Any informormation on accidents in units minor or major and F-101s that flew atomic testing. Any help very appreciated.


Jerry Roberts, e-mail, 29.08.2014 20:21

Bob Perkins, I was with the 29th at Great Falls from 1/1965 to 1/66 then got the best break and was punished by being sent to DET#1 in Billings, I spent the last 2 years having a ball and got out 1/1968.
Old 30171 Airborne Comm Nav along with a fellow from SoDak Dale Johnsen. We both spent 3 years in the 29th. That era was a hoot.
We lost 2 101's in Billings, the 1 that ran out of gas returning from Dicky Goober and then Maj Gage dumped the other one just past the alert hangers in 1967 I guess it was after a cross wind hit him on flair out landing at Logan Field. I Crewed, Auggied, darn we did it all down there.


Al Rivers, e-mail, 26.06.2014 09:09

Flew the F-101B while assigned to the 15th FIS at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ. It had its deficiencies, but I swear it was the most beautiful and graceful fighter of all in the last half of the 20th Century, with just the right lines and proportions, swept back sleekness and power bulges perfectly placed. And it had a unique engine sound, with a throaty, deep roar that sounded as though it had been modulated by customized mufflers.


Bob A. Gwin Sr., e-mail, 06.06.2014 06:56

We found out some things on the plane crash, 21 Apr 1961, but still need, more information. Dr. Robert S. Gordon, USAF at Laon, signed the death certificate, Dr Neal C. Paulson, US Army Hospital, Verdun, did the Morticians work. May have happened on the Suippes Gunnery Range, 1st Lt, Roger James BYE crashed his Voodoo F101A-25 there, Tail No. MC s/n 54-1450 USAF 81 TFW, Anyone who knows anything about this crash, please let me know. BOB GWIN SR. (918) 664-5147
CGwin@SBCGlobal.net BOB GWIN SR/FACEBOOK (Me with "C" on Cap, with Grand Daughter in Pink Cap.)


Ed Peters, e-mail, 03.06.2014 18:08

I worked in the engine shop at Dow AFB in Bangor Maine from mid 1960 to June of 63 worked the flight line my lasr year. I remember Col. Hill every winter having a safety meeting in the Main hanger, don't touch planes. Still remember the Silver Dollar Bar, go times.


Robert A. Gwin Sr., e-mail, 30.05.2014 11:59

Anyone who was near Laon AFB, 90 Miles NE of Paris, on 21 April 1961, and remembers a Voodoo F101-A Plane Crash, that killed, 1st Lt. Roger James Bye, please contact me. (918) 664-5147. Bob Gwin Sr. CGWIN@SBCGLOBAL.NET, Thanks, & God Bless you & your Family. I'm helping his nephew Peter C. Bye, of Minn to get info on him.


Peter Bye, e-mail, 27.05.2014 17:44

My uncle Roger Bye was stationed in GB at Woodbridge / Bentwaters with the 78th TAC (81st) flying the F-101.

He was killed in a crash April 21, 1961 "Near Laon AB France" My research seems to lead me to believe it was F-101A-25-MC sn 54-1450

From what I understand, he also ditched one or more of them in the ocean.

Would any anybody you know, or be able to help me find out what may have happened. As a family we were told very little I am try to put the pieces together for our family history.

Regards;

Peter
pcbye2@mmm.com


Eric J Miller, e-mail, 13.05.2014 19:37

Yeah my Dad flew the F-101 @ Hamilton from 1963-1966 & was with the 78th FIS. He was the one of the colonel's that ran show. I can recall in 65 when that guy from Thunderbirds lost his life. My Dad had to come get me @ the bone yard looking @ scraps of that F-105, MP's did't say a thing when he showed up!A fuel hose let go spraying the hot section & the rest is POH


Roger Clark, e-mail, 25.03.2014 01:51

1966-1970 I was assigned to Griffiss AFB with the 49th FIS MSL Supply Section for the F-101 Voodoo and later the F-106 Delta Dart. Col. Freddie O'Connor was Squadron Commander for 49th FIS.


Michael Lombard, e-mail, 16.03.2014 00:54

I just happened on to this sight. Saw an old friends name, Bobby Crabb. I was at Grand Forks Air Force base with him 1961 to 1963. Weapons control systems mechanic. (Voodoo Medicine Man) we were on 12 hour shifts in Oct 62 during the Cuban crisis. One of the F-101s we worked on is now at the Hill AFB museum in Utah not too far from where I live. Some times I go there so that us two museum pieces can be together again.


Todo, 04.02.2014 04:18

Dad flew F-101B with 2nd FIS at Suffolk County Air Firce Base, Long Island, New York in mid 60's. Col Francis Gabreski was his wing commander. The base is now called Gabreski Field after the famous Ace from WWII and Korea. Dad also flew the RF 101 in Vietnam in 1969. Dad set a good example and I followed his lead and went on to fly F-4Es and F-111Fs in my own career. Dad is 80 now, flying solo since mom passed, but has his sons checking six everyday


Bob Perkins, e-mail, 19.01.2014 02:10

Spent time with 29th at Malmstrom 6/1965 to 5/1966. I was in missile support for the air born stuff Falcons etc. Remember the planes and a few problems. We lost one down by Billings when the pilot ran out of gas. Came home in a truck. Also remember a ground support troop gettng sucked into an engine, weird noise as the compressor stalled. He survived. Lots of bird and rabbit problems there.


Roger Lloyd, e-mail, 10.01.2014 20:56

Unique sound of the Voodoo's engines? In the early 60s I was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA and occasionally could hear those jets starting up over at McChord AFB. It seemed to me that they had a very unique sound compared to other jets. Why is their sound unique? Thanks!


Art Harrell, e-mail, 26.12.2013 21:33

was a C/C on a Voodoo-29th Fighter Interceptor Squadron (fighting cocks)Air Defense Command-Malstrom A.F.B.Great Fall and Det. 1--Billings Montana--May 1966-Jan, 1968--Great Air Craft


david Kelly, e-mail, 07.12.2013 05:40

My father was Major Norm Kelly and retired out of Suffolk county AFB in 1965. Last assignment was with 52nd field maintenance squadron. We lived in base housing on Hamilton ave and were stationed at SCAFB 3 times- between 1952-1965. Does anyone remember him?


Ed Robie, e-mail, 27.11.2013 03:49

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is restoring a Voodoo. Anybody know how to unlock the nose cone? Thanks


Howard Wicklund, e-mail, 31.10.2013 00:11

I was a crew chief with the 75th fIS at Dow from 59 to 61 just about 13 months. Just out of tech school at Amarillo. Made us crew chiefs "57-0423" almost right away were short of people I was still an E-2. I was in B flight Tsgt Achorn was Flight chief and cms "pops" Donaugh was line chief and LT. Col Hill C.O. Great times. From there shipped out to Kadina Okinawa.


Murray B, e-mail, 19.10.2013 07:29

Everyone that worked with the Voodoo seems to speak well of the aircraft and that is fairly rare. Its performance seems exceptional for an aircraft that entered service in 1954. The range was amazing but some sources indicate it could be extended even further by removing some piece of equipment and installing an extra fuel tank in its place. Does anybody know what that was all about and if that feature was ever used in practice?


Robbie Robinson, e-mail, 15.10.2013 15:31

Does anyone have any photographs of 481st Tac.Ftr.Sq.,
F-101,s, when the squadron was assigned to the 27th TFW at Bergstrom,Tx. The 481st Carried Green tails with white star markings.
Robbie.


Ernie, e-mail, 12.10.2013 02:44

I was a Voodoo Medicine Man with the 60th FIS, 60-64, and worked on Autopilot and Pitch Control Systems. Great aircraft and I really enjoyed working on it. A few years ago I visited the TICO warbird museum in Titusville, FL. The have a F-101B on display with the lettering of the 60th.


Ralph L. Robledo, e-mail, 24.09.2013 23:29

I worked on the F-101B , 60th FIS at Otis AFB from 63 -65, MG-13 Radar Flightline. I now do volunteer work at the Castle Air Museum. Can anyone give me the size of the nose tires. We are restoring 57-0412 and have to replace the nose tires. It was originally stationed at the 75th FIS , Dow AFB, Maine. Thanks


Jerry Zerm, e-mail, 14.08.2013 02:33

I was in Misawa in 63 to 65, and was in the 439th FMS in the engine shop, also worked engine conditioning (line maint) and the test cell. Went to Ton Son Nhut on an Able Mable deployment in Jan 65 to Mar 65. Loved the RF 101-C, great acft!!!


phanthompxer, e-mail, 12.05.2013 23:46

Wurtsmith AFB, 1966


Andy McGraw, e-mail, 24.04.2013 06:44

Good day all, I wish to make a correction regarding my previous comment the other day regarding 425 Sqn. The bird seen in the squadron logo was not a Swift, it was a Skylark.
The anniversary Voodoo was named "Lark One". There were various nick names as well. (not everyone was in favor of the Lark One paint scheme). However, it was what it was and is part of 425 Sqn. history. Cheers, Andy


Andy McGraw, e-mail, 23.04.2013 04:40

Just some further info regarding the offer of a McDonnell Douglas CF-101B Voodoo ejection seat for sale from Alberta Canada. A little history about this seat, it was removed from tail SN: 101014 (014) was one of 3 Anniversary Voodoos in the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) before they were retired.
This aircraft was specially painted in the colors of Red Yellow and Blue. This aircraft flew with 425 Sqn. called the Allouettes in Bagotville Quebec. The bird on the Sqn. logo is called the "Swift" this was painted down the side of the aircraft. The ejection seat is the weapon's officer seat from the back seat. The serial number "014" is stenciled on the seat back. This aircraft still exists, and is located in a compound with 3 other retired Voodoos at CFB. Bagotville airforce base to date. I heard the museum there plan on restoring aircraft 014 in the near future.
So if you wish to own a piece of this aircraft history, let me know thanks.


