Enlisted in the USAF at Ramey in Nov. 1967, and got assigned PCS as a B-52 bomber mechanic in Feb.1971. Got early out discharged in July because Ramey was closing . Great memories of friends, the Base and Crash Boat Beach. Worked as Alert Recovery Bomber Crew night shift.
I wonder if anyone might know my dad he was there in the 60’s. His name was Bill Simmons. I remember running towards a lighthouse and getting in trouble. I went to the elementary school in Ramey. My parents went to the officers club. Hope someone might want to chat.
When Ramey closed I was about 17 years old. I lived in Mayaguez, a town at 30 minites from Aguadilla. "Punta Borinquen" is a paradise. Thanks for the story!
I grew up in PR and in the early 80's when I got my pilot's license I would fly to semi-abandoned Ramey Field to do touch and goes on a Cessna 150. 20 years later I was taking DC-10's there for my company. Stayed at the Courtyard many times.
I was Born and raice in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico serve in The US Army fo 30 years now living in Orlando Fl. Just to let you know that until today people that live in what to be the base they dont realize there were Atomic weapon at Ramey to include myself that live about 2 miles away form Gate 1.
Thank you Pete for the fantastic story. I was a crew chief on KC-135 but stationed at Loring AFB at that time. During one of my TDY's I happened to come to Ramey, of course I wanted to stay. Thank you for your memories and your service to our country.
I enlisted in the USAF at Ramey AFB in Sept 1965, I was in VietNam 67-68 and got out when I got back. Spent 10 years out and went back in 78 until 2006 when I retired for good. Great memories of Ramey and greater memories of my military career. God bless you all, Jay
My father was stationed in Ramey during that time. My earliest memories come from that base. My sister was born in the hospital there. I remember the crash, my father worked on that wreck. I know it really affected him.
When I was 19 years old I was assigned to the avionics shop for the B-52 and KC-135 planes at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. They were the H models and our shop worked on the star tracker system along with the inertial nav and magnetic compass systems as well as the autopilot. The star tracker controls were at the navigator's station downstairs, right hand seat. That was an amazing tool and as I recall, the readout was latitude and longitude. Track the sun, the moon, or any number of stars at night. One time when I somehow happened to be the only guy in shop middle of the day, still either 19 or early 20 years old and very green in experience they called a Delta Alert and some Air Force guards or something came rushing into the shop saying you have to come with us immediately. One of the B-52's has a situation. So I went out to the flightline, B-52's all fired up and ready to move all up and down the flightline, but they stuffed me up into the plane and I asked where the problem was and they said the pilot had a problem. He couldn't engage something, maybe the autopilot, and I remembered from tech school first thing you check is if the navigator has the J-4 magnetic compass going which he didn't so I told the pilot to check the circuit breaker for the J-4 which was on the panel to his left. It was off. He turned it on and voila! So after I left the plane a security guard told me the colonel, wing commander, wanted to talk with me. He insisted I get in his car and we went down to the end of the flightline and just the two of us watched nearly every B-52 on base take off, one right after the other. What a trip for just a kid like me!
Great story! Enjoyed it very much. I used to live in nearby San Antonio, Aguadilla, and would take my wife and kids to the base on Sunday afternoons just to relax on the nice lawn under the palm trees. My dad served in the Air Force (Lincoln AFB, 1956-1960). My daughter has served in Beale AFB, Hawaii, Germany, and is now in Pensacola getting her flight wings!
My dad used to sell all kinds of furniture to the base buyer. We used to be able to get in all the time. We were invited to the club and pool area. I then went on to become a Navy pilot and then a doctor... God bless you sir
Thank you so much for this look into your life as a crew. I served in the Navy '1982 - 2010, so I only really caught the tail end of the Cold War, I can only imagine how intense it was during your time. Thank you for your Service to Our Nation.
Thank you for this story. My dad served in the USAF from 1958-1979. I was born at Homestead AFB, FL In 1963. My dad passed last year but he was proud of his service and wore his Veteran hats proudly!
This is a very interesting video, thank you. In this video there is a head on shot of a B-52G at Ramsey. It appears there are some type of something on pylons on the wing between the engine pods. What are those? I've never seen that before?!
