HISTORY 
OF  THE 
55TH  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON 
MCCEELLAN  AFB,  CALIFORNIA 
1  JANUARY  -  30  JUNE  1985 
iUST  RESCUE  AND  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  WING 
23RD  AIR  FORCE 
MILITARY  AIRLIFT  COMMAND 
UNITED  STATES  AIR  FORCE
HISTORY  OF  THE 
55TH  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON 
MCCLELLAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE,    CALIFORNIA 
1    January    1985  -  30  June  1985 
Prepared  by : 
Squadron  Historian 
1st  Lt  Mike  Lyons 
Editors 
1st  Lt  Mike  Lyons 
Sgt  Edna  Perry 
Ms  Sylvia  Gough 
Contributing  Editors 
Capt  Karl  Becker 
Capt  Tad  Artis 
Capt  Jerry  King 
Approved  by: 
GARY  B.^OCH,  Lt  Col,  USAF 
Commander 
H1ST  RESCUE  AND  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  WING 
23D  AIR  FORCE 
MILITARY  AIRLIFT  COMMAND 
UNITED  STATES  AIR  FORCE
TABLE  OF  CONTENTS                      ii 
Page 
Foreward  i 
Table  of  Contents  ii 
Historical  Summary  1 
Commander's  Biography  6 
Mission  and  Organization  9 
Aircraft  and  Equipment  10 
Major  Events  11 
Operations  13 
Administration  14 
Scheduling  15 
Plans  16 
Safety  17 
Standardization  and  Evaluation  18 
Training  19 
Budget  21 
New  Personnel  22 
Awards,  Decorations  and  Promotions  23 
Education  24 
Base  and  Community  Relations  25 
Appendix  1   Lineage  and  Honors 
Appendix  2   Flight  Data 
Appendix  3   Key  Personnel 
Appendix  4   Personnel  Roster 
Appendix  5   Commanders  of  the  55th 
Appendix  6   Commander's  Monthly  Newsletters 
Appendix  7   Aircraft  and  Assignments 
Appendix  8   Change  of  Command  Photographs
FOREWARD 
The  mission  of  the  55th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron  is  to  provide 
atmospheric  gaseous  and  particulate  sampling  as  well  as  special  weather 
reconnaissance  as  directed  by  Headquarters,  USAF,  in  accordance  with 
mission  priorities  as  specified  by  the  41st  Rescue  and  Weather 
Reconnaissance  Wing  (41  RWRW),  23d  Air  Force. 
The  squadron  was  officially  activated  on  21  August  1944  at  Will  Rogers 
Field,  Oklahoma,  as  the  655th  Bombardment  Squadron  (Heavy)  and  flew 
modified  B-24's.  The  unit  provided  valuable  weather  data  for  the  air 
war  against  Japan.  Following  the  end  of  World  War  II,  the  655th  was 
redesignated  the  55th  Reconnaissance  Squadron  (Long  Range  Weather)  and 
re-equipped  with  modified  B-29  aircraft.  The  55th  performed  an 
assortment  of  weather  reconnaissance  and  sampling  missions  before  being 
inactivated  in  October  1961.  The  current  organization,  designated  the 
55th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron,  was  reactivated  on  8  January  1962 
and  assigned  to  the  9th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Group,  McClellan  AFB, 
California.  The  9th  Weather  Wing  was  deactivated  on  1  September  1975 
and  the  55th  was  reassigned  to  the  4 1st  Rescue  and  Weather 
Reconnaissance  Wing.
BRIEF  HISTORY  OF  THE  55TH  PRIOR  TO  THE  CURRENT  ORGANIZATION 
The  history  of  the  55th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron  between  1 9^44  and 
8  January  1962  can  logically  be  divided  into  three  phases:  World  War  II 
training  and  operations  in  the  Far  East  during  1944  and  1945;  post-war 
adjustments  in  1946  and  1947,  followed  by  a  four-year  period  of 
inactivity;  and  weather  reconnaissance  operations  between  1951  and  1961. 
The  unit  was  formed  as  the  655th  Bombardment  Squadron,  Heavy,  on  11 
August  1944,  assigned  to  the  3d  Air  Force,  and  activated  at  Will  Rogers 
Field  in  Oklahoma  on  21  August  1944  as  a  part  of  the  III  Tactical  Air 
Division.  This  was  not  an  ordinary  bombardment  squadron.  In  fact,  it 
had  no  bombardiers  or  bombweight  mechanics;  instead  it  had  weather 
officers  and  weather  equipment  technicians.  Its  function  was  weather 
r econnai  ssance . 
Squadron  personnel  trained  with  a  B-24  aircraft  for  service  overseas. 
Deployment  to  the  Asiatic-Pacific  Theater  began  in  December  1944,  when 
one  flight  left  Oklahoma  for  Guam,  in  the  Mariana  Islands.  At  that  time 
the  B-29's  of  the  20th  Air  Force  were  just  beginning  operations  from  the 
Mariana's  against  the  Japanese  homeland.  The  655th  Bombardment  Squadron 
was  assigned  to  the  20th  Air  Force  to  provide  weather  information 
required  for  the  B-29  offensive.  Squadron  headquarters  and  a  second 
flight  moved  overseas  during  March  and  April  1945,  and  the  third  and 
last  flight  arrived  at  Guam  in  July.  These  flights,  each  capable  of 
functioning  independently,  were  rotated  periodically  for  operations  from 
bases  on  Guam,  Iwo  Jima,  and  Okinawa. 
The  principle  mission  of  the  unit,  which  was  redesignated  the  55th 
Reconnaissance  Squadron,  Long  Range,  Weather,  in  June  19*15,  was  to 
provide  information  concerning  weather  at  targets  scheduled  for  attack 
by  B-29's  of  the  XX  and  XXI  Bomber  Commands  operating  from  Siapan, 
Tinian,  and  Guam,  and  for  the  P-51's  of  the  VII  Fighter  Command  based  on 
Iwo  Jima.  The  B-24's  of  the  55th  took  off  from  Iwo  Jima  just  after 
midnight  and  radioed  weather  information  back  in  time  for  the  early 
morning  briefings  at  the  fighter  and  bomber  bases. 
Following  the  end  of  World  War  II  hostilities  in  August  1945,  personnel 
of  the  55th  were  rapidly  reassigned  to  the  United  States  for  separation. 
The  unit  was  comprised  of  only  two  officers  on  29  February  1946  when  it 
left  Guam  for  Buckley  Field,  Denver,  Colorado.  Following  arrival  at 
Buckley  on  20  March,  Colonel  Chavasse  relinquished  command  on  1  April. 
The  unit  moved  to  Langley  Field,  Virginia,  in  May  and  then  to  Morrison 
Field,  Florida,  in  July  1946.  A  personnel  build-up  occurred  at  Morrison 
so  that  by  the  end  of  "August,  the  unit  had  22  officers  and  50  enlisted 
men. 
Training  for  weather  reconnaissance  was  the  principle  activity  of  the 
55th  during  1946  and  1947.  The  55th,  which  had  B-29  and  C-47  aircraft 
assigned/  also  supported  elements  of  the  53d  and  54th  Weather 
Reconnaissance  Squadrons  located  at  Morrison  Field.  On  one  occasion,  7 
October  1946,  the  55th  flew  a  group  of  newsmen  "on  top"  of  a  hurricane 
at  31,000  feet  over  the  Caribbean.  This  was  believed  to  be  one  of  the 
first  flights  of  this  type.
In  May  1947,  the  55th  moved  to  Fairfield-Suisan  Army  Air  Base, 
Fairfield,  California.  The  59th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron,  which 
had  been  stationed  at  Fairfield-Suisun  Field,  was  moving  to  Alaska  and 
the  55th  aided  by  ferrying  cargo  and  supplies.  The  55th  also  supported 
Flight  B  of  the  59th  which  remained  at  Fairfield-Suisan  to  conduct 
weather  flights  between  California  and  Alaska. 
Late  in  July  1947,  the  55th  was  assigned  a  daily  mission  over  the 
eastern  Pacific  Ocean.  The  track  traversed  a  course  about  1,100  miles 
long  and  required  about  14  hours  to  cover.  On  15  September  the  squadron 
was  assigned  greater  responsibilities,  put  was  deactivated  on  15  October 
1947  before  they  could  be  undertaken. 
On  15  October  the  55th  was  redesignated  the  374th  Reconnaissance 
Squadron.  The  squadron  continued  to  fly  WB-29  and  C-54  aircraft.  From 
November  1948  to  June  1949,  the  WB-29* s  of  the  374th  were  deployed  to 
England  flying  weather  reconnaissance  from  Waddington  and  Markham  RAF 
stations  in  support  of  the  Berlin  Airlift.  The  374th  moved  to  McClellan 
AFB,  Sacramento,  California  in  June  1949. 
The  55  WRS  was  again  activated  on  21  February  1951  at  McClellan  AFB, 
California.  Activities  of  the  squadron  between  1951  and  1961 
encompassed  a  broader  scope  than  was  previously  covered.  Elements  of 
the  55th  operated  from  widely  scattered  locations: 
Headquarters  McClellan  AFB,  California  Feb  51  -  Jun  61 
Detachment  3  McChord  AFB,  Washington  May  58  -  Aug  59 
Detachment  1  Ladd  AFB,  Alaska  May  58  -  Sep  60 
Detachment  1  Eielson  AFB,  Alaska  Sep  60  -  Jul  61 
Detachment  2  Hickam  AFB,  Hawaii  May  58  -  Jul  61 
Detachment  3  Kindley  AFB,  Bermuda  Mar  60  -  Jul  61 
In  addition,  planes  and  crews  were  often  detached  on  special  assignments 
for  periods  of  from  30  to  90  days.  During  the  period  from  1951  to  1958, 
weather  missions  were  flown  daily  over  the  Pacific  northwest  from 
McClellan.  Another  track,  southwest  toward  Hawaii,  was  flown  every 
second  day  from  McClellan. 
The  55th  Squadron  played  an  important  part  in  the  conversion  of  weather 
reconnaissance  units  from  WB-29  to  WB-50  aircraft  during  the  period  from 
1954  to  1956.  Between  January  and  April  1955,  the  53d,  54th,  56th, 
57th,  58th,  and  59th  Reconnaissance  Squadrons  of  the  Air  Weather  Service 
sent  aircrews  to  McClellan,  and  the  55th  aided  in  training  these  men  as 
cadre  B-50  aircrews.  Also  from  1955  until  early  1957,  crews  from  the 
55th  were  on  detached  service  with  Lockheed  Aircraft  Service, 
Incorporated,  to  test  planes  that  the  company  converted  from  B-50*s  into 
WB-50' s. 
