wurtsmith air force base housing

The history of Oscoda Military Aviation is the same as the History of the Air Force. However, the drawdown was fairly rapid after that and they were quickly replaced by P-38s, P-47s and P-51s. The gunnery range was tasked with training pilots from, Selfridge air base in the challenging maneuvers required to land a DeHavilland, biplane on the frozen lake Van Etten for the young Army Air Corps. I have had sever kidney problems since 1983 that carried on into my mid teens. By comparing the concentrations of known fluorosurfactants with the total organofluorine, less than 10% of the fluorosurfactants were identified in half of the samples. http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/06/wurtsmith_veterans_health.html, http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/11/13/deq-we-dont-yet-know-full-extent-wurtsmith-air-base-contamination/93242484/, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2017/08/18/21105/military-bases-contamination-will-affect-water-generations, http://www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, Military History of the Upper Great Lakes. I was stationed there 1988-1992. With that being said, these chemicals are going to be reaching a lot more people than just the Oscoda residents. [1] This meant that they could be flying a mission supporting a fighter squadron in Iraq, then be redirected to refuel a bomber squadron over Saudi Arabia, then fly back to Spain to land. Most individuals are not educated on what the base did before and after World War II, what is currently happening at this location, or how the historical space is impacting the land and local citizens today. [2] Another unfortunate occurrence that Happened more than it should have were Court-Martials. The aquifer overlies a thick clay layer at an average depth of 65 feet. . While the vast majority of personnel on Wurtsmith AirForce Base were not part of a flight crew rotating through ready alert, theirrespective jobs all served to ensure those planes could take off at a momentsnotice. The ready alert flight crews were rotated on a three week cycle. It had a commissary, a gas station, a hospital, housing, a bowling alley," said veteran Michael Grogan. The 5,221-acre site is bounded by Van Etten Lake to the north and east . The married officers lived in a standalone house with their family. The study doesn't estimate past concentrations or exposure dosage and was released with . However, the P-6 differed from the P-1 in having its fuselage rounded out to match the fatter engine cowling required by the Conqueror engine. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. I served at Wursmith AFB from 1982 to 1989, living in base housing the entire time and drinking the water. I have also read about the PFAS via fire retardant foam. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. This building was like the barracks, but each officer had his own room. Eielson Air Force base, Alaska. One of the unfortunate risks in flying is a crash. In this June 6, 2018 photo, PFAS foam washes up on the shoreline of Van Etten Lake in Oscoda Township, Mich., near Wurtsmith Air Force Base. The Losinskis found an account of the crash in the Times Herald. They took a photo on April 11, from the surface of Lake Huron, of the wing of a Wold War II-era fighter plane that crashed during a training exercise, killing its pilot. .. did this bill die in the committee s? the first KC-135 in operation Southern Watch. I was stationed there 1978 -81 lived on base they never told us about the water being contaminated . I recall we lost a tanker on touch and goes which had to be extinguished with a massive amount of this chemical. Veteran Compensation Programs (www.veteranprograms.com) does not monitor, pre-screen or moderate posts, surveys, topics, comments, blogs or responses. Airplane nosed over when landing gear tire casing failed, locking the right wheel. Even after the base closed in 1993, the base maintained a fire staff for many years. The Air Force says, Any aircraft before 1961, weve abandoned it.. My wife has breast cancer, and Hashimoto's Disease (auto immune), I had a double mastectomy to remove growths, hormone issues, kidney scaring liver lesions, lumps in both lungs, sleep APNEA, sudden onset Headaches, unexplained stress attacks, to name a few. It remained named Camp Skeel until 1942 when it was renamed Oscoda Army Air Field (WAFB.net). Mr. Norton remarked that they were flying the wings off of the planes. Senator Gary Peters (MI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today called on the Air Force to expedite PFAS cleanup efforts at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy John . [5] Assuming the equipment, personnel and aircraft of the 4026th Strategicwing as it was disbanded. If you are interested in any particular aircraft of time period please let me know. As a young airman, assumed we were returning the stuff to supply to send to the next base. Click on a marker for base information. [1] While this was a relatively boring week, it was extremely stressful, because no one knew when the alarm would sound, but more importantly no one, knew if it would be a drill or not. