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R McBee | all galleries >> France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Denmark 2003 >> Etain, France > etain_aerial.jpg

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etain_aerial.jpg

Etain

This is an aerial shot of the base at Etain, France. I did not shoot this photo.

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All images are copyrighted by me. Don't use them without permission, cuz that'd be rude and illegal.

John Zettler		17-Apr-2012 18:45
I was a member ot the 7121 tactial Fighter wing stationed at Etaine AFB France during the Berlin crisis in 1961 and 1962. I was an Armorer in the 7121 A&E Maintenance Squadron. If you would like a good picture of the plane we used go to goggle and type in Republic F84F Fighter Plane

Stephen Andersen		22-Mar-2012 00:27
to Yann ZONKA You will be included with Marco. There may be one problem concerning your needs..and that is most of my footage taken on, I believe, Memorial Day, 1963 is in black and white (I was experimenting with high-speed film). I do, however, have some color footage of take-offs.

Yann ZONCA		21-Mar-2012 18:24
to Stephen Andersen, Thank you for your help. You can send me some pictures just to see the code and the color of a plane. My E-mail: yann.zonca@wanadoo.fr Thank you so much. Best regards

Stephen Andersen		21-Mar-2012 17:42
Hello MARCO I should have my DVD conversions from film back within a week or two. I will then send you the Etain footage with pleasure. Best regards, Stephen Andersen

Marco		20-Mar-2012 18:03
Hello Stephan, I made a video about the history of Etain AB dedicated to the veterans of the 249th Engineer battallion. If you want, I can send you the DVD and may be you can send me your DVD with old footage? Just email me to marc.alleno@laposte.net

Stephen Andersen		19-Mar-2012 17:53
To Yann ZONCA, I am having my old movies from Etain ('62 & '63) being converted to DVD. If their (Costco) process allows copies of segments to be sent out I would be happy to email some footage of F84's; but first I must have your email address...Please post it, that or wait until I can confirm being able to send the plane seqments.

Yann ZONCA		18-Mar-2012 17:47
Hello everybody, I lives in Etain (clais chênes, housing areas, during 18 years.My old father worked in the base like a mechanicman. His name is Roland Simony. My father worked in the bas like an hairdresser and his name was René ZONCA. I built a model kit of F84 Thunderstreak based in Etain (7121 tactical fighter wing) during the Berlin crisis. If you have some pictures of this aircraft to show the color and a serial number, do you send me by E-mail. Thank you

Yann ZONCA		18-Mar-2012 16:57
Hello everybody, I lives in Etain (clais chênes, housing areas, during 18 years. I built a model kit of F84 Thunderstreak based in Etain (7121 tactical fighter wing) during the Berlin crisis. If you have some pictures of this aircraft to show the color and a serial number, do you send me by E-mail. Thak you

Stephen Andersen		07-Mar-2012 23:46
From June (or July) 1962 through Nov. 1963 I was with the 249th Army Engineers as a draftsman in S-3 section, Hq. Co. I had been transferred from the 293rd in Baumholder, Germany...I never could understand why our former enemies, The Germans, treated us better than our allies, The French...it was like they never forgave us for saving their behinds in WWII. I look back fondly to the comradeships with my friends, but Etain became like an old song that one might have disliked when it was new...you learn to like it with time. I thought the aircraft on the base were F-84's. Our barracks were on the other side of the runway and there was a shuttle bus for us to avoid a long walk to the PX and the NCO Club (shared with us because there was no Enlisted Men's Club). There were a few times when after a night of drinking we missed the bus; so we would covertly cross the runway at night...the AP'S certainly had the right to shoot us, but we felt confident that was not a threat..Our real concern, however, was that they might release those damned guard dogs that they had with them. I'll be 70 in April, 2012, and, like that old tune, I have fond memories of Etain.

Marco		02-Dec-2011 17:14
Hello Zonca je n'ai pas bien compris ta demande. Il y a eu plusieurs escadrilles à Etain, tu peux faire une recherche sur wikipedia, il y a tous les détails. Éventuellement je peux te communiquer des adresses de vétérans de l'USAF présents à Etain à l'époque. A+

zonca fred		02-Dec-2011 13:33
hello, I'am a french boy who he lives in etain during 20 years. I surch differents objects from the story of etain. i was very surpruse when i discurve that the us air force of etain had a team. Have you got a picture of thats or the must have yoiu a patch of the differents team who is played for etain ? thank's you very much for your coop

Joseph Galea		04-Nov-2011 21:52
Logging on as a Guest, I was surprised to see this site on the web. I was stationed at Etain Air base, in 1960 /62 with the 249th.Engr. Bn. Co A. Our primary mission was to build a railroad 9 miles long not far from the base to serve as a main artery to an ammunition dump. The area that was chosen was guaranteed since WW2. Once we started this project we discovered Live Bombs that were embedded in the ground that never went off. also human bodies,Money,weapons vast amounts of military documents. I myself was almost killed by a clay more mine, but a buddy pushed me, to clear the plunger which he saw, and I didn't. The EOD team was very busy disarming and clearing the area. The strangest thing was when you looked at the top of the trees, you saw a maze of barbed wire and metal eschons forty feet off the ground.All of this was left over from WW2. When the trees grew, it took everything up with it. Although I joined the Army at 17 yrs of age this was quite an experience. I am 70 now and I often think of Etain France. I have to admit, The women and the French bread was the best! However The green beer sucked! Feel free to e-mail me at Jpg1574@aol.com

Echols		28-Oct-2011 14:28
My dad was stationed in Etain somewhere between 1959 and 1961 his name was Charles Echols and he was an Army Engineer. I'm not sure if dad played softball in France but I know he pitched when we were stationed in Ft Huachuca. If anyone has pictures of the softball team I would like to see them, my pops retired in 1975 after 22 years in the Army and he died in 2002 I was born in Etain, when dad was stationed there in 1960.

david bates		07-Oct-2011 16:10
I was assigned to the 563rd squadron from 1956 - 1960. Went to Spangdahlem when the wing moved. A great experience.