I ,too lived on the base for a year with my parents and three brothers. Remember riding our bikes to school, spontaneous rain showers with the sun shining, swimming all day at the pool and eating a 25 cent plate full of french fries while over looking the ocean. Going to the movies every Saturday. It was the life for a 10 year old kid! ☺️💕🌴🦎 Don't forget the lizards.
The last two of us 4 kids were born at Ramey in 1966 and 67. Our father was a pilot, he retired as Lt Col Paul R O’Brien Jr. I’ve heard many wonderful stories of our family life during this time, and it sounds so blissful.
My Dad, who retired in approx. 1976, Lt.Col. Paul R. O’BrienJr., was stationed at Ramey and my sister and I were born at the base hospital in ‘66 and ‘67. My Dad was a pilot, flying KC-135, although I’m not sure if that is what he flew at Ramey. I went back in 2013 and was able to stay in old base housing after renting through a vacation rental site online. Our street when we lived there was one of the “lettered” (now called Calle A, B, C, etc) streets on base. My parents have many good memories of this time and I loved watching the home movies, swimming at the officer’s club, the palm trees all over, etc.
I am lucky to have saw this video. I am from Moca ( a city near Ramey base) born in 1966. I knew something about Ramey but this video have good information. I am glad you had a good time in Ramey Base. Now the base became Borinquen Comercial Airport which I use most of the time as it is close to my home of record. I am an Army MAJ (P). Thanks.
Thank you so much for posting this! My dad served at Ramey, 1961-1965. We used to explore the caves in those cliffs. We lived at 81 Hook Rd (right behind Kings). It was an amazing magical place for a kid to grow up. Spent our days on swim teams, riding at the Lazy R. And the Sat night skate rink. My parents were Bunty and Neil.
Great presentation!! I was a Crypto Tech assigned to the 72 Bombardment Wing. The Crypto equipment was right in the Command Post. Always enjoyed talking to the pilots at night. I was at Ramey from 70 to late 71. The great electronics training that I learned in the Air Force set me up for a great 40 year career at Xerox Corp.
Thank you for this wonderful post. My father, Doss Smith, was also a B52 Navigator stationed at Ramey. I have fond memories of our home on Hook Rd., attending Hook Road Elementary School, and going to the Officer’s Club with my parents. Thank you for your service sir!
My Dad spent time in PR while in the Air Force in the late 50s or '60s. I assume he was stationed here. I will always remember his recollections of walking the beach -- he said it was one of the most beautiful places he visited in all his worldwide travels with the Air Force. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing this great video, Pat and Ginger. My dad was stationed at RAFB 1958 - 1961. I was very young at the time, 3 years old when we moved there, but I have great memories and recognized some of the places in the video. My mom worked at the golf club for awhile. My youngest brother was born in 1961 in the hospital pictured. Such a great place to live. Thanks again.
SO this is how the Empire kept the stormtroopers happy while the oppress the poor people of the world... a lot of propaganda was to be broadcast to have you thing anything good has come off of what you assisted in doing to the world. Operation Condor the coups, the stealing of peoples land all for the betterment of AmeriKKKan oligarchy. SHAME!
Hello, I am asking for help in finding my father, I have been looking for him for over 26 years and throughout the years I've had no luck. He was stationed at the Ramey Base AFB in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico from the years 1964-1969 (estimated guess), his name is Thomas Lester and he was an African American. My grandparents took my mother and their kids to New York, and my mother didn't have a chance to tell Mr. Thomas Lester that she was expecting a baby. I was told that my mother was hurt that she didn't get a chance to tell him and I was only told that my father was a nice guy and he really cared for my mother. I started searching for Thomas Lester after having my first child and the search has not stopped. I once called the Ramey Base and someone told me there was 4 people with the name of Thomas Lester but he could not disclose any other information, but he mentioned that one of them could be my father. So if someone can help lead me in the right direction to find my father I would greatly appreciate it!
I am sorry Dolly I did not know of Thomas Lester that I can remember but I searched my list of people I have from Ramey but did not find anything. I will keep looking and will reply here If I find anything. Pat Allen
Wonderful! I lived there from 1978-1981, my dad worked at a pharmaceutical company on the base, I would go to the golf course with him on the weekends.
Thanks so much. I want to go back more than ever now. Every Sunday, after church, we had breakfast at the O club. I was allowed to order cheese omelet. Being a kid on base in the early sixties was paradise.
