Heavily armed with eight wing-mounted 0.50-inch (12.7-mm) machine guns, it could carry a bomb load of as much as 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) and could carry ten 5-inch (127-mm) rockets beneath the wings. Comprehensive Base Plan, Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Engineering and Services DCS/PRE - Washington DC 1 April 1970 (revised 12 July 1978) . [5] Wurtsmith AFB, Mich SAC 379th Bomb Wing B-52, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm. The landing gear was changed from rubber-block shock absorbers inside the fuselage to oleo-and-spring units mounted in the outer forward strut. By Steve Elliott 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs. Timothy Marcum, 1/15/2071-73 camp lejeune nc bad water va in redding pretends they know nothing about having problems. What they had was a one-seat warplane piloted by 2nd Lt. Frank H. Moody, of Los Angeles. Drinking water laced with high levels of poisonous chemicals may be to blame for cancer and other chronic disease among veterans and families who lived at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northern Michigan, according to a new federal health report draft. "It was a city within a city. [5] In recent years groundwater contamination has be linked to jet fuel, cleaning agents, and fire suppression agents used at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. U.S. Learn how your comment data is processed. [1] Mr. Norton also landedthe first KC-135 in operation Southern Watch. [1], These KC-135s were necessary because the B-52 could not take off with both a, full load of ordnance and a full tank of gas.[1]. On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the many men and women who served and fought during the difficult conflict, giving them the appreciation they deserve. According to Robert Delaney, a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality specialist, If you pull the water out of the ground in that training area, it still foams, theres so much in there. Since this entire problem stems from the fact that the foam used to extinguish fires on the base is what carried the toxic chemical, that goes to show just how invasive and problematic this contamination can be. The ready alert flight crews were rotated on a three week cycle. In 1979, the state of Michigan sued the Air Force for the contamination. [1] Mr. Norton, arrived fresh from navigation school as a 2nd Lieutenant at Wurtsmith Air Force, Base in the fall of 1985. [1], Over the course of Mr. Nortons career as both a KC-135 Navigator, and a DC-10 Pilot, Mr. Norton served as a flight commander, served numerous, deployments during the Gulf War escorting fighter squadrons from the United, States into theater, supporting fighter squadrons and bomber squadrons in, theater, served multiple temporary duty assignments to England, Spain, Saudi, Arabia, Alaska, and other Air Force Bases around the globe. Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. At just after 10 pm on the 30 th October, on-duty personnel at Wurtsmith Air Force Base would report seeing a strange object hovering over the . Now I see this years later. In fact the only time B-52s would travel was for training missions, or actually delivering ordinance to its target. My family lived on this base in 1983 to 1987, are we at risk? Why are you focusing only on chlordane and other organochlorine pesticide (OCP) contamination at the Family Housing? Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in northeastern Iosco County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It still haunts me today that we had to do that and were told to just follow orders. Most individuals are not educated on what the base did before and after World War II, what is currently happening at this location, or how the historical space is impacting the land and local citizens today. There were also problems with the complex nose-mounted reduction gear, which caused reliability problems and resulted in fairly low serviceability rates as compared with other fighters. It was criticized for its low service ceiling, its slow rate of climb, and its generally poor high-altitude performance. Section 107, the written material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the included information for educational purposes. [1] This was further broken down by marital status. The pilot apparently noticed it and tried to lift his ship. There were 10 passengers and six crew members on board. Their water table has been contaminated with high levels of PFOA because of the leakage of chemicals from Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree theyresorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they werenot conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on theirequipment. [1], The northern tier Strategic Air Command Ready Alert Strike Force bases were considered less than desirable duty stations for one main reason. Anyone know the status on this? 1946. The last was delivered in December 1930. [3], www.nytimes.com/1988/10/12/us/six-are-killed-in-crash-of-an-air-force-tanker.html, www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm, www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0379bw.htm, http://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/wurtsmith-air-force-base/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wurtsmith_Air_Force_Base. The Air Force knew about the contamination and spent millions since 1977 to try to cover up the problem by adding phosphates to mask the odor of the chemical in the water. There are many people who were exposed to the Wurtsmith water that are now coming out and blaming the chemical filled drinking water for their health problems. [1] While this was a relatively boring week, it was extremely stressful, because no one knew when the alarm would sound, but more importantly no one, knew if it would be a drill or not. There were four planes, and I was