Between  1958  and  1961,  the  number  of  weather  reconnaissance  squadrons 
diminished.  The  55th  absorbed  the  responsibility  for  flights  from 
Hickam  AFB,  Hawaii,  Ladd  AFB,  Alaska,  and  McChord  AFB,  Washington.  A 
total  of  1,142  people,  one  WB-47,  one  C-54,  and  25  WB-50 »s  were  assigned 
to  the  55th  at  the  end  of  1958.
The  detachment  at  McChord  was  discontinued  in  1959  and  personnel  and 
equipment  moved  to  McClellan.  With  the  closure  of  Ladd  AFB  in  1960, 
Detachment  1  moved  to  Eielson  AFB.  Also  in  1960,  the  55th  assumed  the 
additional  responsibility  of  reconnaissance  from  Kindley  AFB,  Bermuda. 
The  reconnaissance  missions  flown  daily  by  the  squadron  in  late  1960  and 
1961,  therefore,  included  the  areas  of  the  north  Pacific  Ocean  east  of 
180  degrees,  the  Arctic  Ocean  between  60  and  180  degrees  west  longitude, 
and  the  western  part  of  the  north  Atlantic  Ocean.  Headquarters,  United 
States  Air  Force  added  other  responsibilities  which  were  accorded  a 
higher  priority  than  normal  reconnaissance. 
Some  of  the  special  missions  assigned  to  the  55th  were  associated  with 
tests  conducted  by  the  Atomic  Energy  Commission.  In  1951,  during 
GREENHOUSE  (and  earlier  during  CROSSROADS),  personnel  and  aircraft  of 
the  55th  were  temporarily  attached  to  the  task  force  which  conducted 
tests  in  the  Pacific.  The  55th  monitored  the  wind  direction  and 
velocity  to  preclude  shots  which  would  spread  radioactive  particles  to 
inhabited  areas  or  routes  normally  traversed  by  ships  and  aircraft. 
The  mission  of  the  55th  during  a  series  of  atomic  detonations  in  Nevada 
during  April  1952  was  to  ensure  that  non-participating  aircraft  in  the 
general  area  would  not  be  contaminated  by  radioactivity.  This  was 
accomplished  by  tracking  the  atomic  cloud  until  it  was  no  longer  a 
hazard  along  adjacent  airways. 
In  March  1953,  the  55th  flew  missions  to  take  samples  of  air  for  the 
Atomic  Energy  Commission  during  tests  conducted  in  Nevada.  Between 
February  and  May  1955,  the  unit  flew  weather  missions  over  the  Pacific 
to  aid  in  forecasting  weather  for  other  tests  in  Nevada. 
In  1956,  the  55th  provided  the  weather  reconnaissance  element  of  a  task 
force  in  a  series  of  atomic  experiments  in  Eniwetok.  To  accomplish  this 
special  mission,  the  55th  had  to  suspend  its  regular  flights  from  1 
March  until  aircraft  and  crews  returned  in  July.  For  his  work  in 
connection  with  these  experiments,  Lt  Col  Roger  A.  Stevenson,  Commander 
of  the  55th,  was  awarded  the  Legion  of  Merit. 
Hurricane  (or  typhoon)  reconnaissance  was  performed  in  the  eastern 
Pacific  from  1951  through  1960  and  in  the  western  Atlantic  during  1960, 
but  this  work  was  not  as  extensive  as  that  of  other  weather 
reconnaissance  squadrons  which  operated  in  the  western  Atlantic. 
Between  1947  and  1960,  Pacific  hurricanes  did  not  pose  as  serious  a 
threat  to  populated  areas  as  did  those  originating  in  the  Atlantic  or 
Caribbean  oceans. 
In  two  instances,  the  55th  rendered  notable  service  during  hurricanes. 
In  August  1959,  the  detachment  in  Hawaii  tracked  Hurricane  Dot,  which 
threatened  the  island  of  Oahu  in  the  Hawaiian  group.  As  a  result  of  the 
warnings,  the  civilian  population  was  alerted  for  the  wind  and  intense 
rain  which  followed.  During  Hurricane  Donna,  4-12  September  1960,  the 
55th  aircraft  from  Bermuda  helped  to  track  the  storm  and  provide  warning 
before  it  hit  Florida  and  the  east  coa3t  of  the  United  States.
For  several  years  after  1955,  the  55th  aided  in  the  National  Hurricane 
Research  Project,  conducted  by  the  United  States  Weather  Bureau  and 
other  agencies.  The  Air  Force,  through  the  55th,  provided  some  of  the 
aircraft  used  to  investigate  the  build-up,  structure,  and  movements  of 
hurricanes. 
The  55th  also  provided  weather  information  for  Tactical  Air  Command 
refuelings.  During  a  flight  of  F-IOI's  which  established 
transcontinental  speed  records  on  27  November  1957,  the  55th  "flew  the 
weather"  ahead  of  the  flight  along  the  Canadian  border  from  the  west 
coast  to  Duluth.  During  a  deployment  exercise  of  the  Tactical  Air 
Command  in  1957,  the  55th  obtained  weather  data  concerning  the  best 
refueling  points  for  the  nonstop  flight  between  California  and  Japan. 
A  new  JB-57  assigned  to  the  55th  was  placed  on  alert  concurrent  with  the 
launching  of  the  TIROS  II  weather  satellite  in  1960.  The  JB-57,  flying 
the  same  track  as  the  satellite,  took  mosaic-type  photographs  at  40,000 
feet.  The  films  were  immediately  developed  and  flown  to  Headquarters, 
Air  Weather  Service  at  Scott  AFB,  Illinois,  where  a  comparison  was  made 
with  photographs  from  TIROS  II.  An  excellent  correlation  was  obtained. 
The  55th  participated  in  maintaining  weather  surveillance  of  recovery  or 
impact  areas  for  various  missiles  and  nose  cones.  In  this  manner,  the 
55th  had  a  role  in  the  recovery  of  the  capsule  in  which  the  first 
American  astronaut.  Commander  Alan  B.  Shepard,  made  a  sub-orbital  flight 
into  space  on  5  May  1961. 
Several  activities  not  directly  connected  with  the  primary  mission  of 
the  55th  are  also  worthy  of  comment.  In  September  1952,  the  55th  flew  a 
group  of  scientists  over  an  active  volcano  located  215  miles  south  of 
the  lower  California  peninsula  in  order  for  them  to  observe  this 
phenomenon . 
In  an  act  of  charity,  the  55th  designed  and  executed  Operation 
STRAWBERRY  SHORTCAKE  in  1951.  On  their  daily  flights,  aircraft  of  the 
55th  passed  near  a  weather  ship  stationed  about  800  miles  west  of 
Vancouver  Island.  Various  ships  of  the  Canadian  government  rotated  to 
this  location  each  40.  days.  Flying  over  the  ship  on  12  May  1951.  an 
airplane  of  the  55th.  dropped  strawberries,  shortcakes,  bananas,  ice 
cream,  and  other  gifts  that  had  been  provided  by  the  merchants  of 
Sacramento  and  the  men  and  wives  of  the  55th.  A  similar  drop  was 
accomplished  in  July  1952. 
The  WB-50's,  workhorse's  of  the  weather  reconnaissance  squadrons  since 
their  modification  in  1955.  began  to  show  signs  of  wear  after  1958. 
During  a  flight  by  the  55th  Squadron  on  29  June  1959,  a  crippled  WB-50 
threw  a  propeller  through  the  fuselage,  severing  various  engine  and 
flight  control  cables.  Fortunately  no  one  was  injured.  Flight 
Lieutenant  Douglas  G.  Scott,  an  RCAF  exchange  pilot,  saved  the  plane  by 
quick  action  and  good  judgment,  for  which  he  received  the  Distinguished 
Flying  Cross.
Late  in  April  I960,  all  WB-50's  were  grounded  by  the  Air  Weather  Service 
for  several  months  due  to  excessive  corrosion  and  failure  of  fuel  cells. 
After  modification,  these  aircraft  were  returned  to  duty.  However,  they 
continued  to  suffer  from  various  ailments  through  the  remainder  of  their 
service  during  1960  and  1961. 
United  States  Air  Force  reorganization  caused  the  55th  to  again  be 
deactivated  on  8  July  1961 ,  and  reactivated  on  12  October  1961  for 
organization  under  the  Military  Air  Transport  Service  (now  the  Military 
Airlift  Command)  on  8  January  1962.
COMMANDER'S  BIOGRAPHY 
16  September  1983  -  3  June  1985 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Daniel  B.  Ahern 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Daniel  B.  Ahern  was  born  in  Falls  City,  Nebraska,  on 
13  July  1946.  He  graduated  fron  the  United  States  Air  Force  Academy  in 
June  1968,  having  earned  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in  electrical 
engineering.  He  attended  the  Air  Force  Institute  of  Technology  from  May 
1974  through  December  1975  and  completed  a  Master  of  Science  degree  in 
electrical  engineering  with  emphasis  in  digital  computers.  He  was 
commissioned  upon  his  graduation  from  the  Academy  in  1968  and  completed 
pilot  training  at  Vance  AFB,  Oklahoma,  in  August  1969.  His  professional 
military  education  includes  Squadron  Officer  School  and  Air  Command  and 
Staff  College  via  correspondence  courses  and  he  is  a  Senior  Service 
School  nominee. 
After  completion  of  C-7  training  at  Dyess  AFB,  Texas,  he  was  assigned  to 
the  459th  Tactical  Airlift  Squadron  (TAS)  at  Phu  Cat  AB,  RVN.  During 
his  Southeast  Asia  tour,  Lt  Col  Ahern  was  assigned  to  the  459  TAS  until 
its  deactivation  in  May  1970  and  then  was  reassigned  to  the  535  TAS. 
Before  leaving  Vietnam,  he  had  upgraded  to  aircraft  commander,  amassing 
over  900  combat  flying  hours  and  1,350  sorties  on  128  missions. 
Following  his  tour  he  received  a  concurrent  overseas  assignment  to  the 
56th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron  (WRS)  at  Yokota  AB,  Japan.  His 
tour  was  curtailed  after  ten  months  when  the  unit  was  deactivated  in 
February  1972  and  he  was  reassigned  to  the  55  WRS  at  McClellan  AFB, 
California.  While  at  the  55th,  he  upgraded  to  flight  examiner  in  the 
WC-135B  and  was  selected  as  the  flight  commander  for  the  135's  during 
the  period  that  MAC  attempted  to  employ  the  integrated  crew  concept.  In 
May  1974,  he  left  the  55th  to  complete  his  graduate  studies  at  Wright 
Patterson  AFB,  Ohio,  and  in  December  1975,  he  was  reassigned  to 
Headquarters,  Aerospace  Defense  Command,  at  Peterson  AFB,  Colorado.  For 
the  next  three  years,  Lt  Col  Ahern  worked  on  the  Space  Computational 
Center  Development  effort  for  NORAD.  During  his  rated  supplement  tour, 
he  held  positions  as  a  chief  programmer,  systems  analyst,  and  chief  of 
the  applications  programming  branch.  He  returned  to  the  cockpit  in 
December  1978  as  a  VC-135  pilot  with  the  1st  Military  Airlift  Squadron 
at  Andrews  AFB,  Maryland.  While  assigned  within  the  89th  Airlift  Wing, 
he  served  as  the  chief  of  training,  squadron  executive  officer,  and  as 
an  instructor  pilot.  In  November  1981,  he  returned  to  the  55th  Weather 
Reconnaissance  Squadron _  as  the  operations  officer  and  on  16  September 
1983,  he  assumed  command  of  the  squadron. 