I always enjoyed visiting Ramey's PX when I'm with my wife on the west coast. Is it true that those B-52's from Ramey flew missions to Vietnam? I enjoyed your vid thanks for posting .
Thanks Joe, I do not know if those particular 52 ever went to Vietnam. I know they did not prior to 1970. They were the G and H models and were only configured to carry nukes prior to 1970. I know that many G & H models were later modified to carry conventional bombs and were sent over there.
The 52s at Ramey were the G & H models that were configured for nukes and not conventional weapons until after 1970. Some of those planes were later converted to conventional and sent to Vietnam. There were no missions staged from Ramey directly to Vietnam although they had the ranged to make that trip.
My father was stationed there early ‘54-late ‘56. He was on a B36 crew. We lived on Wing Rd in NCO Wherry housing. My closest friend’s father was a full colonel. They lived on Brass Row, Cliff Rd. Ramey (and PR) was a great place to be a kid 8-10!
Currently researching the mead line. A massive history. Im mike (Michael Mead)
Thanks for sharing. Awesome journey of a time past yet very important, formative and exemplary.
Enlisted in the USAF at Ramey in Nov. 1967, and got assigned PCS as a B-52 bomber mechanic in Feb.1971. Got early out discharged in July because Ramey was closing . Great memories of friends, the Base and Crash Boat Beach. Worked as Alert Recovery Bomber Crew night shift.
My sister and I were born at that hospital. 1967 and 1969. I only know Ramey from pictures. Thank you for sharing.
I wonder if anyone might know my dad he was there in the 60’s. His name was Bill Simmons. I remember running towards a lighthouse and getting in trouble. I went to the elementary school in Ramey. My parents went to the officers club. Hope someone might want to chat.
When Ramey closed I was about 17 years old. I lived in Mayaguez, a town at 30 minites from Aguadilla. "Punta Borinquen" is a paradise. Thanks for the story!
Beautiful memories! Thanks sharing. I was an R. O. T. C. Cadet in those days and enjoyed vey much my visits to Ramey.
Wow 😔✝️🇺🇸 USMC hare. Thank you for your service The sad part is we have china near the islands
I grew up in PR and in the early 80's when I got my pilot's license I would fly to semi-abandoned Ramey Field to do touch and goes on a Cessna 150. 20 years later I was taking DC-10's there for my company. Stayed at the Courtyard many times.
I was Born and raice in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico serve in The US Army fo 30 years now living in Orlando Fl. Just to let you know that until today people that live in what to be the base they dont realize there were Atomic weapon at Ramey to include myself that live about 2 miles away form Gate 1.
Thank you Pete for the fantastic story. I was a crew chief on KC-135 but stationed at Loring AFB at that time. During one of my TDY's I happened to come to Ramey, of course I wanted to stay. Thank you for your memories and your service to our country.
I enlisted in the USAF at Ramey AFB in Sept 1965, I was in VietNam 67-68 and got out when I got back. Spent 10 years out and went back in 78 until 2006 when I retired for good. Great memories of Ramey and greater memories of my military career. God bless you all, Jay
My father was stationed in Ramey during that time. My earliest memories come from that base. My sister was born in the hospital there. I remember the crash, my father worked on that wreck. I know it really affected him.
When I was 19 years old I was assigned to the avionics shop for the B-52 and KC-135 planes at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. They were the H models and our shop worked on the star tracker system along with the inertial nav and magnetic compass systems as well as the autopilot. The star tracker controls were at the navigator's station downstairs, right hand seat. That was an amazing tool and as I recall, the readout was latitude and longitude. Track the sun, the moon, or any number of stars at night. One time when I somehow happened to be the only guy in shop middle of the day, still either 19 or early 20 years old and very green in experience they called a Delta Alert and some Air Force guards or something came rushing into the shop saying you have to come with us immediately. One of the B-52's has a situation. So I went out to the flightline, B-52's all fired up and ready to move all up and down the flightline, but they stuffed me up into the plane and I asked where the problem was and they said the pilot had a problem. He couldn't engage something, maybe the autopilot, and I remembered from tech school first thing you check is if the navigator has the J-4 magnetic compass going which he didn't so I told the pilot to check the circuit breaker for the J-4 which was on the panel to his left. It was off. He turned it on and voila! So after I left the plane a security guard told me the colonel, wing commander, wanted to talk with me. He insisted I get in his car and we went down to the end of the flightline and just the two of us watched nearly every B-52 on base take off, one right after the other. What a trip for just a kid like me!
