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Tom's Air Force Years ... Page two
Music playing is Tears in Heaven ... for those
who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
THE AIR FORCE YEARS OF TOM BASL ... PAGE TWO
                                     (Edward T. Basl, Jr.)
A special edition of The Lockbourne Skyhawk
reports on July 1, 1965 that Lockbourne AFB
changed from Strategic Air Command (SAC)
to Tactical Air Command (TAC).  The Vietnam
War was intensifying and troops from Army
bases began arriving at Lockbourne to load
supplies, personal gear, weapons and take off
for Southeast Asia.  Most of the troops were
transported in C-141's as well as C-130's. When
Lockbourne was under SAC control, there was
a large unit of B-47's and KC-135 refueler tankers.  
After the changeover to TAC, most of the B-47's
were mothballed and the tankers were replaced
with the EC-135.  Once the complete changeover
to TAC was finished, a large wing of C-130's moved
to Lockbourne. Our unit with the F-101B's was not
affected by the changeover.
During my time at Lockbourne, I went TDY to Tyndall AFB, Florida for the William Tell Shootout.  This was a competition among selected squadrons
throughout the country which involved ground and air crews. Judging was
done according to aircraft-specific weapons and accuracy of shooting down
targets.  The competition was intense so we took every opportunity to enjoy
the Florida beach and just relax.  Even providing a sip of beer to a hermit
crab was considered entertainment.
Barracks Life in the 60's ....
Our salaries were less than $200 a month back in those days so
we saved money by cutting each other's hair.  
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