Lt  Col  Ahern  is  a  command  pilot  with  over  4,900  flying  hours.  His 
military  awards  and  decorations  include  the  Distinguished  Flying  Cross, 
the  Defense  Meritorious  Service  Medal,  the  Meritorious  Service  Medal \ 
the  Air  Medal,  Presidential  Unit  Citation,  Air  Force  Outstanding  Unit 
Award,  Combat  Readiness  Medal,  Armed  Forces  Expeditionary  Medal,  Vietnam 
Service  Medal,  Vietnam  Cross  of  Gallantry,  and  the  Vietnam  Campaign 
Ribbon. 
Lt  Col  Ahern  is  married,  to  the  former  Ellen  Gaither  of  Glenview, 
Illinois.  They  have  three  sons:  Ryan,  Shaun,  and  Todd.  The  family's 
hometown  is  Nova to,  California.
BIOGRAPHY 
3  June  1985  -  Present 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Gary  B.  Koch 
Lt  Col  Gary  B.  Koch  is  the  Commander  of  the  55th  Weather  Reconnaissance 
Squadron,  McClellan  AFB,  California. 
Lt  Col  Koch  was  born  6  March  1942  in  Huntington,  New  York.  He  is  a  graduate  of 
Roanoke  College,  Roanoke,  Virginia,  Class  of  65,  with  a  Bachelor  of  Arts  Degree 
in  Political  Science  and  Economics.  After  graduation,  he  attended  the  USAF 
Officers  Training  School,  Lackland  AFB,  Texas,  in  November  1965.  He  was  com- 
missioned a  second  lieutenant  in  the  Air  Force  on  10  Feb  1966.  He  attended 
flying  training  at  Craig  AFB,  Alabama,  and  in  March  1967,  received  his  pilot 
wings. 
In  the  summer  of  1967  he  completed  B-52  training  at  Castle  AFB,  California,  and 
was  assigned  to  Mather  AFB,  California.  In  the  Fall  of  1968  he  was  selected  for 
the  Helicopter  Conversion  Course  at  Shepard  AFB,  Texas  with  a  follow-on  assign- 
ment in  H-1s  at  Minot  AFB,  North  Dakota.  In  October  of  1973  Lt  Col  Koch  tran- 
sitioned into  the  H-53  at  Hill  AFB,  Utah.  Upon  completion  of  training  he  was 
assigned  to  Nakhom  Phenom  RTAFB,  Thailand  to  the  40th  Aerospace  Rescue  and 
Recovery  Squadron. 
Upon  returning  from  Thailand  in  1975,  Lt  Col  Koch  was  reassigned  to  the  1550 
ATTW  at  Hill  AFB,  Utah  and  eventually  to  Kirtland  AFB,  New  Mexico  as  a  heli- 
copter Instructor  Pilot. 
In  March  1979,  he  was  selected  to  be  the  Chief  of  Flight  Safety  at  Headquarters 
Aerospace  Rescue  and  Recovery  Service,  Scott  AFB,  Illinois.  In  1980,  he  was 
chosen  to  be  the  Director,  Current  Operations,  HQ  ARRS.  In  this  capacity  he  was 
responsible  for  managing  the  ARRS  flying  time  program,  Reserve  manday  program, 
and  all  worldwide  rescue  and  weather  reconnaissance  activities.  In  1981, 
he  was  assigned  to  HQ  MAC  IG  as  Chief,  Rescue  Branch.  In  this  capacity  he 
inspected  ARRS  active  and  air  reserve  force  units  worldwide  with  diverse 
missions  including;  combat  rescue,  weather  reconnaissance,  atmospheric 
sampling,  strategic  missile  support  and  civil  search  and  rescue  to  deter- 
mine combat/mission  readiness  and  management  effectiveness. 
In  the  Fall  of  1983  he  was  assigned  to  McClellan  AFB,  California  to  the  41st 
Rescue  and  Weather  Reconnaissance  Wingas  the  Chief,  Combat  Readiness  Division. 
Then  in  July  1984,  he  was  selected  to  fill  the  position  of  Assistant  Deputy 
Commander  for  Operations. 
Lt  Col  Koch  is  a  Command  Pilot  with  over  4000  hours  of  flying  time.  He  is  a 
graduate  of  Squadron  Officer  School,  Air  Command  and  Staff  College,  and  the 
Industrial  College  of  the  Armed  Forces.  He  also  has  a  Master's  Degret  in 
Business  Administration  and  Management  from  Webster  College.
His  military  decorations  include  the  Meritorious  Service  Medal  with  One  Oak  Leaf 
Cluster,  the  Air  Medal,  and  the  Air  Force  Commendation  Medal  with  One  Oak  Leaf 
Cluster. 
Lt  Col  Koch  is  married  to  the  former  Lou  Ellen  Hartle  of  Hagerstown,  Maryland. 
They  have  one  son,  Jason.
MISSION  AND  ORGANIZATION 
The  primary  mission  of  the  55  WRS  is  of  vital  importance  to  the  National 
Command  Authorities.  The  mission  of  the  55th  Weather  Reconnaissance 
Squadron  is  the  collection  of  gaseous  and  particulate  air  samples  for 
use  in  verification  of  compliance  with  Safeguard  "D"  of  the  Limited 
Nuclear  Test  Ban  Treaty,  signed  by  President  John  F.  Kennedy  in  1963* 
Weather  Reconnaissance,  the  secondary  mission  of  the  squadron  has  been 
in  effect  since  1944.  The  55th  provides  weather  reconnaissance  flights 
as  requested  by  Global  Weather  Central.  This  mission  involves  weather 
tracking  missions  for  the  Air  Weather  Service  as  required  for  deployment 
of  Department  of  Defense  resources. 
The  55  WRS  is  part  of  the  4 1st  Rescue  and  Weather  Reconnaissance  Wing 
and  is  assigned  to  McClellan  Air  Force  Base,  California.  The  41  RWRW  is 
responsible  for  all  rescue  units  in  the  Pacific  and  all  the  weather 
reconnaissance  units  in  the  Air  Force.  Headquarters  41  RWRW  is  also 
located  at  McClellan  AFB,  California.  Since  the  dissolution  of  the 
Aerospace  Rescue  and  Recovery  Service,  the  41  RWRW  is  part  of  23d  Air 
Force  of  the  Military  Airlift  Command.
AIRCRAFT  AND  EQUIPMENT 
The  55  WRS  has  seven  WC-135B  aircraft  assigned.  They  are: 
AIRCRAFT  TAIL  #  TOTAL  AIRFRAME  TIME  (hrs) 
612665  22,593.6 
612666  22,489.2 
612667  21,907.5 
612670  23,604.4 
612672  22,577.5 
612673  22,098.7 
612674  23,551.1 
These  seven  aircraft  are  specially  converted  C-135B  aircraft  designed 
for  air  research  and  weather  reconnaissance  missions.  The  WC-135B, 
designed  and  manufactured  by  the  Boeing  Company,  is  a  four-engine, 
swept-wing,  long-range,  high-altitude,  high-speed  aircraft.  It  is  134 
feet,  6  inches  long,  has  a  wing  span  of  130  feet,  10  inches,  and  a 
maximum  inflight  weight  of  299,000  lbs.  The  four  TF-33-P-5  engines  each 
produce  16,050  lbs  of  thrust.  The  aircraft  is  equipped  with  an  air 
refueling  receiver  system  which  allows  it  to  be  refueled  while  in 
flight.  Auxiliary  oil  tanks  on  each  engine  increase  the  flight  time  of 
the  aircraft.  It  is  also  equipped  with  dual  inertial  navigation  systems 
which  allows  accurate  navigation  over  lcng-range  missions.  Though 
designed  as  a  high-altitude  aircraft,  the  mission  of  the  55th  requires 
operation  of  the  aircraft  at  altitudes  from  100  feet  to  40,000  feet; 
most  operational  missions  are  flown  between  2,500  feet  and  5,000  feet. 
The  average  flying  time  on  the  seven  aircraft  is  over  22,400  hours 
apiece  with  over  half  of  it  from  operating  in  turbulent  flight 
conditions  below  10,000  feet.  With  the  inflight  capabilities  of  the 
aircraft,  the  range  and  flight  time  of  missions  are  limited  only  by  the 
endurance  of  the  crews.
OPERATIONS 
MAJOR  EVENTS 
Normal  55th  operations  encompass  a  variety  of  mission  profiles.  The 
missions  most  commonly  flown  are  polar  background,  pacific  rotators,  and 
Constant  Globes.  A  polar  background  typically  involves  air  refueling 
over  Alaska  and  low-level  sampling  over  the  polar  icepack,  recovering  at 
Eielson  AFB,  14-16  hours  after  takeoff.  The  squadron  maintains  an 
aircraft  and  crew  in  the  Far  East  at  all  times.  The  crews  rotate 
every  two  to  three  weeks  and  are  available  daily  for  both  background  and 
alert  tasking.  The  Constant  Globe  missions  involve  a  quarterly 
deployment  to  the  Southern  Hemisphere  to  gather  atmospheric  background 
data. 
1985  began  like  a  normal  year  with  the  squadron  scattered  all  over  the 
world  for  the  holidays.  Most  of  the  squadron  had  just  returned  from 
Pony  Express  and  were  digging  into  the  mountain  of  paperwork  that  had 
piled  up  in  the  last  two  months.  Major  Barker  and  Captain  Calt  were 
still  deployed  to  pacific  flying  missions  against  Alert  938,  making 
this  the  third. year  in  a  row  that  a  55th  aircraft  was  airborne  on  an 
alert  as  the  new  year  started.  After  a  hectic  first  few  weeks,  the  year 
settled  down  to  what  could  be  considered  "routine  activity"  with  the 
rotator  crew  picking  up  most  of  the  flying  time  for  alerts  939  and  940 
from  the  east. 
The  spring  Constant  Globe  mission  departed  from  MacDill  AFB  on  25 
February.  The  first  leg  on  a  trip  around  the  world  with  stops  proposed 
for  Ascension  Island,  Capetown  South  Africa,  Diego  Garcia  and  Singapore. 