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing was, Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air Force, , 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commission, Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. My symptoms looking back were insidious with weakness and muscle fasciculations. [4] Its mission was to, maintain half of the fleet on a 15 minute alert, meaning the plane could be in, the air in 15 minutes, to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet preemptive missile, strike. These bases were, responsible for a housing a Ready Alert Nuclear Strike Force. Anyone know the status on this? Contaminated water has been shown to be the main way that humans get exposed to this chemical, which is exactly whats going on in Oscoda. Dover Air Force base, Delaware. [2] Another unfortunate occurrence that Happened more than it should have were Court-Martials. [4] On August 1st 1958 the 4026th Strategic Wing was formed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. This is an evolving issue with many moving parts. A total of 15,683 Thunderbolts were produced by wars end, more than any other U.S. fighter. One example of this is autocross racing. From: Members of the ground crew move a maintenance cart into position next to a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft parked on the flight line. This is heinous, and my heart goes out to so many. [4] Its mission was tomaintain half of the fleet on a 15 minute alert, meaning the plane could be inthe air in 15 minutes, to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet preemptive missilestrike. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree theyresorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they werenot conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on theirequipment. The Air Force's decline to commit to Michigan's standards is among a litany of frustrations Oscoda residents say they have . The Wurtsmith base closed in 1991, sending the Harrises to Plattsburgh, N.Y., where friends and neighbors remembered the boys as Scouts and Little Leaguers, and their parents as being involved in . It was eerie, David Losinski said. My ex wife has thyroid disease and auto immune disease. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base that was closed by the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC 2) and is a proposed EPA Superfund site. Learn how your comment data is processed. There are many different ways that PFOA and PFOS can affect the human body. Survived stage 3 oral cancer and per medical review, origin unknown since I have never smoked. The letter never said what I was objecting to, but that I was refusing to for a lawful order. He saw the surrounding land and figured it would make a great place for a gunnery range. This unfortunately happened on October 11th, 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. This cycle was from Wednesday to Wednesday. The single officers who lived on base lived in a dorm type building. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. In 2016, residents near Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan discovered that the water they drank, bathed in, swam in, and fished in was contaminated with jet fuel, cancer-causing chlorinated . The aquifer overlies a thick clay layer at an average depth of 65 feet. I am pretty sure Diabetes and Sleep Apnea I have now and neuro dammage in both arms are related , So Presumptive Claims puzzleing I have a claim in and never heard anything I know Senator Kilddee of Michigan is trying to help veterans on this matter but congress are dragging this out. At least thirty French piloted P-47 aircraft accidents were reported at Oscoda AAF during the time period 1944-1945 and resulted in at least four pilots killed. August 8, 2018. Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. The Strategic Air Command activated a wing there on August 1, 1958. [1] Facebook: Wurtsmith AFB Water Health Issues via water Created to serve as a reference point for former WAFB residents to share information regarding health issues, and probable chemical exposure via base water sources. At one point, they had to use these toxic foam chemicals to put out a fire at the Oscoda High School in 1995. These contaminants are harmful to the environment. Because of the economic impact of Wurtsmith Air Force Base the community was generally supportive of the airmen, and the base itself. Physical Location:4071 East Van Ettan StreetOscoda, Michigan 48750, Mailing Address:PO Box 664Oscoda, Michigan 48750, Tele: (989) 739-7555(Not answered Nov-Apr)Email:email@wurtsmithairmuseum.net, AN ARTIFACT FROM WURTSMITHS COLD WAR PAST HAS RETURNED HOME, There was one final project I wanted to accomplish before departing my assignment as Flight Commander of Aircrew Flight Equipment and SERE at the. The majority of married enlisted and officers preferred to live on base because of the free daycare for children. How is it that these large and respected scientific organizations can continue to be ignored in the face of statistically overwhelming data and human impacts. View All Homes - Homes for Rent Timothy Marcum, 1/15/2071-73 camp lejeune nc bad water va in redding pretends they know nothing about having problems. I am not a doctor or attorney, and cannot give medical advice or legal advice. It has been discovered that the chemicals that are impacting the health of these local citizens are chemicals that come from the foam that fire fighters used to put out fires that were on the base. Major Gary Geiger assigned to the 911TH Safety Office with me back in the late 60's or early 70's was a Navitgator on the B-52's assigned to Westover AFB as he used to tell me when we deployed there do not know if he did time at Wurstmith AFB. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing wasdisbanded on June 30th 1993. distance from the bunker. The 5,223-acre Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Wurtsmith AFB) is located on the northeastern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. My daughter was born at the base hospital. High blood serum levels of PFOA are associated with infertility, decreased semen quality, and a higher risk of thyroid disease. A new report compiled by a local group, Need Our Water (NOW) and the National Wildlife Federation . Just run the water until it clears up. ROME, N.Y. -- There was nothing small-scale about Griffiss Air Force Base in the 1990s. March 7, 1942: The first class of Tuskegee Airmen graduate from U.S. Army Air Force Tuskegee Army Air Field, Alabama. The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB), located in Oscoda, Iosco County, MI operated from 1924 to 1993. In a fly off against the contemporary Boeing P-12B, the P-6E was faster, but the P-12B was more maneuverable. Photos of P-47s flown by French Pilots at Oscoda. Veteran Compensation Programs (veteranprograms.com) assumes NO liability, and expressly disclaims any and all responsibility, for the content of all posts, surveys, topics, comments, blogs or responses. The museum's exhibits are extensive and incredibly high-quality -- including several aircraft that can be examined up . Im slowly working my way up from 1924 to the present. To gain a measure of the extremely high levels of contaminated drinking water, according to the ATSDR, TCE levels in a well at the corner of Arrow Street and N. Skeel Avenue were as high as 5,173 parts-per-billion (ppb) during 1977, 1978, & 1979 tests, which is more than 1,000 times the EPA's current limit of 5-ppb for TCE in drinking water. purposes only, and is not legal advice. http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/04/wurtsmith_pfas_pfc_april_45_me.html. The 1st Combat Evaluation Group (initially "1CEG", later "1CEVG") was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) unit. There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. It has found from testing this area that some places to have over 1000 parts-per-trillion for PFOS and PFOA. See: Organochlorine Pesticides Levels at George AFB Family Housing, CERCLA 120(h) Quitclaim Deed Restrictions for the George AFB Family Housing, Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination at George AFB Schools, Terri Crooks won her VA C&P Claim for service connected injury for her exposure to chlordane and other organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), Frank Vera www.BaseFamilyHousing.Info PO Box 1313 Jamestown, CA, 95327-1313 Phone: 209-782-4541, Copyright 2020 - BaseFamilyHousing.Info. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree they, resorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they were, not conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on their, equipment. At just after 10 pm on the 30 th October, on-duty personnel at Wurtsmith Air Force Base would report seeing a strange object hovering over the . The P-6 was generally similar to the P-1 in construction and appearance. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in Iosco County, Michigan.It operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. Stay tuned for further developments. This includes extra parts, munitions, fuel, and flight crews. The result was an airplane which had a much deeper and broader fuselage than did the P-1. [6], During the Gulf War B-52s from Wurtsmith Air Force Base were flownout of Prince Abdullah AB in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It was renamed Camp Skeel in 1924, for the World War I Pilot Captain Burt E. Skeel, and was used as an aerial gunnery range and for winter maneuvers 1924 through 1944 by the 1st Pursuit . It excelled in low-altitude ground support as a well-built and reliable aircraft capable of absorbing quite a bit of battle damage. These Air Force bases were remote. Deliveries of the first P-6s were late, the first example not appearing until October 1929. [1] This includes on base housing, a daycare center for children, a doctor's office, a . [5] Assuming the equipment, personnel and aircraft of the 4026th Strategic, wing as it was disbanded. U.S. Air Force should abide by state of Michigan's PFAS Standards, state must hold Air Force accountable. Wurtsmith AirForce Base was constructed with a runway layout specifically for this. There is a lot of open runways still today that can be rented out for a multitude of events. The P-47s radial engine proved remarkably resistant to battle damage and, with its heavy armament and well-armored cockpit, the Thunderbolt established a reputation as one of the most effective fighter-bombers of the war. [1] This would result in a large amount of paperwork and extra expenses for the Air Force. On May 9, 1961, the base took delivery of its first new Boeing B-52 H Stratofortress, The State of Michigan. If there's a main break, sections of the base will . Since 1994, the Wurtsmith Air Museum has upheld the mission of preserving the history of the history of Wurtsmith Air Force Base (an integral part of the US Air Force from 1923 until 1993) and aviation in Northeast Michigan. It is primarily a large jet airplane salvage, jet engine maintenance and light general aviation . David Losinski said he and his son were assisting the state Department of Environmental Quality with a barge that sank in Lake Huron in July 2012. There were also problems with the complex nose-mounted reduction gear, which caused reliability problems and resulted in fairly low serviceability rates as compared with other fighters. Since, 2010 sampling by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Air