out of Prince Abdullah AB in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. 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. If a banker had not taken Lt. Whitehead on a fishing trip there would not have been an Air Force Base in Oscoda Michigan. Just run the water until it clears up. A single-seat low-wing fighter developed for the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) by Republic Aviation, it was the largest single-engined piston fighter ever produced. The water table is about 10 feet below land surface in the western part of the Base and about 25 feet below land surface in the eastern part. Multi-capable Airmen sustain strategic - Joint Base Charleston Congress set a May 2022 deadline for the DOD to report on the cleanup status of these bases, the Filthy 50, with extremely high levels of PFAS contamination. It is primarily a large jet airplane salvage, jet engine maintenance and light general aviation . [5] The 379th Bomb Wing immediately continued the 4026thStrategic Wing operations and training. Oscoda, Michigan and Tales of Wurtsmith Air Force Base - Postcard History Investigating PFAS in Michigan | ATSDR DOD Base Family Housing - Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, created in 1923, played a large role in WWII. This weapon system used some hazardous and a lot of special chemicals to support it. What us the compensation for this? One of these men were named Lt. Ennis Whitehead. In fact the only time B-52s would travel was for training missions, or actually delivering ordinance to its target. WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, created in 1923, played a large role in WWII. Poison Spring: The Secret History of Pollution and the EPA. Like the former Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth and Newington, the former Michigan base is now a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) site. Click on a marker for base information. Investigation determined a defective tire caused the accident. In 1932, Capt. The 1st Combat Evaluation Group (initially "1CEG", later "1CEVG") was a Strategic Air Command (SAC) unit. CSIRO PUBLISHING | Environmental Chemistry Nothing contained herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent Veteran Service Officer (VSO)in good standing and licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. On the other hand, the rear-mounted engine offered increased maneuverability since the weight of the plane would be near its center of gravity. [1]After one week in the bunker on ready alert the flight crew would be relieved. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The base is located in Oscoda, Iosco County, Michigan. A total 9589 Airacobras were built before production finally ended on July 25, 1944. I served at Wursmith AFB from 1982 to 1989, living in base housing the entire time and drinking the water. [1] The KC-135s had many more opportunities to travel because they would fly in support of any craft capable of refueling in flight. The Tuskegee Airmen were African-American members of the 332nd Fighter Group and 477th Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Force who fought in Europe during World War II. I do hope there is information on Wurtsmith AFB soon. PFAS Military Base Lawsuits | Contaminated Water | ClassAction.org 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. Peters, Stabenow, Kildee, Slotkin Press | Senator Gary Peters (Superstorm) Sandy came along (in October) and moved things around, David Losinski said. [1] Mr. Norton also landed. Michigan Radio. 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. The Air Force knew that due to the method used to apply the pesticide, the building design flaw, that a completed exposure pathway (CEP) existed at a large percentage of its tenantable/habitual . U.S. Philippines -- Clark Air Base Maps, Charts, and Blueprints http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/04/wurtsmith_pfas_pfc_april_45_me.html. These bases wereresponsible for a housing a 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. We make no endorsements or recommendations of any VSO, attorney, law firm, claims specialists or organization working with veterans on their service-connected claim(s). History. Lee N. 2023 Aspyre Media Group, LLC. [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. Aug 24, 2021. Someone who works in a place that uses these chemicals and is exposed to them can have up to 100 parts per million, or 0.01%, in their blood. In addition, it would facilitate the installation of nose cannon since the armament could be mounted near the centerline, minimizing the effects of recoil forces. What's next? It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. There is a lot of open runways still today that can be rented out for a multitude of events. We came across the gauge cluster, which had the radio call tag, David Losinski said. The base was put into a standby status to be there just in case something happened in those areas. During World War II, P-47 fighters were assigned to Oscoda. The Losinskis are divers David has been diving since 1977; his son, Drew, since 2002 and both are former members of the St. Clair County Dive Team. 