Andy McGraw, e-mail, 23.04.2013 04:30

Hello everyone, I have a complete Weber Ejection seat for sale.
I live in Alberta Canada. The seat is very complete, and includes the (inert) rocket cylinder on the back of the seat.
The seat pack is there, as well as new shoulder harness group, and correct special release lap belt block buckle assembly. I will be listing it on E-Bay soon or will consider serious queries. You won't be disappointed!!! Took me 3 years to complete. I also have a few more interesting pieces left as well, including the complete "Flight Command"
HUD unit w/retractable sight glass and projector, as well as the complete intercept light assembly set, also available is the front armored windscreen glass, and anti-collision light. Shipping is extra. I prefer to sell the ejection seat locally. But if you pay for the crating and shipping, I can arrange a sale. Thanks for looking, please e-mail all queries to Andy at aerojet57@hotmail.com thanks.


Bob Quinn, e-mail, 11.04.2013 21:23

The 52nd FMS hydraulic shop was my workplace at Suffolk Co. AFB in 1965/66. We serviced 2 squadrons of F-101B's. If my memory serves they were the 2nd & 98th. Great plane, great place.


Don Braemer, e-mail, 20.03.2013 19:02

I was a crew cheif from 1966 to 1970 at Griffis AFB in Rome N.Y. for the F-101's and T-33's


Kathy, e-mail, 14.03.2013 18:22

I m a genealogist i am so proud of LTC Orrel Culwell is there anyone that can help me learn more about who he was.I read some articles but didnt understand.I learned he was a LTC and a Major at one time and a Pilot for the
Airforce.Any help would be Appreaicated


John Pray, e-mail, 06.03.2013 23:46

Leo Kwiatkowski"
Yes i was in the electric shop in the 87th 1963-1964.


LOU IANNAZZI, e-mail, 18.02.2013 18:47

I was a hydrl. mechnic at Dow AFB Bangor, Maine 1964 to 1968. We were the 75th fighter sq. last of the original flying tigers. Bangor was the coldest place on earth we used to go in the intake to stay warm.
It was some of the best times a young guy could have.


Leland Olson, e-mail, 30.01.2013 06:14

Many memories of the F-101A from Hamilton Field CA 59-60 and the RF-101c at Misawa AB Japan 60-62. Aircraft maintenance was great and like a dummy I only stayed in four years. I went on the first Able Mable Mission to Thailand Nov-Dec 61. I have a large picture of the Able Mable Team from a later date that Royce Colding sent to me. I will send it if somebody wants it. Our numbers are thinning out but not quite ready to check out yet.


debra cordes, 24.01.2013 20:10

My dad passed last year ewald cordes he was maintenance on the voodo and in california the day it made the speed record. I have his ashtray made also by mac donnell douglas. Just wondering if anyone remembers dad. I am having a problem with my email. But I can be called. 9856889893. Debra cordes.


Martin Waldman, e-mail, 06.01.2013 11:08

I was with Able Mable from Misawa Japan,was there in 64 and 65.Lived in tent city in a graveyard.


Denny Nolden, MSGT USAF RET, e-mail, 06.01.2013 09:07

I was with ABLE MABLE in 64 from may to aug, I still have copies of my orders if they will help anyone. Will send you copies for whatever help they may give you.


George, e-mail, 21.12.2012 03:49

Question. been about 46 years sense working on RF-101-C. How many Hydraulic pumps on the Aircraft and what are their locations.Just want to make sure that my mine has the right answer.. THANK YOU ALL Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013


ted andrews, e-mail, 12.12.2012 18:54

I was in fire control systems U S AIR FORCE AND ANG


ted andrews, e-mail, 12.12.2012 18:54

I was in fire control systems U S AIR FORCE AND ANG


harold patterson, e-mail, 02.12.2012 17:43

I was stationed at K.I. from 1969 thru 1971 I was in 62 FIS and worked in the hydraulic shop for John b Keiser a long with Mac Mcuthion,Quinn,John C Tatum. Only way ought was to volunteer for vietnam i went to Danang then on to ubon. Enjoyed working on the VooDoo. Don,t miss the snow A.


Ken Olinger, e-mail, 30.11.2012 01:15

MAPS AIR MUSEUM located in GREEN,Ohio has a F101 Voodoo with a tandem seating arrangement. We are looking for drawings and/or technical data for the canopy open/close mechinism so we can repair it on the VOODOO we have.
Any info,drawings,sketches,manuals or contacts you know of about this system will be appreciated! Thankyou!


George Prine, e-mail, 14.11.2012 05:50

I was a hydraulic mechanic with the 49th FIS Griffis AFB Rome NY from 1966-1969 Worked on F101B, T-33. Was there when the change was made to the F106. Hey to Bob Gerring, we had a pretty good shop


George Jessmer, e-mail, 03.11.2012 16:29

Does anyone remember the aircraft that went down from 52 FIG from Suffolk Co. NY from pitch up off long island or the aircraft that crashed on the runwaw these occured during the early 60's


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 17.08.2012 00:04

I have been collecting information for a book about the Voodoo for some time and I am currently looking for F-101 Technical Manuals covering the Fire Control System, Radar, and the Camera's in the RF's. I do not wish to keep them, only scan and copy. Photos of any F-101 aircraft, along with information is still very much welcome.


Bob Carroll, e-mail, 28.07.2012 21:45

I believe tha acft at the top of this is acft 58297. I was stationed at Suffolk County AFB in Westhampton NY between 1960- 1964 and was a crew chief on acft F101-F 58297 when it reached its 1000 hr flight. Luckily I was offered the chance to go for the 1000 hr flight. Needless to say I jumped at the opportunity and had a hell of a ride. The pilot was the 2FIS Commander LTC Orell Culwell.


Ronnie Swanger, e-mail, 22.07.2012 16:58

I was a crew chief on the F101-B at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina.The 444th,Fighter-Interceptor Squadron.If I remember correctly,the tail # was 57-393,could be wrong about that,it has been a few years since then.This was my first assignment in the Air Force.I thought this was a beautiful aircraft.I actually got to fly in this aircraft after winning Airman of the Quarter at Charleston AFB.My pilot was Capt.Guerry,after about 45 minutes into the flight,he let me take the controls for a few minutes,this has been the highlight of my life.A memory I will always remember,Airman 1st class,Ronnie Swanger,flying a F-101B....never would have even dreamed it.


Bob Sorrentino, e-mail, 10.07.2012 03:13

worked on the RF101C at Misawa Japan from 1960 to 1962 went to Bangkok and (Able Mable) thought the 101 was the most mechanic friendly aircraft that I ever worked on in my 21 years AF career.


Leo Kwiatkowski, e-mail, 25.06.2012 22:23

worked on vodoos at lockbourne ohio 1963 to 67 hydraulic spec. any one still around from the 87th F.I.S.


Jerry Zerm, e-mail, 07.06.2012 02:18

fine memories of TDY to Tan San Nhut, the last time early '65 as an engine mechanic supporting the 45th TRS from Misawa, Japan. A great airplane, with many great guys living in those fine tents. We made a stencil in the shape of the 101 with VooDOO above the aircraft sillouhet, and viet cong under neath the sillouhet. Painted that sillouhet many times on transit aircraft, and on our neighbors flying the RB-57.


John Schnittker, e-mail, 17.05.2012 00:06

Was at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, Texas when we rec'd our first F101A's in 1957, followed shortly by F101C's. We were SAC with F84F's and then went to TAC with the F101. At the end of 1958, all of our aircraft (3 Squadron's) were transferred to RAF Bentwaters and RAF Woodbridge in England. We had 2 Sqadrons at Bentwaters and 1 at Woodbridge. I was in 81st Field Maint. Texas was always hot and dry but England was wet and cold. Hated it at first but being from Michigan I adapted quickly. I adapted quickly to London! It was a short train ride of 70 miles.


Jeff Joseph, e-mail, 25.04.2012 06:26

Loved working on the Radar as a 19 year old.Checking the operation of the Rotor door with a hydraulic mule on the plane
checking the firing signals to the missile launcher.Great training for my Career as a McDonnell Tech Rep on the F-4.
Got to Work with USN, USMC, and USAF best job I ever had.


DON KOSMIN, e-mail, 03.04.2012 04:31

LAST A/C I WORKED ON IN FRANCE 1958, JUST B/4 DEGAULL KICKED US OUT, PHALSBOURG A/B, IN ANSWER TO PHIL IN TUCSON, DONT REMEMBER THE NEED FOR JACKING A/C TO PULL ENG., BUT IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE THEN, MEMORIES KIND OF FOGGY


jim jacobson, e-mail, 26.03.2012 17:31

hi: just finished a book about the voodoo & surfed into this site looking for vets from k.i. sawyer. only found some old timers from when i used to go to the open house as a kid! i joined the force in 1970 & was posted to sawyer as i wanted to be close to home in hancock mi. anyway, i was a ramp rat with the 410th security police squadron. worked entry control on the 62 fis ramp & also pilots alert quarters. the pilots weren't tight asses like those bomber pukes flying the b.u.f.f.s! i actually had some good conversations with pilots who didn't look down their nose at me as an airman first class. then went to cam rahn bay vietnam, 483rd sec pol sq. some fun!!! back to k.i. & now the 87th fis with f 106s. got out with a general discharge, bad attitude after vietnam! saw two f 101s in arizona at a city airport. my wife bumped into one of the trailing edges!sure have a lot of good memories of voodoos. i was out on the active runway on a o.r.i. security post & was falling asleep leaning on a ground heater, when a voodoo came in on final!!! sure woke me up! to all you stick jockeys & wrench turners, thanks for the memories! like the time it hit 75 below zero & i was at the buff alert area!!