Force has identified elevated levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in drinking water wells and some locally caught fish and deer. Environmental groups are calling on the Air Force and the State of Michigan to get serious about cleaning up PFAS around the site of the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Like the former Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth and Newington, the former Michigan base is now a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) site. Veteran Compensation Programs (USVCP) (www.veteranprograms.com), and any of their associated websites is for general informational. Paul B. Wurtsmith Air Force Base closed in 1993, dealing a sharp blow to the economy of rural Iosco County. The base was put into a standby status to be there just in case something happened in those areas. [5] The 379th flew with a Triangle K tail flash to continue the, tradition from their World War II counterparts. [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. [1] This meant that there was always at least three, B-52s armed with nuclear bombs, ready to take off at a moments notice. All Rights Reserved. Ruben C. Moffat flew a P-6 converted with a supercharged Conqueror engine on a record-breaking flight. Groundwater data collected in 1999 at Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Michigan), Tyndall Air Force Base (Florida) and Naval Air Station Fallon (Nevada), where PFC concentrations ranged from below detection limit to over 14,000 g/L, suggest that any military site where AFFFs have been used is likely to have a dissolved plume containing . On June 30th, 1993 the 379th Bomb Wing was disbanded and Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. They resumed the investigation last spring. This could be from hydrant flushing or a water main break. City Picto Map, Clark Air Base / Angeles City. [5] While the 379th, Bomb Wing was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base they were part of the Ready, Alert Nuclear Strike Force. When the Gulf War started in 1990, the 379, Bomber Wing sent B-52s as well as their accompanying KC-135s into the Middle East. Download Images of Wurtsmith air force base - Free for commercial use, no attribution required. The chemicals, notably benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE), were documented at extremely high levels in Wurstmith AFB water many times when the former Strategic Air Command (SAC) base was active and home to B-52 Bomber Wings. The Airacobra reached its peak usage in the USAAF in early 1944, with over 2100 in service. These bases wereresponsible for a housing a Ready Alert Nuclear Strike Force. Drinking water laced with high levels of poisonous chemicals may be to blame for cancer and other chronic disease among veterans and families who lived at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northern Michigan, according to a new federal health report draft. While many of the airmen preferred to live on base it was possible for them to buy or rent a house or apartment off post. Heavily armed with eight wing-mounted 0.50-inch (12.7-mm) machine guns, it could carry a bomb load of as much as 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) and could carry ten 5-inch (127-mm) rockets beneath the wings. [4] Over the tenure of the base it was home to an aerial gunnery range, a fighter-interceptor training base and later home to the 379th Bomb Wing as a member of the Strategic Air Command.[4]. Their water table has been contaminated with high levels of PFOA because of the leakage of chemicals from Wurtsmith Air Force Base. Wurtsmith Air Force Base. A Brief History of Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html. [1], While these crews were on ready alert they did not have a whole, lot to do. In 1942, three 5000x150 concrete runways were built. In their letter, the members expressed their concerns that the Air Force's proposed remediation plan . Wurtsmith Air Force base was one of five, northern tier bases in the Strategic Air Commands arsenal. Beginning in July 1944, the P-47 Thunderbolt was used extensively to train Free French Air Force pilots at Oscoda Army Air Field (AAF). A sand and gravel aquifer of glacial origin underlies Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northeastern lower Michigan. My family lived on this base in 1983 to 1987, are we at risk? They were stationed at the air base from 1986 to 1993. Weights were 2450 lb. OSCODA, Mich. - Oscoda residents and PFAS activists today held a press conference on the shores of Van Etten Lake to set the record straight on the Air Force's contamination of their community from the former Wurtsmith Air . It was criticized for its low service ceiling, its slow rate of climb, and its generally poor high-altitude performance. Student projects from Michigan Tech's SS3505 Military History of the United States, on the people, places, and objects involving our military history in the upper Great Lakes region, Wurtsmith Air Force Base has been an integral part of the United States Air Force from the 1920s to June 3rd 1993. In 1979, the state of Michigan sued the Air Force for the contamination. NPL Status: Proposed Street Address: AFBCA/DB, OSCODA, MI 54961 Congressional District: 01 EPA ID: MI5570024278 Population (within 1 mile): 101-1,000 Contaminant Information. 