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. Within a few days, a mere 28 Airmen established housing for over 400 personnel, replete with . 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. Cindi developed hypertension and Lawrence diagnosed with lung disease. [1] As tensions increased around the world and the likelihood of an actual mission being flown while on ready alert increased, the week, The typical activities while not on ready alert varied greatly, from person to person. The runways were aligned NE/SW, E/W, and NW/SE. These contaminants are harmful to the environment. After one week in the bunker on ready alert the flight crew would be relieved. They are surely exposed to this chemical nearly every day, whether it be playing outside on the playground or from being exposed to the chemicals via drinking the water. The story stated Moody and three other pilots were taking gunnery practice about three miles north of Port Huron. This article is from 2018.. My daughter was born at the base hospital. These are simply the specific . As previously stated, there is a museum open to the public which has artifacts and information on the bases history. I was shocked when we drove to a wooded area not far from bomber alert pad and WSA up the road of the k9 area where a bull dozed had dug a large trench and we were ordered to dump the shit. [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. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Announced in late 2021 by the spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Sharene Brown, it increases focus and attention on the top five quality of life challenges military families face. Even after the base closed in 1993, the base maintained a fire staff for many years. The P-47 Thunderbolt fighter and fighter-bomber was used by the Allied air forces during World War II. Section 107, the written material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed an interest in receiving the included information for educational purposes. In a nutshell, this is what were trying to do get permission to relocate the parts so they would resemble a plane, David Losinski said. In fact the only time B-52s would travel was for training missions, or actually delivering ordinance to its target. The pilot apparently noticed it and tried to lift his ship. The Realignment of Griffiss Air Force Base - Spectrum News "Keeping Wurtsmith AFB and Aviation History of NE MI Alive" Opens on Armed Forces Day in May, hosts a Welcome Home. U.S. Military Once Again Pollutes Drinking Water and Won't Clean It Up The gunnery range was tasked with training pilots fromSelfridge air base in the challenging maneuvers required to land a DeHavillandbiplane on the frozen lake Van Etten for the young Army Air Corps. [5] However, the B-52H aircraft maintained nuclear alert at Wurtsmith, Air Force Base. [4] In the lateryears 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. Air Force - DOD Base Family Housing The Air Force says, Any aircraft before 1961, weve abandoned it.. The former base includes 4,626 acres (1,872 ha) located approximately two miles west of Lake Huron in the Charter Township of Oscoda, bordered by Van Ettan Lake, the Au . I was stationed there from 11/84-1989. The Wurtsmith Air Force Incident. to share information regarding health issues, and probable chemical exposure via base water sources. During the Cold War, the base became part of Strategic Air Command. The average person has around 3 or 4 parts per billion of these chemicals present in their blood. Airport History. [1] This was followed by one and a half weeks of normal day to day activitiesuntil the flight crew relieved crew on ready alert in the bunkers.[1]. One of these places included directly underneath the Oscoda high school. DISCLAIMER: Information displayed on U.S. The 379th was reassigned to Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan without personnel or equipment in January 1961, assuming the aircraft, personnel and equipment of the discontinued 4026th Strategic Wing. However, the drawdown was fairly rapid after that and they were quickly replaced by P-38s, P-47s and P-51s. Mr. Norton would occasionally return to fresh fish left by his neighbor on his porch. 'We've been betrayed:' Veterans blame Air Force base water for - mlive 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. My family lived on this base in 1983 to 1987, are we at risk? Wurtsmith AirForce Base was constructed with a runway layout specifically for this. [1] This includes on base housing, a daycare center for children, a doctors office, a fully equipped gym, and a store where basic necessities were available, military police, office space, and everything necessary to ensure the planes are fully functioning and ready to fly missions. Mrs. Cecil V. Fowler saw the crash, according to the Times Herald article. On June 30, , 1993 the 379th Bomb Wing was disbanded and Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. [1] Wurtsmith Air Force Base was 2nd Lt. Nortons firstpermanent duty station in the United States Air Force.