Charles Dusenbery, e-mail, 09.03.2012 20:12

Crew Chief on 57-392, Dow AFB, 1962 through 1965. I had one flight in the F101B out of Dow during those years. I still remember the flight like it was yesterday. Thanks for the memories.


Bud Jeansonne, e-mail, 24.02.2012 23:13

I was an instrument repairman in the 49th. FIS at Griffiss AFB from September 1963 to January 1965. This was a great bird (some components hard to get to). My boss was Sgt. Pat Colvin and I remember Sgt. Hansel running radar shop. Other guys I remember were Bob Sambone, Bob Angel, Howard Boker, Cliff Plotkin and Ray Belcher. Had a great time at Griffiss. The pilots and ROs were great to us also.


Phil Lawton, e-mail, 12.02.2012 11:16

If any of you were stationed with the 75th FIS at Dow AFB in/around October 1962, during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the squadron deployment to Niagara Fall, NY, we're having a 50th Reunion in September this year2012at Lake Lucerne Inn, Dedham, Maine. 'kind of a Last Roundup for most of us. Contact me if you're interested.


Al,, e-mail, 09.02.2012 23:48

Or museum in Canton OH has a F101B Voodoo and we are having a big problem trying to opening the canapy any suggestions ??


Ed Kupiec, e-mail, 31.01.2012 02:49

In Feb 63, I landed at Tan Son Nhut to begin my education in COIN Photo-Interpretation. Worked with pilots from both 45th & 15th. Toss-in the guys from the RB-26's and RB-57's and you had interesting experiences. Remember the RF-101 pilots telling about pulling rooster tails screaming low over the ocean. Of course, there were wagers placed against the F-102's for climb to altitude. Was in the PI trailer when the 101 pilot came in to look at his film of downtown Saigon, he hadn't been briefed about Diem's Anti-Aircraft Missles around the palace. In 1971, while stationed with the 15th TRS at Kadena, that original Saigon photo was now mural-size on a


B.Dobbins, e-mail, 22.01.2012 21:32

was at Suffolk Co.AFB,N.Y. from late 1953 to mid 1960 with 52FG from 102's to 101B. then on to Misawa with 45TRS 1960 t0 1963. A mechanic's aircraft in many ways. Saw Don Muang early and Saigon tent city early on in the SEA mess and tried to keep up with 45th. Still best bird and outfit I served with in my 22 years


Bob Gerring, e-mail, 16.01.2012 23:19

John Varner...See my last post! We probably crossed paths at some point while at Griffiss. Did you know my boss, Dave Viera (SSGT)hydraulic shop?


Bob Gerring, e-mail, 16.01.2012 23:13

I was a hydraulic mechanic with the 49th FIS, Rome, NY worked on the (F-101B)and(T-33)1963-1966. TDY to 432nd FMS, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand (F101, F4C)1966 to early 1967. TDY 606th CSS mid 1967 to July 1967. Worked on T-33'S.


Martin, e-mail, 14.01.2012 10:54

I was with the 45th TRS from Misawa Japan,tdy to Tan Son Nhut in 1964,it was called Able Mable.We lived in tents in a grave yard.We needed the sun to heat the water for hot showers.


Ken Ester, e-mail, 10.01.2012 03:24

15th TRS Kadena late 64 to early 66. Voodoo Medicine Man and Crew Chief. TDY to Tan Son Nhut sometime around the Coup. Interesting time. Then LONG TDY to Udorn before it got built up. Our pilots were flying "Iron Hand" Missions over Hanoi. We lost a lot of birds in a short time. Would love to hear from others that served at same time. I need to prove to VA that we were boots on the ground in Vietnam at Tan Son Nhut with the 15th. Also weren't we also referred to as the 15 Reconnaissance Task Force (15th RTF)? Would like to know if anyone has a copy of TDY orders.
Ken E4 A1C 43151C at the time.


Jeff Joseph, e-mail, 31.12.2011 03:17

Any one out there from 412 Camron or 445th FIS 58-60


Dwight, e-mail, 24.12.2011 07:54

I attended school on-base at RCAF One Fighter Wing from 1960 to 1963. It was only a block or so to the control tower where we would sit and have lunch. A USAF reconnaisance aircraft landed and taxied to a stop near us. There appeared to be a large belly camera under the cockpit. The pilot asked for directions to the PX and headed off. This caused quite a stir with the French security as he had not cleared with them. Could this have been an F-100? Any info. would be appreciated.


,Paul Allin, e-mail, 27.10.2011 01:33

I was a RIO in the 49th FIS mat Griffiss AFB in Rome N.Y. from 1961 to 1064. I will always remeber my first "max performance takeoff" Such power! I was assigned to a/c 90425 though I flew in all the aothers in the squadron. Hit Mach 1.85 once and got as high as 72,000 feet chasing a U-2 before running out of flying speed. Loved that aircraft.


Richard bowser, e-mail, 25.10.2011 18:30

was with the 4756th OMS out of Tyndall AFB from summer 1966 thru Feb 1970, as an asst. crew chief and crew chief the last 1 1/2 yrs. My bird, 58-271 is on display at Wings Over The Rockies Air And Space Museum in Denver, Co. It has been restored it's Tyndall paint scheme from when I was the CC. Went to CO to see 271 4 yrs. ago with my oldest son, an became emotional showing him the very SAME dents and dings that were on her when I was CC. I donated my utlity shirt with all the patches, including the Voodoo Medicine Man. The curator sent me a nice letter stating that my shirt would be on display as long as 271 was there. It has been on loan for several yrs from the AF Museum. Wings Over The Rockies is the only museum that has ALL 100 series acft. 58-271 was a B Model that was assigned to Test Sqd. within the 4756 OMS. She carried a centerline tow target and reel, as 1 of only 2 or 3 other Voodoos at Tyndall used for this purpose. Memories I will cherish forever.


George Jessmer, e-mail, 08.10.2011 04:26

I was at Suffolk Co. 63 to 66 crewed 57-448 also ran a 5 minute alert shift for a short time, great base great aircraft and support crews.


R . Eurich, e-mail, 01.09.2011 03:21

Having been a crew chief on both the F101B ( 60th FIS Otis AFB ) and the RF101C ( 18th OMS attached to the 15th TRS Kadena AFB Okinawa 62-64) , I find the article interesting and enlightening. However, I feel that I must point out that the RF101C's from the 15th TRS were in Southeast Asia before 1964. I, along with many others, was crewing them in Viet Nam, in mid 1963. Just for the record!


Gary R. Mackey, e-mail, 03.08.2011 01:05

I was at Otis AFB, 1958-1962, as an Air Policeman guarding your Voodoo's. Just loved the pilots and flight crews. My hat off to all. It was a real thrill to feel, hear and watch as the plane left the hanger roaring down the run way.


Gary R. Mackey, e-mail, 03.08.2011 01:05

I was at Otis AFB, 1958-1962, as an Air Policeman guarding your Voodoo's. Just loved the pilots and flight crews. My hat off to all. It was a real thrill to feel, hear and watch as the plane left the hanger roaring down the run way.


John J. Doyle, e-mail, 02.06.2011 09:11

I was assigned to Lockbourne AB in Jan 62 as recip eng mech on KC-97's. I arrived late at night and was assigned a room in transient barracks at the end of the runway.
I woke up to this incredible Boom! early in the morning to see the Ohio ANG Voodoo's taking off with after burners lit up in the dark early morning. Will never forget it. Always loved the looks of that AC.


Mike, e-mail, 30.05.2011 00:07

Always loved the voodoo, particuarly some stunning shots of the firing genie nuclear missles.


a2c mike (wally) jarosz, e-mail, 28.05.2011 21:55

I was piched up by the 75th 65. and was assigned to t-bird flight under tsgt jerry schultz I crew chiefed t-33a 57-713 I feel sorry for not staying but I was reassigned to Vietnam


Glenn Benoit, e-mail, 28.05.2011 21:17

I was a engine mechanic on the F-101 at Oxnard from Sept 65 until Dec of 67. My best memory was a pilot reported vibration and instrument fluctuation in one engine, so he shut it down. I was called to meet the aircraft upon landing. I looked into the intake and went to the pilot to have him look at what I found. The hydraulic pump had been sucked through the engine. There was so much damage it looked like a hollow drain pipe. You could see straight through the engine. The pilot actually turned pale and said if he knew there was that much damage he would have ejected over the Pacific.


Don K osmin, e-mail, 28.05.2011 04:50

worked on the voodoo at phalsbourg AB France 1958, fld. maint. sq.,J-57 engine mech., just b/4 degaul kicked us out.


Burt, e-mail, 18.05.2011 17:56

Where can I get a F-101B Patch


Capt Edgar, e-mail, 15.05.2011 16:12

I was a "wso" flying VooDoos with 13th FIS 1963-1965
What a big "BOOM-BOOM" those afterburners made... flew across Montana low and fast buzzing the Great Northern Train leaving out od Wolf Point Montana...always will remember looking out of the cockpit, over at the passengers in the vista-dome cars, as we zoomed past.


John Varner, e-mail, 07.05.2011 08:19

I was a crew chief on 101 B's at Griffiss 1963-1965. An occassional 102. Worked alert and flight line. Damn near got roasted when an armament troop broke the copper safety wire and pushed the toggle switch blowing a drop tank cracking it open. Lucky nothing ignited! Just finished refueling. Safety pins, ya right!! Another time the line chief demanded and ordered me to tow a 101 onto the run-up pad during a typical Griffiss blinding snow storm, over my objections. Got the main gear stuck in the mud. Couldn't see!! Where they found those NCO's in the 49th is anyones guess. They had no idea or even a clue what they were doing! NCO turnover was rampant. Pilots great bunch of guys. Lot of good memories. Loved Rome.


