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
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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 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.
Ramey AFB is a great memory for my family also. my dad, James Calder, was in the Air Force over 25 years. we stayed at Ramey 3 years also. That's where I learned to ride horse at the Lazy R Ranch. Good Times...
Great oral history! The Cold War was a critical time in history and these stories of the brave SAC crews should be told and preserved. Thank you for putting it together.
Thank you Bruce, I am glad you enjoyed it. In the end I was very glad we never had to fly those missions. I do think the threat of it help prevent nuclear war at that time. It was most certainly a threat to our enemy because they knew we were ready to go at any minute and were of the mind set to take off at SACs command. Pat Allen.
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.
Excellent job Pat. Lots of memories from a trip I made to Ramey in 1971-1972 to take a test.This is the first video I see from Ramey from someone who was actually stationed in Ramey. My respect and blessings to you and your family.
I really enjoyed your video. I'm USAF retired (E-8) and was a Nuclear Weapons Tech with B-52s during my career. I came across your video researching an upcoming trip to PR (our first time to PR) and hope to stay at the Coast Guard station there at Ramey. Thanks for sharing your experiences on Ramey. Ken Derenzy
Thank you for sharing this!!! I lived in Roosey Base in the mid to late 90s as a child and again in the early 2000's (my Dad was in the Navy) and I fondly remember my visits to the west coast and the USCG base / the old Ramey base. Here I am now, some 15 years + living in the Ramey base with a family of my own and I have always been fascinated with the history of this base. Thanks again!
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!
I remember the MAC and SAC flights taking off all night sometimes. The coconuts used to fall off the trees and land on our roof. My father was a Navy ETCM and he was at Isabella but no housing for us so we lived on Ramey. The base was so well manicured back then. You could get a Puerto Rican gardner to do your lawn and hedges for about 25 cents and he did a really great job. Even cutting dead coconut tree branches from up high and our guy used to cut bananas and give me a bunch.
I WANT TO COMMEND YOU MR ALLEN ON THIS SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY THROUGH RAMEY AFB AND FOR SHARING WITH US YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE FOR WHAT SEEMED VERY EXCITING AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS . . . I ALSO WANT TO EXPRESS MY MOST HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN KEEPING US A FREE NATION AND A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE CARRIBEAN AND THE ENTIRE WORLD ! . . . GOD BLESS !
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.
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.
Thank you for your service Sir. Us the current service members owe everything that we have to pass generations of brothers and sisters that honorably served.
Pat--I was a navigator at Ramey from 1969-1871. Thanks for the memories of a great experience at a great base. I had forgotten some of the experiences you depicted, but you did a fine job of bringing back what we had to do. Had some great memories of Hobo beach and having breakfast on the patio of the Officer's Club every Saturday that I could make it and sometimes watching the whales.
Thanks Ron, I am glad you enjoyed it. We were there from Jan. 1967 to Dec. of 69 so we were there at the same time for a short while. We lived at 198 Wing Road. You can fly directly into Ramey from Orlando or NY now.
My stepfather, Douglas Lee Pulliam was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in 1967-1969. We lived at 1955 Clifford Rd. I remember riding my bike and getting close enough to see the aircraft on the flight line from the fence line. I remember the Puerto Rican gardener. He worked really hard and made our yard look perfect. I believe we paid him less than a dollar for several hours work.
I was at Ramey 1954-56 on a RB-36 crew as electron recon S/Sgt...flew 20 missions longer than 24 hours....some of the best times on my tour in USAF...I was back to visit in 1995 and it was all civilian and Coast Guard and my barracks was an office for college admin then...wonderful posting...
First, ... Thank You for Your Service, Sir !!! Second, Thank You for a nice informative Session. And Third, Thank You for appreciating Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. As a matter of fact, ... my dad did serve (Base Security) there back in 1956-57 !!! I was born in Aguadilla !!! Bye !!! Ohhh, one last thing. I am also a Veteran (Army, Navy and Coast Guard) with 26+ years of Honorable Service !!!
Great indepth account of your time at ramey afb in aquadilla pr my family is from aquadilla and my dad worked at ramey as a securiy guard at one of the gates. Ne was a mercha t marine for about 8 years. His name pedro hernandez he was also a accomplished boxer. I'm an air force veteran . Served back in the early 70s
My father was station in Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla Puerto Rico. He was there from 1950-59 then he received orders to go to Greenland,Tule he told us his family to pack that we were moving to New York City in that time i was only 12 year old. We were the last family to travel in the last B-52. Because after we left a few weeks later the last aircraft try to land crash in the park were we used to play. My father's father was a person that was known all over Aguadilla because he was the owner of properties. They knew him because he like to work with wood.
