USAF Barrier Crews in Thailand 1969 to 1976

The Barrier Crews were the folks that worked on and near the active runways while operating and maintaining the Aircraft Arresting Systems. The systems were used to safely recover damaged or troubled fighter aircraft returning from their missions in Southeast Asia. The Arresting Systems were kept in a constant state of readiness. The crews would normally disengage the aircraft from the Arresting Cable unless for some reason the aircraft had to be shutdown in place and towed away. Then the system could be reset for the next aircraft. Each runway usually had at least four Arresting Systems and sometimes more. At times, during the monsoon rains, every returning F4 Phantom would use an Arresting System at the approach end of the runway to avoid the hydroplaning that could result on a wet runway. Rain or shine, day or night, the Barrier Crews were ready to respond at a moment's notice to help recover returning aircraft that needed help. Music is "Gem Droids" - Free Music from www.danosongs.com

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Udorn RTAFB
• Ubon RTAFB
• Korat RTAFB
• Barrier Alert

[fireside007]

WOW ....2~COOL...NICE .... I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD ANY FLICKS ON BAC12 ....MA1A... ETC...I WAS IN DANANG 71'....TWO RUNWAS TO PLAY WITH....WE LIVED IN THE CENTER....WHAT A JOB....GO TO GOOGLE EARTH.COM LOAD THE PROGRAM AND VENTURE OUT AND SEE THOSE OLD SITES BROTHERS!! I'D SURE LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE...ALSO SERVED IN THE AIR FORCE AT CLARK IN THE PI...WORKED WITH RED HORSE ....WE~ROCK!!

firesideav@comcast.net

MIKE SAB.

[tolicha79]

@fireside007 Hi Mike, I'm glad you liked it. I liked the job too - nonstop hustle it seemed. I was Red Horse also - Utapao 554th in 72-73. I think we had a detachment at Clark but i never got sent there. Just passed through a few times on my way to or from the world.

[budvanbaker]

I enjoyed the pictures of Ubon. I was there from Jan 8 69 to May 1 69 I came PCS from Utapao. I worked in POL but spent most of my time working nights at the train staion in warin off loading JP-4. I was in charge of all the fuel for ground support for about a month so did get near the flightline then. Loved Ubon much nicer than UT.

There is a yahoo group Utapao Alumni Association we do have members that were never at UT so check us out.

[tolicha79]

@budvanbaker Thanks Bud, I agree, I liked Ubon the best of all the places I was at in Thailand. I'm in the UT group too. Red Horse at UT - a few pics there.

[tommypotatoes1]

I was assigned to 8th SP squadron, Ubon RTAFB, 1965 - 1966. Saw you guys all the time while pulling close perimeter and hard stand posts. Good times, indeed...

[tolicha79]

@tommypotatoes1

Yes Tommy, I enjoyed Ubon too. Good to hear from you and thanks for watching

[ravenarrestor]

Great slideshow! 

[Doogle927]

...was with the 408MMS ammo night line delivery from feb 69 to feb 70.... 

[woodberncat]

I worked barrier alert with Elk Slayer 59 dec 71 dec 72 whats your name

[Terlingua27]

Great slideshow and music. I was stationed at Udorn from May 1969 to May 1970 in

432nd CES. Strange how forty years ago can seem like only yesterday.