Great story! Enjoyed it very much. I used to live in nearby San Antonio, Aguadilla, and would take my wife and kids to the base on Sunday afternoons just to relax on the nice lawn under the palm trees. My dad served in the Air Force (Lincoln AFB, 1956-1960). My daughter has served in Beale AFB, Hawaii, Germany, and is now in Pensacola getting her flight wings!
My dad used to sell all kinds of furniture to the base buyer. We used to be able to get in all the time. We were invited to the club and pool area. I then went on to become a Navy pilot and then a doctor... God bless you sir
Thank you so much for this look into your life as a crew. I served in the Navy '1982 - 2010, so I only really caught the tail end of the Cold War, I can only imagine how intense it was during your time. Thank you for your Service to Our Nation.
Sir, I salute you. Thank you to you and your family for your sacrifice and service...Jose Morales born in San Juan, P.R. U.S. NAVY RETIRED
Thank you for this story. My dad served in the USAF from 1958-1979. I was born at Homestead AFB, FL In 1963. My dad passed last year but he was proud of his service and wore his Veteran hats proudly!
Use to be at service USAF Sir I.m from PR and it was an honor 156 the CAMS SQ 3702 flight 079
This is a very interesting video, thank you. In this video there is a head on shot of a B-52G at Ramsey. It appears there are some type of something on pylons on the wing between the engine pods. What are those? I've never seen that before?!
God bless you and your family
What can I say, served for 21 yrs in th the USN between AD and RC, I lived 10m away from Ramey
Thanks for your service Sir
I remember when I was seventh years old 1968 that a B 52 was lost of the coast of Aquadilla PR .. I think five people survived…
I ,too lived on the base for a year with my parents and three brothers. Remember riding our bikes to school, spontaneous rain showers with the sun shining, swimming all day at the pool and eating a 25 cent plate full of french fries while over looking the ocean. Going to the movies every Saturday. It was the life for a 10 year old kid! ☺️💕🌴🦎 Don't forget the lizards.
El gobernador Hernades Colon firmo documentos para sacar la base.
Yoooo brings back child hood memories
Interesting history thanks for sharing!
The last two of us 4 kids were born at Ramey in 1966 and 67. Our father was a pilot, he retired as Lt Col Paul R O’Brien Jr. I’ve heard many wonderful stories of our family life during this time, and it sounds so blissful.
My mom has also told us about an earthquake that they experienced there as well in the latter half of the 69’s!
My Dad, who retired in approx. 1976, Lt.Col. Paul R. O’BrienJr., was stationed at Ramey and my sister and I were born at the base hospital in ‘66 and ‘67. My Dad was a pilot, flying KC-135, although I’m not sure if that is what he flew at Ramey. I went back in 2013 and was able to stay in old base housing after renting through a vacation rental site online. Our street when we lived there was one of the “lettered” (now called Calle A, B, C, etc) streets on base. My parents have many good memories of this time and I loved watching the home movies, swimming at the officer’s club, the palm trees all over, etc.
I am lucky to have saw this video. I am from Moca ( a city near Ramey base) born in 1966. I knew something about Ramey but this video have good information. I am glad you had a good time in Ramey Base. Now the base became Borinquen Comercial Airport which I use most of the time as it is close to my home of record. I am an Army MAJ (P). Thanks.
Pepino en la casa. Que mucho se aprende de este soldados. May God bless our nation
Thank you so much for posting this! My dad served at Ramey, 1961-1965. We used to explore the caves in those cliffs. We lived at 81 Hook Rd (right behind Kings). It was an amazing magical place for a kid to grow up. Spent our days on swim teams, riding at the Lazy R. And the Sat night skate rink. My parents were Bunty and Neil.
I was there 66-68 and witnessed the B52 crash. Awful 😢. I believe everyone died. Nice video. Thanks.
Great presentation!! I was a Crypto Tech assigned to the 72 Bombardment Wing. The Crypto equipment was right in the Command Post. Always enjoyed talking to the pilots at night. I was at Ramey from 70 to late 71. The great electronics training that I learned in the Air Force set me up for a great 40 year career at Xerox Corp.