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 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.
Yes Marcus. We had only the G and H models at that time. I think the H model was the last model. At that time those were only configured to carry nuclear weapons.
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.
Lots of people don’t know that if you look at the middle of the map of the airport their is a dark green rectangle spot that are trees and under those trees are huge houses were the Soilders lived and the left it abandoned and it still stands their it’s a very hidden spot.
That was called Tropical Acres and we lived there. It was off of Burns Road and the school busses would take us to the elementary school on the other side of the base. I was in the third grade at the time. In Feb 1960, a B-52 crashed right next to that housing area. Our quarters were evacuated because of the flames and explosions. Six crewmen died in that crash the son of the tail gunner (TSgt Hill) was in my class.
Thanks for your comment Donna. I apologize for the misspelling. I could not remember your fathers name and tried to get it off of his flight suit. What is his full name? Is he still living? I remember him as a very nice person. I am in the process of correcting the video and will send you the new link. Pat Allen PatandGin@gmail.com
Please give my very best to your Dad. I corrected the spelling and uploaded the corrected version at this link: th-cam.com/video/p2mvQd_JCAs/w-d-xo.html Thanks again and have a good weekend.
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.
Enjoyed watching your videos. My mother was there as a child during the late 60's. My grandfather, SGT. David L. Thompson was a gunner at the same you were there. Do you happen to remember him?
I really liked the video. I lived there twice. 1966 to 1968 and 1974 - 75. I have a question. I lived at 102 LeMay drive just down from gate #5. There was a B-52 that crashed into the cliff in '74? I'll NEVER forget that site. I was up on the 3rd deck of the EM Barracks just down from the NCO club so I was very close. Can you expand on that tragic accident?
No, I was unaware of that crash. I left Ramey in Dec. of 1970. There was a crash of a B-52 at Ramey in 1968. I knew the copilot that was killed in that crash. It went into the water just after takeoff not too far from Hobo and killed all on board. The cause was never determined for sure but they suspected the pilots life raft opened in flight and forced the stick forward. Those life rafts were stored under the crew's seat and they were sitting right on top of them.
My mistake. It was 1968. Crashed into cliff just down from Gate 5. Liferaft inflated in cockpit. I found an interesting site about Ramey AFB. Maybe you know some of these people. Not much recent activity tho. I am posting there as "DonQ". Take care! waxandgelcandlemaking.yuku.com/forums/1/Ramey-Message-Board/Ramey-Message-Board#.V5rdH9ali1E
@@PatandGinger A friend, Jeffry Garrison's Father was the copilot of that fatality, Jeffry graduated from Ramey HS 1977. I think his mom was Puerto Rican.
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
How disappointed i was when they decided to close Ramey air force base, I knew the goverment of P.r will abandon all those facilities, now all the area look very run down and ugly, no maintenance at all.
I noticed on my last trip recently that they fixed the hangars. Homeland Security owns one of them. The airport terminal is in good shape. Jetblue flyes from Aguadilla terminal and the control tower is certified again. Martinair and FEDEX also flyes from Ramey. The 141st Radar Sq. PRANG operates at the base. Also the Coast Guard operates from Ramey. There's a very nice hotel inside the base and much more like bowling alleys and college campus. IMO Ramey is in a very good shape now. I personnaly like going there and visiting the PX, I'm a USAF vet.
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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
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
Thanks for sharing. Awesome journey of a time past yet very important, formative and exemplary.
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
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.
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!
My sister and I were born at that hospital. 1967 and 1969. I only know Ramey from pictures. Thank you for sharing.
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!
Thanks for sharing with us this story. Greetings from Puerto Rico
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.
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 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.
Ramey AFB is a great memory for my family also. my dad, James Calder, was in the Air Force over 25 years. we stayed at Ramey 3 years also. That's where I learned to ride horse at the Lazy R Ranch. Good Times...
Great oral history! The Cold War was a critical time in history and these stories of the brave SAC crews should be told and preserved. Thank you for putting it together.
Thank you Bruce, I am glad you enjoyed it. In the end I was very glad we never had to fly those missions. I do think the threat of it help prevent nuclear war at that time. It was most certainly a threat to our enemy because they knew we were ready to go at any minute and were of the mind set to take off at SACs command. Pat Allen.
Thanks for your service Sir
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.
Excellent job Pat. Lots of memories from a trip I made to Ramey in 1971-1972 to take a test.This is the first video I see from Ramey from someone who was actually stationed in Ramey. My respect and blessings to you and your family.
Thanks so much for sharing this great experiences and photos. Actually, I am from Aguadilla.
