When we got them back to base we would drop the downed aircraft into the bone yard. As you can appreciate a helicopter creates a lot of dust!
As I stated earlier our Battalion was responsible for the maintenance and repair of 1000 aircraft. On any given day there were 50 aircraft in our shops undergoing routine maintenance and or battle damage repair. In addition some units were shipped to the United States for repair. In the South China Sea cruising up and down the Vietnam coast was a floating maintenace facility called the Corpus Christi. The vessel was equipped with a 50'x150' helicopter landing pad. With the introduction of the Corpus Christi into the theatre the shipping of units to the United States for repair ceased. Corpus Christi
Here are some of the aircraft in our boneyard. A Huey The same aircraft. A cobra Another cobra Chinook
I will leave these two until last as they are of interest. It will be noted that I am wearing civilian clothes. This was authorized when off duty but not when off base. A strange exception was when we flew into Cambodia prior to the 1970 invasion. Then we were required to wear civilian clothing although flying in aircraft clearly marked United States Army. Ours is not to reason why!
One last picture from the boneyard. This helicopter rotor blade has recieved a direct hit when sitting on the ground. The aircraft would not have survived damage like that if it had been in flight.
Great story David, thanks for sharing with us. Still can't understand how a Chinook can lift another Chinook!
And skinny ones My brother-in-law flew these. He was shot down twice. I wonder if you ever picked up his Cobra. I will leave these two until last as they are of interest. I did not realize that minors were allowed in the US Army back then.
My brother-in-law flew these. He was shot down twice. I wonder if you ever picked up his Cobra. I did not realize that minors were allowed in the US Army back then. Smart arse!
Still can't understand how a Chinook can lift another Chinook![/QUOTE] The Chinook is an immensely powerful machine. This Chinook is from the 242nd Helicopter Company and is photographed just down the road from Phu Loi at Cu Chi. An A.P.C. (Armoured Personnel Carrier) of the 3/4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division has got mired down in a rice paddy during operation Muckout II and the Chinook is tasked with pulling them out.
Still seems amazing to me David. From my Vietnam Helicopter book: CH47A 2x2200 SHP or 2x2650 SHP, Weight (empty) 8215 Kg. CH47B 2x2850 SHP, Weight 8870 Kg. CH47C 2x3750 SHP, Weight 9320 Kg. I see what you mean about the power of the ships but for any aircraft to lift essentially twice it's own weight VERTICALLY shows huge reserves of power. Very impressive.
Great pictures David. I have a few questions for you about when you were in Vietnam or anyone else that might be able to answer. My grandfather was in pipe smoke during his deployment in Vietnam but before he could share his stories with me he passed away. So my mother an I are trying to reconstruct maybe his service while in Vietnam. She has told me he flew a ch47 named the Miss Priscilla named after her. His name was Charles Wood. Thanks
good day david layne,,feb.10.2012.04:34pm.re:helicopter recovery.vietnam.what an amazing thread,great photos.a very risky operation for all concernd,its good to see you made it home,thank you for sharing your photos.stay well .regards bernard85
I was in Pipesmoke Recovery from January 1968 through September 1969. I have pictures and VHS videos of recues, air flight and home base camp. anyone in Pipesmoke please contact me at capnkirk@twc.com
Hi Capnkirk and welcome. I hope David Layne sees your posts and contacts you. Try sending him a private message - he should see it when he next logs on.