[1]. Hill Housing area-- Wurtsmith Elementary School, Grissom Elementary School, Wagner Middle School, . For more information regarding services offered by the Lackland Air Force Base Education Center, call 210-671-2895 or DSN 473-2895. . Theyre looking for other divers who can assist with the effort. purposes only, and is not legal advice. An unusual feature of the P-39 Airacobra was the automobile-type doors that had roll-down windows on each side of the cockpit. Welcome to The WAFB Historical Site dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and the units assigned there. This includes extra parts, munitions, fuel, and flight crews. It has recently been discovered that that the base has been leaking chemicals into the surrounding waterways. I served at Wurtsmith from 1974-1977 my whole family has suffered from various ongoing ailments. Now, I have been diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney failure and congestive heart disease, I am currently on dialysis awaiting a kidney transplant. [1] This includes on base housing, a daycare center for children, a doctor's office, a . 379th Air Expeditionary Wing | Military Wiki | Fandom Located in Oscoda, Michigan this base is positioned no more than two miles off the shore of Lake Huron. By Steve Elliott 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs. More than 40 private businesses and public agencies use the former Air Force facilities and infrastructure, providing more than 1,300 jobs to the area, as well as the conversion of former base housing to 700 privately owned residential homes. Visiting Wurtsmith Air Museum, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan - YouTube There are many good photos of P-39s at Selfridge Field (Posted below), but none of P-39s at Oscoda. [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. I have had sever kidney problems since 1983 that carried on into my mid teens. The base became a permanent installation on January 1, 1951, when the U. S. Air Force designated it as a fighter training base for the Air Defense command. [5] While the 379th, Bomb Wing was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base they were part of the Ready, Alert Nuclear Strike Force. 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. Ground-water contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan Veteran Compensation Programs. [1], When the Gulf War started in 1990, the 379th Bomber Wing sent B-52s as well as their accompanying KC-135s into the Middle East. This unfortunately happened on October 11. , 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. still rejects and "nexus" to the toxic chemicals on the base. Aircraft was at Camp Skeel, Oscoda Michigan for Aerial Gunnery training. Photos of P-47s flown by French Pilots at Oscoda. . [1] As soon as the wheels touched down the clock would be reset and they could be sent out on another assignment. The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (WAFB), located in Oscoda, Iosco County, MI operated from 1924 to 1993. Wurtsmith Air Force base was one of five, northern tier bases in the Strategic Air Commands arsenal. Here is a list of military bases that are known to have had their drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals: Alameda Naval base, California. Why women were told 'Don't get pregnant at George Air Force Base' It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. Lora Cole, 1/8/20 I am the daughter to a vet that was in this I was a baby at the time. [3], www.nytimes.com/1988/10/12/us/six-are-killed-in-crash-of-an-air-force-tanker.html, www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm, www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0379bw.htm, http://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/wurtsmith-air-force-base/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wurtsmith_Air_Force_Base. Because Wurtsmith Air Force Base was an Air Force Base it had to have the ability to go into complete lock-down in times of emergency and still support the mission. These chemicals have been shown to cause problems with thyroid, liver, kidney, reproduction, and other health problems. 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. Dallas Naval base, Texas. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. The brown tint is (mostly) caused by scale build up in the pipes being knocked loose. A ground-water divide cuts diagonally across the Base from northwest to . In 1955 Wurtsmith Air Force Base became an official permanent post in the United States Air Force, which meant that many new services were implemented on base. Smoke started coming from the tail of the second plane, and I could see it was in trouble. This is very dear to my heart and want to get involved however I can. [4] On August 1st 1958 the 4026th Strategic Wing was formed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. [5] The 379th flew with a Triangle K tail flash to continue thetradition from their World War II counterparts. The majority of married enlisted and officers preferred to live on base because of the free daycare for children. The aquifer overlies a thick clay layer at an average depth of 65 feet. Oscoda PFAS Activists set the record straight on PFAS from U.S. Air Off Base Housing. 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. I kept up with all this for a while then gave up. The Strategic Air Command activated a wing there on August 1, 1958. PFAS & Military Bases: Here's What We Know!