Larry Kelley, e-mail, 01.05.2011 02:37

I was a Voodoo Medicine Man on the F-101B at Grand Forks AFB from Jan 58 thru Jul 62. I was a Pneuhydraulic Repairman and enjoyed working on the B model. We got the last 101's that MacDonnell built. Hated the shrink Struts in the winters. Remember one of the guys in our shop blowing the Hyd Reservior out of the A/C after doing a Emergency Blow down of the gear. Many fond memories of my days at GFAB.


frederick heaton, e-mail, 16.04.2011 06:00

i was a crew chief on f 101 at onard cal. 1963 to 1967. my memory tells me the a/c was tail no 57-426 and it was an "F" MODEL. GOT AN ORIENTATION RIDE AT hamilton afb, and got to go supersonic. quite a thrill for a country boy. does anybody remember any of this? would be happy to hear from anybody that was at oxnard during those years.


joseph tippett, e-mail, 14.04.2011 04:45

Any Voodoo medicine men out there that were with the 20th Tac Recon Sq at Shaw years 1960 to 1964?


David Ham, e-mail, 06.04.2011 06:36

I was crew chief of F101B 570278 of the 408th Fighter Sq. 322nd Fighter Intercetor Sq. Kingsley Field, Klamath Falls, Oregon 1960-64. The Voodoo was an incredible aircraft. Maintenance people loved its reliability as did the aircrews. I got some back seat time and loved every minute of it. The assigned pilot for my plane was Capt. Carter. Her was a great guy but he did not fly my plane and more than anyother pilot. Phil Chamberlin of the tire shop was my roommate. Some great crew chiefs were Haskins, Jones. Rizzo, and one of assistant C/Chiefs was Edwinson.


Robbie Robinson, e-mail, 03.04.2011 14:06

I am a keen USAF Fighter aircraft historian .Does anyone have any photos/pictures of 481st TFS,27TFW F-101,s (Green & White
tail markings).Also any colour photos of 432TRW RF-101,s 1958-1962,please.


Walt Houghton, e-mail, 20.03.2011 03:10

Worked in Armament Shop at Suffolk when the 2thFIS transitioned to the VooDoos. Later moved out to ADC Storage Site and worked on MB-1 "Genies".Later spent 2 years at Tyndall at ADWC. Great times for an 18 yr. old kid. Flew in the Aero Clubs with my heroes, those "One-O- Wonders". Great people!


Chuck Dashiell, e-mail, 17.03.2011 05:43

I was assigned to the 49FIS Griffss AFB Rome, NY from 1961 thru 1966 as AWCS tech (ie Radar) assigned to C Flight 90-426 thru 90-436 what a pretty airplane when they were shiny silver, sometime in 63 or 64 they sent them off to Hill AFB and the came back paint gray. I still have my Field Jacket with all the patches and strips to bad it is only 6 sizes to small now.


BillA, e-mail, 17.03.2011 05:40

The write-up as a few errors: 101B's never carried THREE Falcons; they had capability for 2 Genies on one side of the door, and TWO IR Falcons on the other side. Radar-guided Falcon capability was removed around 1960. (I was a radar-AKA Fire Control System-tech 32271F at Griffiss, 1961-64. Left the REGAF in '64, joined the Air Guard in '65, working on 102's. Radar systems on the 101 and 102 were very similar). When we went through System training at Griffiss in '61, the logic diagrams showed circuitry for the "Alternate Door", which would have carried 3 Falcons on each side. Hughes tech reps told us the AF never bought the alternate door.
Infra-red tracking capability was added to the FCS around '63; the project was called the Interceptor Improvement Program (IIP). It also added longer radar range tracking capability, and the silent lobing antenna (no spin motor).
The F101F was the dual-control version of the F101B, prior to the sell to Canada. It had all the capabilities of the F101B, in addition to allowing the RO to play pilot.


Brad Simmons, e-mail, 15.03.2011 02:59

K.I. Sawyer AFB 62 FIS 1963-1965 Voodoo Medicine Man crew chief 70-386, then worked both 5 and 15 Min. Alert, we alternated back then, from mid 65 to Dec. 65 worked periodic inspections. Still have 62nd FIS patch with Colonel Spike and boxing gloves, had a medicine patch but one of my son's must've gotten a hold of it when they were young. Wish I had it still, wore then on all the shirts this one was new.


Braq Simmons, e-mail, 15.03.2011 02:57

K.I. Sawyer AFB 62 FIS 1963-1965 Voodoo Medicine Man crew chief 70-386, then worked both 5 and 15 Min. Alert, we alternated back then, from mid 65 to Dec. 65 worked periodic inspections. Still have 62nd FIS patch with Colonel Spike and boxing gloves, had a medicine patch but one of my son's must've gotten a hold of it when they were young. Wish I had it still, wore then on all the shirts this one was new.


TERRY ROBERTS, e-mail, 08.03.2011 02:03

13 fis, glasgow afb, montana, 1965-66. I instrument shop.


joseph tippett, e-mail, 06.03.2011 21:57

I was an A/1C with the 20th TAC recon sq at Shaw AFB 60-64. I was a Voodoo medicine man crew chief. Do any of you guys remember crawling into the intakes to hook up hydralic lines after an engine swap? God! was'nt that a treat!!!


Robert Burch, e-mail, 22.02.2011 21:50

I was in the Camera Repair Section of the 363rd A&E Sq at Shaw in 1960-62 in support of the RF-101. I also worked on the camera systems with the 18th A&E Sq at Kadena in 1965-68. I was with the 439th A&E Sq at Misawa for six months in 1966. Both units were going TDY to Udorn RTAFB until the 45th Recon Sq aircraft were transferred PCS in the fall of 1966. This terminated the TDY of the 18th Wing from Kadena. The troops at Udorn did a good job with the
-101 until the arrival of the RF-4C in 1967.


moe Waschmann, e-mail, 17.02.2011 08:09

I was station at K.I Sawyer from 58 to 61 worked on the line POL, loved that 101, great A/C. was transfered fron Youngston Ohio, where we started with 86 Ds in 57 then went to 102s. by far the 101 was a classic.


Martin, e-mail, 07.02.2011 12:05

I was with RF-101C in Nam with Able Mable 1964-1965.We slept in 6 man tents in a graveyard,had hot water from a tank above the showers that the sun heated.
I was from Misawa ab Japan.


Sherry W, e-mail, 03.02.2011 17:07

My dad was stationed at Laon Air Force Base 1961-1965 I am looking for History on the Chapel at the base-also are there any reunions for that era that you are aware of?


Bill Vawter, e-mail, 30.01.2011 22:47

I need some info regarding the removal of wings and tail section from a 101. we have obtained one for the HAMM museum in Tyler, Tx. Since it has to be trucked in we will possible have to remove the wings unless we can get waivers from TXDOT. Any help would be appreciated.


david nelson, e-mail, 04.01.2011 23:46

was at otis from 10/66-2/68 straight out of tech school was a weapons mechanic (A2C ,43250),on the Voodoo, before going to Vietnam to fly as a aerial gunner on ac47 Spooky gunships.( Binh Thuy /Bien Hoa.


JACK SEARS, e-mail, 03.01.2011 06:55

I was at Loan AFB in France from November 1960 - November 1963. I was a crew chief on the Voodoos. I was an Airman First Class. The base was the pitts. I enjoyed working on the planes. A good friend of mine was Frank Farrimond who was a staff sgt company clerk. I found out that he died in an accident two years ago.


Eddie, e-mail, 30.12.2010 16:51

Anybody (101 pilots) at Griffis AFB, NY circa 1965-1967?


AVolpe, e-mail, 24.12.2010 06:22

I was born too late to really experience the Century fighters, and I never did become a Fighter pilot as I had dreamed of as a kid, but, I just want to say Thank You to all of you and your relatives who were involved in all aspects of the Century series. I adore these aircraft on several levels. The Voodoo is a fascinating aircraft, and I don't think it had a chance to really shine with the USAF, in the same light with the F-104. I have a particular interest in the Century fighters that were stationed in the New England states, and certainly of my home state of Massachusetts, such as the 337th and 60th FIS. I always have an eye & ear open for squadron patches, pictures, artwork and information/stories. These aircraft and their crews, builders, designers have my utmost respect.


RichardSchutz, e-mail, 22.12.2010 01:25

I worked with the 123rd TAC Recon Wing at Shewmaker ANGB, Louisville. KY from 1971 to 1975 on the sensors of this bird, the RF-101C. The cameras were the forward facing KA-56, panoramic KA-57 and two oblique KA-56 in the nose, they also had two KA-1 high altitude cameras in the belly camera position. Plus a viewfinder and flash bomb capabilies, never used as far as I know. The 123rd wnt to RF-4C in 1975.


Larry Mulhall, e-mail, 18.12.2010 17:20

I too was a Voodoo Medicine Man for the 75th FIS at Dow AFB, Bangor, Maine from June 1961 thru December 1962. Great aircraft. Loved the sound of the engines going into afterburner. Loved midnight chow. Those cooks were the best.