Same
I really enjoyed your video. I'm USAF retired (E-8) and was a Nuclear Weapons Tech with B-52s during my career. I came across your video researching an upcoming trip to PR (our first time to PR) and hope to stay at the Coast Guard station there at Ramey. Thanks for sharing your experiences on Ramey. Ken Derenzy
Did you get down to Ramey Kenneth?
Great video - thank you. My dad was the 72nd FMS Sq Commander during your time at Ramey. He helped keep those birds flight ready!
God bless you and your family
Thank you for sharing this!!! I lived in Roosey Base in the mid to late 90s as a child and again in the early 2000's (my Dad was in the Navy) and I fondly remember my visits to the west coast and the USCG base / the old Ramey base. Here I am now, some 15 years + living in the Ramey base with a family of my own and I have always been fascinated with the history of this base. Thanks again!
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!
I remember the MAC and SAC flights taking off all night sometimes. The coconuts used to fall off the trees and land on our roof.
My father was a Navy ETCM and he was at Isabella but no housing for us so we lived on Ramey. The base was so well manicured back then. You could get a Puerto Rican gardner to do your lawn and hedges for about 25 cents and he did a really great job. Even cutting dead coconut tree branches from up high and our guy used to cut bananas and give me a bunch.
I WANT TO COMMEND YOU MR ALLEN ON THIS SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY THROUGH RAMEY AFB AND FOR SHARING WITH US YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE FOR WHAT SEEMED VERY EXCITING AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS . . . I ALSO WANT TO EXPRESS MY MOST HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE IN KEEPING US A FREE NATION AND A FORCE TO RECKON WITH IN THE CARRIBEAN AND THE ENTIRE WORLD ! . . . GOD BLESS !
Thank you Ramon. Pat
Thank you Ramon, Pat Allen
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.
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.
Thank you for your service Sir. Us the current service members owe everything that we have to pass generations of brothers and sisters that honorably served.
My father was base operations officer 1961 - 1964 at Ramey. He enjoyed the assignment as did my sister and two brothers. Thanks for your service .
Pat--I was a navigator at Ramey from 1969-1871. Thanks for the memories of a great experience at a great base. I had forgotten some of the experiences you depicted, but you did a fine job of bringing back what we had to do. Had some great memories of Hobo beach and having breakfast on the patio of the Officer's Club every Saturday that I could make it and sometimes watching the whales.
Thanks Ron, I am glad you enjoyed it. We were there from Jan. 1967 to Dec. of 69 so we were there at the same time for a short while. We lived at 198 Wing Road. You can fly directly into Ramey from Orlando or NY now.
My stepfather, Douglas Lee Pulliam was stationed at Ramey Air Force Base in 1967-1969. We lived at 1955 Clifford Rd. I remember riding my bike and getting close enough to see the aircraft on the flight line from the fence line. I remember the Puerto Rican gardener. He worked really hard and made our yard look perfect. I believe we paid him less than a dollar for several hours work.
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…
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!
I was at Ramey 1954-56 on a RB-36 crew as electron recon S/Sgt...flew 20 missions longer than 24 hours....some of the best times on my tour in USAF...I was back to visit in 1995 and it was all civilian and Coast Guard and my barracks was an office for college admin then...wonderful posting...
Glad you enjoyed it Lewis. Wow, 20 over 24 is amazing.
I remember as a youngster hearing the B36 flying overhead. It had a very distinct sound to it.
First, ... Thank You for Your Service, Sir !!! Second, Thank You for a nice informative Session. And Third, Thank You for appreciating Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. As a matter of fact, ... my dad did serve (Base Security) there back in 1956-57 !!! I was born in Aguadilla !!! Bye !!! Ohhh, one last thing. I am also a Veteran (Army, Navy and Coast Guard) with 26+ years of Honorable Service !!!
Awesome! I am from Puerto Rico retired Active Duty US Army. Nothing like US ARMED FORCES! God Bless You!
Use to be at service USAF Sir I.m from PR and it was an honor 156 the CAMS SQ 3702 flight 079
Great indepth account of your time at ramey afb in aquadilla pr my family is from aquadilla and my dad worked at ramey as a securiy guard at one of the gates. Ne was a mercha t marine for about 8 years. His name pedro hernandez he was also a accomplished boxer. I'm an air force veteran . Served back in the early 70s
What can I say, served for 21 yrs in th the USN between AD and RC, I lived 10m away from Ramey
Great Ramey base in Aguadilla when we talk Ramey with lots of pride
My father was station in Ramey Air Force Base, Aguadilla Puerto Rico.
He was there from 1950-59 then he received orders to go to Greenland,Tule he told us his family to pack that we were moving to New York City in that time i was only 12 year old.
We were the last family to travel in the last B-52.