watching them from our front window, as I usually do when theyre engaged in gunnery practice. The Bell P-39 Airacobra was not the best fighter aircraft of WWII, but it was the only fighter available in quantity during the first six months of the war. [1] As tensions increased around the world and the likelihood of an actual mission being flown while on ready alert increased, the weekbecame more stressful. [5] One crew flew 29mission out of Jeddah, setting the record for most missions flew by a bombercrew in theater. This could be from hydrant flushing or a water main break. Heart condition, prostate cancer, diabetic, sometimes confused in making decisions. The former base includes 4,626 acres (1,872ha) located approximately two miles west of Lake Huron in the Charter Township of Oscoda, bordered by Van Ettan Lake, the [1] Mr. Norton also landed. It was a feeble effort, for the plane seemed to lift for only a few feet and then it crashed, nose first, into the water. He brought this idea to the attention of his squadron commander Major Carl Spaatz. Physical Location:4071 East Van Ettan StreetOscoda, Michigan 48750, Mailing Address:PO Box 664Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Tele: (989) 739-7555(Not answered Nov-Apr)Email:email@wurtsmithairmuseum.net, AN ARTIFACT FROM WURTSMITHS COLD WAR PAST HAS RETURNED HOME, There was one final project I wanted to accomplish before departing my assignment as Flight Commander of Aircrew Flight Equipment and SERE at the. I like combining historical photographs with the stories behind them. [1], The usefulness and mission type of the KC-135 in maintaining air superiority, as well as supporting missions originating in the United States meant that they would have longer assignments, as well as much more fluid assignments than other types of squadrons. "Keeping Wurtsmith AFB and Aviation History of NE MI Alive" Opens on Armed Forces Day in May, hosts a Welcome Home. It was also possible for these missions to originate in the United States. [1] On May 9th 1961 the first B-52 landed in Wurtsmith Air Force Base, signifying the re-designation to a Strategic Air Command Base. This judgement flies in the face provided by the federal ATSDR and the National Institute of Health. At the start of 1985, Wurtsmith maintained an $80 million annual payroll with 3,600 military and civilian personnel. Residents of the Oscoda area raised $600 to clear 40 acres of land next to the lake as a spot for a training camp and target range. She has all kinds of problems, my ex died of cancer and I have all kinds of problems. Published August 24, 2021 at 4:15 PM EDT. Weve done quite a bit of documenting and measuring, David Losinski said. This unfortunately happened on October 11. , 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. [5] The 379th flew with a Triangle K tail flash to continue the, tradition from their World War II counterparts. All Rights Reserved. My ex wife has thyroid disease and auto immune disease. This man later took the proposal to build a gunnery range to the people of Oscoda. The P-47s radial engine proved remarkably resistant to battle damage and, with its heavy armament and well-armored cockpit, the Thunderbolt established a reputation as one of the most effective fighter-bombers of the war. He was stationed at the base. My mom was recently diagnosed a month ago with colon cancer and skin cancer and still being treated by a dr, my broth had sever ulcers his entire early childhood. The documentary by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sara Ganim focuses on PFAS contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. There are many good photos of P-39s at Selfridge Field (Posted below), but none of P-39s at Oscoda. Ruben C. Moffat flew a P-6 converted with a supercharged Conqueror engine on a record-breaking flight. The EPA began requiring public water systems to monitor for PFOA and PFOS in 2012, but even today there is no federal drinking water standards for PFOA or PFOS. City Picto Map, Clark Air Base / Angeles City. [1] This was followed by one and a half weeks of normal day to day activitiesuntil the flight crew relieved crew on ready alert in the bunkers.[1]. This is an evolving issue with many moving parts. This bunker compound housed, the flight crews on ready alert, the three B-52 bombers ready to take off at a, moments notice, and the accompanying KC-135s ready to top off the B-52s after takeoff. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. In addition, the rear fuselage was deepened in order that it could faire cleanly into the bottom of the radiator. It has found from testing this area that some places to have over 1000 parts-per-trillion for PFOS and PFOA. This unfortunately happened on October 11th, 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. Thanks for sending to you and Pat. The intent is to create a self-help registry for those who were harmed by the extremely toxic organochlorine pesticide contamination detected at Military Family Housing. I have had many other health issues since and have recently found all of this. https://www.oscairport.com/index.php/available-properties/, https://www.oscairport.com/index.php/development-site/, https://www.afhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/APH-Winter2016.pdf, http://www.armytimes.com/story/news/2014/07/30/divers-find-wreckage-of-world-war-ii-era-plane/13354373/, https://wurtsmithairmuseum.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Air-Refueling-Squadron-_-Real-People-_-George-Schlatter720p.mp4. We knew we had some kind of plane.. Environmental context Total organofluorine and known fluorosurfactants were quantified in 11 aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) used to extinguish fires in Ontario, Canada, and one commercial AFFF product. From humble beginnings in the 1920's as a aircraft gunnery range, to its status as a vital member of our strategic defense, Wurtsmith Air Force Base has distinguished itself as an important part of our country's military history. [5], Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air ForceCaptain on May 30th, 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commissionas a 2nd Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. The B-52 is being serviced under the Strategic Air Command Recovery Oriented Aircraft Maintenance (ROAM) system. Aircraft rolled 630 feet before nosing over. