I was one of the mechanics that took care of that airplane when I was stationed at Norton AFB. I was in the 63rd OMS in 1973 when 177 landed in Hanoi and brought our POW's home. I watched in TV while it was happening. I was caught by surprise when I saw the tail number; 60177. I yelled, Hey, that's my airplane. I'll never forget that moment. I took some pictures of myself on that airplane just after it got back from it's trip to Hanoi. Good memories.
@@davidrte.664 I worked on 141's at McGuire (twice), Hickam, Altus, Mildenhall, and Ramstein. My favorite aircraft! I went on recoveries all over the world because I knew that plane. I was a "pointy head", yes, but I was all-systems qualified on the Starlifter!! I felt at home on those aircraft.
the aircraft was a C141A when it was the famed Hanoi Taxi, and retired as a C141B. I love the 141 and have flown on one many times! It's a plane i never wanted to see retire, just like i never wanted my air force career to ever end! all good things must end
I served proudly as a C-141B Flight Engineer with the 8th Airlift Squadron, 62 AW at McChord AFB., WA. It was a sad day to see that bird retire. I have so many fond memories of our missions covering the Far East & Middle East.
I was stationed at Norton AFB with the 445th AMS, and was a "Automatic Flight Control System Specialist" on the C-141A/B for 17 years. They were some of the best years of my life. I loved the plane and the team I worked with. Great memories.
I just saw this yesterday! My Dad was a Navigator of the C141 during Viet Nam. We lived in the Philippines for three years in the late 60's. I have so many wonderful memories of him in his flight suit, Air Shows and the touch and go's around Norton AFB in San Bernardino!
z jr.s Was over in the 1968th Communication Squadron then. Went on to college and got commissioned and flew the trainers and moved on to Transporation Officer at Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB's 53rd MAPS.
I believe the years you mention were also the time frame my father had cross trained from security forces to command and control and was then stationed at Charleston AFB and ran the command post.....he and a buddy of his were also the men behind the new designs for the buildings such the command post and other buildings you see now along the flight line. I hope you are still alive and well and perhaps god willing one day I may have the pleasure of meeting you and shaking your hand. I know all to well what it took to run and keep these planes flying...you have my utmost thanks and respect for what you did while serving....live long and prosper
I would have been crying if there with the rest of the people watching the celebration. After working on and flying on that faithful airplane I felt like it was part of my life. I help load many pallets, and other military equipment on those airplanes, along with flying to many places on them, I love that airplane so much.
Brought tears to my eyes watching these great men walking off of that beautiful plane and wondering what the thought all those years ago. I worked on C-141's at Norton AFB,CA in the late 70's at the 63APS/Fleet Services. I think the 141 was called "The workhouse of MAC" back then. As my only assignment while in the USAF, our C-141's took on a special place in our lives. Each one had different challenges. Working at Fleet Services, we all learned which plane had a problem with the tie down storage or getting the "Comfort Pallet" into position. More importantly, we all knew which plane had a problem "the donut" in the latrine drainage system--a wrong move would cover you with blue(or brown) liquid. Even now, I can remember the whine of the engines as they took off and then watching as they banked to the right over the mountains east of San Bernardino. Such an honor to have worked on them, and sorry to know that they are gone. They did their jobs for years and the memories of all of us who stepped on board along the way will never fade..
I was stationed at McGuire AFB for many years so the C-141 is part of my life history. Whenever my wife and I would return from a road trip we would know we were near home when we saw Starlifters in the sky. I'll miss them.
I can not express what I feel right now but I feel very close to those who came home on the Hanoi taxi. I am not a Vietnam veteran but somehow this period has a very strong precense in my mind.and this clip made me very emotional.
That was one of the BEST videos I've seen here. Outstanding! That A/C brought me home from Desert Storm after a long year in the desert. Was a flight I'll never forget.
I had the privilege of stepping foot on this aircraft back in 2001 at Pope AFB. My late Father later went aboard after it's retirement and move to Wright-Patterson. It was a great experience for us both.
My first assignment was the 62nd APS @ McChord AFB in the late 90's. I grew up working with the C-141. Took me on my first military flight in CONUS, my first flight overseas, first time I got dumped on by a faulty lavatory. I didn't miss them at first, but I really miss that plane now.
