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Thailand Dog Handlers | profile | all galleries >> 56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom - Unit Director Dutch VanHatten Jr. >> George Conklin >> NKP Air Base - The Early Days

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The Secret War | 40th AARS Combat Rescue | 56th SPS - Nakhon Phanom | Air Base NKP-Thailand | Bob Hope - 1969 | Community of Nakhon Phanom | NKP Air Base - The Early Days | NKP Today - 2002 | NKP's Air Operations in Laos | SEA Map | Poetry

NKP Air Base - The Early Days

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6-97 thor NKP	A26-1966-1	A26-1966-2	A26-1966-3
A26-Big Eagle 1	A26-Big Eagle 2	BX 69	Flight Line 66-67
JB Big Eagle	NKP 6713	NKP 674	NKP 675
NKP 676	NKP 679	NKP Early Days-1	NKP Early Days-2
NKP Early Days-3	NKP Early Days-4	NKP Flight Line	NKP Loading Dock

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Guest		27-Feb-2011 18:25
This may be old news but just in case you don't know - Search - agentorangethailand.gov -and it will take you to: Agent Orange Thailand Military Bases Office of Public Health. This is a VA web site which list bases in Thailand exposed to agent orange and areas. Hope this helps some of my fellow veterans.

Guest		26-Feb-2011 22:01
GUEST - Was at NKP '66-'67, assigned to 1987th Comm Sq. I remember NKP having a PSP runway and prop aircraft. Col. Adderholt (later BG) I believe, was commander of 56SOW during some of my time there. If you were there during that time you'll remember "sweeping' the runway with brooms and dustpans to prevent rocks from blowing up from prop blast and cracking canopies. In Sept., '66 teletype operations was out of mobile vans provided by (I believe) the 1st MOB (mobile) Comm out of the P.I. Back then teletype was 60 words per minute which was considered fairly fast. To function properly the teletype equipment had to be kept cool or it would go off line. Once when a communication van's A/C went out we had to get a portable A/C unit from the flightline to cool the equipment. After working 12 hours with that COLD air blowing on you and then stepping out into NKP's heat - man, what a shock. Teletype at NKP was kinda "fly by the seat of your pants" operations until MSgt Rivard (later Command CMSgt of AFCS/AFCC) arrived. He managed to get us moved into a pernmant building and later started working on plans for a pernmant communications center. Trips from base to downtown were an adventure during the rainy season. Sometimes you rode a bus as far as it could go, took your shoes off and walked to the next bus which took you as far as it could go. So it went till you got downtown. I saw James Garner, Hugh O'Brian and Roy Acuff who were on USO tours while at NKP. I have dollar bill autographed by Bob Hope & Anita Brant from their Christmas show of '66 at NKP. I also saw Bob Hope in '64 in Vietnam and again in early '70's at Udorn, Thailand. Red Horse was a 24 hour aday operation during that time building runway, ramps, hooches, roads and chow halls. Red Horse people were workers. Jolly Green's were constantly on alert and they were very professional. We all owe a big THANK YOU to Security Forces, Thai Security Forces and K-9 Security Units. Memories are starting to fade with age but it was a priviege to have served and to have served with each of my fellow veterans. While at NKP an E-4 - retired MSgt.

Gene E Moore		11-Jan-2011 01:08
Was there August 1967 to August 1968 Air Commando Assigned to TUOC Remember flight following all the Nimrods and Sandy’s. Oh yes, cannot forget Candle Stick, the 123 Flare Ship. Moved into the brand new Hooch’s-used our wall lockers as room dividers Used rolls of plastic between the rooms and closed off the shudders and the ceiling to keep the cold out during that winter. Was there when they put in the steel runway. Red Horse Chow Hall was new, and the Top Sergeant put in the Snack Bar – where we could get burger, hot dogs, and best of all Chili and Rice!

Bill		04-Jan-2011 12:55
I was in the 606th Air Commando Sqd, C-123 Candlesticks, as a 43131 Flight Line Mechanic from Nov 67 to Dec 68. I think cigarettes were about $1.40 a carton and Bourbon Supreme about $1.00 a quart. I remember Blackjack games in the Airmans Club, not fondly, :) :) When I left, my High Class Ring didn't leave with me, "Wonder Why". I remember "Johnny's Bungalo". There was a photo gallery right next to the bus stop for returning to base. I still have the pictures I had taken there. Ten baht would still buy a "Steam & Cream". I don't know if I still have photos of NKP, but I will look, if so I'll post them, if they're not to embarassing. Ireally look forwarding to hearing from anyone also stationed at NKP, specially from the year I was there.

