Aviation Crash Crew 1951 ...

[Mark Allen M]

A series of photos showing the 190th Fighter-Bomber Squadron George Air Force Base at Victorville CA c 1951 and what looks to be their Crash response crew and equipment.
















190th Fighter-Bomber Squadron); George Air Force Base at Victorville CA

[junkman9096]

I think you might explore the possibility that the first 7 photos might actually be of the 195th Fighter Squadron, California ANG (before it was moved to the Arizona ANG) and that those photos may actually have been taken at Van Nuys Airport. The CALIF ANG logos on the Mustangs kind of tell the tale. I've been in the vicinity of George AFB and there aren't any trees. The 190th was/is an Idaho ANG unit and the "Forgotten Props" website shows the Mustangs in the last 4 photos WERE with the 190th FS. Those photos probably were taken when it was Federalized in 1951 and based on the lack of vegetation it most likely was at George..

[DoraNineFan]

I think you might explore the possibility that the first 7 photos might actually be of the 195th Fighter Squadron, California ANG (before it was moved to the Arizona ANG) and that those photos may actually have been taken at Van Nuys Airport. The CALIF ANG logos on the Mustangs kind of tell the tale. I've been in the vicinity of George AFB and there aren't any trees. The 190th was/is an Idaho ANG unit and the "Forgotten Props" website shows the Mustangs in the last 4 photos WERE with the 190th FS. Those photos probably were taken when it was Federalized in 1951 and based on the lack of vegetation it most likely was at George..

Also the US chevrons on the crew uniforms.

[Mark Allen M]

I was thinking the series description wasn’t quite right, but wasn’t sure.

Great responses. Thx.

[Forgotten Field]

Thanks for posting. For fellow WWII vehicle enthusiasts, I will note the following- In the lower left of the first photo, I think the canvas roll with tools is Kit, Crash tools & equipment, T.O. 00-30-44. There were two in the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) for the Liaison Squadron, one to be carried in the ambulance or medical jeep (if assigned). Without having seen the other types of squadron TO &E's, I would guess that every aircraft squadron in WWII had the same tool kit assigned. Since not every WWII jeep has a 1919 .30 cal hanging off of it, carrying one of these as a squadron medical jeep would be very easy to reproduce using that photo...!

[junkman9096]

And after looking at the MLG doors of the Mustangs in the 1st and 4th photos-dare I say they were assigned to "Bee" Flight?

[JohnB]

I'm told by a friend who is an old truck and military vehicle author and expert, the truck is a 1941-47 Dodge...a civilian model, not one designed for the military (the WC series of 4x4 and 4x6s).

He figures it is from an early WWII contract when the military bought a lot of vehicles to equip all its new bases.

[Chris Brame]

What's the wreck the crash crew are practicing on? I thought Norseman but that had a flat windscreen.

[JohnB]

I'm leaning towards a Stinson SR/V-77..without a proper engine mount.

At first I thought it was a wingless UC-78, then I enlarged the photo.

[Courier Sportster]

I found a photo of 1934 SR-5E, perfect match.