Capt  Johnson  and  crew  developed  electrical  problems  on  Ascension  and 
were  directed  to  return  to  Florida  for  maintenance  on  1  March.  The  Task 
Force  coordinator,  Captain  O'Connor,  aborted  the  mission  and  returned  to 
home  station  for  repairs.  With  all  the  delays,  Captain  Johnson  and 
O'Connor  were  unable  to  remain  on  the  mission  and  Captain  Seader  was 
placed  in  command  of  Constant  Globe.  They  eventually  launched  on 
Friday,  8  March  to  complete  the  Indian  Ocean  tasking  in  record  time.  By 
the  following  Thursday,  they  had  completed  all  mission  tasking  and  were 
on  the  return  trip  from  Diego  Garcia  when  a  fire  light  on  the  #2  engine 
forced  an  emergency  return.  The  problem  proved  to  be  minor  and  on  the 
next  day  they  flew  5,000  miles  non-stop  to  Guam.  The  crew  was  delayed 
at  Guam  to  perform  a  Weather  Recon  mission  for  an  F-4  fighter  deployment 
out  of  Hawaii  on  the  ~17th  of  March.  The  crew  enjoyed  a  much  needed  2 
days  of  rest  and  relaxation  on  Guam  before  continuing  hom4  via  Hawaii  on 
the  18th. 
The  Spring  continued  in  an  uneventful  fashion  with  only  minor  alert 
tasking  to  clean  up  on  Alert  940  in  April.  The  squadron  used  the  oppor- 
tunity to  catch  up  on  much  needed  training  and  upgrades  and  aleviate  the 
shortage  in  Air  Refueling  Aircraft  Commanders.  As  mid-May  rolled  around 
the  wisdom  of  pushing  the  training  program  became  obvious.  The  10th  of^ 
May  saw  Lt  Col»s  Knuth  and  Payne  in  Hawaii  to  lead  the  force  for  Pony. 
On  the  12th  of  MaylV  2  aircraft3f  with  Major  Barker  and  Captain  O'Connor 
in  command  of  augmented  crew3,  deployed  to  Hickam  AFB  for  short  notice
Pony  Express  tasking.  They  immediately  commenced  low-level  training  to 
develop  crew  proficiency  and  coordination  for  sampling  at  extremely  low 
(100  feet)  altitudes. 
On  the  21st  of  May,  Captain  Golson  responded  to  the  first  Pony  Express 
tasking  with  a  successful  20.1  hour  flight  that  required  2  air 
refuelings.  This  turned  out  to  be  the  longest  mission  flown  to  date'. 
Pony  Express  dragged  on  into  June  with  2  aircrafts  and  augmented  crews 
depleting  squadron  resources.  Another  crew  deployed  overseas  f°r  Alert 
945.  On  the  19th  of  June  a  crew  commanded  by  Major  Art  Barker,  was 
tasked  with  flying  out  of  Hickam  to  Midway  to  pick  up  a  Japanese  sailor 
who  had  broken  his  leg  (compound  fracture)  aboard  his  ship.  The  sailors 
leg  had  been  broken  for  7  days  before  they  got  him  to  Midway,  and  the 
crew  of  667  transferred  him  to  Hickam.  On  the  20th  and  21st,  the  Pony 
Express  crews  were  tasked  with  two  "short"  sampling  missions  of  only 
13.5  hours  each.  The  Pony  Express  crews  were  released  as  June  came  to  a 
close.  The  squadron  once  again  proved  its  ability  to  meet  it's  world- 
wide missions.
OPERATIONS 
The  Operations  Officer  is  responsible  for  the  command  and  control  of 
flight  operations.  Lt  Col  Milton  Payne  is  the  Operations  Officer  for 
the  55  WRS,  replacing  Lt  Col  Dennis  Adams  on  8  Apr. 
The  Duty  Operations  Center  (DOC)  is  the  hub  of  all  squadron  operational 
activities.  The  DOC  is  manned  by  the  Assistant  Operations  Officers 
(ADO),  a  position  filled  on  a  weekly  rotating  basis  by  Lt  Col  Dale 
Knuth,  Maj  David  Bechtol,  Maj  Earl  Clay,  Maj  Robert  Knarr,  and  Maj  David 
Newark.  The  ADO  is  the  decision-maker  in  tl.e  day-to-day  operational 
activities  of  the  squadron.  The  ADO  also  maintains  records  of  all 
flight  activities. 
The  Duty  Officer  is  also  an  integral  part  of  the  DOC.  The  Duty  Officer, 
a  position  filled  by  all  aircrew  members  on  a  rotating  basis,  is  the 
primary  communications  link  of  the  55th.  The  Duty  Officer  is 
responsible  for  alerting  aircrews,  dealing  with  maintenance  personnel, 
and  coordinating  with  the  Command  Post  and  other  Air  Force  units.  The 
Duty  Officer  is  on-call  24-hours-a-day  to  assist  aircrews  of  the  55th.
ADMINISTRATION 
The  55  WRS  Administration  Staff  consists  of  Sgt  Edna  Perry  (NCOIC,  Unit 
Administration),  and  Sgt  Jerome  Ash  (NCOIC,  Operations  Administration). 
The  NCOIC,  Unit  Administration  performs  administrative  management 
duties,  manages  orderly  room  activities,  and  oversees  operations 
administration  function.  Additionally,  his  other  duties  include; 
Documentation  Manager,  Equipment  NCO,  APR/OER  Monitor,  WAPS  Library 
Administrator,  Passport  Monitor,  Telephone  Control  Monitor,  Base 
Advisory  Council  Representative,  Audiovisual  Monitor,  Privacy  Act 
Monitor,  Suggestion  Program  Monitor,  Personnel  Status  Report  Monitor, 
Personnel  Action  Forms  Monitor,  Supply  NCO,  Family  Services  Council 
Representative,  Weapons  Maintenance  NCO,  INTRO  Program  Manager, 
Reproduction  Manager,  Copier  Monitor,  ADPE  Custodian,  Crisis  Action  Team 
Runner,  and  Customer  Account  Representative. 
The  NCOIC,  Operations  Administration  prepares  letters,  messages  and 
various  reports.  He  also  ensures  timely  distribution  of  incoming 
classified  correspondence.  He  establishes  and  maintains  a  system  for 
the  requisition  and  distribution  of  publications  and  forms.  He  also 
maintains  files  for  the  various  operations  sections.  Additionally,  his 
other  duties  include;  Crosstell  Monitor,  Customer  Account 
Representative,  Shelter  Management  Team  Member,  Crisis  Action  Team 
Runner,  Personnel  Status  Report  Monitor,  Alternate  WAPS  Library  Monitor, 
Alternate  Telephone  Control  Monitor,  Identification  Tag  Monitor, 
Passport  Monitor,  and  Bomb  Search  Team.
SCHEDULING 
The  Scheduling  Section  coordinates  flight  duty  for  28  pilots  and  12 
navigators.  This  includes  scheduling  operational  missions,  pilot 
proficiency  training  flights,  checkrides,  and  ground  training,  as  well 
as  fulfilling  squadron  duty  officer  requirements. 
When  scheduling  crews  for  operational  missions,  crew  experience,  mission 
requirements  and  TDY  time  must  be  considered.  Line  mission  experience 
should  be  balanced  with  time  away  from  home. 
The  primary  concern  when  scheduling  pilot  proficiency  training  flights 
is  to  ensure  pilots  are  not  only  current  IAW  MAC  regulations,  but  also 
proficient  in  flying  the  aircraft.  Ground  training  requirements,  as 
well  as  squadron  duty  officer  duties  must  be  scheduled  between  training 
flights  and  missions. 
In  addition  to  scheduling  crews  for  training  missions,  the  section 
tracks  13  currency  requirements  for  each  individual  pilot,  and  seven 
currency  requirements  for  each  navigator.  These  efforts  provide  the 
primary  source  of  information  to  ensure  crews  remain  qualified  and 
current. 
The  Scheduling  Section  is  in  full  swing  with  the  new  AFORMS  products. 
AFORMS  has  eliminated  the  need  to  manually  track  currency  requirements. 
This  has  freed  the  schedulers  from  a  time-consuming  detail,  and  allows 
them  to  concentrate  on  more  important  scheduling  matters.  AFORMS  has 
been  a  big  help  in  preventing  individuals  from  becoming  overdue  on  their 
currency  items.  This  computer  generated  information  provides  us  with 
the  most  up-to-date  data  with  very  little  lag  between  the  accomplished 
date  and  the  date  of  the  products  available  to  the  schedulers. 
The  Scheduling  Section  is  manned  by  five  officers:  Capt  Charlie 
Dobbins,  Chief;  Capt  James  D.  Raspberry,  Capt  Tad  Artis,  1st  Lt  Douglas 
J.  Greenheck,  1st  Lt  Robert  R.  Dansereau.  Training  time  for  new 
schedulers  has  been  reduced  by  204  due  to  the  completion  of  the 
Scheduler's  Training  Guide.  This  guide  explains  all  the  parameters, 
regulations,  and  guidelines  followed  by  the  scheduler.  It  also  gives 
examples  of  completed  administrative  paperwork  and  serves  as  a  ready 
reference  for  new  schedulers.
PLANS 
The  Plans  Section  conducts  the  planning,  intelligence,  communications 
security,  and  security  management  functions  for  the  squadron. 
Planning  personnel  maintain  a  current  set  of  all  higher  headquarters, 
customer,  and  host  base  plans  that  task  or  involve  the  squadron.  They 
study  these,  identify  pertinent  information  affecting  the  unit,  and 
assist  key  personnel  in  plan  execution.  They  also  draft  any  squadron 
regulations  or  plan  supplements  related  to  this  area. 
The  intelligence  function  involves  collecting,  sorting,  and 
disseminating  information  received  from  a  variety  of  sources.  Key 
personnel  and  aircrew  members  are  kept  current  on  material  pertaining  to 
the  squadron's  mission.  Training  is  conducted  through  briefings  as  well 
as  reading  files  maintained  for  self-study. 
Assigned  personnel  act  as  custodians  of  the  equipment  and  documentation 
used  for  secure-voice  communications  as  well  as  for  IFF/SIF  modes  three 
and  four  operation. 
Security  management  involves  maintenance  of  the  safes  and  their 
classified  contents,  handling  security  paperwork  for  squadron  members, 
and  training  aircrews  in  security  procedures. 
Personnel  currently  assigned  are  1st  Lt's  Glen  Derting,  Mike  Lyons, 
Colleen  Ryan,  and  2nd  Lt  Chris  Lucey.
SAFETY 
The  Safety  Section  is  manned  by  Maj  Art  Barker,  Chief  of  Safety;  2nd 
Lt  Robert  Melehionda,  Ground  Safety  Officer;  and  SMSgt  Lonnie  Young, 
Ground  Safety  NCO. 
