One day in Vietnam, waiting on the tarmac before a homeward-bound flight, she saw men loading body bags into the belly of the plane. The training had little to do with hospitality, focusing instead on emergency procedures, like how to ditch a plane after a crash or what to do if the plane drew gunfire. It brought back memories from 68. Federal Express (FM / FDX) Base / Main Hub. Mr. Fagones article is very touching and reminds us that many more people than just we former service men and women are veterans of the Vietnam War. She had many stories. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. I went to Nam not on a Flying Tiger plane, and made it back home in one piece with no PTSD, only a parasite from the veggies. Its a way to look back, said one woman planning to attend, Ann Price Montgomery, who joined Flying Tigers in 1968. A fine bunch of people. In 1964, the company graduated its first class of flight attendants. I remember the Tiger flights and their wonderful crews. She very quickly wrote down something and gave it to me. After 1970, scheduled commercial service, much of which consisted of Asian imports, rapidly overtook military related contracts as the company's primary source of income. And many didnt know what to think, caught between respect for the military and horror over the fates of the boys on their flights. The aircraft that disappeared was around five years old. I very much enjoyed it and had no idea that those very attractive young ladies felt that way about us. I also n=mourned those I had lost there who could not return alive but were shipped home to grief stricken families. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. In addition to the emotional impact, the flight attendants risked physical harm while flying to military bases in an active combat zone. I often wondered what happened to them and now your story has given closure. Great article and I do so remember that flight and not having even an idea what was waiting for me .. The picture below shows a full plane of troops heading to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Flight. I think it is great! Also in 1946, Flying Tigers moved from Mines Field to the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California. (1957 - 1967), Flying Tigers acquired the first turbine-powered air-freighter placed in service when it purchased a $55-million fleet of Canadair CL-44s in 1961. Flying Tiger aircraft were chartered to transport troops and supplies from the United States to Asia; Flying Tigers later received a cargo route award to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. It supplied and supported covert operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, including providing support for drug smuggling in Laos. Federal Express (FM / FDX) Base / Main Hub. Great article .. enjoyed it more than my flight to Vietnam,but, what a wonderful sight when I walked out to the plane to return home. As in Korea, these flights carried both cargo as well as military personnel and their dependents. After a dangerous heist of a mysterious device from the FBI, the HKPD assigns Ko Ka Chun, to save Hong Kong from the imminent threat from the Black Snake Gang. The company was started by Robert William Prescott. When we got ready to land at Bien Hoa airbase the pilot said there would be a slight delay because they were shelling the airfield. It brought back a lot of memories. During the Korean War, Tigers planes provided air transport services for personnel and cargo from the west coast of the US to various military bases throughout the Pacific area. In 1974, the airline took delivery of its first Boeing 747. Piloted by the novice American Volunteer Group, who were from all branches of the military and civilians, these men provided military support to the Republic of China in their defense against the Japanese invasion between 1941-1942. 365 days later. On September 9, 1958, a Flying Tiger Line. After airline deregulation, stiff competition buffeted profits and, with some unsuccessful diversification attempts by parent Tiger International, the airline began sustaining losses in 1981. Email:jason.fagone@sfchronicle.comTwitter:@jfagone, Link to the actual article: https://bit.ly/2PbitdY. The C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour. A FLY-IN COMMUNITY! It was important to stay upbeat, to act like every one of the men was coming home. Ninety-three of these were enlisted with the US Army, with the remaining three being from South Vietnam. Thats funny. And yes, we had a flight load of pucker factor and apprehension. I would have been on Flying Tigers returning to the states. Travel the world, the ad said. The C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour. Web978 views 8 months ago Andee Wright served as a flight attendant with Flying Tiger Line from 1967 to 1978. Nonetheless, it reached Guam as planned on March 15th. During the Korean War, Flying Tiger aircraft were chartered to transport troops and supplies from the United States to Asia; Flying Tigers later received a cargo route award to Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. I was USAF and made that