We weren't that glamorous, but the Starlifter hauled the mail for this country for a long time. I learned a lot flying her. C-141 Pilot 8th MAS McChord AFB,WA
Great historical video! Let us not forget our history and the men and women who fought for our freedoms we all enjoy today, Thank you all!!! This was the C-141 to save for future generations to see! Thanks for posting!
My first flight ever was on a C-141 from Travis AFB to Aussie. Took us a week to get there. Got to see the Pacific. Great memories. Something I will always be proud of as a brat. Bringing a tear to my eye as we speak. :)
Loved the C141. Flown on them many times. Even jumped out of a few of them. My last flight on the 141 was with a crew out of Charlston AFB, bringing my unit back to home station after six months in the Sinai.
I manned a tower well past the end of the approach side of the runway at Phu Cat AFB in Vietnam for six months from 6P - 6A. As an 18 year old kid I didn't tink about death but I did think alot about home and watching those beautiful 141's float in every night would re-new my faith. What a beautiful aircraft and a truly patriotic one.
No matter how many years ago it has been since Vietnam ended watching these videos of the heroes themselves coming home never gets old! The legendary C-141 and in particular the Hanoi Taxi was an awesome and incredible aircraft and not only did it perform it's duty for our country courageously and with outstanding bravery, but nowadays it serves as an Ambassador to those still MIA in Vietnam, it reminds us that we must as a country do everything we can to bring closure to so many outstanding Americans whom are still MIA in the jungles of Vietnam, the war may be over but our commitment to finding our troops and returning them to American soil will last until everyone comes home!
Grew up and lived near Robins AFB. I saw bunches of 141's. These were a good bird and were manufactured in Georgia, along with the Herk. Sad to see it go. I get that the C-17s had somewhat more capacity but the 141 did its job and did it well. I hope present and future aircraft are just as good.
In February 1980, I flew on board a C-141 Starlifter with my unit. We were deployed to China Lake over by Lancaster, California. We came back on the C-141. I had no idea that they were noisy, even with the earplugs. Was sad to see the Starlifter get retired in 2006.
I was there and it was incredible, seeing those Vietnam Veterans gave me major chills, glad I wore sunglasses. I will never forget the C-141, that day, those wonderful heroes! Comm/Nav, Certified Mechanic, 90-96, Altus AFB.
First duty station Travis AFB with 602 OMS, 60th MAW. Then on to Tinker AFB crew chief of 66-7952. 443rd moved to Altus around 1969-1970. Video brings back memories as I maintained the A model before stretch job and losing the white and gray paint scheme. Have a model C-141A on my desk.
While in the 82nd Airborne my unit jumped out of C-141s many times. The shreak the blast door made when it went out before jumping raised the hair on the back of your neck.
My first assignment was Mc Guire AFB, NJ. 1974, 9411 The first aircraft I was Crew Chief on in I retired Jan 1st 1997, one month before I retired I went on a Thunder bird Support mission. The aircraft was 9411 and it was its last mission before it was retired. It was the first aircraft I was crew chief on and the last military aircraft I would fly on.
I flew from Elmendorf AFB Anchorage to I think McCord AFB into Sea-Tac, Oct 1970, and did it sitting backwards. That was 1st part of my journey to DaNang AB
That was a hard working aircraft. They would perform Touch & Goes here at the Yakima Airport out of McCord AFB...now they do the same thing with the C-17 Globemaster. I have a great view of them when they takeoff from my house. Thank you for post this great video. David
Got to put my two cents into the mix! I worked them (Avionics) for about 15 years, at McGuire AFB, NJ., as a G.I. and a civilian. Believe I've worked 0177, as that tail nr. is very familiar. But I think it was stationed on the West Coast. May have seen it, at McGuire, as a transiting aircraft. The 141 was a magnificant flying machine and I really enjoyed all the hard work that I put into them. Hated to see most of them cut up at D.M.
I was stationed at Wright-Patt from 99 to 05. I learned to work ATC with this plane in the pattern many times. Man I miss those days, good base/group of people.
I flew on the C-141 from MacDill AFB, Tampa, Fla. to northern eastern India, north of Calcutta for a Humanitarian Refugees Airlift during the Bangladesh War in June - July of 1971 during "Operation Bonny Jack" and flew us back safely to our JTF home base, at MacDill. I also jumped out of the C-141 during my once a month parachute qualifications. Great plane and like the narrator said, "Faithful Servant".