Alvin Cales, e-mail, 13.12.2010 05:38

I was a Jet Engine mechanic stationed at Laon,AB France from 1961-1965. I worked at the Jet Engine test cell located not to far from one end of the runway. The RF 101 Voodoo was a good airplane, with two very good J-57 engines with afterburner. I later worked in Jet Engine conditioning and spent many nigfhts on the trim pad running the installed engines after maintenance was performed. I lived in Tergnier initially but later lived on base in one of the government trailers. My youngest son was one of the first babies born in the hospital at Laon. We left in 1965 .just before the French started kicking us out of FRance. Many good memories


Jeff Kolln, e-mail, 05.12.2010 20:42

I am working on a F-101 (all models) book. I am interested in finding the technical manuals for the radar, fire control systems, cameras, and any other systems I can find. I understand they even had them for the Nuclear Weapons??? I only wish to scan and copy them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Russell W.(Bud) Wood, e-mail, 01.12.2010 04:44

At Hamilton AFB I was a crew chief of f-101B 57-252 from 1962 until 1965. with the 83 FIS spent a year on night shift before thansfering to Griffiss AFB 49th FIS 1966 as Line Chief of 18 F-101B aircraft UE Squadron. The Vodoo Medicine Man was honor that I remember fondly. I always wished they never took the tool box away as being Crew Chief was my best experience i ever had. The F-101B was the best in my opinon that ADC had at that time our OR rate put the f-102A and F-106A to shame. I know first hand as I was line chief of 13 F-102A in Iceland the year of 1968. LOL Hamilton was nice but Griffiss was home.retired 1978


Phil Borders, e-mail, 28.11.2010 01:10

Hello Tom White
I was also stationed at K.I.Sawyer from Feb.'60 to Sept.'63. I was crew chief on 57-368. When we got there the planes were still fairly new, and when I left in '63 they still had the IFR probe in front of the windshield, but I see later on they mounted something else up there.(?)
I remember the snow plows running day and night keeping the runway clear. Midnight chow at the mess hall. Good stuff. Loved that SOS. Long time ago, take care.


Msgt Kris Bickel USAF Ret, e-mail, 15.11.2010 04:55

Hi Tom White. I too am a VooDoo Medicine Man from K I Sawyer 1966-1970. The 62ndFIS is now stationed at Springfield Ohio and is a F-16 Pilot Training Squadron with the OHANG. I also met the 62nd at MacDill AFB FL while in the OHANG on deployment. Served 8 years active duty with a tour in Thailand the rest of my 36 years with the OHANG at Rickenbacker ANGB in Columbus Ohio.


Wiliam Van Syckle, e-mail, 11.11.2010 03:56

I was Security Police AFSC 81150 stationed at Ellington AFB, TX assigned to the 194th Fighter Interceptor Group, ANG. I remember watching the Last F-101B leaving our base so they could bring in the F-4's back in 1983. I loved watching the Alert Birds taking off. They would get on the runway and start rolling forward. Then as they are rolling, the pilots would kick in the AB's and you could hear the twin booms and they shoot down the runway with a flame longer than the plane right behind them. it was great to watch day and night. A pretty bird when it was fully uploaded while in the air.


Tom White, e-mail, 13.10.2010 03:32

VooDoo Medicine man 1962-1966. Year 3 on 5 minute alert; year 4 on 15 minute alert(nukes). Primarily at K.I. Sawyer AFB-62nd FIS. Those were good days. Lived with those birds-got to know them well, enjoyed working on them. Any alert/flight line guys from 62nd out there?


Robert A. GWIN SR, e-mail, 30.09.2010 03:15

I was at Loan AFB, France, 90 Miles North of Paris in 1963.
I am also looking for Lt. Thomas Neil, Voodoo Pilot, believed to be from Poteau, Oklahoma. He had a wife & 1 child at the time he was in France in 1961. Anyone knows him, Call (918) 664-5147, Immediately.
Thanks, BOB GWIN CGwiN@SBCGlobal.net


A-1st - John Branthoover, e-mail, 28.09.2010 11:23

I was a Voodoo medicine man from 1960 to 1964. I was a Crew Chief on 57-457 at Oxnard AFB in California. 57-457 was a F-101-B. I spent many Hrs. of my life with that bird. I was privilaged to be able to fly in the back seat of both the 101-B, the T-38 and an F4-H. The F-101-B Voodoo was a great aircraft. I miss those days......


Jonathan Myer, e-mail, 20.09.2010 11:23

I flew the F-101B (and two-stick TF-101B, redesignated F-101F) at three locations: first at Glasgow AFB, MT (when the 13th Ftr Intcp Sq was the 5th ADC sqdn to get its '101s) from Aug/Sep 1959 to Jun 1963; then at then-Suffolk County AB, NY (w/the 98th FIS) from Jul 1963 to Dec 1965; and finally at Tyndall AFB, FL (w/the USAF Interceptor Weapons School/IWS, as a flight & academics instructor) from Apr 1967 to Nov 1970.

Comments on the website info:
The photo is of a -B (or -F) interceptor version, modified with a post-1963 infrared search and track subsystem (IRSTS) as indicated by the ball sensor just behind the radome and faired into the top of the fuselage forward of the windshield, replacing the original refueling probe. The belly tank, however, looks like an earlier subsonic 450-gal tank, rather than the slimmer 360 (or 370?) -gal supersonic tanks available later which my T.O. doesn't mention.
The text description of the '101B uses the old nomenclature for our armament: the MB-1 nuclear-warhead rocket was renamed AIR-2A (ATR-2A with an HE warhead used for training launches at Tyndall's range in the Gulf); and the IR missile was renamed AIM-4D (and we carried two '4Ds, ripple-fired as a single shot, after the first few years, vice any radar-guided missiles at all) . . . thus giving us a total of three firing passes (if the balloon went up).
The table info is for the single-seat '101A (and 'C?). Our two-seat 'B & 'F were 3+ feet longer at 71 ft 1 in, with wingspan of 39 ft 8 in (1 ft narrower), and height of 18 ft (1 in shorter). With J-57-P55 engines (vice 'P-53s) and other equipment and second crew-member, our interceptors were heavier (45,700 lb clean, 51,950 lb w/2 older tanks; ≈32,200 lb empty) and faster: Mach 1.73 speed limit at altitude (≈1313 mph, ≈1142 knots).

Comments on others' comments:
The '101 was not as maneuverable as other fighters and had aggravating speed and altitude instrument errors (until supersonic!), but was indeed the fastest of its day to 40,000 ft. (I compared our T.O. to those of the F-102, F-106A & 'B, F-4, and F-100 when test director for ADC's T-4 Tactics upgrade for our NORAD Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) command and control system in 1968.
"Pitch-up," or loss of control, could occur if too many G's were pulled for the airspeed (or pulled too fast) and/or adverse yaw was induced, thereby allowing the wings to blank the airflow over the tail section's control surfaces. Our birds had three warning devices (along with increasing buffet): a control stick limiter (CSL) in autopilot that limited the stick pull to 4 Gs max, a horn warning, and finally a pusher that applied 28.5 lb forward pressure on the control stick. If a malfunction (or ham-handed pilot) still allowed a pitch-up, the recovery was to come out of afterburner (if in 'burner), push and hold the stick forward until 0 or negative G was felt, then relax the stick (and rudders) to a neutral position), while pulling the drag chute T-handle. That would restore flyable conditions by lowering the nose (perhaps with a snap roll). The drag chute would fail at 250 knots (its job done) and speed should be allowed to increase to 350 knots before the pilot did anything else. If not recovered by 15,000 ft above ground (or pitch-up entered below that level), eject. With all of that in a few short seconds, the crew might as well burn their flight suits after reaching the ground; they' be beyond laundry help.
Finally, I too don't believe that any '101 could go 4800 km/2983 miles, even with two 450-gal tanks (dropped when empty?). Back when cruise-climbing was legal, I took off for a "dawn patrol" in a 450-tanked F-101B from Glasgow (A/B T/O, but a military-power climb to optimum altitude, then cruise-climbed around our area checking our radar sites), reached maybe 42,000 ft before a max-range descent to Glasgow, landing with minimum fuel after 3+45 in the air. Based on max endurance speeds, I'd calculate our distance covered (range) at ≈2,000 miles. Maybe the 'As or 'Cs (or RFs) could do more, but another 1000 miles or so would have been a lot of "more"!

Any corrections or debate? Feel free to write. ;-)
JM


Bobby D. Crabb, e-mail, 17.09.2010 04:58

Was at grand Forks 1961-1964 Dow AFB 66-68, Perrin AFB 1968, Ellington Field 68-76 with the TANG. No doubt I have seen some of you guys but I don't recall anyone for certain. Was a radar weenie 32271f. Got to go supersonic in the 101 at Dow and I will agree, it was a great aircraft.


Tom Bishop, e-mail, 08.09.2010 19:23

Hi,Ho.... Any Voo Doo medicine men out there from Otis AFB Mass?, Sept. 1968 - Mar. 1969 Only spent a few months there in shop, before going to Nam.


Tom Bishop, e-mail, 08.09.2010 19:22

Hi,Ho.... Any Voo Doo medicine men out there from Otis AFB Mass?, Sept. 1968 - Mar. 1969 Only spent a few months there in shop, before going to Nam.


john dupont, e-mail, 02.09.2010 02:28

i was a crew chief on a f-101f #56 308 in the mid sixties, at suffolk county afb in new york. we were in the 98th fis.i always wonder if anyone else is still out there from those days.


Wendell Johnson, e-mail, 29.08.2010 02:45

I see some of you guys were at tan son nhut in 1965. I was there also, I was a 43270 jet mechanic tech sgt. I worked on the f4 when I first got there. But we were tranfered to the f101's when they came from Misawa. There were two of us George Hawkins & myself. We had experience on the f101's in Klamath Falls Ore. Kingsley Afb. soooo we went to work on the voodoo.Do any of you guys remember the big Morter attack on Tan son nhut ? I guess there were more than one. The fuel tank was on fire & burned all night. I was installing an engine in an f4 when it started. We ducked behind the PSP deflectors in the steel & sand revetments.For all you crew chiefs that used to take leaks back there. I still have you in mind. good memorys tho. I went back to Klamath Falls & worked on the voodoo again
I retired in 1979.