Ernest Purcell		08-Nov-2010 04:11
Served 2 tours at NKP. Sep '67 to Sep '68 & Jun '69 to Feb '71. I was an Ammo troop, 46150, 456th MMS. Worked storage, shippng and receiving, for the most part. I see an old friend, fellow Ammo troop Jerry Blankenship has left a comment, Hi Jerry, we had some good times.

d bowen		10-Sep-2010 20:30
bomb builder aug '66- aug '67. love the a-26's....seen bob hope xmas' 66. served with a great bunch. to many faces not enough names. little george, catl jr., sgts yates, campbell. good memories..

Thomas Melendez		20-Aug-2010 07:03
I was an Intel Specialist at TFA 72-73. If there are any of you guys stationed with me I'd like to hear from you. Although TFA had the latest comm gadgets for its day, I recall we kept track of the intel info on simple 3 x 5 cards. High tech data maintained on low tech cards. Took plenty of photos.

Bob Dennard		10-Aug-2010 01:18
Would the person who posted the pictures "NKP Early Days 1-4" please contact me to help with my next book "More Memories of Naked Fanny". My email is: rdennard - at - memoriesofnakedfanny - dot - com I would also like to contact the person who made the first landing at NKP in the C-123. If anyone knows who that is, or if the person who wrote it sees this, PLEASE contact me. Bob memoriesofnakedfanny.com

Jerry Blankenship		08-Apr-2010 01:56
I was stationed at NKP Feb. 70- Feb. 71 in the munitions maint squadron. Had some good times. Would love to hear from someone I knew there.

Neil Grose		25-Mar-2010 19:52
Hi Jim..was stationed there with the 23rd Tass from Nov 68-0Nov69..spent lots of time arming and dearming planes at the end of the runway day and night....never saw any agent orange tankers arrive or leave NKP during that time..Neil

Jim Coplin		24-Mar-2010 17:17
Looking for photo's of agent orange barrels on base or anyother photo linking agent orange to NKP.

Jim Coplin		24-Mar-2010 17:16
Looking for photo's of agent orange barrels on base or anyother photo linking agent orange to NKP.

Peter Gonzales		22-Jan-2010 13:06
I was with Detachment 25 10th weather sq. '67-'68. These older pictures really brought back memories. My time the was at the transition to TFA so spent time with old and new. Particular thanks to to 56th SPS. They had very little while I was there but did excellent work. After my NKP tour I extended to go to a combat wether team with the 1st Cavalry Div VN virtually across the opposite side of Laos near the DMZ. The 56th SPS provided me with much needed weapons training I would need there and I have always wanted to say thanks.

Guest		07-Dec-2009 06:45
Hi guys,I was with the 507 Combat Control Squadron out of Shaw AFB,SC in 1964 when we were deployed to NKP.We had detatchments from Myrtle Beach AFB,Pope AFB,Shaw AFB,and Seymore Johnson AFB .I was in the 727 ACW from Myrtle Beach.We left Shaw in Sept,1964 and after stops at Tinker,Travis,Hawaii,Wake, Guam,P.R.and Saigon,we finally arrived at Nakom Phanom.We landed on PSP and set up a tent city that was the beginning of a full blown base.Even then,we had sappers trying to disrupt the operations of the base.Thai security and 507 th personell did our job in keeping the radar and communications van secure.We rotated back to Myrtle beach in January ,1965,only to be deployed to the Domican Republic with the 82 Airborne from Fort Bragg in April,1965.Would like to hear from anyone in the 507th or 82nd who served in these areas.Skip Ward,A1C,USAF Please email to wwardfam@aol.com

Guest		07-Dec-2009 06:44
Hi guys,I was with the 507 Combat Control Squadron out of Shaw AFB,SC in 1964 when we were deployed to NKP.We had detatchments from Myrtle Beach AFB,Pope AFB,Shaw AFB,and Seymore Johnson AFB .I was in the 727 ACW from Myrtle Beach.We left Shaw in Sept,1964 and after stops at Tinker,Travis,Hawaii,Wake, Guam,P.R.and Saigon,we finally arrived at Nakom Phanom.We landed on PSP and set up a tent city that was the beginning of a full blown base.Even then,we had sappers trying to disrupt the operations of the base.Thai security and 507 th personell did our job in keeping the radar and communications van secure.We rotated back to Myrtle beach in January ,1965,only to be deployed to the Domican Republic with the 82 Airborne from Fort Bragg in April,1965.Would like to hear from anyone in the 507th or 82nd who served in these areas.Skip Ward,A1C,USAF

Herb Wild		13-Nov-2009 00:11
Thanks for the memories. Originally started going to NKP around the end of 64 with "Invert" Left Ft. Bragg and flew to Seattle where we were given M-16's (no ammo) and didn't find out where we were headed until the flight crew opened an envelope and redirected. Landed on the PSP runway and helped set up the radar installation. Started out living in the village while the hootches were being built and still remember breakfast of goose eggs and water bullalo. (mmm-mmm good) especially after a night of Singhai and that whiskey with formaldahide in it. Also remember sitting in a bar on the Mekong (bamboo tubes for urinals) and watching the War going on in Laos. (right across from the Ho chi minh clock). Stayed for about 7 months that time and went back to Bragg. Returned for a while in 67-68 and saw how much the place had grown. Was working out of the P.I. then in Radar and also got to work at Green Hill / Phitsonoluk/Dong Ha (Waterboy)during Tet of 68. Actually took the train from Bangkok to Phitsonoluk ( great ride ). Returned again in 1971-72 as an Air Ops Specialist and worked with the 1st Special Ops Squadron for a year until it closed down. Many memories which were starting to fade until I came across this site. Thanks again.... Msgt Retired Herb Wild