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree they, resorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they were, not conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on their, equipment. purposes only, and is not legal advice. [5] The 379th Bomb Wing immediately continued the 4026thStrategic Wing operations and training. On January 18, 1994 it was listed as a Superfund due to extensive groundwater contamination with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane . As an officer Mr. Norton had to sit in on Court-Martials. U.S. Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Mich., served primarily as a combat crew and bomber training base throughout its 70-year history. [1] This meant that there was always at least threeB-52s armed with nuclear bombs, ready to take off at a moments notice. USVCP Not A U.S. Government Publication. I served at Wurtsmith from 1974-1977 my whole family has suffered from various ongoing ailments. WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in Iosco County, Michigan.It operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. They also were known as the Red Tails because they painted the tails of their aircraft red. There is no amount of PFOA that is officially recognized as harmful. However, many studies have shown otherwise. It is perhaps the best-known of all the between wars Army pursuits. Because of this KC-135 squadrons would routinely fly 175 day assignments and return to their home base. TCE in another well on Jet Street near the present day Wurtsmith AFB museum was 1,739-ppb. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing was, Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air Force, , 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commission, Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. Stay tuned for further developments. [1], While these crews were on ready alert they did not have a whole, lot to do. Traci Kroushour, an Oscoda resident until the age of 12, had her uterus removed at the age of 28 and can never have children. [1] As soon as the wheels touched down the clock would be reset and they could be sent out on another assignment. While many of the airmen preferred to live on base it was possible for them to buy or rent a house or apartment off post. Contaminated water has been shown to be the main way that humans get exposed to this chemical, which is exactly whats going on in Oscoda. Home Buyers Guide; Find a Real Estate Agent; Price: $299,000. Veteran Compensation Programs. Since its establishment in 1923, Wurtsmith played an important role in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War, hosting the 134th Army Air Force Base Fighter Unit and 379th Bombardment Wing respectively. Aug 24, 2021. [2] The flight crashed at 2:20PM while returning from K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula. A short time later in July 1944 it was being used to train Free French Air Force pilots, which eventually led to more and more training and more and more storage of aircraft like the B-52G (oscairport.com). Everyone from the mechanics keeping the planes flyable, to the cooks, preparing food for the airmen stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, to the, commanders who ensured that everything from the flight schedules being correct. To gain a measure of the extremely high levels of contaminated drinking water, according to the ATSDR, TCE levels in a well at the corner of Arrow Street and N. Skeel Avenue were as high as 5,173 parts-per-billion (ppb) during 1977, 1978, & 1979 tests, which is more than 1,000 times the EPA's current limit of 5-ppb for TCE in drinking water. If you are interested in any particular aircraft of time period please let me know. I worked on the flight line. Leaking chemical storage tanks and waste disposal operations contaminated soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals. As soon as an assignment went over 180 days it was considered a permanent change in duty station. The single officers who lived on base lived in a dorm type building. High blood serum levels of PFOA are associated with infertility, decreased semen quality, and a higher risk of thyroid disease. However, the P-6 differed from the P-1 in having its fuselage rounded out to match the fatter engine cowling required by the Conqueror engine. The base is influential in Michigan, as well as the United States military history. The cockpit canopy offered exceptional all-round visibility for the pilot. [3], [1] Dave Norton, Former United States Air Force Captain, interviewed on 23 OCT 2017, [2] Ap. Wurtsmith Air Force base was one of fivenorthern tier bases in the Strategic Air Commands arsenal. The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, created in 1923, played a large role in WWII. If there's a main break, sections of the base will . According to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the private well located across the road from Oscoda High School tested about the 70 parts-per-trillion advisory level that was established for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS). My wife has breast cancer, and Hashimoto's Disease (auto immune), I had a double mastectomy to remove growths, hormone issues, kidney scaring liver lesions, lumps in both lungs, sleep APNEA, sudden onset Headaches, unexplained stress attacks, to name a few. That plane actually crashed April 11, 1944, which was 70 years to the date that the picture was taken, Drew Losinski said.