We was at Ramey 68 - 71 first couple years my dad was a tail gunner on the B52 wish I could connect with some of his crew. Great video!
Thank you for this wonderful post. My father, Doss Smith, was also a B52 Navigator stationed at Ramey. I have fond memories of our home on Hook Rd., attending Hook Road Elementary School, and going to the Officer’s Club with my parents. Thank you for your service sir!
My Dad spent time in PR while in the Air Force in the late 50s or '60s. I assume he was stationed here. I will always remember his recollections of walking the beach -- he said it was one of the most beautiful places he visited in all his worldwide travels with the Air Force. Thanks for sharing.
LOVE IT, born at Ramey i went to that beach many many times
My Dad was a pilot at Ramey 1967-1970. He flew C130's in the Weather Squadron. Major Charles W Berry. Did you know him??
No, Laurie I did not know your Dad. He was there the exact time that we were there. I did not know any of the Hurricane Hunter guys. Pat
Thanks for sharing this great video, Pat and Ginger. My dad was stationed at RAFB 1958 - 1961. I was very young at the time, 3 years old when we moved there, but I have great memories and recognized some of the places in the video. My mom worked at the golf club for awhile. My youngest brother was born in 1961 in the hospital pictured. Such a great place to live. Thanks again.
Fun fact the hospitel is now a hotel
I'm at that hotel now xd
Awesome! I am from Puerto Rico retired Active Duty US Army. Nothing like US ARMED FORCES! God Bless You!
SO this is how the Empire kept the stormtroopers happy while the oppress the poor people of the world... a lot of propaganda was to be broadcast to have you thing anything good has come off of what you assisted in doing to the world. Operation Condor the coups, the stealing of peoples land all for the betterment of AmeriKKKan oligarchy. SHAME!
Hello, I am asking for help in finding my father, I have been looking for him for over 26 years and throughout the years I've had no luck. He was stationed at the Ramey Base AFB in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico from the years 1964-1969 (estimated guess), his name is Thomas Lester and he was an African American. My grandparents took my mother and their kids to New York, and my mother didn't have a chance to tell Mr. Thomas Lester that she was expecting a baby. I was told that my mother was hurt that she didn't get a chance to tell him and I was only told that my father was a nice guy and he really cared for my mother. I started searching for Thomas Lester after having my first child and the search has not stopped. I once called the Ramey Base and someone told me there was 4 people with the name of Thomas Lester but he could not disclose any other information, but he mentioned that one of them could be my father. So if someone can help lead me in the right direction to find my father I would greatly appreciate it!
I am sorry Dolly I did not know of Thomas Lester that I can remember but I searched my list of people I have from Ramey but did not find anything. I will keep looking and will reply here If I find anything. Pat Allen
Wonderful! I lived there from 1978-1981, my dad worked at a pharmaceutical company on the base, I would go to the golf course with him on the weekends.
Thanks so much. I want to go back more than ever now. Every Sunday, after church, we had breakfast at the O club. I was allowed to order cheese omelet. Being a kid on base in the early sixties was paradise.
Thanks for sharing with us this story. Greetings from Puerto Rico
I always enjoyed visiting Ramey's PX when I'm with my wife on the west coast. Is it true that those B-52's from Ramey flew missions to Vietnam? I enjoyed your vid thanks for posting .
Thanks Joe, I do not know if those particular 52 ever went to Vietnam. I know they did not prior to 1970. They were the G and H models and were only configured to carry nukes prior to 1970. I know that many G & H models were later modified to carry conventional bombs and were sent over there.
The 52s at Ramey were the G & H models that were configured for nukes and not conventional weapons until after 1970. Some of those planes were later converted to conventional and sent to Vietnam. There were no missions staged from Ramey directly to Vietnam although they had the ranged to make that trip.
My father was stationed there early ‘54-late ‘56. He was on a B36 crew. We lived on Wing Rd in NCO Wherry housing. My closest friend’s father was a full colonel. They lived on Brass Row, Cliff Rd. Ramey (and PR) was a great place to be a kid 8-10!
That's cool Joe, we arrived there in Jan 1967 and lived on wing road also. Pat