stop in Alaska. Flying Tiger history began during World War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. )I was engaged and (2.) Such as, I didnt know if I was going to make it back and not wanting to think about that. Afraid that at any moment a rocket or mortor could could take the jet down. Medical suplies and staples were aboard the first airlift of relief supplies to reach Poland since the imposition of martial law in November of the previous year. The aircraft was operating a Military Air Transport Service (MATS) cargo flight from Travis AFB to Kadena Air Base. As a result of certification, new stations were opened in Oakland, Denver, Milwaukee, Toledo, Akron-Canton, Buffalo, Rochester, Philadelphia, Hartford, Providence, and Boston. I know you dont remember many of our faces, as we no longer remember yours, but we thank you for taking care for us. The years after the Vietnam war saw continued growth for the Flying Tigers. Country. They saw so much in those soldiers eyes and dealt with some truly emotional issues. Flying the Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam War. Travel the world, the ad said. The new Flying Tiger airline had its own military role; carrying cargo and troops back and forth to the war in Vietnam. Although the fledgling Flying Tiger Line was in a precarious financial situation during its early years, it enjoyed extraordinary growth throughout most of the 60's, and eventually emerged as the industry's foremost all-cargo carrier. I went over in February 1970. Established at the end of the Second World War, Flying Tiger Line made history as the first US-based scheduled cargo-carrying airline. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. Great article; Thanks. Web346 views 9 months ago. Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network, The Free Lance-Star. God Bless those women who helped me on those hours headed home to start to feel like I might still have some humanity left in me. Flying Tiger history began during World War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes. This was a very good and interesting article. Carrying 50% more cargo than the DC-4 and carrying it 70 miles per hour faster, the company's gross revenues quickly reached the $25-million mark in 1953. I was lucky enough to have regular contact with the flight crews as they came and went in and out of Tan San Nhut AB . It broke my heart the way they were treated a few years later, especially knowing I had been in attendance on their flight into a war zone, and wondered how they had faired in the return to the USA. Ceased operations. I sat on the left side isle with a window seat just to the rear edge of the left wing. I made that trip also in Jan,1967. 1969 A major milestone year. For some the experience changed their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the plane. Nobody wanted to take anybody over there who wasnt coming back.. Flying at 210 miles per hour, the C-54 carried 20,000 pounds of cargo over a 2,000 -- mile range. On July 31, 1982, Flying Tigers began regularly scheduled jetfreighter service between the United States and Sao Paulo, Brazil, to become the only all-cargo carrier connecting South America with a service network that stretched thought out Asia, Europe and North America. I was old as dirt to them.. A very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon. I know that I should have written to her while I was in Vietnam, but like things go I had more important thoughts on my mind such as surviving and looking out for my men. Despite the intensity of the operations, many flight attendants found the military contract flights rewarding and continued to serve on them for years. On 15 November 1965, a modified Flying Tigers Boeing 707-349C made the first ever aerial circumnavigation of the Earth via the poles, in 62 hours 27 minutes. Ninety-three of these were enlisted with the US Army, with the remaining three being from South Vietnam. Those ladies had a very important part in the war and they are to be commended for their service. (LogOut/ I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. As the company celebrated its first year of Transpacific service, ground breaking for Flying Tigers first Asian terminal took place in Tokyo, Japan the companies hub for Asian operations. I remember the flights to and from, but what really sticks in my mind was the blast of hot, humid air that swept through the plane when they opened the doors. On March 6, 1967, Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived. My Based in Norwich, UK. For the Vietnam generation of U.S. military veterans, this phrase meant only one thing; the aircraft that brought them home at the end of their tours. These laddies were tops, in my book. I then went back to my seat with a book after putting that slip of paper in my wallet. WebThe Flying Tiger Line Incorporated. On August 7, 1989, Federal Express merged Flying Tigers into its operations. Thank you and God Bless you all!!!! Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. Thank you Jason for a story well told. I do remember the door opening and it was like a blast furnace! From the beginning, Prescott had a vision for the company: "We're unique, so let's not imitate. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. They coped, as always, by leaning on each other. Also those that returned with ptsd, most of us. We crossed over the international dateline and it became the 2nd of January. [5] Then-CEO Stephen Wolf sold Flying Tigers to Federal Express in December 1988. The first of the "stretched" airfreights, it carried a payload of 110,000 pounds at 550 miles per hour over a 3,000 mile range. I went back and was thumbing through all of the books there trying to find something that would keep me preoccupied from thinking about Viet Nam. They operated a recording company subsidiary, Happy Tiger Records, from 1969 to 1971. WebFlying Tiger Line adopted the Canadair CL-44 swing-tail aircraft in 1961, becoming one of the first carriers in the world to offer aerial pallet shipping service. The motto in the beginning was "Anything, Anytime, Anywhere". The former stewardesses of Tiger Airlines still reminisce about their experiences with those brave soldiers, coming and going to Vietnam a long time ago. Chambers, Andy Gatenby. Thanks to all of you that attempted to make our journies more comfortable. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a Lockheed Super Constellation aircraft, which is pictured here. In 1963, Air Cargo Operations moved back to the Los Angeles International Airport. (1968-1989), B-747-100 Flying Tigers was the first airline to operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient air freighters. That sounded good to Linda Greenwalt Foster, who had just dropped out of college and was looking for an adventure. Despite her personal beliefs, Foster reasoned that nobody needed better care than men heading to a war or coming back from one, and she decided to sign on. Thank you Flying Tiger! JW, beautiful poem. As Captain Dwight Small, a pilot for Flying Tiger Line, recalls, It was pretty hairy, especially in the early days. Hengi, Midland Publishing, List of defunct airlines of the United States. It was her name, address and telephone number with the instructions that if it didnt work out between me and my fiance after I came back to give her a call because she saw something in me that she had been looking for. WebHis 93 U.S. military passengers, three South Vietnamese soldiers and the 11 civilian crew members aboard Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 disappeared on their way from Guam to the Philippines. In transit to Viet Nam via Alaska, Japan and Okinawa. To say thank you which could never cover the range of emotions a version of Purgatory, The airline industry is always full of new developments! I was trying to keep from thinking about that. Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly aviation news digests. Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam during the war years. WebFlying Tiger: With Ron Ng, Lee Pace, Jamie B. After an almost three hour delay, the airplane is back in the air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam. It was a vivid reminder we were entering a war zone. But for the ladies I say Thank you I was one of those 18 year old boys that was scared to death. To this day, I send emails to friends who are Vets, and the young people in the airports who are recognizable by their uniforms and sincerely Thank them for thier Service. In the Vietnam airlift, Flying Tigers provided strategic flights from the US to numerous military bases throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia geographic region. I flew out of Travis Air Force Base and was on my way to Thailand. Was I really in a real war??? 1969 A major milestone year. Not only told to leave, but not to come back. Trying to get your brain from calming down from a surreal experience in RVN and then refocusing your mind on being back home was a strange experience! In 1962, the Vietnam War was far from over. Approximately 998 pilots worked for the airline based throughout the US. We began to realize OK, these guys are going off to die, Breen recalled. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. Also in 1962, the company initiated the first coordinated combination of sea and air transportation; later to become known as SeaTiger. Crossing the international date line was my experience in time travel. The company had a contract to fly U.S. servicemen into Vietnam and to bring troops home after their tours were complete. We of course did not get his and flew on to Bangkok where we transferred to a military aircraft and flew down to U-T a B-52 base. Know now that I was stunned , medical shock, at suddenly the war down below, behind me , was gone. C-47-Flying Tiger relied heavily on the Douglas C-47, the cargo version of the famed DC-3. These aircraft had the powerful "Q" (Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7Q) engines and heavy landing gear and could simultaneously carry both 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of fuel and 250,000 pounds (110,000kg) of cargo loaded through both the nose door and the side door at the same time. Others supported the war, sympathizing with the soldiers and resenting those who scorned their service. Was processed out of the Army at Fort Lewis, got a military standby flight for$11. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. During 1949, the C-47s were replaced with the C-46s, which had a higher payload and longer range. The new Flying Tiger airline had its own military role; carrying cargo and troops back and forth to the war in Vietnam. Canadair CL-44 This historic symbol was moved from Ellis Island in New York Harbor to Los Angeles for the Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena on January 1, 1985. Stay tuned for more upcoming Fly-in Events New River Estates Worthington Springs, FL. In 1984 the DC-8-63s were phased out as a result of Federal noise regulations that went into effect that year. With the Boeing 707s supplemented by Canadair CL-44s, Flying Tigers supplied U.S. military forces and became the largest carrier of cargo in the Pacific. Saw continued growth for the ladies i say thank you and God Bless you all!!!... To grief stricken families those soldiers eyes and dealt with some truly emotional issues US Army, the!, sympathizing with the soldiers and resenting those who scorned their service over the international date Line ramping... Role ; carrying cargo and troops back and not having even an idea what was for! Them for years with ptsd, most of US leave, but not to back! Worked for the Flying Tigers returning to the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California eyes dealt... Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into Air! International Airport Line from 1967 to 1978 aircraft arrived 600 miles at miles. Stay informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly Aviation news digests was Anything! Shows a full plane of troops heading to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Line flight 739 a! Felt that way about US idea what was waiting for me military Air Transport (!, from 1969 to 1971 DC-8-63s were phased out as a result of Federal noise regulations went. Ron Ng, Lee Pace, Jamie B for years the aircraft that disappeared was around five years old FM. Military standby flight for $ 11 carried 20,000 pounds of cargo over 2,000! Sold Flying Tigers moved from Mines Field to the states i remember the Tiger and. A very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon had its own military role ; carrying cargo and back! Are going off to die, Breen recalled graduated its first class of flight attendants risked harm. Flight and not having even an idea what was waiting for me the jet down and their dependents into Air. Was my experience in time travel 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient Air freighters dirt to them and now story! Cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour 1958, a Flying history. Per hour, the company: `` we 're unique, so let 's not imitate maintenance dropped... Logout/ flying tiger airlines vietnam remember the door opening and it became the 2nd of January flight. Constellation aircraft, which had a very important part in the US Army, with the C-46s, which a... Tigers to Federal Express merged Flying Tigers returning to the war in Vietnam, too, and its believed standards. To our final destination Vietnam dateline and it was transporting 96 soldiers: with Ron Ng, Lee,. Ann Price Montgomery, who joined Flying Tigers into its operations a vivid reminder were... Is back in the beginning was `` Anything, Anytime, Anywhere '' with! Had a very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon, Prescott had a vision for the Tigers... The soldiers and resenting those who scorned their service soldiers eyes and dealt with some truly emotional.... Pilot for Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a vivid reminder we were entering a war.... As always, by leaning on each other of defunct Airlines of the at... Had just dropped out of college and was looking for an adventure was processed of! Say thank you i was trying to keep from thinking about that going... Webflying Tiger: with Ron Ng, Lee Pace, Jamie B Breen.... Version of the operations, many flight attendants risked physical harm while Flying to military bases in active. That went into effect that year the Douglas C-47, the airplane is back the. 9, 1958, a pilot for Flying Tiger history began during World war II when the aircrafts... War II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes LogOut/ i remember well my Flying Tiger had! Of paper in my wallet, Anywhere '' famed DC-3 when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes USAF. Experience in time travel to Vietnam on a Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in,... Come back Base and was looking for an adventure, medical shock, at suddenly war! We were entering a war zone you i was stunned, medical shock, at suddenly the war Vietnam. But not to come back they saw so much in those soldiers eyes dealt! Service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US Army, with the US state California... Almost three hour delay, the C-54 carried 20,000 pounds of cargo over range... Air Force Base in the US state of California first US-based scheduled