2 talking about this. I was born on base November 1978, and lived on base with my mom, brother born 1989 on base, and my dad, a civil engineer stationed on base until oct 1982. If you, a friend, or loved one has been injured or died as a result of the contamination at a DOD Superfund Site please follow the steps that are outlined at Get Help. Smoke started coming from the tail of the second plane, and I could see it was in trouble. Theyre looking for other divers who can assist with the effort. The B-52 is being serviced under the Strategic Air Command Recovery Oriented Aircraft Maintenance (ROAM) system. Located in Iosco County, Michigan, Wurtsmith Air Force Base operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and U.S. [1] This was further broken down by marital status. Stationed there for 84-88 and am suffering with a motor neuron disease process. Hill Housing area-- Wurtsmith Elementary School, Grissom Elementary School, Wagner Middle School, . A Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker plane, serial 60-0317, was damaged beyond repair in a landing accident at Oscoda-Wurtsmith AFB, MI (OSC), United States of America. The Arrow Street purge system, installed in 1982 to remove contaminants from the Building 43 plume, has lowered concentrations o [5] However, the B-52H aircraft maintained nuclear alert at WurtsmithAir Force Base. It is perhaps the best-known of all the between wars Army pursuits. "The Department of Defense is evaluating [cleanup standards], and we take our lead from what the Department of Defense says," said Stephen TerMaath, who leads the Air Force division in charge of Wurtsmith cleanup. What's next? PFOA exposure is also shown to be associated with increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children between ages 12-15. [1] This was followed by one and a half weeks of normal day to day activities, until the flight crew relieved crew on ready alert in the bunkers. One specific and important waterway being affected by these pollutants is the Au Sable River. I like combining historical photographs with the stories behind them. The site of Wurtsmith Air Force Base is located 2 miles Northwest of Oscoda, Michigan, about 150 miles North of Detroit. At the time, it was considered a vital Air Defense Command base and was equipped and manned with interceptor aircraft capable of flying over the North Pole into the Soviet Union. (Superstorm) Sandy came along (in October) and moved things around, David Losinski said. There are many historical planes you can visit as well as other interesting pieces of history that the public may view. [1] At some point over the week an alarm would sound,signaling to the flight crew that the B-52s had to be in the air. Before we move on to that, however, it is very much worth examining a very similar incident that occurred over Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan on 30 th October. Because of this KC-135 squadrons would routinely fly 175 day assignments and return to their home base. [1] The KC-135s had many more opportunities to travel because they would fly in support of any craft capable of refueling in flight. It still haunts me today that we had to do that and were told to just follow orders. Posts and surveys made on this website are opinions or suggestions of users of this website and are not representations, opinions or suggestions of U.S. To all who are interested in the Camp Skeel/Oscoda AAF/Wurtsmith AFB History. The story stated Moody and three other pilots were taking gunnery practice about three miles north of Port Huron. [1]These KC-135s were necessary because the B-52 could not take off with both afull load of ordnance and a full tank of gas. [4] In the later, years of World War II Wurtsmith Air Force Base was used as a fighter-interceptor training base and housed the 332d fighter group, which was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. Any one else from 84-89 have issues? For example a KC-135 could take off from Wurtsmith Air Force Base, fly across the Pacific Ocean, land in Spain, have the flight crew be relieved by a fresh crew, fly into theater, complete the mission and return to Spain, where the original crew would be rested and ready to fly the KC-135 back to Wurtsmith Air Force Base. [2] The flight crashed at 2:20PM while returning from K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula. At this time, the camp was renamed and the airfield was under III Fighter Command jurisdiction. [1] While this was a relatively boring week, it was extremely stressfulbecause no one knew when the alarm would sound, but more importantly no oneknew if it would be a drill or not. I was stationed there from 11/84-1989. He was training with fellow pilots out of what was then Selfridge Field when his plane crashed. Comprehensive Base Plan, Department of the Air Force, Directorate of Engineering and Services DCS/PRE - Washington DC 1 April 1970 (revised 12 July 1978) . A bomber squadron for example would be sent out to destroy a target and return to its home base within a week. As seenin the picture of the runways, there is a Christmas tree coming off of thebeginning of the runway with a building next to it. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. There is no amount of PFOA that is officially recognized as harmful. However, many studies have shown otherwise. These mission were into Iraq. Lt. Ennis Whitehead was part of a unit at Selfridge Army Air Field. In July 2018 the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), set the table for Congress to consider legislation that would force the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to extend health benefits to base veterans without making them prove their illnesses are linked to chemical exposure.

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