Staralstar, e-mail, 27.08.2010 09:49

I am searching for F101 USAF Fighter Pilot that arrived in Chateauroux, France in July 1961. Was there awaiting parts from the United States. The name was Thomas, Neil (Jack)???


Michael A.Taylor, e-mail, 18.08.2010 21:59

I was a rookie radar guy on 101's at Hamilton AFB from 2/64 until 5/65 when I shipped to Ramstein to work on 102's.(Didn't want to leave.)Many fond memories of the plane lighting both AB's at the end of the runway in the dense air. The flightline was a great place to be, and Hamilton was a vacation spot. Get off night shift, midnight chow, and play handball at the old wooden courts till 3am or so.Good times. On the other hand, the 102's were POS's that were always broke.Not a lot of happy faces at the 526th.I drove by Hamilton yesterday on my way home from visiting a friend in Petaluma. Sad. It looks like an outlet mall.


Keira Kay, e-mail, 02.07.2010 21:27

My father worked on the Voodoo design; I don't know when or where as I was very young at the time - I just remember him telling us about it in the early to mid 80's. My sister wrote a song - "Mighty Magic Voodoo" about a fighter pilot coming up against the plane. He specifically worked on the radar jamming system, though I think there's probably a more technical name for it.

He passed away three years ago and I'm compiling all of the stories he used to tell me and a record of his accomplishments. He was a wonderful father and a wonderful man. If anyone comes across this post who knew him, please send any stories or remembrances you have of him. He retired a Captain in 1983; his name was Joe M. Bunt. I'm at: keira.gte@hotmail.com

Happy flying!


BRUCE GRENGER, e-mail, 18.06.2010 02:50

I WAS CREW CHIEF ON F101B AT OXNARD AFB. CALIFORNIA. THE F101B WAS A VERY RELIABLE A/C. IT HAD IT'S USUAL PROBLEMS, BUT NOTHING MAJOR. UNTIL THEY FOUND A CRACK IN THE METAL ON ONE MAIN LANDING GEAR. WE HAD TO PULL EVERY MAIN GEAR. WE LOSS ONE A/C IN MY THREE YEARS THERE, IT WAS AN F101B "F" MODEL TWO STICKS. TO LOW WITH A NOSE UP PROBLEM.AT LOW ALTITUDE.NOT GOOD.


John Buzzell, e-mail, 16.05.2010 21:24

I was also at Misawa in 64 and 65 as a jet engine mechanic in the 439th Field Maintenance Squadron. I deployed to Tan Son Nhut on the last TDY rotation in 65 with the 45th TRS (Able Mable) out of Misawa.

During that deployment our RF101s were shifted from the sand bag revetments to newly constructed steel and sand revetments. Operations/maintenance was also moved to a better hanger. I included this because I revisited Vietnam during Tet in 2007. Those revetments, while falling down, are still there as is the hanger that is being used for equipment storage. Every thing else has changed.

Tan Son Nhut is surrounded with housing and businesses. Saigon was unrecognizable from what we experienced in 65. (Locals use the names HCMC and Saigon interchangeably.) Tu Do Street is still a main drag with a different name. The Continental is a modern hotel unrecognizable except for the name. Traffic is crazier. There are millions of motorbikes. One traffic rule dont run into any thing.

Locals treated us well including former NVA soldiers. Relative prosperity appeared everywhere, but in conversations with those who supported the ARVN and were reeducated we discovered a significant amount of discontent. Its been difficult for them find employment as professionals or semi-professionals and their freedoms are limited. Our hotel was near one of two large Catholic churches celebrating Tet. The sanctuary was packed and folding chairs were set up in the court yard to accommodate the overflow.

I came to the conclusion we won. Vietnamese are too entrepreneurial, too resourceful; they make lousy communists.


REYNALDO NORTE USAF RET., e-mail, 12.05.2010 08:07

STATIONED AT DM AFB TUCSON 15FIS IN 1962 FOR FIFTEEN MONTHS. WORKED IN THE "HOT ROOM" AS A DISPATCHER CONTROLLER FOR THE F101B. COL RENNIE WAS THE COMMANDER, MAJ BUCHANA WAS OPS OFFICER ? MAJ DOLEN EXC OFFICER. ALL GOOD OFFICERS. I WAS A YOUNG TROOPER AT THE TIME. MY BOSS WAS TSGT SLACK. WHAT A GREAT JOB. WHAT A GREAT AIRCRAFT. I LEARNED MY JOB FAST AND REALLY ENJOYED IT. BEST DUTY I EVER HAD DURING MY AF CAREER. I TOOK THE CALL WHILE WORKING THERE FOR THE "CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS".
I ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WHOLE INCIDENT. I WAS SURROUNDED BY ALL THE OFFICERS TO INSURE THAT I HAD HEARED THE RIGHT INFORMATION. ALL OUR BIRDS THEN HAD TO LOAD UP AND GET READY TO "SCRAMBLE" !! NEVER FORGET THIS IMPORTANT PART OF HISTORY.

MET SOME COOL PILOTS AND RO'S DURING MY 15 MONTHS AT 15 FIS. ALWAYS REMEMBER CAPT GERKE (RO) WE BOTH GOT CALLED INTO THE XO OFFICE FOR PASSING OUR CRYPTO INFO TOO FAST AND LAUGHING, ON THE RADIO BETWEEN THE PLANE AND THE HOT ROOM DURING A "SCRAMBLE".. (IT NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN!!) LEFT AFTER 15 MONTHS BUT THAT DUTY ASSIGNMENT WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE. (EVEN SPENDING NINE YEARS IN NAPLES ITALY) I WAS A "THREE STRIPER" (A1C) BUT THE OFFICERS CALLED ME "SARGE" SINCE THE OTHER YOUNG TROOPERS WERE ONLY ONE STRIPERS. HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED!


Ben Carter, e-mail, 04.05.2010 09:28

What an incredible aircraft, with many missions and great service to our country. I was in the 29FIS at Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, MT (32251F). Nothing greater than sitting on the grass out by the A&E building and watching the Voodoo masters punch it at the end of the runway, jerk the nose up at the other end and see the bird quickly turn into an orange dot 10 miles up into the dark blue Big Montana sky. We did loose one to the pitch-up problem up near Glacier Park - crew ejected safely. The crews flew a lot of missions with the Canuks, and occasionally came back with a case of Canadian Club tucked up inside the rotating armament door. Worked in pilot debriefing and enjoyed the crews tales of encounters with Soviet bombers. Any 29th-ers still out there? I think I can still see some from
Google Earth at DM AFB over in Arid-zona.


Gordon Frost, e-mail, 24.04.2010 10:49

I worked on the F101 at Griffis AFB in the 49th FIS from 1963 to 1966. I worked in Weapons. I loaded plenty of them.


lee van horn, e-mail, 06.03.2010 21:34

I was an aircraft electrician at Grand Forks AFB, and worked on the Voodoo until my discharge in 1961. Great
plane to work on. The only problem I remember hearing about was a pitch-up problem which took a lot of strength on the stick to overcome!


Ptrip Triplett, e-mail, 05.02.2010 02:37

I was a Vodoo medicine man from 1957 to 1964. Worked in the Docks at Shaw AFB. Then to the flight line as crew chief of RF101A 54-1497, Then was on other tail numbers. Was a flight line expiditer again on the RF 101 at Siagon in 1970 until they were all shipped back to the states. All in all a good aircraft.


John Thompson, e-mail, 26.01.2010 05:30

I spent a lot of years with the F-101A/C/B/RF series, both in the Experimental Div. and Field Service. Started with #8 in XP. Did the introduction at several AFB's and spent 3.5 years with the Chinese AF on the "Boom Town" program. Very exciting. A great airplane in all Series.


Frank Mayden, e-mail, 25.01.2010 06:34

I worked for McDonnall Aircraft in St Louis Plant beginning Jan 1955 & went to work on F101A ship #9 & worked on all aircraft manufactured in St Louis thru ship #807. I was an Avionic Teck & set up the "Pitch Control System" in the procuction hanger.Pitch Control was a System designed to keep the aircraft from going into a flat spin. One thing I remember about this aircraft that was different from any outher I had ever worked on was the use of "Pinapples" to bring wires into & out of the pressureized cockpot. I was told these were originally used by the Germans. The F-101 was a great aircraft & I thouraly enjoyed working on it.

Frank Mayden


Gary Eubanks, e-mail, 12.01.2010 21:35

I was a combat camera man assigned to the 192 TRG Nevada ANG. We first flew RF101-H's, a recce bird. One fine day one had a double flame out at zilch altitude off the end of the runway at Itasuke, Japan and created the world's most expensive rice paddy. No 0/0 seats back then, the pilot was busy trying to out run the plane and the fireball-he made it. When the H's left for the B's the starboard tank was added for the long flight to the bone yard. It fell off shortly after rotate and napalmed the runway, great fireworks show. After we went to the 2 seat B models I had many occaisons to get the story of the pilot doing what he did & loved best in his favorite easy chair.
The high wing loading and really fast landing speeds were fun to experience on tricky cross winds, the weak nose gear issue added to the cheap thrills.
I'm not knocking the bird in the slightest,truly a great plane for it's day and had so many different uses it was the jack of all trades for the USAF.
That bird was the one and only plane that could take 2 pictures that shocked the world using same tactic; max airspeed zilch altitude speed dash over flights of a well manned Russian ICBM site in Cuba in '62 and the bad guys pointing guns at the good guys on the deck of the USS Pueblo in port back in '68 in N.Korea.
Big splash front page news in every free country in the world. If anyone doubt's who got the Kodak Moment of the Cuban missile crisis, look at the distinctive profile shadow of the One-O-Wonder in the picture.
Although it could'nt match the current thrust to weight ratio of over 1/1 of the new stuff, the rate of climb was most impressive. I had the fun of holding a 16mm motion picture camera over my shoulder on a max power take off to wow out the troops. G force was most impressive and I did'nt think it was possible for a 10,000 ft. runway to disappear that fast. We needed a KC-135 waiting for us high over the base so we did'nt run out of gas at an embarrassing moment.
This was a really loud bird at both ends of the runway. The compressor howl on approach was sexy, the AB's lit up on take off would shake your teeth fillings out. Fond, fond memories of an American classic fighter.
It was actually built by McDonnell before they merged as McDonnell Douglas. A true legend.


martin waldman, e-mail, 07.01.2010 18:40

I was stationed at MIsawa,and went to Vietnam with the RF-101C aircraft 1964 and 1965(able mable).


