26th AREFS KC-97 engine on a mobile test stand at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio.
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E-MAIL FROM JOE HOOKER
At Lockbourne AFB, I was a member of the 26th PMS, KC-97 Airframe (APG). It was part of the 26th SRW with RB-47's. We had KC-97 E's F's and some G's. I became a member of the 26th PMS when the 26th Wing first started. I was assigned to the squadron in March 1953 and transferred with them to Westover AFB in April-May 1955. During the later part of 1953 the PMS split into to two organizations, the KC-97 Airframe and the RB-47 Airframe Docks. I was stationed at Westover from April-May 1955 until
discharge in July 1956.
At both Lockbourne AFB and Westover AFB we had two dock crews working full time performing major inspections on the KC-97 aircraft.
While we were at Lockbourne, there was also the 91st SRW stationed there. They were originally equipped with KB-29's and RB-45's. During the 1953 - 55 time frame they converted over to the KC-97's and RB-47's.
Several times we, the 26th PMS, had to pull major inspections on their KC-97's as there personnel were still being trained on them and the R-4360's.
26th AREFS KC-97E, F, and Gs TDY to Lages AB, Portugal in September of 1954.
This picture post cards appeared in the BX within three days after our outfit was deployed to Lajes AFB Azores in September 1954. We were on this deployment for 45 days. In the post card you will notice in the middle of the right hand side several B-17�s used for SAR work.
The B-17�s had large lifeboats attached underneath them. The smaller black aircraft appearing in the post cards are Lockheed P2V�s Neptune's. They also operated out of the Azores. The base also had several SA-16�s on station there.
Looking at the pictures you will notice that the tails of the KC-97�s faced the runway. This did create some problems when we did engine run ups and the B-17�s or SA-16�s were trying to take off. It seems our prop wash tended to make them want to flip over. After several incidents of this we had to always contact the tower prior to running up our engines for engine testing.
There was always a bad cross wind coming out of the West and the
landings were always interesting. One day there was a crew shooting transitions with the copilot flying the aircraft. Well he did need the practice as he always landed on the nose gear first. Everytime he taxied by our PMS crew we held our noses. On his last taxi by us he gave us the finger. Two days later the plane was in for a major inspection and just as we expected he had blown the nose gear shock strut �O� ring seals. When the AC of the plane found out, he was upset to say the least.
It was an interesting time.
--Joe Hooker S/Sgt