The  55  WRS  continues  to  maintain  an  outstanding  safety  record.  WC-135 
airframes  are  23  years  old  with  an  average  of  22,500  hours  of  flying 
time  each.  As  such,  they  are  plagued  with  multiple  inflight  system 
failures  that  often  result  in  airborne  emergencies.  Despite  this,  there 
were  no  aircraft  mishaps  thus  far  in  1985  and  the  squadron  extended  its 
perfect  record  to  20  years  and  over  180,000  hours.  This  is  a  credit  to 
the  squadron's  safety  and  training  programs.  The  55th  trains  all  of  its 
own  aircrews,  including  new  pilots/navigators  direct  from  UPT/UNT. 
Since  March  1983,  this  has  been  accomplished  without  the  benefit  of  a 
simulator.  Thus  far  in  1985  the  squadron  has  flown  38  missions  that 
exceeded  10  hours.  These  included  missions  up  to  19.6  hours  in  length 
that  involved  multiple  air  refuelings  and  extremely  low  altitude 
atmospheric  sampling.  Considering  the  long  duration  and  dynamic  flying 
environment  of  the  aerial  sampling  mission,  the  squadron's  safety  record 
is  truly  remarkable. 
The  key  to  this  outstanding  record  is  a  strong  program  of  safety 
awareness  on  the  part  of  all  crewmembers.  The  flying  safety  officer 
regularly  reviews  squadron  records  for  indications  of  problem  areas  and 
promptly  implements  corrective  action.  Three  which  he  spotted  were  bird 
strikes,  dropped  objects,  and  a  potential  decline  in  the  experience 
level  of  our  aircrew  members.  Increased  aircrew  awareness  of  local  bird 
strike  hazards  resulted  in  no  bird  damage  to  aircraft  so  far  in  1985. 
After  working  with  maintenance  to  analyze  recurring  dropped  object  inci- 
dents, the  1985  drop  rate  was  60$  below  the  average  of  previous  years. 
The  squadron  training  office  is  now  developing  a  strong  continuation 
training  program  to  resolve  the  decline  in  aircrew  experience.  Our 
record  of  flight  evaluation  has  proven  its  effectiveness. 
The  safety  awareness  of  squadron  members  extends  beyond  flight 
.operations.  We've  traveled  over  4,000  miles  in  the  unit's  two 
government  vehicles  without  incident  or  citation.  There  were  no  POV 
accidents  nor  seatbe'lt  violations  in  1985.  Likewise,  we  had  no 
workplace  accidents  nor  safety  discrepancies  noted  during  the  base 
facilities  and  fire  safety  inspections. 
It's  obvious  why  the  55  WRS  safety  program  was  rated  "excellent"  during 
past  higher  headquarter  inspections.
STANDARDIZATION  AND  EVALUATION 
The  purpose  of  the  Squadron  Standardization  and  Evaluation  Section  is  to 
provide  the  Commander  with  meaningful  indicators  to  ensure  aircrew 
members  maintain  the  qualifications  to  safely  and  effectively  accomplish 
their  assigned  duties. 
The  section  was  lead  by  Capt  Lew  Newhard  until  24  Jun  when  Maj  Larry 
Vaughn  was  assigned  as  Chief  of  Standardization.  MSgt  Jeff  Frank  is 
assigned  as  the  Stan-Eval  Flight  Engineer. 
From  January  through  December,  the  section  administered  a  total  of  61 
pilot  checkrides,  19  navigator  checks,  and  26  flight  engineer  checks. 
Overall,  the  squadron  did  quite  well.  There  were  only  five  Q-3,  and  one 
Q-2  evaluations.  The  following  table  shows  a  further  breakdown  of  the 
evaluations. 
Aircrew  Evaluations  (1  Jan  -  30  Jun  85) 
CREW  POSITION  NUMBER  (No-Notice)  QUAL  3  QUAL  2    PASS  RATE 
Pilot          61       (3)         5  1  94. 0% 
Navigator      19      (1)         o  0  100.05 
Engineer       2%      (1)         0  0  100.04 
TOTAL         106      (5)         5  '  1  98.0%
TRAINING 
The  Training  Section  plays  a  vital  role  in  the  operational  readiness  of 
the  55  WRS.  The  section  maintains  very  close  watch  on  the  15  aircrew 
upgrade  training  programs  for  the  squadron's  pilots,  navigators  and 
engineers.  The  main  objective  in  this  process  is  to  assure  regulation 
and  syllabus  requirements  are  met.  In  addition,  they  work  closely  with 
other  squadron  sections  in  monitoring  all  ground  school  and  aircrew 
educational  programs  that  are  critical  to  flying  safety  and  essential  in 
developing  a  professional  service  member. 
Personnel  assigned  to  the  Training  Section  are  varied  in  experience  and 
deeply  committed  to  the  betterment  of  the  training  program.  The 
Training  Section  is  headed  by  Maj  Dan  Schultz.  He  was  assisted  by  Maj 
Lynn  Cook,  Capt  Bill  Lower,  Capt  Karl  ■  Becker,  Capt  George  Mack, 
and  MSgt  Ronald  Sheets. 
The  first  half  of  1985  was  characterized  by  lengthy  TDY  deployments  and 
lack  of  aircraft  resources  which  delayed  many  and  set  back  other  indivi- 
dual training  upgrades.  Heavy  TDY  tasking  on  the  new  aircraft  comman- 
ders combined  with  aircraft  maintenance  problems  to  extend  the  delays  in 
upgrades  to  Air  Refueling  Aircraft  Commanders  (ARAC).  Additionally,  the 
rapid  loss  of  experienced  instructors  is  slowing  down  the  pilot  and 
flight  engineer  upgrade  program.  The  squadron  is  down  to  two  assigned 
IP's  and  two  instructor  FE's.  As  a  result,  the  focus  of  the  training 
program  has  been  IP  upgrades.  A  total  of  21  upgrades  were  completed 
this  time  frame,  including  6  initial  qual's  in  the  aircraft.  This 
doubles  the  requirement  of  the  previous  half  and  is  expected  to  increase 
in  the  near  future. 
The  training  section  has  been  involved  with  many  projects  to  update  and 
improve  the  upgrade  program. 
   A  navigator  continuity  training  program  is  being  implemented  . 
   A  pilot  training  guide  is  near  completion. 
   Maj  Dan  Schultz  and  1st  Lt  Robert  Dansereau  attended  the  MAC/CAT 
(Combat  Aircrew  Training)  School  at  Nellis,  due  to  the  recent  MAC  empha- 
sis at  the  squadron  level.
TRAINING  UPGRADES 
From  1  January  to  30  June  1985,  the  following  aircrew  members  were 
upgraded  to  the  following  crew  positions: 
PILOTS : 
Air  Refueling  Aircraft  Commander 
Aircraft  Commander 
First  Pilot 
NAVIGATORS: 
Flight  Examiner 
Navigator 
Air  Refueling  Navigator 
Instructor  Navigator 
FLIGHT  ENGINEERS: 
Engineer 
Air  Refueling  Engineer 
Capt  Kevin  Calt 
Capt  John  O'Connor 
Maj  Robert  Knarr 
Capt  George  Mack 
Capt  Tad  Artis 
Maj  David  Newark 
Capt  Mark  Coppa 
Capt  Mark  Coppa 
Capt  Jerry  King 
ILt  Collen  Ryan 
1Lt  Robert  Dansereau 
MSgt  Robert  McCorkle 
MSgt  Robert  McCorkle
BUDGET 
The  squadron's  annual  budget  is  approximately  $210,000.  A  number  of 
accounts  are  controlled  from  office  supplies-  to  flying  gear-  to  per 
diem  for  TDY  personnel. 
Capt  Jerry  King  and  Capt  Thomas  Artis  are  the  primary  budget  officers, 
assisted  by  SMSgt  Jeffery  Frank.  They  are  responsible  for  tracking 
daily  accounts,  forecasting  expenses  and  advising  the  commander  of  the 
squadron's  status.  This  requires  them  to  be  up  to  date  on  current 
deployments  as  well  as  anticipated  mission  and  long-range  objectives  of 
the  squadron.  At  times  even  the  most  planned  out  forecast  will  be  inac- 
curate due  to  the  diverse  types  of  operations  conducted  on  short  notice. 
FINANCIAL  EXPENDITURES 
(2ND  QUARTER) 
(Thousands  of  Dollars) 
Civilian  Pay 
*  TDY 
Contractual  Services 
Supply 
Equipment 
Ground  Fuel    
TOTAL  66.7         51.2  +15.5 
*  Excessive  deviation  due  to  nonforecastable  tasking  requirements  of 
Pony  Express. 
FY  85  (3RD  QUARTER) 
Civilian  Pay 
TDY 
Contractual  Services 
Supply 
Equipment 
Ground  Fuel 
TOTAL 
FORECAST 
ACTUAL  EXPENSE 
.4 
BALANCE 
1.4 
+1.0 
52.3 
42.8 
+9.5 
5.0 
3.4 
+1.6 
7.0 
4.3 
+2.7 
.9 
.15 
+  .75 
.1 
.15 
-.05 
FORECAST 
ACTUAL  EXPENSE 
BALANCl 
1.80 
1.6 
+0.2 
30.9 
30.7 
+0.2 
11.5 
10.2 
+1.3 
11.00 
11.4 
-0.4 
1.00 
0.25 
+0.75 
0.1 
0.25 
-0.15 
56.3 
54.4 
+1.9
NEW  PERSONNEL 
RANK/NAME  DATE  ARRIVED 
Maj  Lynn  Cook,  Filot  (C-mi)  14  Mar  85 
1Lt  Mike  Lyons,  Pilot  (MU-2)  27  Mar  85 
Sgt  Edna  Perry  1  Apr  85 
Ms  Sylvia  Gcugh  15  Apr  85 
TSgt  Ronald  Watson,  Engineer  (C-5)  1  May  85 
2Lt  Robert  Melchionda,  Pilot  (UPT)  6  Jun  85 
2Lt  William  White,  Pilot  (UPT)  20  Jun  85 
2Lt  David  Phifer,  Pilot  (UPT)  28  Jun  85
AWARDS,  DECORATIONS  AND  PROMOTIONS 
From  1  January  to  30  June  1985,  the  squadron  had  a  large  number  of 
personnel  who  were  promoted  and  nominated  for  awards  or  medals  for 
their  outstanding  performance. 
PROMOTIONS 
Major 
Dan  Schultz 
Capt 
Tad  Artis 
Karl  Becker 
Charlie  Dobbins 
MSgt 
Ronald  Watson 
SSgt 
Jerome  Ash 
Gary  Garnett 
AWARDS 
Captains  Calt  and  King  attended  SOS  this  spring  and  were  representive 
of  the  squadron  at  the  highest  level,  congratulations! 
Capt  Calt  graduated  as  a  "top  performer"! 