Guest		23-Jul-2009 02:43
When in and out of NKP as a rescue jumper in 67-69. When I saw the A-26 I sent the tail numbers tomy dad. He flew A-26 in Korea and one of the planes he had in his logs.

Robert Capps		26-Apr-2009 11:22
incredible,so many memories of NKP I was one of first permanet party, called us Carvers 30, can never forget those days 65-66 Fire Dept. thanks for the site.....Robert Capps bobnamefinder@gmail.com

Guest		10-Dec-2008 22:52
I was stationed at NKP from 70-71 in 56 Special Services Squadron. I worked in R & M( Redistribution & Marketing). I was a Sgt. Myself and my boss a Tsgt. lived in a small Hooch on the perimeter of the base next to heavy Junk (Equipment). I have to admit that it was a bit lonely out there all alone at night. I spent a year at NKp and went home to Eglin AFB in Florida. I was there 6 months and was sent TDY for 6 months to Udorn. I was in charge of WRSK Kits (War Readiness Spares Kits) with the 58th Tac Fighter Squadron). We were a F4E Squadron and one of our pilots became the first USAF ace of the Vietnam War. I enjoyed my time there alot. It was an interesting experience. My name is Dan Stapel.

Guest		29-Oct-2008 20:49
My NKP experience predates about everything I've seen on the site. That was in 1963 when our C-123 squadron, on six-month "joint training" TDY (what a farce!) from Pope AFB was at Danang in Vietnam. From that we had a three-plane, four-crew rotating detachment at Bangkok. Since flying in Vietnam involved getting shot at, the Thai mission was almost an R&R. Our mission in Thailand was to airlift perishables, mail, personnel, and hi-priority cargo to all the bases then being built in Thailand, including the Seabees then building NKP. I flew a number of such missions to NKP during this period. We landed at the Seabee's base camp, which was at NKP city's grass runway airport, while the new air strip was being built. In June or July (can't remember for sure) I made the very first landing on NKP's newly completed PSP runway. The runway was all that was in place: not even a taxi strip much less the first building. My instructions were to get Bangkok's int'l press corps to NKP before the official opening party arrived with USAF officials, Thai defense officials, and even Buddhist monks to bless the new airfield and wearing the bright orange robes; arrived from Bangkok in the pictured C-54. Flying it was B/Gen Anthis, then 7th Air Div commander in Saigon. Seabee officials in their Navy "whites" greeted the airplane. As required, I had made it there ahead of them, and was thereby "first" to land on NKP. But with no ramp or taxi strip, had to taxi my C-123 off into the mud (and out of sight in the picture) to make room for the C-54.

Guest		09-Feb-2008 05:13
I was at NKP from June 1973 to June 1974. Was assigned to the Comm Squadron. I worked in the base comm center and sometimes out at the little comm facility in Det-5. Had so many great experiences, these old pics sure bring back a lot of memories. Some ways it seems just like yesterday, and yet it also seems like a 100 years ago. Sure would be great going back in time. Sure would be great hearing form some of the guys who were there then. Jim D., Anchorage Alaska

Phil		07-Feb-2008 00:03
I was in NKP from Dec 1974 To july 1974, with the 601st photo det 12, I rember flying out with the 49th aars combat rescue for the evacuation of cambodia and saigon. as a combat photographer, I went to korat after they closed the base at NKP. I would love to hear from any body that was there during this time

String		15-Nov-2007 04:42
Used to party with Roger E. and George G from NYC and Gisclair from Louisiana next door at the Comm Squadron hooches. How did George come out after the medivac? T H Stringfellow 56th SPS 8-74 through 8-75 Eagle Pull was during the collaspe of Cambodia. 19 Sps and 4 crewmembers were killed when one of the rotors came off their chopper. It was one of three with all the extra ammo on board. One of them got there the same day I did. I still remember it all.

Guest		14-Sep-2007 02:05
Just looking at all of these photo's of NKP early day's . You need to go back to 1964 when the 1st Mob USAF form P.I arrived and set up a Mobile Tower for Air Traffic Control. The only group ther was 1 CH-43 that was flying out to pick-up any downed pilots in Lao's, they( may-be 10 people )that included air crew and support and our group of 10 were the only G.I's at NKP. But let's give it to the Seabee's they were the first in and built the runway. Dick Kennedy USAF 1960 - 1964 1st mob

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