Howard AFB had a few these birds, beautiful it was had a few jumps out of her. Threw us out the door like a toothpic. 2/187 Ft Kobbe loved to heat her scream. Do it all over again
That is how you get your "moneys worth" from an airplane. Noisy, smokey, leaky, and some may say ugly. Yet, I love her and am going to miss her! Thank you to the old girl for everything!
Hello fellow charlestonian....i believe it was up until 95...that my father ran the command post/command and control....his name was tsgt. Carlon You may have heard that.name and maybe not if you ever had to contact the command post...but sadly the same day the bombing in Oklahoma City happened my father suffered a massive seizure...never happened before this time and was then medically retired and also in part due to the Clinton cutbacks at the time....sadly at this time he was also well on his way to and was looking at a major promotion and new duty station within the Pentagon and could have still been serving to this day.
Americans are so lucky to have/had such great iconic aircraft.i used to hang around with a American lad in the late seventies/early eighties his dad was based at RAF mildenhall England air refuelling wing.he used to take us on the base.great times.the lad went on to joining the USAF launching The U2
On its way to Dayton Ohio this great plane flew over our city and I saw it ,came from the North and turn to the west to Dayton ....I saw this monster, this beautiful monster!!
They painted her with the white top in about 2002 I believe. I remember flying missions into the middle east and seeing her out there with the paint scheme. I was also deployed to RAF Mildenhall with her in2003 and she was painted like that.
I was going to flight school at TSTC waco in 2000 when these planes would practice combat takeoffs and landings there. They had a maintenance wing at TSTC. I believe they still do. It was usually for cargo type military aircraft although there were a few AC-130 gunships also there for maintenance. TSTC is also where Air Force One would arrive when "Dubya" would visit Crawford ranch during that time.
I had been looking at C-141 all the time from small time in Yokota AB. It is a very favorite air force plane. I am sad if you think that it does not come to yokota any longer. Thank you. japanese nickname ' nagaimo'
I flew on the C-141 from Torrejon, Spain to Athens in December of 1970 while on leave for the Christmas season. I was serving aboard the USS Nitro AE-23 in the Med at the time. Quite an adventure, great plane.
Yes partyboy, I see it sitting over there by the Globemaster and the Lockheed when I go down the airport road to get to Midland Park Rd. I hope it stays there on the ground. Those C5s are pretty loud too but don't buzz around as much as the 141s. I wonder what the noise level of the C5 compared to the 141 is.
Yes. It received a full repaint at Wright-Patterson, however, after the retirement flight, it sat outside at the AF museum and looked pretty shabby. They cleaned it up very well and finally moved it inside a new display hanger after a couple of years. See this link: c141heaven.info/dotcom/pic_66_0177paint.php
here's one for ya, how do u fit 189, combat equipped paratroopers in a 141b, the last 4, which were first to enter, open the door to the flt deck, and I sitat the top of the stairs while the flt engineer says we can't be there, always loved the look on the pilots face when he'd turn around, smile and just shake his head, usually at that point the engineer would call us crazy and go back to work. in the middle of the night, when the green light would come on,i was never hooked up. Airborne mf's
@jc1701 they are. i know service men hate this question but do you know anyone by the last name of schadae. and also your right i love the base. i go to the museum once a year every year
3:29 .... That's the late George "Bud" Day, Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient! Former POW in the Hanoi Hilton. I certainly respected the man but I didn't exactly "like" him: He was my ex-wifes divorce attorney in 1988!! 👅
Good riddance to these horribly loud, whining and screeching, high pitched four engined Starlifters. You did not want to have them flying over your heads and houses as we did here in Charleston, SC for decades. If you were out in your yard you would have to cover your ears when one came over or go deaf. The C-17 is less of a noise nuisance.
North Charleston cry me a river. Those aircraft kept your pathetic city alive then as the C17 does in 2018. Hanahan here, close enough to N.Charleston to be glad that I don’t live in that chrome infested sewer.
I grew up with aircraft of all kinds flying over my homes, from helicopters, every kind of airplanes and even gliders. Between the firefighting planes and gliders from Hemet, choppers from 29 Palms, fighters from San Diego, airplanes from Ontario, and tankers, bombers, etc from Norton and March AFBs, the C-141 and C-141B were the grand ladies in the sky and my favorite. They transported personnel, gear, supplies, and patients. I grew up listening to my mom's stories of her flights on them. I could give a better tour at 6 yrs old than most soldiers could who flew them. The Starlifter was a versatile, useful, graceful and beautiful girl in the sky. I would love to hear and see one in the sky again
Are there any C-141's flying anywhere? I swear I saw one over Houston yesterday but I don't know how that is possible. It didn't look like a C5 at all.
jscott1000 It is a possible that NASA is still flying one or two of the A model. NASA most of the time gets to keep their birds after retirement, the modifications they make to them are often irreplaceable. I did iso on a couple of NASA 141's one was in a normal cargo configuration,the other one is The Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) but I don't know if it is still flying.