Joe Grant, e-mail, 02.01.2010 02:41

I worked on the RF101C in Misawa, Japan and Vietnam from Jan. 64 thru Jan. 66. Mainly worked in PM night shift's. That "shift" usually ended with the best meal of the day, that being "midnight chow"! But sometime's, we met the morning shift if something took all night! :*( Great aircraft, although getting to most of the aircraft for maintance required a ladder. Murder getting the panel's off on top, to get to "wire bundle" looking for "short's" do to corrosion and flak/small arms fire, etc in Vietnam. I usually broke all my phillips bits when using my "speed wrench" on the topside panels. Bottom side used mostly "airlock's", no problem there. Engine's pretty easy to "drop" in "engine cradle". Thank God it wasn't an "aft-section" type bird. I don't remember us having to use "jack's" to remove engines, but that was a long time ago. In Vietnam, 45th Tac Recon Sq out of Misawa, Japan, we ALL worked outside, rain, bugs, smell, noise and heat, 12 hour shift's, 7 days a week. I do now remember a very small hangar at airfield near Siagon. I was an E4 Sgt./Jet Mechanic, 43151C. Anybody out there from my Sq., let's get touch. I retired from USAirways, after 40 years. I learned alot in the US Air Force. Take care and Happy New Year, 2010. Joe


George Parker, e-mail, 14.10.2009 21:30

I was a autopilot and pitch control technician on the F101B
with the 78th A&E at Hamilton AFB, Calif.from Feb.1963 to July 1966. Then again with the 445th and 75th at Wurtsmith AFB, Mich.from Aug. 1967 to Dec.1969 at which time we gave all our Voodoo,s to the Happy Hooligans at Fargo,North Dakota Air National Guard. The F101B is my favorite aircraft and I enjoyed every minute that I was assigned. It is a great aircraft. In 1971 to 1973 I again worked the same systems on the RF101A and the RF101C with the Michigan ANG. Dearly love these airplanes.


Phil, e-mail, 25.09.2009 04:23

Any of you guys old F-101 engine mechanics? I need to pull engines off our last F-101 and want to know why the T.O. says the aircraft must be on jacks? No reason given in the T.O. I'm working at the Boneyard in Tucson.


R Saretsky, e-mail, 22.06.2009 03:21

on behalf of Giordano Bruno I hereby grant the Bulgarian KBG master stalker award to Mr. Fortier for his dogged 18 months of letter writing to the Calgry Herald about me...
Giordano Bruno says:
Barry, your smears appear on every review that's less than five stars for this book! Is there any evidence available that you've read even the books you stamp with your imprimatur, let alone any books that might challenge your ideology? Go away, Barry.

Your reply to Giordano Bruno's post:
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In reply to an earlier post on Mar 10, 2008 9:48 PM PDT
Barry Fortier says:
When you actually start using your own name, perhaps you might be taken seriously. But then in light of your poor efforts at reviews, probably not.

Your reply to Barry Fortier's post:


Barry Fortier, e-mail, 21.06.2009 05:43

Reg, you demonstrate time and time again, that you are an idiot. You were the one to introduce the first reference to the Arrow on this Voodoo page.... Why did you introduce the Arrow, and lie about its performance?? Because that is what you do. And the reference to Thiefenbaker has been on his memorial page for a long time now, and I stand by it. Lied about his record as a lawyer?? Claimed to never have lost a client to the noose... Lost about half. Sold out his own allies to his enemies?? Claimed to be pro-life, but hated Catholics too much to work with them. And why don't you keep your comments on aircraft, instead of lunatic attacks on your betters?? Because thats what you do.


Ken Swick, e-mail, 03.06.2009 16:45

I grew up (and still live) 1 mile from Ellington AFB (now Ellington Field) Houston, Texas. I have had a passion for flying since childhood. On Saturday mornings I would ride my bike down the RR tracks to Ellington and sit at the end of runway 17L. I would sit for hours watching the various planes. My favorite, even to this day, has been the beautiful F-101. Big and powerful. I loved to listen to the "howl" as it came in on final. I remember playing outside and hearing the sonic boom as the 101's headed toward the Gulf of Mexico. I have aircraft models hanging from the ceiling at the dealership where I work. Over my workstation hangs the F-101B of the 147th ANG Ellington AFB. On the upper fuselage is the '78 William Tell champion marking. What a great plane.
I count myself lucky to live here and watch all of the "only's" based at Ellington: the last RB57, the Collings Foundation F4, the Aero Spacelines Super Guppy, the last Boeing 707 Vomit Comet (retired now as a gate guard), NASA's T38's, etc. My flying partner and I now fly a Vietnam veteran Cessna O2 out of Ellington. On every final my mind sees a young boy sitting on his bike watching the wonder of flight pass over him.


Danny Turkitch, e-mail, 15.05.2009 08:34

The CF 101 B was truely a great aircraft. I retired when they retired the CF 101 B.
I was a Weapons tech. I was a "B man" on the loading crew(I am the one who actually loaded, armed the weapons, lock wired the cockpit switches, maintained jetison rockets,refueled,started,towed & serviced the aircraft weapons system). I worked up North with NORAD in the Canadian Air Force.
The Voodoo 101 B was a most sterdy reliable work horse that got the job done every time! A big bang for the buck! I worked on other aircraft but the 101 was the best!


R saretsky, e-mail, 25.04.2009 04:23

BTW, Chief Diefenbaker wants to know why Barry fortier is raving on about the Avro arrow- on the MD101 Voodoo page...


R saretsky, e-mail, 25.04.2009 02:09

Der chief says to say hello, barry Fortier!

http://www.ggower.com/dief/feedback2.shtml psoted by:
From: Barry Fortier (Calgary, Alberta)

He was a pompous and untrustworthy idiot, who lied about his record as a lawyer, and sold out his allies to his enemies, if he happened to dislike he allies enough (on ANY issue). He should have his own web page, but only so people can express their contempt for a louse who should have been spat on by any decent human being.


Jock Williams Yogi 13, e-mail, 21.04.2009 16:03

I was never assigned to the Voodoo -but I "scrounged" maybe 50 hrs in it over the years -and was always impressed.
Of course, as a "104 pilot" I pitied the Voodoo pukes verbally -but in reality the "Maytag" was a magnificent aircraft.
It served Canada extremely well for 2 decades or more -my favourite squadron 414 operated the last one -the dreaded "Electric Voodoo" which we hand-painted black and which had jammer capabilities that would water your eyes.
Horrified at the results of our hand painting the professionals re-did it -and it looked magnificent for its last year or so. There were only 3 or 4 pilots -Dennis Watson, Larry Martin, Pete Argue and Dave O'Blenis -and they considered themselves blessed to have at it!
If you haven't felt the blast of two simultaneous "hard burner lights" you do not understand why the Voodoo drivers were so turned on. Also -say what you will -having a skilled navigator in the back seat was a tremendous advantage over the contemporary single seaters.

Jock Williams Yogi 13


Reg S, e-mail, 03.04.2009 01:12

Yawwwwn
Baryy, kindly switch off the 'multi personalities' you have trolling this site..- your 'various personas' outnumber us all....
Hypersonic is Mach five & over.

Dude , you are rather a bore.

Given that the address on your Blogsite is is in one of Calgary's subsidised housing projects, isn't 'one of the Barry's, at least ,' a little ashamed to be wasting the webmaster's mine, & all reader's hard earned tax dollars??
YAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWN.


Barry Fortier, e-mail, 30.03.2009 06:29

With apologies to the webmaster, one more short comment.

*****
BTW- hypersonic is OVER mach 5.
*****

By Barry Fortier - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Interesting little book, in the very readable style the author is know for. By its nature (dealing with beyond top-secret), not all sources can be named, but it is a VERY good read. Also love the little planform view of the CF-105 Avro Arrow, as an example of a design for a well over Mach 3 hypersonic machine....

Gee, maybe that would be why I referred to hypersonic as 'well over mach 3'.


Barry Fortier, e-mail, 30.03.2009 05:59

The lack of respect you show for this site and it's owner(s) is amazing.

This isnt really the place for your efforts, and you really do need to get a life, as well as information, an ability to argue, etc.
Answering you is a waste of time, but ignoring you is not an alternative either.