Capt  King  graduated  with  a  "Top  Academic  Achievement  Award" 
MEDALS 
Air  Force  Meritorious  Service  Medal    Lt  Col  Dennis  Adams 
Lt  Col  Dan  Ahem 
Capt  Lew  Newhard 
Capt  John  Seader 
Air  Force  Commendation  Medal  Capt  James  Raspberry 
Capt  Pat  Lucas 
Capt  James  Golson
MILITARY  AND  CIVILIAN  EDUCATION 
The  members  of  the  55  WRS  recognize  the  important  role  that  continuing 
education  plays  in  their  personal  development  and  career  progression. 
They  are  actively  engaged  in  a  wide  range  of  both  on  and  offbase 
educational  programs.  Currently  there  are  two  junior  officers  enrolled 
in  Squadron  Officers  School,  three  that  completed  the  course  by 
correspondence  and  two  having  completed  in  residence.  On  the  inter- 
mediate service  school  level  there  are  currently  two  officers  enrolled 
and  one  having  completed  ACSC.  Two  other  officers  are  enrolled  in  AWC 
and  one  having  completed  the  course.  One  senior  NCO  completed  the 
Senior  NCO  Academy,  while  another  is  enrolled. 
The  pursuit  of  education  at  Civilian  institutions  is  equally  impressive. 
Capt's  Karl  Becker,  Jerry  King,  and  Tad  Artis  are  well  on  their  way  in 
completing  graduate  work  with  local  institutions. 
Education  is  clearly  important  to  our  people-important  in  their  careers 
and  in  their  personal  development  as  professional  service  members.
BASE  AND  COMMUNITY  RELATIONS 
The  people  of  the  55th  are  proud  of  their  active  participation  in  both 
base  and  community  activities.  From  the  AFROTC  Summer  Encampments  to 
the  Company  Grade  Officers  Council,  the  men  and  women  of  the  55th  are 
involved.  The  junior  officers  in  the  55th  provided  several  briefings  to 
AFROTC  and  AFA  cadets  on  the  pilot  and  navigator  career  fields,  the 
squadron's  reconnaissance  mission,  and  their  impressions  of  Air  Force 
life.  Captains  Becker,  Coppa,  Artis,  Mack,  Dobbins,  and  Johnson,  along 
with  Lieutenants  Lucey,  Lyons,  Derting,  Greenheck,  and  Ryan  were  instru- 
mental in  making  each  and  every  visit  a  success. 
Equally  successful  has  been  the  junior  officers1  participation  in  the 
Company  Grade  Officers  Council  (CGOC).  Capt  King,  is  the  current  pre- 
sident of  the  CGOC.  Along  with  Captain  King  is  1st  Lt  Dansereau,  Public 
Affairs  Officer,  1st  Lt  Colleen  Ryan,  Recorder,  and  Captain  Charlie 
Dobbins,  Chairman  of  the  Career  Development  Committee. 
Affiliated  with  the  McClellan  CGOC  are  individuals  who  devote  off-duty 
time  to  the  disadvantaged/underpriviliged  youngsters  in  the  local  com- 
munity in  the  capacity  of  educational  tutors,  these  dedicated  indivi- 
duals are  Capt  Karl  Becker  and  1st  Lt  Bob  Dansereau.  Qualities  of  civic 
leadership  are  displayed  by  many  of  our  squadron  members  in  community 
activities: 
   Maj  Earl  Clay  ,  Local  High  School  Parents  Booster  Organizer 
  Maj  Bob  Knarr,  Local -High  School  Assistant  Wrestling  Coach 
   Maj  Dave  Bechtol,  Little  League  organizer/ coach 
   1st  Lt  Glen  Derting,  participant  in  a  community  drive  for  a  resident 
stricken  with  brain  cancer 
   Capt  Jerry  King,  McClellan  representative  in  Sacramento  City  Council 
and  Local  Chamber  of  Commerce  meetings 
   SMSgt  Lonnie  Young,  received  special  recognition  by  the  Board  of 
Trustees  of  the  Grant  High  School  District  for  his  service  £o  the 
district. 
In  addition  to  community  activities,  members  of  the  55th  kept  busy  with 
base  wide  projects: 
   Air  Force  Assistance  Fund  (AFAF),  Lt  Col  Dale  Knuth  and  1st  Lt  Bob 
Dansereau 
   Air  Force  Association  (AFA),  Maj  Bob  Knarr 
   Combined  Federal  Campaign,  Capt  George  Mack 
  AF  Museum,  Sgt  Jerome  .Ash
Static  Display,  Sacramento  Chamber  of  Commerce,  Captain  Charlis 
Dobbins  and  2d  Lt  Chris  Lucey 
   Static  Display,  McClellan  Guest  Day,  Capt's  George  Mack  and  Tad 
Artis,  1st  Lt  Mike  Lyons  and  Lt  Col  Milton  Payne 
   Tour,  McClellan  Commander's/Director's  Wives  Group,  Capt  Tad  Artis 
and  2d  Lt  Chris  Lucey 
Members  of  the  55th  work  hard  to  maintain  and  improve  the  image  of 
today's  Air  Force.  We  are  justifiably  proud  of  our  contribution  to  base 
and  community  relations.
LINEAGE  OF  HONORS 
Unit  Designation: 
Previous  Designation: 
Higher  Headquarters: 
Commander: 
Station: 
Aircraft  Flown: 
Awards  and  Decorations: 
55th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Squadron 
655th  Bombardment  Squadron,  Heavy 
55th  Reconnaissance  Squadron,  Long 
Range,  Weather 
55th  Reconnaissance  Squadron,  Very 
Long  Range,  Weather 
55th  Strategic  Reconnaissance 
Squadron,  Medium,  Weather 
41 st  Rescue  and  Weather 
Reconnaissance  Wing 
Lt  Col  Gary  B.  Koch 
McClellan  AFB,  California 
WC-135B 
Air  Force  Outstanding  Unit  Awards 
1  Mar  60  -  28  Feb  61 
1  Jul  67  -  30  Jun  68 
1  Jan  71  -  31  Dec  71 
1  Sep  75  -  1  May  77 
16  Jul  77  -  16  Jul  79 
Meritorious  Unit  Commendation 
(of  US  Army) 
15  May  45  -  1  Jan  56 
Campaign  Streamer:  Western  Pacific 
Appendix  1
Number  of  Sorties: 
FLIGHT  DATA 
T-30 
A-50 
0-9 
TOTAL 
January 
Febuary 
March 
April 
May 
June 
TOTALS 
144 
308 
T-30 
A-50 
0-9 
TOTAL 
January 
104.5 
71.6 
96.3 
272.4 
Febuary 
66.4 
67.7 
83.3 
217.4 
Mavch 
65.3 
86.3 
91.4 
243.0 
April 
96.9 
81.6 
106.6 
285.1 
May 
98.1 
75.8 
131.4 
305.3 
June 
113-9 
51.0 
113-8 
278.7 
TOTALS 
545.1 
434.0 
622.8 
1601.9 
T-30:  P-Pro,  V-Pump,  Aircrew  Trainer 
A-50:  Deploy,  Redeploy 
0-9:   Operational  sampling  or  weather  reconnaissance 
Appendix  2
KEY  PERSONNEL 
Commander 
Operations  Officer 
First  Sergeant 
Executive  Officers 
Standardization 
Administration 
Budget 
Safety 
Awards  and  Decorations 
Plans  Section 
Training  Section 
Scheduling  Section 
Navigator  Section 
Engineer  Section 
Lt  Col  Gary  B.  Koch  (Lt  Col 
Daniel  B.  Ahem) 
Lt  Col  Milton  0.  Payne  (Lt  Col 
Dennis  W.  Adams) 
SMSgt  Lonnie  R.  Young 
Capt  John  J.  O'Connor 
Capt  David  W.  Johnson 
Capt  Mark  Coppa 
Capt  Kevin  J.  Calt 
Maj  Larry  Vaughn  (Capt  Lewis 
J.  Newhard) 
Sgt  Edna  Perry  (SSgt  Randall 
R.  Cottrell) 
Capt  Tad  Artis  (Capt  Jerry  D. 
King) 
Maj  Art  Barker  (Capt  John  H. 
Seader) 
Capt  Jerry  King  (Capt  Karl  H. 
Becker) 
1Lt  Glen  Derting  (Capt  William 
M.  Lower) 
Maj  Daniel  C.  Schultz 
Capt  Charlie  Dobbins  (Maj 
Arthur  J.  Barker) 
Maj  David  Newark  (Lt  Col  Dale 
E.  Knuth) 
MSgt  Robert  D.  McCorkle  (SMSgt 
David  R.  Tabor) 
Appendix  3
NAME 
PERSONNEL  ROSTER 
RANK        CREW  QUAL 
ARR/DEP  DATE 
Adams,  Dennis  W. 
Lt  Col 
AC 
PCA  -  Apr 
Ahern,  Daniel  B. 
Lt  Col 
AC 
PCS  -  Jun 
Ash,  Jerome 
SSgt 
Artis,  Thomas  A. 
Capt 
FP 
Barker,  Arthur  J. 
Maj 
AC 
Bechtol,  David  A. 
Maj 
AC 
Becker,  Karl  H. 
Capt 
CP 
Blair,  Thomas  R. 
TSgt 
FE 
Brownlow,  Christopher  A. 
Amn 
Calt,  Kevin  J. 
Capt 
AC 
Clay,  Earl  L. 
Maj 
FEAC 
Cook,  Lynn  S. 
Maj 
UC 
Coppa,  Mark  C. 
Capt 
Dansereau,  Robert  R. 
1st  Lt 
N 
Derting,  Glenn  S. 
1st  Lt 
CP 
Dobbins,  Charles  R. 
Capt 
FP 
Fessler,  William  J. 
TSgt 
FE 
Frank,  Jeffrey  A. 
MSgt 
FEFE 
Garnett,  Gary 
Sgt 
Golson,  James  D. 
Capt 
IAC 
Gough,  Sylvia 
Civ 
Greenheck,  Douglas  J. 
1st  Lt 
N 
Hicks,  Larry  A. 
MSgt 
IFE 
Johnson,  David  W. 
Capt 
AC 
King,  Jerry  D. 
Capt 
N 
Knarr,  Robert  C. 
Maj 
Knuth,  Dale  E. 
Lt  Col 
IN 
Lower,  William  M.,  Jr. 
Capt 
CP 
Lucas,  Patrick  G. 
Capt 
N 
Lucey,   Christopher  J. 
2d  Lt 
Lyons,  Mike  L. 
ILt 
UC 
Mack,  George  J. 
Capt 
AC 
McCorkle,  Robert  D.  . 
MSgt 
McDonough,  Peter  J. 
Lt  Col 
N 
PCA  -  Jun 
Melchionda,  Robert 
2Lt 
UC 
Newark,  David  L. 
Maj 
FEN 
Newhard,  Lewis  J. 
Capt 
FEAC 
PCS  -  Jun 
O'Connor,  John  J. 