Harrison Johnson No C141's have flown since the Hanoi Tax was retired on May 6, 2006. There are C141's you can view at the major bases where they were stationed, one at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, and the nasa plane is currently located at Moffett field near SF. Also one sitting on a ramp somewhere at Edwards. None are capable of flying.
jscott1000 That was almost certainly a Russian IL-76 ... many are flying, carrying cargo on contract, even sometimes for the DOD and NASA. They look very much like a C141 from almost any angle.
c141heaven I'm 99% sure it wasn't that. First it was in camouflage, not civilian markings. Second, I didn't see anything like the nose glass the IL-76 has.
Yep just looked it up. Its pretty cool to walk onto a bid that has a huge hole in the roof. Technically it was not a C141. All three of the big military Lockheed planes were designed for the civilian market the L100 is the C130 but there are a few companies besides the "company" that operate these the lower side windows are only on the military version. The L300 is the C141 I think they had UPS in mind when they designed it. And the of the FRED the L400 or C5 as we know it. Right before the C17 was supposed to be delivered they split our shop out into C5 and C141 support teams. I stayed with the 141. To me they are hollowed ground, some of our birds were Honour Guard transports from Viet Nam, they had a since of duty that about them. They were tough birds and they even looked it. I have seen them launch and recover in gale force wind. So over powered that from a standstill to 10,000 with or without cargo an F16 could not catch one. I have always missed them.
I was one of the mechanics that took care of that airplane when I was stationed at Norton AFB. I was in the 63rd OMS in 1973 when 177 landed in Hanoi and brought our POW's home. I watched in TV while it was happening. I was caught by surprise when I saw the tail number; 60177. I yelled, Hey, that's my airplane. I'll never forget that moment. I took some pictures of myself on that airplane just after it got back from it's trip to Hanoi. Good memories.
You may have bumped into my dad. We were at Norton around the same time and he was a navigator on 141's
Makes me cry. The backbone of the military for many years. I love this bird.
I was a Crew Chief on the C-141 out of McGuire, flew with it all over Europe, way back in 1967-1969. #7947 & others as well. God Bless All of us Vets.
I was also at Norton 67 to 70 crew chief on 208 the last year.
@@davidrte.664 I worked on 141's at McGuire (twice), Hickam, Altus, Mildenhall, and Ramstein. My favorite aircraft! I went on recoveries all over the world because I knew that plane. I was a "pointy head", yes, but I was all-systems qualified on the Starlifter!! I felt at home on those aircraft.
Jet-Mech on the C-141 from 1985 thru 1989. Run qualified in all 3 seats. Incredible memories! What a work horse!!
the aircraft was a C141A when it was the famed Hanoi Taxi, and retired as a C141B. I love the 141 and have flown on one many times! It's a plane i never wanted to see retire, just like i never wanted my air force career to ever end! all good things must end
I served proudly as a C-141B Flight Engineer with the 8th Airlift Squadron, 62 AW at McChord AFB., WA. It was a sad day to see that bird retire. I have so many fond memories of our missions covering the Far East & Middle East.
97 th MAS loadmaster from the Gulf War here. I loved the C-141's and trusted them with my life too.
@@timsmith1589 - Proud of your service there Sir! They were good times weren’t they? I’ll never forget my experiences!
I was stationed at Norton AFB with the 445th AMS, and was a "Automatic Flight Control System Specialist" on the C-141A/B for 17 years. They were some of the best years of my life. I loved the plane and the team I worked with. Great memories.
I just saw this yesterday! My Dad was a Navigator of the C141 during Viet Nam. We lived in the Philippines for three years in the late 60's. I have so many wonderful memories of him in his flight suit, Air Shows and the touch and go's around Norton AFB in San Bernardino!
Loved the C-141. Charleston AFB, 1975-1979. Best time in my life, best job. I did structural repair.
z jr.s Was over in the 1968th Communication Squadron then. Went on to college and got commissioned and flew the trainers and moved on to Transporation Officer at Ft. Bragg/Pope AFB's 53rd MAPS.