*****************
>>>but it has come to light that the erstwhile first flight (a straightline "hop" down the runway), was not a flight after all, but merely the result of Comet G-5-1 hitting a bump on the runway during a taxi trial.
Fortunately, the pilot did not lose control of his machine, and no damage was done to the valuable prototype.
Unfortunately, the "bump" on the runway turned out to be Skippy, a local tree squirrel, and favourite of the local children. Sadly, Skippy did not survive the impact, and only recently have the children been able to come forward with their sad story..
*****************

Maybe if you hadnt done a dishonest cut and paste

The actual comment:


August 13, 1999. Recently discovered evidence reverses the commonly held view that the Canadian designed and built Avro Jetliner followed the British de Havilland Comet into the air.
The presumed first flight of the Comet is usually given as being July 27, 1949 (as opposed to August 10th for the Jetliner), but it has come to light that the erstwhile first flight (a straightline "hop" down the runway), was not a flight after all, but merely the result of Comet G-5-1 hitting a bump on the runway during a taxi trial.
Fortunately, the pilot did not lose control of his machine, and no damage was done to the valuable prototype.
Unfortunately, the "bump" on the runway turned out to be Skippy, a local tree squirrel, and favourite of the local children. Sadly, Skippy did not survive the impact, and only recently have the children been able to come forward with their sad story.

And now, in a slightly less serious vein, the Avro Canada Jetliner.

Most people would recognize that as humour. You, lacking humour, would not.

*********
Barry DUDE- never saw any of the Barrage of e- mails that you sent the Herald/CanWest . Hope this comforts you..*****

Since no emails were sent to anyone regarding you, you would appear to be lying, or delusional. Or possibly both.


*****************
The above excerpt explains why you arent published- except on your uhhh-site.BTW- hypersonic is OVER mach 5.*********

Having a guest editorial, more or less an oversized letter to the editor printed, does not justify classifying yourself as published.

And since I have never commented on hypersonic in any area you have referred to, this last comment makes as much sense as the rest of your rambling.


Reg S, e-mail, 23.03.2009 04:29

From the Barry Fortier Website, unaltered.
http://members.allstream.net/~geminimp/jetliner.html

>>>but it has come to light that the erstwhile first flight (a straightline "hop" down the runway), was not a flight after all, but merely the result of Comet G-5-1 hitting a bump on the runway during a taxi trial.
Fortunately, the pilot did not lose control of his machine, and no damage was done to the valuable prototype.
Unfortunately, the "bump" on the runway turned out to be Skippy, a local tree squirrel, and favourite of the local children. Sadly, Skippy did not survive the impact, and only recently have the children been able to come forward with their sad story..
Barry DUDE- never saw any of the Barrage of e- mails that you sent the Herald/CanWest . Hope this comforts you..

The above excerpt explains why you arent published- except on your uhhh-site.BTW- hypersonic is OVER mach 5.


Barry Fortier, e-mail, 21.03.2009 06:35

It would appear that Reg has decided that this is not a forum for aircraft, but a dumping ground for his hatred of anyone who dares to challenge him. So be it.

1.03.2009. Book reviews. Not debates. And not even for the same book. Rather odd, but reg, through and through.

2.03.2009. No, my website is not a blog, and you have gone to one page out of dozens... Anyone wanting accurate information about aircraft, and comparisons to the arrow, can go to my website. And from the homepage, go to pages that cover a large range of aircraft. But again, not a blog in sight. And your name was never on my site. And you (or anyone else) have not been emailed by me on the arrow or much else, for years now. I think I sent you 3 emails, after you degenerated into your usual name calling rants. (found one in my old email box, by the way.)

As for your 'editorial', merely an overblown letter to the editor from someone unfit to write on the subject. That was shredded by doug H.

4.03.2009. The wik is garbage, for most subjects. Even one of its founders has pronounced it broken beyond repair. Mainly thanks to people like reg. And Zuk is NOT a prime example of arrow knowledge, not even an entry level player. You wouldn't be able to comment on range, as you don't know anything about mission profiles.

And your fantasy world comments on the price of the Arrow.. perhaps is you quit trying to compare fly away costs with development and maintenance, you would come across as less foolish. You don't know enough about either machine, to comment on either cost.


r Saretsky, e-mail, 04.03.2009 00:50

Note: half the cost was assumed by Canada taking over Norad / Dew line maintenance costs on our territory.

The cost per aircraft for the Arrow was the 650 million spent on the program to 1958,plus the two billion plus required from 1959 to 1964, divided by 169 ARROWS, OR FIFTEEN MILLION, SIX HUNDRED EIGHTY ONE THOUSAND PER PLANE, eleven millon three hundred thousand in unsunk cost. According to the RCAF historial website, also quoted by Insinger, the TWO YEAR OLD Voodos cost ONE MILLION, FIVE HINDRED NINETY ONE THOUSAND PER PLANE, half of which was payable by offset, ie, Canada Staffed & maintained the eleven Radar stations on Canadian soil, previously staffed by Americans. Even after amortising the 116 million spent on the BOMARC ( 846,715.00) per CF101, Canada was miles ahead.

Great deal from a great ally. Thank you, USA!

Insingers seminal work. http://scaa.usask.ca/gallery/arrow/thesis/thesis9.htm .


Reg Saretsky, e-mail, 04.03.2009 00:42

If interestede, check the discussion pages on wikipedia- F101 Voodoo. Voodude& myself pretty musch pinned Bill Zuk, guru of the Arrowheads, on the issues of price, capabilities, etc., of the Arrow vrs the Voodoo.

Teh price per CF -101 Voodoo actually worked out to 1,598 ,000 each( typo on my part) or 796,000.00 each, including the ten two seat trainers. Documentation links are on the Voodoo discussion site- Worth a look.


r saretsky, e-mail, 02.03.2009 13:44

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c37b7b82-28af-4e36-8117-7a88599fe36a

FPI, here is the humble editorial that barry fortier , aka Mr Hypewrsonic, has been weeping over for twelve months....
enjoy.


r saretsky, e-mail, 02.03.2009 13:32

http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c37b7b82-28af-4e36-8117-7a88599fe36a

FPI, here is the humble editorial that barry fortier , aka Mr Hypewrsonic, has been weeping over for twelve months....
enjoy.


r saretsky, e-mail, 02.03.2009 01:34

http://members.allstream.net/~geminimp/bbb.html

Hmmm- Mr fortiers' business, besides trolling the web, appears to consist of an on line blog called the ' Calgary Bitter Business Bureau"

His URL is above. Thank you, barry, for removing my name form your ,err, 'site". PleAse do not email me again. I am sure Canwest ,& the Calgary HErald, woudl also appreciate it if you email barrages stopped.


Reg Saretsky, e-mail, 01.03.2009 20:58

I feel we all wish to keep this a debate among gentlemen. Quoting verbatim, from on of barry fs on line debates.
:
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Barry Fortier writes:
..love the little platform view of the CF-105 Avro Arrow, as an example of a design for a well over Mach 3 hypersonic machine
Then writes:
Marek Zalewski, L. Barker, Linda Wilson, Green Guy, Fox in a Bo Regis P. Digiacomo "Engineer", heavy-duty reader "SRK", "snowfox89", and others who never read the book, and know less than nothing about the subject matter, THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! From the bottom of my heart, I THANK YOU, for encouraging me .through your name calling, ignorance, and spite.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Nuff said.

Barry,please do not email me...


Ray Tuggle, e-mail, 25.01.2009 15:14

I was a Voodoo medicine man at Grand Forks, N.D. from 1963 to 1966. Ever see one do a "gate climb"? Awesome!! Electronics were always broke but mechanically very sound.


Barry F, e-mail, 29.09.2008 07:19

Again, Reg S. HAS to put his foot in it, with his unshakable ignorance about aircraft, mission types, and pretty much anything else. As for the 101's range figure given, there were several versions of the 101.... different numbers of crew, different amounts of fuel, different missions. As for his sickening blather about the Arrow, he flatly refuses to understand that the figures for a high speed (supersonic) intercept, and a lower speed (subsonic) intercept or even economical cruise, would be rather different. He insists on comparing a high speed Arrow mission, NOT to the 101 at the same speed, but at a much lower speed, and concludes the Arrow was short ranged. Compare both machines for RADIUS at mach .8, mach 1.3, mach 1.5, and mach 1.8, and the Arrow wins on all counts. As for his babbling about comparative costs, he has been blown out of the water in the local newspaper on this point, but refuses to update his information on that point, as well. Unshakable dedication to a dead hack of a politician... How sad.


parry henis, e-mail, 08.09.2008 17:14

hey hey. suck my balls


Jim Baker, e-mail, 02.09.2008 23:17

I flew the F-101B with the 83rd, 84th and the 49th FIS's from 1961 to 1965. I then flew the F-101A and C which were converted to the RF-101G and H with the Arkansas Air National Guard. What a great airplane it was and with ANG maintance you never had any problems with it. Used to go cross country and do eight or ten legs with no write ups. Good range and with two 450 gsllon drop tanks it was even better. Very comfortable and even had a good autopilot


Joe Slowik, e-mail, 26.07.2008 22:18

I was in both 101B & 102 outfits in the early to mid 60'S and the 102's were the only birds to carry AIM-26's. It would have cost to much to modify the armament door on the 101 to carry the '26. I was in the 49 FIS (Griffis AFB NY) and 4780 A&E Maint Sq (Perrin AFB Tex).


Barry A. Miller, e-mail, 20.05.2008 03:27

Has anybody ever heard of the F-101B interceptor version carrying anything other than AIM-4 Falcons & AIR-2A (MB-1) nuclear Genies on its rotating missile tray? One person claims it also carried the AIM-26A nuclear Falcons (I understood were only carried on modified F-102s)


Butch Owens, 09.05.2008 06:33

I was a Flight Chief at Dow AFB, Maine with F-101B Voodos 1966 - 1968.
One of the easier maintained century series fighters that I worked on. Held the record from take off roll to 40,000 feet for many years.


r Saretsky, e-mail, 07.02.2008 01:00

An utterly superb aircraft. The range figure seems very high, is this perhaps the ferry distance, as range is out & back( Radius of action?
at 1.50 million each, the CF101 Voodoo was a bargain , compared to the 12 million plus ( 1958$) Avro arrow, with 300 mile radius of Action




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