Capt 
IAC 
Perry,  Edna  L. 
Sgt 
Phifer,  David 
2Lt 
UC 
Raspberry,  James  D. 
Capt 
IAC 
Ryan,  Colleen  M. 
1st  Lt 
N 
Schultz,  Daniel  C. 
Maj 
IAC 
Seader,  John  H. 
Capt 
AC 
PCS  -  May 
Sheets,  Ronald  G. 
MSgt 
Arr.  -  Mar 
N 
Arr.  -  Apr 
AC 
PCS  -  Jun 
UN 
Arr.  -  Mar 
FE 
Arr.  -  Jun 
Arr.  -  Apr 
Arr.  -  Jun 
Appendix  4-1
NAME 
RANK 
CREW  QUAL 
ARR/DEP  DATE 
Tabor,  David  R. 
SMSgt 
IFE 
RET  -  Apr 
Vaughn,  Larry  E. 
Maj 
FEN 
Watson,  Ronalds 
TSgt 
UFE 
Arr.  -  May 
White,   Steven  G. 
SSgt 
FE 
White,  William 
2Lt 
UC 
Arr.  -  Jun 
Yerkes,  Frank  A.,  Jr. 
Capt 
CP 
Young,  Lonnie  R. 
SMSgt 
FE 
Ziegenhagen,  Todd  B. 
TSgt 
FE 
Arr.  -  Dec 
Appendix  4—2
COMMANDERS  OF  THE  55TH 
Capt  Raymond  A.  Walker 
Lt  Col  Nicholas  H.  Chavasse 
Capt  Fred  M.  Barricklow 
2d  Lt  Eugene  R.  Cummings 
Capt  Y.  Mitchell 
Maj  Charles  F.  Adams 
Maj  Paul  V.  Fackler 
Maj  Kenneth  A.  Linder 
Maj  Robert  L.  Foley 
Lt  Col  Aubrey  D.  Taylor 
Lt  Col  Ri chare  D.  S towel 1 
Lt  Col  Kenneth  A.  Linder 
Lt  Col  Russell  W.  Neely 
Lt  Col  Roger  A.  Stevenson 
Lt  Col  Dale  D.  Desper 
Maj  Robert  E.  Kerr 
Lt  Col  Harvey  P.  Hall 
NOT  MANNED 
Lt  Col  Robert  V.  McKibban 
Lt  Col  John  D.  Horn 
Lt  Col  Robert  V.  McKibban 
Lt  Col  Earl  W.  Peters 
Lt  Col  Clyde  C.  Angley 
Lt  Col  Leon  M.  Grisham 
Lt  Col  Hiram  P.  Bilyeu 
Lt  Col  Leslie  E.  Gamble 
Lt  Col  Carlton  F.  Garlock 
Col  Wilson  V.  Palmore 
Col  Foster  A.  Post 
Col  Orville  J.  Beranek 
Lt  Col  Charles  M.  Teed 
Lt  Col  Forrest  N.  Dye 
Lt  Col  John  P.  Joyce 
Lt  Col  James  D.  Johnson 
Lt  Col  George  B.  Stokes 
Lt  Col  Daniel  B.  Ahem. 
Lt  Col  Gary  B.  Koch 
21  Aug  44  - 
3  Sep  44 
3  Sep  44  - 
1  Apr  46 
1  Apr  46  - 11  Jul  46 
11  Jul  46  - 13  Jul  46 
13  Jul  46  - 10  Sep  46 
10  Sep  46  - 16  Sep  46 
16  Sep  46  -  24  May  47 
24  May  47  -  16  Jun  47 
16  Jun  47  -  15  Oct  47 
21  Feb  51 
7  Jan  52 
13  Feb  52 
12  Oct  53 
13  Sep  54 
Sep  56 
Mar  58 
15  Jun  58 
12  Oct  61 
8  Jan  62 
29  May  62 
8  Dec  62 
Dec  63 
8  Jun  65 
26  Jun 
15  Jul  67 
20  Nov  69 
10  Nov  70 
15  Apr  71 
26  May  73 
1  Aug  73 
Sep  75 
Mar  77 
65  - 
1  Jun  79  - 
Nov  80 
Oct  81 
16  Sep  83 
3  Jun  85 
7  Jan  52 
13  Feb  52 
12  Oct  53 
13  Sep  54 
22  Sep  56 
3  Mar  58 
15  Jun  58 
8  Jul  61 
7  Jan  62 
29  May  62 
Dec  62 
Dec  63 
8  Jun  65 
26  Jun  65 
15  Jul  67 
20  Nov  69 
10  Nov  70 
15  Apr  71 
26  May  73 
1  Aug  73 
3  Sep  75 
1  Mar  77 
1  Jun  79 
1  Nov  80 
3  Oct  81 
16  Sep  83 
3  Jun  85 
Present 
Appendix  5
DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE 
55th  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUAORON  (MAC) 
McClEUAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE,  CALIFORNIA  95652-6008 
REPLY  TO 
ATTN  OF: 
SUBJECT: 
CC 
Commander » s  Monthly  Newsletter 
26  Feb  85 
TO: 
41  RWRW/CC 
1.  From  16  Jan  to  15  Feb  the  emphasis  has  been  on  training.  Numbered  alerts 
have  slowed  down  considerably,  and  we  now  have  18  crewmembers  in  or  have 
completed  training.  For  the  pilots  in  training,  we  have  Capt  Mack  (AC),  Maj 
Bechtol  (ARAC),  Lt  Becker  (ARCP),  Capt  Raspberry  (ARIP),  and  Capt  Johnson 
(ARAC).  Those  who  completed  training  were  Col  Parsons  (AC),  Maj  Knarr  (ARCP), 
Capt  O'Connor  (ARAC),  and  Capt  Calt  (ARAC).   Navs  in  training  are  Lt  Lucey 
(Nav),  Lt  Ryan  (ARN),  and  Capt  Lucas  (ARN).  The  engineers  upgrading  are  TSgt 
Fessler,  TSgt  Ziegenhagen,  TSgt  Marshall,  MSgt  McCorkle,  TSgt  Sosebee,  and  SSgt 
White. 
2.  Currently,  we  are  about  40  hours  behind  in  flying  time  for  the  quarter,  and 
37  hours  behind  for  the  year. 
3.  In  the  area  of  standardization,  DOV  administered  20  evaluations  this  period. 
Of  the  13  pilot  evals,  11  were  Q-1,  and  two  were  Q-3.  The  four  navigator  and 
three  engineer  evals  were  all  Q-1.  Maj  Newark  was  certified  as  a  flight 
examiner  navigator,  and  1st  Lt  Coppa  was  certified  as  a  mission  navigator.  TSgt 
Fessler  was  certified  as  a  flight  engineer. 
DANIEL  B.  AHERN,  Lt  Col,  USAF 
Commander 
MAC--The  Backbone  of  Deterrence
DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE 
SSlh  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON  (MAC) 
MeCLELLAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE,  CALIFORNIA  95652-6008 
REPLY  TO 
ATTN  OF: 
SUBJECT: 
TO: 
28  Mar  85 
CC 
Commander* s  Monthly  Newsletter 
41  RWRW/CC 
1.  We  flew  approximately  255  hours  between  15  Feb  and  15  Mar  85.  75*  of 
these  hours  were  for  operational  missions  that  included  four  Weather 
Reconnaissance  tracks  in  support  of  Team  Spirit,  a  Constant  Globe 
deployment,  two  numbered  alerts,  and  the  normal  backgound  missions.  We 
remain  39  hours  behind  in  flying  time  for  this  quarter,  and  36  hours  for 
the  year. 
2.  Four  individuals  completed  training  during  this  period:  Capt  Raspberry 
(ARIP),  TSgt  Sosebee  (Eng),  MSgt  McCorkle  (Eng)  and  TSgt  Marshall  (Eng). 
10  others  remain  in  the  training  program:  Maj  Bechtol  (ARAC),  Capt  Johnson 
(ARAC),  Capt  Mack  (AC),  Capt  Lucas  (ARN),  Lt  Becker  (ARCP),  Lt  Dansereau 
(IN),  Lt  Lucey  (NAV),  Lt  Ryan  (ARN),  TSgt  Ziegenhagen  (Eng),  and  SSgt  White 
(Eng) . 
3.  Standardization  administered  15  evaluations  this  period,  of  which  20% 
were  no-notice.  Of  the  nine  pilots  evals,  one  was  Q-3  for  judgement,  the 
rest  were  Q-1.  All  three  navigator  evals  were  Q-1,  as  were  all  three 
flight  engineer  evals. 
H.  We  welcomed  two  new  people  to  the  55th  this  period.  Maj  Lynn  Cook  is  a 
pilot  coming  from  C-5's  at  Altus.  TSgt  Robert  Noviack  is  a  flight  engineer 
arriving  from  C-HH's  at  Altus. 
DANIEL  B.  AHERN,  Lt  Col  J  USAF 
Commander 
MAC— The  Backbone  of  Deterrence
DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE 
55th  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUADRON  (MAC) 
McCLELLAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE.  CALIFORNIA  95652-6008 
REPLY  TO 
ATTN  OF: 
SUBJECT: 
DO 
Commander •s  Monthly  Newsletter 
29  Apr  85 
TO: 
41  HWRW/CC 
1.  Approximately  225  hours  were  flown  during  the  period  of  16  Mar  85  to  15  Apr  85. 
Over  704  of  these  hours  were  for  operational  flying  commitments.  Operational 
missions  flown  include:  two  weather  Scout  Missions  for  Team  Spirit  redeployment,  a 
Constant  Global  redeployment,  and  our  normal  polai'/pacificbackground  operations.  In 
addition,  we  launched  from  standby  on  a  high-priority  sampling  mission.  For  the  year 
we  are  100.9  hours  below  the  flying  line  and  3  hours  below  for  the  quarter.  This 
shortfall  can  be  attributed  to  maintenace  cancellations,  combining  of  missions,  and 
the  lack  of  numbered  alerts. 
< 
2.  The  following  individuals  were  in  training:  Maj  Schultz  (IP),  Maj  Bechtol 
(ARAC),  Capt  Johnson  (ARAC),  Capt  Mack  (AC),  Capt  Golson  (AC),  Lt  Becker  (ARCP), 
Lt  Dansereau  (IN),  Lt  Ryan  (ARN),  Lt  Coppa  (ARN),  Lt  Lucey  (NAV),  TSgt 
Ziegerhagen  (FE),  SSgt  White  (FE),  TSgt  Marshall  (ARFE),  MSgt  McCorkle  (ARFE), 
and  TSgt  Fessler  (ARFE).  The  following  are  currently  at  FTD:  Maj  Cook  (CP),  Lt 
Lyons  (CP),  and  TSgt  Nowack  (FE).  Only  Capt  Golson  and  Lt  Becker  completed 
training. 