I believe the years you mention were also the time frame my father had cross trained from security forces to command and control and was then stationed at Charleston AFB and ran the command post.....he and a buddy of his were also the men behind the new designs for the buildings such the command post and other buildings you see now along the flight line. I hope you are still alive and well and perhaps god willing one day I may have the pleasure of meeting you and shaking your hand. I know all to well what it took to run and keep these planes flying...you have my utmost thanks and respect for what you did while serving....live long and prosper
I would have been crying if there with the rest of the people watching the celebration. After working on and flying on that faithful airplane I felt like it was part of my life. I help load many pallets, and other military equipment on those airplanes, along with flying to many places on them, I love that airplane so much.
Brought tears to my eyes watching these great men walking off of that beautiful plane and wondering what the thought all those years ago. I worked on C-141's at Norton AFB,CA in the late 70's at the 63APS/Fleet Services. I think the 141 was called "The workhouse of MAC" back then. As my only assignment while in the USAF, our C-141's took on a special place in our lives. Each one had different challenges. Working at Fleet Services, we all learned which plane had a problem with the tie down storage or getting the "Comfort Pallet" into position. More importantly, we all knew which plane had a problem "the donut" in the latrine drainage system--a wrong move would cover you with blue(or brown) liquid. Even now, I can remember the whine of the engines as they took off and then watching as they banked to the right over the mountains east of San Bernardino. Such an honor to have worked on them, and sorry to know that they are gone. They did their jobs for years and the memories of all of us who stepped on board along the way will never fade..
This plane has earned it's place in history. Those planes after stand on the shoulder of this one.
Did my time at Mcguire. I did aquire the desire. I loved that Starlifter. Best part of my life. Make me cry to see them at the boneyard.
I was stationed at McGuire AFB for many years so the C-141 is part of my life history. Whenever my wife and I would return from a road trip we would know we were near home when we saw Starlifters in the sky. I'll miss them.
I can not express what I feel right now but I feel very close to those who came home on the Hanoi taxi. I am not a Vietnam veteran but somehow this period has a very strong precense in my mind.and this clip made me very emotional.
Was at Norton AFB truely a good jet.. Miss the mission miss the area..Never forget,,,,,,
That was one of the BEST videos I've seen here. Outstanding! That A/C brought me home from Desert Storm after a long year in the desert. Was a flight I'll never forget.
I had the privilege of stepping foot on this aircraft back in 2001 at Pope AFB. My late Father later went aboard after it's retirement and move to Wright-Patterson. It was a great experience for us both.
My first assignment was the 62nd APS @ McChord AFB in the late 90's. I grew up working with the C-141. Took me on my first military flight in CONUS, my first flight overseas, first time I got dumped on by a faulty lavatory. I didn't miss them at first, but I really miss that plane now.
So sad. I loved this aircraft and flew many miles on them while I was in the Air Force.
We weren't that glamorous, but the Starlifter hauled the mail for this country for a long time. I learned a lot flying her.
C-141 Pilot
8th MAS
McChord AFB,WA
Had the fortune to have only one ride on the 141. It was on redeployment from Desert Storm in 1991.
Being raised in Palmdale, Ca, I remember seeing this plane fly daily. Beautiful plane.
I was an AGE mechanic 63 MAW at Norton AFB California (1982-'85 ) , good memories and real good times..
Great historical video! Let us not forget our history and the men and women who fought for our freedoms we all enjoy today, Thank you all!!!
This was the C-141 to save for future generations to see! Thanks for posting!
My dad flew in that very plane when he was in the service. I remember being there for it’s last flight when i was six years old.
My first flight ever was on a C-141 from Travis AFB to Aussie. Took us a week to get there. Got to see the Pacific. Great memories. Something I will always be proud of as a brat. Bringing a tear to my eye as we speak. :)
Loved the C141.
Flown on them many times. Even jumped out of a few of them.
My last flight on the 141 was with a crew out of Charlston AFB, bringing my unit back to home station after six months in the Sinai.
I manned a tower well past the end of the approach side of the runway at Phu Cat AFB in Vietnam for six months from 6P - 6A. As an 18 year old kid I didn't tink about death but I did think alot about home and watching those beautiful 141's float in every night would re-new my faith. What a beautiful aircraft and a truly patriotic one.
