Posted on Mar 19, 2019
March 17, 1969 First EP-3B Orion Arrived at Atsugi Japan
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VQ-1’s air assets and technical capabilities were significantly upgraded in the spring of 1969 with the arrival of two EP-3B Orion “Bat Rack” aircraft.
PR-31 arrived 17 March 69 and PR-32 arrived on June 21. After their initial checkout at Atsugi, Japan, both aircraft deployed to Det Bravo. Back end equipment in the EP-3B was similar to that of the EC-121M (Willy). The real advantage of the EP-3B was its cruising altitude, nearly twice that of the venerable Willy. This resulted in a significant improvement in signal quality. From the squadron standpoint, the EP-3s were more reliable and required less maintenance. The EA-3B Skywarrior back end equipment was upgraded in August 1969. This upgrade was nicknamed SEAWING, a name sometimes applied to EA-3B missions in general.
PR-31 arrived 17 March 69 and PR-32 arrived on June 21. After their initial checkout at Atsugi, Japan, both aircraft deployed to Det Bravo. Back end equipment in the EP-3B was similar to that of the EC-121M (Willy). The real advantage of the EP-3B was its cruising altitude, nearly twice that of the venerable Willy. This resulted in a significant improvement in signal quality. From the squadron standpoint, the EP-3s were more reliable and required less maintenance. The EA-3B Skywarrior back end equipment was upgraded in August 1969. This upgrade was nicknamed SEAWING, a name sometimes applied to EA-3B missions in general.
March 17, 1969 First EP-3B Orion Arrived at Atsugi Japan
Posted from stationhypo.com
CT: Cryptologic Technician
Flying
Atsugi
Military History
Posted >1 y ago
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Thank you, my friend PO1 William "Chip" Nagel for making us aware that the very first EP-3B Orion “Bat Rack” aircraft arrived at Atsugi, Japan on March 17, 1969
PR-31 arrived March 17, 1969 and PR-32 arrived on June 21.
"After their initial checkout at Atsugi, Japan, both aircraft deployed to Det Bravo. Back end equipment in the EP-3B was similar to that of the EC-121M (Willy). The real advantage of the EP-3B was its cruising altitude, nearly twice that of the venerable Willy. This resulted in a significant improvement in signal quality."
FYI CAPT Bob Bechill LCDR Gordon Brown LT John Chang CDR Thomas Gatliffe CDR (Join to see) PO3 John Wagner PO2 (Join to see) TSgt Randal Groover PO3 (Join to see) CPO (Join to see) LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Del Wolverton FN George Woodruff SN Greg Wright PO3 Michael James CMC Robert Young PO3 Galon Miller SN John McCormack PO2 Tim Zeman
PR-31 arrived March 17, 1969 and PR-32 arrived on June 21.
"After their initial checkout at Atsugi, Japan, both aircraft deployed to Det Bravo. Back end equipment in the EP-3B was similar to that of the EC-121M (Willy). The real advantage of the EP-3B was its cruising altitude, nearly twice that of the venerable Willy. This resulted in a significant improvement in signal quality."
FYI CAPT Bob Bechill LCDR Gordon Brown LT John Chang CDR Thomas Gatliffe CDR (Join to see) PO3 John Wagner PO2 (Join to see) TSgt Randal Groover PO3 (Join to see) CPO (Join to see) LCDR (Join to see) SCPO Del Wolverton FN George Woodruff SN Greg Wright PO3 Michael James CMC Robert Young PO3 Galon Miller SN John McCormack PO2 Tim Zeman
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Great Article. I lived on U.S. Navy Atsugi NAS in Japan for about 35 days before getting my quarters at U.S. Army Camp Zama, Japan. Atsugi NAS is a great Air Base. The Naval BOQ was really nice. Our Army Chaplain section at Camp Zama did Joint Support at times with the Navy Chaplain Section at Atsugi NAS. They had a great wood shop on Atsugi NAS. Memories.
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I flew on both these birds 1970-72 from Danang along with EC-121 and EA-3B aircraft. 1800+ hours in 14 months.
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