116th Observation squ photos
Tue Jan 06, 2009 2:27 pm
A few new photos to my collection.
The 116th Observation Squadron based at Felts Field, Spokane Washington. Dated 1938.
Enjoy!
-Nathan
The 116th Observation Squadron based at Felts Field, Spokane Washington. Dated 1938.
Enjoy!
-Nathan
Tue Jan 06, 2009 5:26 pm
Neat!
What are the bipes..O-38s?
SN
What are the bipes..O-38s?
SN
Wed Jan 07, 2009 1:18 am
They very well could be as the 116th flew them at one time . The book "The Air Guard" by Francillon has a pic of one in flight, The squadron went on to become the 116th Tactical Reconnaisssance Squadron (Fighter) with P-39s in April 1943 only to be disbanded less than four months later and the personnel reassigned.
After the war it was reformed at Felts with P-51s as the 116th Fighter Squadron(SE) and 18 months later moved to Geiger Field. There they got their first jets, F-84Bs, and went on to F-86s. Did Federal service during the Korean "War" and in 1952 went back to F-51Ds. As a Fighter Interceptor Squadron they received F-94Bs, F-89 Ds and Js, F-102s and F101s. They then became a refueling outfit with KC-135s and are now based at Fairchild AFB still wearing their Ace of Spades.
When I was in the Washington Army NG from 1955 to 1961. we used the the old Air Guard hanger for our tanks and trucks and the Colonel's car. Just before I got out, we moved the trucks to Fort Wright. Everything is changed now. A private company now uses our HQ at Felts which was a locker room and had a "Sun Room" for classes. Don't remember how many times I heard the First Sergeant yell "Route step into the hanger" on Mondays. Last time I was by there , the hanger was still there but I couldn't get close enough to see what it's being used for now.
Mike13
After the war it was reformed at Felts with P-51s as the 116th Fighter Squadron(SE) and 18 months later moved to Geiger Field. There they got their first jets, F-84Bs, and went on to F-86s. Did Federal service during the Korean "War" and in 1952 went back to F-51Ds. As a Fighter Interceptor Squadron they received F-94Bs, F-89 Ds and Js, F-102s and F101s. They then became a refueling outfit with KC-135s and are now based at Fairchild AFB still wearing their Ace of Spades.
When I was in the Washington Army NG from 1955 to 1961. we used the the old Air Guard hanger for our tanks and trucks and the Colonel's car. Just before I got out, we moved the trucks to Fort Wright. Everything is changed now. A private company now uses our HQ at Felts which was a locker room and had a "Sun Room" for classes. Don't remember how many times I heard the First Sergeant yell "Route step into the hanger" on Mondays. Last time I was by there , the hanger was still there but I couldn't get close enough to see what it's being used for now.
Mike13