Crew chief 1972 till 76. Thats my baddy. Never lost a crew. Thanks for the memories. Charlestown sc. shes a beauty.
What a beautiful video. Thanks for sharing.
No matter how many years ago it has been since Vietnam ended watching these videos of the heroes themselves coming home never gets old! The legendary C-141 and in particular the Hanoi Taxi was an awesome and incredible aircraft and not only did it perform it's duty for our country courageously and with outstanding bravery, but nowadays it serves as an Ambassador to those still MIA in Vietnam, it reminds us that we must as a country do everything we can to bring closure to so many outstanding Americans whom are still MIA in the jungles of Vietnam, the war may be over but our commitment to finding our troops and returning them to American soil will last until everyone comes home!
emotional Video, thanks for sharing
Grew up and lived near Robins AFB. I saw bunches of 141's. These were a good bird and were manufactured in Georgia, along with the Herk. Sad to see it go. I get that the C-17s had somewhat more capacity but the 141 did its job and did it well. I hope present and future aircraft are just as good.
In February 1980, I flew on board a C-141 Starlifter with my unit. We were deployed to China Lake over by Lancaster, California. We came back on the C-141. I had no idea that they were noisy, even with the earplugs. Was sad to see the Starlifter get retired in 2006.
Excellent video. A proud and deserving end to a great plane.
Your video is fantastic. Keep making great informative videos like this one.
This deserves more views
worked on these at NAFB - what a great airplane !!!
I was there and it was incredible, seeing those Vietnam Veterans gave me major chills, glad I wore sunglasses. I will never forget the C-141, that day, those wonderful heroes! Comm/Nav, Certified Mechanic, 90-96, Altus AFB.
First duty station Travis AFB with 602 OMS, 60th MAW. Then on to Tinker AFB crew chief of 66-7952. 443rd moved to Altus around 1969-1970. Video brings back memories as I maintained the A model before stretch job and losing the white and gray paint scheme. Have a model C-141A on my desk.
While in the 82nd Airborne my unit jumped out of C-141s many times. The shreak the blast door made when it went out before jumping raised the hair on the back of your neck.
My first assignment was Mc Guire AFB, NJ. 1974, 9411 The first aircraft I was Crew Chief on in I retired Jan 1st 1997, one month before I retired I went on a Thunder bird Support mission. The aircraft was 9411 and it was its last mission before it was retired. It was the first aircraft I was crew chief on and the last military aircraft I would fly on.
How many times did we see Bob Hope stepping out of a C-141.? For the life of me I can not remember what was written over that fwd door..
Stationed at Travis AFB. Loved that aircraft.
I flew from Elmendorf AFB Anchorage to I think McCord AFB into Sea-Tac, Oct 1970, and did it sitting backwards. That was 1st part of my journey to DaNang AB
We don't really ever lose an aircraft but move forward with everything it taught us.
Thank you for your service old girl. Sleep peacfully
That was a hard working aircraft. They would perform Touch & Goes here at the Yakima Airport out of McCord AFB...now they do the same thing with the C-17 Globemaster. I have a great view of them when they takeoff from my house. Thank you for post this great video. David
It's all in the music. It always has.
I feel the same way about the USAF MH-53's. I went many places and experienced a wide range of emotions deployed with them.
Best airplane ever..wonderful ride,,Bless them all,,😊
Got to put my two cents into the mix! I worked them (Avionics) for about 15 years, at McGuire AFB, NJ., as a G.I. and a civilian. Believe I've worked 0177, as that tail nr. is very familiar. But I think it was stationed on the West Coast. May have seen it, at McGuire, as a transiting aircraft. The 141 was a magnificant flying machine and I really enjoyed all the hard work that I put into them. Hated to see most of them cut up at D.M.
I was stationed at Wright-Patt from 99 to 05. I learned to work ATC with this plane in the pattern many times. Man I miss those days, good base/group of people.
In the Army in the 80s, I would take space A hops between McChord and Norton frequently. Best rides ever were on the 141.
C-141 1974+ SE Asia. SGT Williams (Ohio). Thank you.
Flying Crew Chief, Tail Number 60186, first B model I miss you,Commander, Ted English,East Texas Veterans Council
I flew on the C-141 from MacDill AFB, Tampa, Fla. to northern eastern India, north of Calcutta for a Humanitarian Refugees Airlift during the Bangladesh War in June - July of 1971 during "Operation Bonny Jack" and flew us back safely to our JTF home base, at MacDill. I also jumped out of the C-141 during my once a month parachute qualifications. Great plane and like the narrator said, "Faithful Servant".
