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Just run the water until it clears up. By Steve Elliott 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs. Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport became a public airport in 1993. Wurtsmith AirForce Base was constructed with a runway layout specifically for this. When the Gulf War started in 1990, the 379, Bomber Wing sent B-52s as well as their accompanying KC-135s into the Middle East. However, the P-6 differed from the P-1 in having its fuselage rounded out to match the fatter engine cowling required by the Conqueror engine. We knew we had some kind of plane.. On May 9, 1961, the base took delivery of its first new Boeing B-52 H Stratofortress, The State of Michigan. A total of 15,683 Thunderbolts were produced by wars end, more than any other U.S. fighter. [1] The KC-135s had many more opportunities to travel because they would fly in support of any craft capable of refueling in flight. The P-6 Hawk (1932-1937) Aircraft was @ Oscoda. [1] This meant that they could be flying a mission supporting a fighter squadron in Iraq, then be redirected to refuel a bomber squadron over Saudi Arabia, then fly back to Spain to land. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, trained at Oscoda for several weeks and stayed on the base. This bunker compound housedthe flight crews on ready alert, the three B-52 bombers ready to take off at amoments notice, and the accompanying KC-135s ready to top off the B-52s after takeoff. At this time, the camp was renamed and the airfield was under III Fighter Command jurisdiction. [1] On the first Wednesday the, fresh flight crew would relive the current flight crew in the bunkers. Everyone from the mechanics keeping the planes flyable, to the cookspreparing food for the airmen stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, to thecommanders who ensured that everything from the flight schedules being correctto the proper paperwork being completed to allow the missions to continue. Ellsworth Air Force base, South Dakota. She also has many other irregular health problems including bone death, fibromyalgia, irregular heartbeat, gastrointestinal problems, and underdeveloped reproductive organs. The aquifer overlies a thick clay layer at an average depth of 65 feet. But these days, the county is becoming a haven for retired people such as the Kuhlmans . [1] At some point over the week an alarm would sound,signaling to the flight crew that the B-52s had to be in the air. All kind of special chemicals that Boeing told the USAF we had to have. It was formed on 1 August 1961 to merge the 3908th Strategic Standardization Group for SAC aircrew evaluation with the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group that had originated from the 263rd Army Air Force Base Unit which transferred from 15th AF to directly under Strategic Air Command c. Any one else from 84-89 have issues? The M&FRC is located at 1550 Wurtsmith St . As seenin the picture of the runways, there is a Christmas tree coming off of thebeginning of the runway with a building next to it. The Bell P-39 Airacobra was not the best fighter aircraft of WWII, but it was the only fighter available in quantity during the first six months of the war. Airport History. The Losinskis are divers David has been diving since 1977; his son, Drew, since 2002 and both are former members of the St. Clair County Dive Team. Veterans of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda from the 1970s, and their families who lived with them on the base, face increased risks of leukemia and other harmful effects from prolonged exposures to toxic volatile organic compounds that were in the now-shuttered base's water supply at the time, a federal health agency has found. As an officer Mr. Norton had to sit in on Court-Martials. Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. With all of this in a single family, the V.A. [1] This would result in a large amount of paperwork and extra expenses for the Air Force. Aug 24, 2021. For the civil use of this facility and airport information, see Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in northeastern Iosco County in the U.S. state of Michigan. Once we brought that up and cleaned the tag, we knew it was the 221226 serial number.. While these crews were on ready alert they did not have a wholelot to do. It still haunts me today that we had to do that and were told to just follow orders. While many of the airmen preferred to live on base it was possible for them to buy or rent a house or apartment off post. Testing by the Air Force has found high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS in the foam near a plume coming from the former nuclear bomber base. Military bases are known for significant staffing turnover. The former base includes 4,626 acres (1,872 ha) located approximately two miles west of Lake Huron in the Charter Township of Oscoda, bordered by Van Ettan Lake, the Au . [4] Its mission was to, maintain half of the fleet on a 15 minute alert, meaning the plane could be in, the air in 15 minutes, to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet preemptive missile, strike. Engine not damaged. They resumed the investigation last spring. Photos of P-47s flown by French Pilots at Oscoda. He saw the surrounding land and figured it would make a great place for a gunnery range. The Arrow Street purge system, installed in 1982 to remove contaminants from the Building 43 plume, has lowered concentrations o There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. There are a lot of stories to tell. Lt. Ennis also thought it would be a great place for young Army Air corps to test aircraft (WAFB.net). [1] This tight knit community was not confined to just the Air Force Base, but extended into the community as well. My ex wife has thyroid disease and auto immune disease. These mission were into Iraq. Leaking chemical storage tanks and waste disposal operations contaminated soil and groundwater with hazardous chemicals. This cycle was from Wednesday to Wednesday. On January 18, 1994 it was listed as a Superfund due to extensive groundwater contamination with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane . Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. Me and Dan drive around base and check out the bunkers that held nuclear weapons during the cold war Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree they, resorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they were, not conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on their, equipment. The pilot apparently noticed it and tried to lift his ship. This unfortunately happened on October 11th, 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. [1] Wurtsmith Air Force Base was 2nd Lt. Nortons firstpermanent duty station in the United States Air Force.[1]. Only after, the plains were airborne would the crew be notified if it was a drill or not.[1]. High blood serum levels of PFOA are associated with infertility, decreased semen quality, and a higher risk of thyroid disease. A sand and gravel aquifer of glacial origin underlies Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northeastern lower Michigan. Now that the contamination has reached the Au Sable river, it could potentially carry this contamination into Lake Huron. After a trip to the Boneyard in September 2019, hundreds of current and vintage photos are being sorted, scanned and uploaded. I remember getting a letter of counseling when I wanted to object as a warning what could happen. She gave Kelly the rundown of the base. [5] Wurtsmith AFB, Mich SAC 379th Bomb Wing B-52, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm. If you, a friend, or loved one has been injured or died as a result of the contamination at a DOD Superfund Site please follow the steps that are outlined at Get Help. Today, the Wurtsmith Air Force Base has a museum where you can learn about its history. [1], These KC-135s were necessary because the B-52 could not take off with both a, full load of ordnance and a full tank of gas.[1]. There were also problems with the complex nose-mounted reduction gear, which caused reliability problems and resulted in fairly low serviceability rates as compared with other fighters. USVCP Not A U.S. Government Publication. Having high amounts of this chemical directly underneath their high school could have serious long-term effects on the kids that attend school as well as the faculty. From humble beginnings in the 1920's as a aircraft gunnery range, to its status as a vital member of our strategic defense, Wurtsmith Air Force Base has distinguished itself as an important part of our country's military history. On January 18, 1994 it was listed as a Superfund due to extensive groundwater contamination with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane . There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. In 1932, Capt. The cockpit was fairly easy to enter and exit, but the doors had a tendency to fly open in midair at high speed if improperly secured. The 4026th was a SAC Major Command controlled (MAJCON) wing that had been organized on 1 August 1958. It was the most horrible thing I have ever witnessed, she said. [5], Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air ForceCaptain on May 30th, 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commissionas a 2nd Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. The story stated Moody and three other pilots were taking gunnery practice about three miles north of Port Huron. At least thirty French piloted P-47 aircraft accidents were reported at Oscoda AAF during the time period 1944-1945 and resulted in at least four pilots killed. The average person has around 3 or 4 parts per billion of these chemicals present in their blood. As seen, in the picture of the runways, there is a Christmas tree coming off of the, beginning of the runway with a building next to it. There is no amount of PFOA that is officially recognized as harmful. However, many studies have shown otherwise. More than 40 private businesses and public agencies use the former Air Force facilities and infrastructure, providing more than 1,300 jobs to the area, as well as the conversion of former base housing to 700 privately owned residential homes. The married officers lived in a standalone house with their family. [1] The intent is to create a self-help registry for those who were harmed by the extremely toxic organochlorine pesticide contamination detected at Military Family Housing. In this June 6, 2018 photo, PFAS foam washes up on the shoreline of Van Etten Lake in Oscoda Township, Mich., near Wurtsmith Air Force Base. I have always scheduled an apt with my dr to talk about the possibility of how this may have affected me. In 1979, the state of Michigan sued the Air Force for the contamination. Maximum speed was 178 mph at sea level, 171 mph at 10,000 feet. The 1st Combat Evaluation Group (initially "1CEG", later "1CEVG") was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) unit. Eielson Air Force base, Alaska. I was born on base November 1978, and lived on base with my mom, brother born 1989 on base, and my dad, a civil engineer stationed on base until oct 1982. Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda Township, Mich. U.S. Department of Defense In Oscoda, authorities tracked the contamination of Van Etten Lake to Wurtsmith Air Force Base , which closed in 1993. I have had many other health issues since and have recently found all of this. The 5,223-acre Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Wurtsmith AFB) is located on the northeastern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. There are many good photos of P-39s at Selfridge Field (Posted below), but none of P-39s at Oscoda. . The KC-135s would finish one mission and there would be another one waiting for them as soon as they were available. Comprehensive Base Plan, Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Engineering and Services DCS/PRE - Washington DC 1 April 1970 (revised 12 July 1978) . The Air Force says, Any aircraft before 1961, weve abandoned it.. [1], The northern tier Strategic Air Command Ready Alert Strike Force bases were considered less than desirable duty stations for one main reason. To gain a measure of the extremely high levels of contaminated drinking water, according to the ATSDR, TCE levels in a well at the corner of Arrow Street and N. Skeel Avenue were as high as 5,173 parts-per-billion (ppb) during 1977, 1978, & 1979 tests, which is more than 1,000 times the EPA's current limit of 5-ppb for TCE in drinking water. Weights were 2450 lb. [5] Assuming the equipment, personnel and aircraft of the 4026th Strategicwing as it was disbanded. Marie and the straights of Mackinac. My husband and our two children lived there from 1985-1993 I have a nerve problem my daughter has autoimmune (MS) youngest daughter has kidney problems. I will try and highlight some of the most interesting aircraft and their stories!. [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. The main mission of Oscoda Army Air Field, at the time, was to defend Sault Ste. purposes only, and is not legal advice. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing was, Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air Force, , 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commission, Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. City Picto Map, Clark Air Base / Angeles City. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base that was closed by the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC 2) and is a proposed EPA Superfund site. Because the Committee on Toxicology (NRC, 1979) concluded that it could not determine a level of exposure to chlordane below which there would be no biologic effect under conditions of prolonged exposure of families in military housing. The pesticide levels and CERCLA 120(h) Deed Restrictions are public information and readily available. Someone who works in a place that uses these chemicals and is exposed to them can have up to 100 parts per million, or 0.01%, in their blood. Call 205.328.9200 Claim Application. They included chemicals like MEK, PD 680, TRI CHLOROFLOIANS, ACIDS, ALODIANS, ALL KINDS OF PAINTS, SPECIAL MISSILE SKIN REPAIR KITS. Wurtsmith Air Force base (Oscoda), Michigan; PFAS Water Contamination Map . U.S. History Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan, served primarily as a combat crew and bomber training base throughout its 70-year history. On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the many men and women who served and fought during the difficult conflict, giving them the appreciation they deserve. With this long list of negative effects it is clearly a big health issue for local residents. Aircraft was at Camp Skeel, Oscoda Michigan for Aerial Gunnery training. 1946. At Oscoda Army Air Field, from the Group Historian: Over the sandy pine shores of Lake Huron, pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group polished up their flight and gunnery tactics for threat inevitable test of their skill and courage which will eventually lead them to pursuit and battle in the skies of Europe and Asia. By the end of November 1943 all training for the 332nd had been completed at Oscoda and the Group departed for overseas. [3], www.nytimes.com/1988/10/12/us/six-are-killed-in-crash-of-an-air-force-tanker.html, www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm, www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0379bw.htm, http://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/wurtsmith-air-force-base/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wurtsmith_Air_Force_Base. With that being said, these chemicals are going to be reaching a lot more people than just the Oscoda residents. After all of that great history, the Wurtsmith Air Force Base is still standing as a place that is visited by a plethora of people. They are surely exposed to this chemical nearly every day, whether it be playing outside on the playground or from being exposed to the chemicals via drinking the water. Weve done quite a bit of documenting and measuring, David Losinski said. Posts and surveys made on this website are opinions or suggestions of users of this website and are not representations, opinions or suggestions of U.S. The base is influential in Michigan, as well as the United States military history. Bert E. Skeel was a WWI pilot who died in an air race in Ohio. It has found from testing this area that some places to have over 1000 parts-per-trillion for PFOS and PFOA. My first daughter was born there at their hospital.my ex husband now, is very sick. [5] In recent years groundwater contamination has be linked to jet fuel, cleaning agents, and fire suppression agents used at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. TCE in another well on Jet Street near the present day Wurtsmith AFB museum was 1,739-ppb. The runways were aligned NE/SW, E/W, and NW/SE. I like combining historical photographs with the stories behind them.