Because after we left a few weeks later the last aircraft try to land crash in the park were we used to play.
My father's father was a person that was known all over Aguadilla because he was the owner of properties.
They knew him because he like to work with wood.
I was there 66-68 and witnessed the B52 crash. Awful 😢. I believe everyone died. Nice video. Thanks.
Interesting history thanks for sharing!
Great video. Thank you for your service sir.
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?!
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
I was born at that hospital in 1964!... army brat..
we knew a guy that was on that squadron he said some times they flew from Puerto Rico to North Africa then back to Rayme.
Awesome video! Thanks.
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.
you guys had the B52 H in ramey.
Yes Marcus. We had only the G and H models at that time. I think the H model was the last model. At that time those were only configured to carry nuclear weapons.
nice my dad was in muniz air base with the F104 s
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.
Lots of people don’t know that if you look at the middle of the map of the airport their is a dark green rectangle spot that are trees and under those trees are huge houses were the Soilders lived and the left it abandoned and it still stands their it’s a very hidden spot.
That was called Tropical Acres and we lived there. It was off of Burns Road and the school busses would take us to the elementary school on the other side of the base. I was in the third grade at the time.
In Feb 1960, a B-52 crashed right next to that housing area. Our quarters were evacuated because of the flames and explosions. Six crewmen died in that crash the son of the tail gunner (TSgt Hill) was in my class.
El gobernador Hernades Colon firmo documentos para sacar la base.
Thank you so much for sharing , my father is the gunner R Phipps in the crew picture not Phillips
Thanks for your comment Donna. I apologize for the misspelling. I could not remember your fathers name and tried to get it off of his flight suit. What is his full name? Is he still living? I remember him as a very nice person.
I am in the process of correcting the video and will send you the new link. Pat Allen PatandGin@gmail.com
Yes my father is still alive , his name is Robert S Phipps. He retire at Dyess AFB and still lives in Abilene Tx
Please give my very best to your Dad.
I corrected the spelling and uploaded the corrected version at this link:
th-cam.com/video/p2mvQd_JCAs/w-d-xo.html
Thanks again and have a good weekend.
Well done.
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.
Wow 😔✝️🇺🇸 USMC hare. Thank you for your service The sad part is we have china near the islands
Enjoyed watching your videos. My mother was there as a child during the late 60's. My grandfather, SGT. David L. Thompson was a gunner at the same you were there. Do you happen to remember him?
Jessica, It was so long ago I only remember two gunners. One was named
Mackey and the other was Robert Phipps.
Fun fact the hospitel is now a hotel
I'm at that hotel now xd
I really liked the video. I lived there twice. 1966 to 1968 and 1974 - 75. I have a question. I lived at 102 LeMay drive just down from gate #5. There was a B-52 that crashed into the cliff in '74? I'll NEVER forget that site. I was up on the 3rd deck of the EM Barracks just down from the NCO club so I was very close. Can you expand on that tragic accident?
No, I was unaware of that crash. I left Ramey in Dec. of 1970.
There was a crash of a B-52 at Ramey in 1968. I knew the copilot that was killed in that crash. It went into the water just after takeoff not too far from Hobo and killed all on board. The cause was never determined for sure but they suspected the pilots life raft opened in flight and forced the stick forward.
Those life rafts were stored under the crew's seat and they were sitting right on top of them.
My mistake. It was 1968. Crashed into cliff just down from Gate 5. Liferaft inflated in cockpit.
I found an interesting site about Ramey AFB. Maybe you know some of these people. Not much recent activity tho. I am posting there as "DonQ". Take care!
waxandgelcandlemaking.yuku.com/forums/1/Ramey-Message-Board/Ramey-Message-Board#.V5rdH9ali1E
@@PatandGinger A friend, Jeffry Garrison's Father was the copilot of that
fatality, Jeffry graduated from Ramey HS 1977. I think his mom was
Puerto Rican.
Nice
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
How disappointed i was when they decided to close Ramey air force base, I knew the goverment of P.r will abandon all those facilities, now all the area look very run down and ugly, no maintenance at all.
I noticed on my last trip recently that they fixed the hangars. Homeland Security owns one of them. The airport terminal is in good shape. Jetblue flyes from Aguadilla terminal and the control tower is certified again. Martinair and FEDEX also flyes from Ramey. The 141st Radar Sq. PRANG operates at the base. Also the Coast Guard operates from Ramey. There's a very nice hotel inside the base and much more like bowling alleys and college campus. IMO Ramey is in a very good shape now. I personnaly like going there and visiting the PX, I'm a USAF vet.
fuck you...that area is very pretty right now... lot of things to do... and the airport is awsome... get your facts straight bro....