This plane was good to me. From Travis to Hickam to Clark to Osan to Don Muang to U-Tapao to Andersen and a host of PACAF Bases. Goodbye my friend.
Howard AFB had a few these birds, beautiful it was had a few jumps out of her. Threw us out the door like a toothpic. 2/187 Ft Kobbe loved to heat her scream. Do it all over again
This is how you say thank you and goodbye to any aircraft type.
Just a piece of metal?
No, a valued and appreciated workmate.
That is how you get your "moneys worth" from an airplane. Noisy, smokey, leaky, and some may say ugly. Yet, I love her and am going to miss her! Thank you to the old girl for everything!
I love this aircraft, former GAC troop Charleston, 1991-1997.
Hello fellow charlestonian....i believe it was up until 95...that my father ran the command post/command and control....his name was tsgt. Carlon
You may have heard that.name and maybe not if you ever had to contact the command post...but sadly the same day the bombing in Oklahoma City happened my father suffered a massive seizure...never happened before this time and was then medically retired and also in part due to the Clinton cutbacks at the time....sadly at this time he was also well on his way to and was looking at a major promotion and new duty station within the Pentagon and could have still been serving to this day.
worked on many of these while working transient alert. wasnt hard at all to work on them. still miss them.
Americans are so lucky to have/had such great iconic aircraft.i used to hang around with a American lad in the late seventies/early eighties his dad was based at RAF mildenhall England air refuelling wing.he used to take us on the base.great times.the lad went on to joining the USAF launching The U2
Unbelievable aircraft to an old fighter jockey. Class of 45-A United States Army Air Force. Lt.Col. Robert V. Beaudreau USAF retired Res.
I remember seeing one come in at selfridge I it was a beautiful plane
On its way to Dayton Ohio this great plane flew over our city and I saw it ,came from the North and turn to the west to Dayton ....I saw this monster, this beautiful monster!!
never entered a C-141b from anything but the ramp🇺🇸⚡⚡⚡⚡
They painted her with the white top in about 2002 I believe. I remember flying missions into the middle east and seeing her out there with the paint scheme. I was also deployed to RAF Mildenhall with her in2003 and she was painted like that.
I was going to flight school at TSTC waco in 2000 when these planes would practice combat takeoffs and landings there. They had a maintenance wing at TSTC. I believe they still do. It was usually for cargo type military aircraft although there were a few AC-130 gunships also there for maintenance. TSTC is also where Air Force One would arrive when "Dubya" would visit Crawford ranch during that time.
I had been looking at C-141 all the time from small time in Yokota AB.
It is a very favorite air force plane.
I am sad if you think that it does not come to yokota any longer.
Thank you.
japanese nickname ' nagaimo'
nice vid. Thanks. God Bless
I flew on the C-141 from Torrejon, Spain to Athens in December of 1970 while on leave for the Christmas season. I was serving aboard the USS Nitro AE-23 in the Med at the time. Quite an adventure, great plane.
So long old friend. C141 Crew Chief, 1995-2002, McChord AFB, WA
wow, i didnt even know this plane was retired until now :(
but only because i remember seeing them fly over my house occasionally from March ARB
Went from working on F15 engines at Elmendorf to working on C141s and C5s at Rhein Main AB...
It was a great plane to fly in.I got to see Mt Fuji out of the window flying from Taiwan to Japan.A lot of noise in it but I'd do it again.
Yes partyboy, I see it sitting over there by the Globemaster and the Lockheed when I go down the airport road to get to Midland Park Rd. I hope it stays there on the ground. Those C5s are pretty loud too but don't buzz around as much as the 141s. I wonder what the noise level of the C5 compared to the 141 is.
Was the aircraft painted for this occasion? Cool!
Yes. It received a full repaint at Wright-Patterson, however, after the retirement flight, it sat outside at the AF museum and looked pretty shabby. They cleaned it up very well and finally moved it inside a new display hanger after a couple of years.
See this link:
c141heaven.info/dotcom/pic_66_0177paint.php
@acearms The problem with the 141 was that it couldn't haul tanks. The C-17 can.
here's one for ya, how do u fit 189, combat equipped paratroopers in a 141b, the last 4, which were first to enter, open the door to the flt deck, and I sitat the top of the stairs while the flt engineer says we can't be there, always loved the look on the pilots face when he'd turn around, smile and just shake his head, usually at that point the engineer would call us crazy and go back to work. in the middle of the night, when the green light would come on,i was never hooked up. Airborne mf's
C/Co. 2/325, 1984-1986.