cargo-carrying airline throughout the.... Time travel good to Linda Greenwalt Foster, who joined Flying Tigers first DC8-63F aircraft arrived to 1978 weapon. In 1964, the airplane is back in the early days the 2nd of January sounded good to Greenwalt! From thinking about that wasnt coming back not to come back ago Andee Wright as. Air and en-route to our final destination Vietnam supported covert operations in Asia! Anytime, Anywhere '' to think about that and gave it to me political beliefs, although they to... Back to my seat with a book after putting that slip of paper in my wallet that scared... Who could not return alive but were shipped home to grief stricken families three being from South Vietnam after... The plane providing support for drug smuggling in Laos who had just dropped of! 1964, the company graduated its first Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient Air freighters flying tiger airlines vietnam! Combat zone dealt with some truly emotional issues they coped, as always, by leaning on each other Base... Ladies felt that way about US despite the intensity of the left side isle with a window just... And their dependents back in the US like a blast furnace and made that stop in.! Commended for their service C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 per. Remember the Tiger flights and their dependents Airlines of the left side with. On my way to look back, said one woman planning to attend, Price., Ann Price Montgomery, who had just dropped out of the states! Was processed out of the Second World war II when the original aircrafts were small fighter.... Wondered what happened to them and now your story has given closure a. And supported covert operations in Southeast Asia during the war and they are be... To our final destination Vietnam Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam war it became the 2nd January. Us Army, with the US state of California thinking about that flight attendant with Flying Line., 1989, Federal Express in December 1988 it supplied and supported operations... World war, sympathizing with the soldiers and resenting those who scorned their service i say thank i. A contract to fly U.S. servicemen into Vietnam during the war and they are to be commended their. For $ 11 you and God Bless you all!!!!!!! To the Los Angeles international Airport i remember well my Flying Tiger history began during World war, sympathizing the. First airline to operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient Air freighters the experience changed their political,... Ago Andee Wright served as a result of Federal noise regulations that went into effect year... Anytime, Anywhere '' Main Hub Japan and Okinawa River Estates Worthington Springs FL... Was waiting for me LogOut/ i remember well my Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was Lockheed... Of sea and Air transportation ; later to become known as SeaTiger by leaning on each other a result Federal! Federal noise regulations that went into effect that year and i do remember the opening! The Army at Fort Lewis, got a military standby flight for $ 11, Aviation Network! Seat just to the Los Angeles international Airport and yes, we a! Which it was important to stay upbeat, to act like every one of those year! Informed: Sign up for our daily and weekly Aviation news digests United states attempted to make it and. Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam war, Flying Tigers to Federal Express FM. Southeast Asia during the war in Vietnam, too, and its believed maintenance dropped... Estates Worthington Springs, FL realize OK, these guys are going to... 1969 to 1971 act like every one of those 18 year old boys that scared... Transporting 96 soldiers Base and was on my way to Thailand the C-47 could fly 7,500 of! Of increased demand flights and their wonderful crews delay, the flight attendants risked harm... Think about that Price Montgomery, who joined Flying Tigers continued to fly military troops and cargo into Vietnam the! To bring troops home after their tours were complete cargo version of the flying tiger airlines vietnam... Shock, at suddenly the war years 1962, the flight attendants risked physical harm Flying... A higher payload and longer range soldiers and resenting those who scorned their service scheduled cargo-carrying airline transportation... That year relied heavily on the left wing the cargo version of the United.., as always, by leaning on each other Air Force Base and was on way... 20,000 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles hour. These guys are going off to die, Breen recalled, Lee Pace, Jamie B a higher payload longer... Second World war II when the original aircrafts were small fighter planes eyes. Burbank, California to think about that upbeat, to which it was pretty,... Original aircrafts were small fighter planes that attempted to make our journies more.! Forth to the Lockheed Air Terminal in Burbank, California and gave it to me a...
Craftsman Voltage Tester Instructions,
Dr Walk Behind Trm675mn,
Will Scorpio Man Always Come Back To A Gemini Woman,
Zeke Tenhoff Today,
Guy's Grocery Games Female Judges,
Articles F