3.  In  the  area  of  standardization,  DOV  administered  19  evaluations  this  period. 
Of  the  13  pilot  evaluations,  12  were  Q-1  and  one  was  Q-3«  Two  Navigator  and 
four  Flight  Engineer  evaluations  were  Q-1 .  Lt  Becker  received  an  ARCP  eva- 
luation and  Capt  Raspberry  passed  his  ARIP  check. 
4.  I  took  over  as  Operations  Officer  effective  29  Mar  85. 
MILTON  0.  PAYNE,  Lt  Col,  USAF 
Operations  Officer 
MAC— The  Backbone  of  Deterrence
( 
DEPARTMENT  OF  THE  AIR  FORCE 
55th  WEATHER  RECONNAISSANCE  SQUAORON  (MAC) 
McCLELLAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE,  CALIFORNIA  95652-6008 
REPLY  TO 
ATTN  OF: 
SUBJECT: 
DO 
Commanders  Monthly  Newsletter 
16  May  85 
TO: 
41  RWRW/CC 
1.  Approximately  314  hours  were  flown  during  the  period  of  16  Apr  85  to  15  May  85, 
Approximately  604  of  these  hours  were  for  operational  flying  commitments.  In 
addition  to  the  normal  polar  overseas   background  operations,  a  high  priority 
AMU  test  mission,  numerous  sorties  against  Alert  940,  and  Pony  Express 
deployments  were  flown.  Our  training  and  upgrade  programs  were  progressing 
adequately  until  the  start  of  Pony  Express.  Should  Pony  Express  drag  on  and  home 
station  maintenance  difficulties  continue,  the  pilot  upgrade  program  will  be 
severely  impacted.  For  the  quarter  we  are  approximately  +29  hours  to  the  time 
line  which  brings  us  to  -69  for  the  year. 
2.  The  following  individuals  were  in  training:  Ma,j  Schultz  (IP),  Maj  Bechtol 
(ARAC),  Capt  Johnson  (ARAC),  Maj  Knarr  (AC),  Capt  Mack  (AC),  Lt  Artis  (FP),  Maj 
Cook  (CP),  Lt  Lyons  (CP),  Lt  Danserau  (IN),  Lt  Ryan  (ARN),  Lt  Coppa  (ARN),  Lt 
Lucey  (NAV),  MSgt  McCorkle  (ARFE),  TSgt  Fessler  (ARFE),  TSgt  Marshall  (ARFE), 
TSgt  Nowack  (FE),  TSgt  Ziegenhagen  (FE),  SSgt  White  (FE). 
3.  The  55  WRS/DOV  administered  a  total  of  19  evaluations  during  the  period  16 
Apr-15  May  85.  A  breakdown  follows: 
TOTAL 
NO-NOTICE 
Q-2  DEBRIEFED 
TO  Q-1 
Q-2 
Q-3 
PILOTS  1 3 
NAVIGATORS  3 
ENGINEERS      3 
Major  Schultz  upgraded  to  instructor.     Capt  Mack  upgraded  to  Aircraft  Commander, 
1Lt  Ryan,    1Lt  Coppa,  and  TSgt  Fessler  received  air  refueling  evaulations. 
FOR  THE  COMMANDER 
MILTON  0.   PAYNE  JR.,   Lt  Col,    USAF 
Operations  Officer 
MAC-The  Backbone  of  Deterrence
'b^^x. 
REPLY  TO 
ATTN  OF: 
SUBJECT: 
DEPARTMENT  OFTHE  AIR  FORCE 
SMhWCATHrnnCCOUNAiSSANCE  SQUADRON  (MAC) 
McCltLlAN  AIR  FORCE  BASE.  CALIFORNIA  956S?  G008 
CC 
55  WRS  Monthly  Activities  Report 
19  JUN  85 
CJ  J>- 
6  CI  ?* 
CC'--.. 
TO: 
41  RWRW/OC 
It  On  3  Jun  85,  a  Change  of- Command  took  place.  Lt  ColUJaniel-B.-  Ahem* 
relinquished  contend  of  the  55  WRS  to  Lt  Col  Gary  Br, Koch.  Lt  Col  Koch  ' 
cane  from  the  41  RWRW  where  he  was  the  Assistant  Director  of  Operations . 
Lt  Col  Ahem  will  be  attending  Air  War  College  at  Maxwell  AFB,  Alabama  with 
a  follow-on  assignment  to  the  Air  Staff  in  Washington,  D.C. 
2.  1  Lt's  Thomas  Artis  and  Karl  Becker  were  promoted  to  Captain  effective 
1  Jun  85.  ISgt  Watson  was  selected  for  promotion  to  Master  Sergeant. 
3.  2  Lt  Bob  Melchionda,  right  out  of  UPT,  checked  into  the  squadron  on  6 
Jun  85. 
4.  Lt  Col  Pete  Mc  Donough  and  Capt  Pat  Lucas  were  reassigned  during  this 
period.  Lt  Col  Mc  Donough  went  to  DOX  at  the  41  RWRW  and  Capt  Lucas  became 
the  new  commander  of  OL-Af.  41  RWRW,  Yokota  AB,  JA. 
5.  Pony  Express  operations  continue  in  the  Pacific.  As  of  15  Jun  the 
squadron  has-  flown  15  sorties  for  101.5  hours  in  support  of  this  mission. 
6.  During  this  period  5  pilot,  3  navigator,  and  11  flight  engineer  eva- 
luations were  administered.  All  flight  checks  were  graded  Q-l  except  for 
one  pilot  annual  qualification  ride.  The  check  was  readministered  and 
graded  Q-l. 
7.  Capt  Artis  was  upgraded  to  First  Pilot  and  Maj  Knarr  received  his  ini- 
tial Aircraft  Commander  evaluation.  Additionally,  Lt  Baechtold  received 
her  initial  Flight  Examiner  check  and  Lt  Dansereau  was  upgraded  to 
Instructor  Navigator.  Also,  MSgt  McCorkle  received  his  initial  Air 
Refueling  evaluation. 
8.  The  squadron  flew  266  hours  during  the  reporting  period.  Ne^l^i60%Lp^* 
tJieserlwiffSiwererfoEoperati^  The  operational  highlight 
for  this  period  was  a*20il>houi?rBOrtie,  withariual ?ai Ekrefuelings ,  in  sup- 
port of  PonysExpress.  With  two  aircraft  committed  to  Pony  Express  and  no 
relief  from  normal  operational  tasking,  airframe  availability  limited  the 
training  and  upgrade  programs.  Of  the  local  sorties  scheduled,  only  54% 
conpletion  rate  was  achieved,  due  to  operations  and  maintenance  can- 
cellations, plus  air  aborts.  For  the  quarter,  the  squadron  is  6.1  hours 
ahead  of  the  time  line  and  for  the  fiscal  year,  we  are  91.8  behind. 
MAC-- j  he  Backbone  of  Deterrence
I  »• 
-^      9.  The  following  individuals  were  in  either  initial  or  upgrade  training: 
Maj  Schultz  <ARIP),  Maj  Bachtol  (ARAC),  Capt  Johnson  (ARAC),  Capt  Mack 
(ARAC),  Maj  Cook  (CP),  Lt  Lyons  (CP),  Lt  Lucey  (NAV),  TSgt  Marshall  (ARFE), 
TSgt  Nowark  (FE),  TSgt  Watson  (FE),  TSgt  Ziegenhagen  (FE),  SSgt  White  (FE). 
GARY  §/  KOCH,  Lt  Col,  USAF 
Commander
AIRCRAFT  OF  THE  55TH 
B-24 
1944  - 
1945 
A-20 
1944 
B-29 
1946  - 
1947 
C-47 
1946  - 
1947 
WB-29 
1951  - 
1955 
TB-29 
1951  - 
1955 
WB-50 
1954  - 
1963 
WB-47 
1957  - 
1969 
C-54 
1958  - 1961 
TB-50 
1958  - 
1960 
JB-57 
1960  - 
1963 
C-130 
1962  - 
1965 
RB-57 
1963  - 1964 
WC-135B 
1965  - 
WC-130 
1970  - 
1976 
Appendix  7-1
ASSIGNMENT  OF  55  WRS 
III  Tactical  Air  Division 
Twentieth  Air  Force 
311th  Reconnaissance  Wing 
Air  Transport  Command 
Air  Weather  Service 
Air  Weather  Service 
9th  Weather  Group 
Military  Air  Transport  Service 
9th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Group 
9th  Weather  Reconnaissance  Wing 
41st  Rescue  and  Weather  Reconnaissance  Wing 
STATIONS 
Will  Rogers  Field,  Oklahoma 
Hanson  Field,  Guam 
Buckley  Field,  Colorado 
Langley  Field,  Virginia 
Morrison  Field,  Florida 
Fairfield-Suisun  Army  Air  Base,  California 
McClellan  AFB,  California 
21  Aug  44  -  14  Dec  44 
11  Apr  45  -  27  Nov  45 
27  Nov  45-19  Mar  46 
13  Mar  46  -  20  Mar  46 
20  Mar  46-15  Oct  47 
**»****«««**«•»•«*«** 
21  Feb  51  -  20  Apr  53 
20  Apr  53  -  8  Jul  61 
12  Oct  61-8  Jan  62 
8  Jan  62  -  8  Jul  65 
8  Jul  65  -  1  Sep  75 
1  Sep  75  -  Present 
21  Aug  44-5  Mar  45 
11  Apr  45  -  29  Feb  46 
20  Mar  46  -  1  May  46 
9  May  46  -    Jul  46 
Jul  46  -  1  Jun  47 
1  Jun  47  -  15  Oct  49 
15  Oct  49  -  Present 
Appendix  7-2
Lt  Col  Koch  addresses  guests. 
Col  Re I chert  turns  over  the  55th  WRS  to  Lt  Col  Koch.
Zfli- — 
Br?  _.  ,rVBfc'tl£l<u.i 
§  SS!W£4%  I 
;  ^'._r  \eo!£ttaB  ..  ;  p.'  „ 
'       '    '*  '    acaaeaa     .'  f  \  
" 
PfrL . 
!S?#* 
Col.    Rei chert,   Ul  RWRW/CC,  and  Lt   Col  Ahern     address  guests  during  the 
Change  of  Command  Cermony  on  3  June  1985 • 
E?." 
&&WEB
£;^Kp8awsJ 
Lt  Col  Ahem  and  Lt  Col  Koch  cut  the  cake  at  the  reception  following 
the  Change  of  Command 
;-J<Z?;-r.  ■'  '  ^-----.  -„;  ,. 
Ok 
c"-^
Col.  Reichert  formally  closes  the  Change  of  Command 
Left  to  Right:   Lt  Col  Dan  Ahern,  Ellen  Ahem,  Lou  Ellen  Koch  and 
Lt  Col  Gary  Koch 
BMBbpB  * 
D     Hi ffl § 1 
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