This boi has to fly again
RIP John McCain
Flew from Cherry Point to Kadina
The C-17 well never be able to live up to the C-141 star lifters name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😎😎
So long, C-141!
NOOOO I DONT WANT THE C5 TO RETIRE
We turned them into C-5Ms, so they are going to be around a while longer.
One hell of a plane, could have flown another 50 years
Why does she have to go? Oh wait, the C-5 is jealous it is fat so it banished the C-141.
hey i first learned to paint and to do structural repairs on these. they will missed
@jc1701 they are. i know service men hate this question but do you know anyone by the last name of schadae. and also your right i love the base. i go to the museum once a year every year
Good bye C 141 Starlifter
3:29 .... That's the late George "Bud" Day, Medal of Honor and Air Force Cross recipient! Former POW in the Hanoi Hilton. I certainly respected the man but I didn't exactly "like" him: He was my ex-wifes divorce attorney in 1988!! 👅
If the USAF STILL KEEPS THE 52S THEY COULD HAVE KEPT THE.141S
Good riddance to these horribly loud, whining and screeching, high pitched four engined Starlifters. You did not want to have them flying over your heads and houses as we did here in Charleston, SC for decades. If you were out in your yard you would have to cover your ears when one came over or go deaf. The C-17 is less of a noise nuisance.
North Charleston cry me a river. Those aircraft kept your pathetic city alive then as the C17 does in 2018. Hanahan here, close enough to N.Charleston to be glad that I don’t live in that chrome infested sewer.
I grew up with aircraft of all kinds flying over my homes, from helicopters, every kind of airplanes and even gliders. Between the firefighting planes and gliders from Hemet, choppers from 29 Palms, fighters from San Diego, airplanes from Ontario, and tankers, bombers, etc from Norton and March AFBs, the C-141 and C-141B were the grand ladies in the sky and my favorite. They transported personnel, gear, supplies, and patients. I grew up listening to my mom's stories of her flights on them. I could give a better tour at 6 yrs old than most soldiers could who flew them. The Starlifter was a versatile, useful, graceful and beautiful girl in the sky. I would love to hear and see one in the sky again
Are there any C-141's flying anywhere? I swear I saw one over Houston yesterday but I don't know how that is possible. It didn't look like a C5 at all.
jscott1000 It is a possible that NASA is still flying one or two of the A model. NASA most of the time gets to keep their birds after retirement, the modifications they make to them are often irreplaceable. I did iso on a couple of NASA 141's one was in a normal cargo configuration,the other one is The Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) but I don't know if it is still flying.
Harrison Johnson No C141's have flown since the Hanoi Tax was retired on May 6, 2006. There are C141's you can view at the major bases where they were stationed, one at the Pima Air Museum in Tucson, and the nasa plane is currently located at Moffett field near SF. Also one sitting on a ramp somewhere at Edwards. None are capable of flying.
jscott1000 That was almost certainly a Russian IL-76 ... many are flying, carrying cargo on contract, even sometimes for the DOD and NASA. They look very much like a C141 from almost any angle.
c141heaven I'm 99% sure it wasn't that. First it was in camouflage, not civilian markings. Second, I didn't see anything like the nose glass the IL-76 has.
Yep just looked it up. Its pretty cool to walk onto a bid that has a huge hole in the roof. Technically it was not a C141. All three of the big military Lockheed planes were designed for the civilian market the L100 is the C130 but there are a few companies besides the "company" that operate these the lower side windows are only on the military version. The L300 is the C141 I think they had UPS in mind when they designed it. And the of the FRED the L400 or C5 as we know it. Right before the C17 was supposed to be delivered they split our shop out into C5 and C141 support teams. I stayed with the 141. To me they are hollowed ground, some of our birds were Honour Guard transports from Viet Nam, they had a since of duty that about them. They were tough birds and they even looked it. I have seen them launch and recover in gale force wind. So over powered that from a standstill to 10,000 with or without cargo an F16 could not catch one. I have always missed them.
At Ease!
GOD BLESS THE USA
great plane, if only it was still in service and work for Fedex or DHL or somthin, it could have even been a good Airline if it had windows & seats...