Tom Muterspaugh		02-Sep-2011 13:20
Mr brother, Arthur Muterspaugh, was stationed at Etain AFB from Sept 55 to Jan 58. I have pictures of a baseball team he play on and believe it was at Etain. Anyone who was there at that time let me know. I can't identify any of the players.

mike senger		09-Jun-2011 14:23
I was an Army brat living in the new military housing development outside Etain from 1959-61. My father was stationed at Maginot Caserne in Verdun. As a young teenager,I enjoyed hanging out at the airfield at the Teen club there. When we first arrived we stayed in a quonset hut on the airbase until our quarters were available. It is nice to see the photos. We used to hang out at a cafe in Etain called Cafe du Globe and another one called the Cafe du Coin.

George A McCarter		15-May-2011 01:31
After reading this page, I see I am not the only one who had a great time at Etain AFB, France. I was assigned to 388th FBG and after a few weeks was reassigned to 561st FBS under MSG John Spanik. Married a French lady in Nov 58, almost 73 years ago. Last time I was at Etain in 1991, there was nothing left6 except the 561st Hanger where a French helicopter unit was. Rest of base was only a grassy field. Good to read of happenings of others who was there. Hey, Howard,if you are still there, I haven't forgotten you. My e-mail: al2ber3t@charter.net

Andy Rodela		05-May-2011 00:17
My Name is Andy Rodela (Air Police). I was stationed in Etain from Sept 1964 to May 1967, and left when the base closed.I was one of the AP's left behind to secure the base. I want to thank you, Mr McBee, for the pictures. I especially like the aerial view of the base. It's an early picture because I don't see the trailer court next to the Main Gate. We used to "hump" the ammo dump across the air strip. I remember Sgt Charlie Milam, he blogged above, he was my Flight Sergeant, "C" Flight, from '64 to '66. I was assigned to Heathrow Airbase in England but I was kept too long in France so my orders were changed to Carswell AFB in Texas.

Guest		29-Apr-2011 03:01
Ed Tucker I was a member of the 388th FBW 563 FBS Stationed at Etain from June 55 to June 56. We deployed from Clovis AFB in Nov 54 bound for Etain. When we arrived in Europe after a 2 week journey across the Atlantic, the base was no tready for us. We therefore deplyed to Bitburg Germany for 6 months while the base was made ready for us. We finally arrived in Etain in June 1955. Great to see a picture of the place.ect111@hotmail.com

lauramurphy		26-Mar-2011 17:00
@ Orville Cleverley, Jerry Garcia, and any others who may be interested: My father Major (then Captain) John H. Murphy was base supply officer at Etain, from 1954-1957. He died in September 2005, in Charlotte, NC. My two brothers, my mother, and I lived first in the village itself. Lt. Abraham, his wife, and twins lived next door. Then we moved to the trailers on base and then to the housing development in the nearby countryside. I spent first and second grade at the military dependent school. I was looking through old family photos and found one of us children standing in front of the little house in the development and decided to google 'base housing Etain, France.' That's how I ended up here!

Mike Comito		16-Feb-2011 18:49
Was stationed at Etain as a weather observer from Jan '57 to Sep '59 then to an Army Airfield at Saran (Orleans) 'til Mar '60. Played basketball and softball in the base leagues.

Guest		08-Feb-2011 20:07
Thank you for putting this up on the internet ! Although I lived in Europe for 5 years, I never got the chance to see where my oldest brother was stationed. Yes, it was Etain, France.

Robert Prewitt		16-Jan-2011 15:55
I got to Etain (Air Police) June 1964. January 1965 (Combat Operations) in control tower building next to HQ. My son was born at Verdun Army Hospital on 25 June 1965. Left for Charleston AFB, SC, and discharge June 1966. The names that come to mind: Col. Oliver, Capt. Herman, Sgt Signerie, Sgt Hatler, Sgt Cole, Sgt Guendrie, A1C Tichanski, Sgt McNellis.

Kermit M Marion		14-Jan-2011 17:43
Kermit Marion Moved with my unit the 97th engineers to etain i beleive it was 1959.returned to the states,came back to etain to the 249th engineers ithink it was 1963. moved to karlsrhue germany with the 249th when we were kicked out of France.

Guest		25-Dec-2010 04:53
my mom was born and rasied in Etain..during the war and spoke quite often of the kind soilders stationed there after the war..she worked in the px back in the 50's

ray nugent		12-Oct-2010 21:49
i was at etain air base 59 61 577 engr, batt. gen degaulle chased us out i have good memoryes of thier. spent some time in germany. had fun

Guest		27-Sep-2010 21:08
WE LIVED IN ETAIN 56 TO 58 MY DAD WAS THE SUPPLY SGT, HIS NAME WAS ROY KRUEGER. I HAD WONDERFUL MEMORIES IN THAT LITTLE TOWN. I STILL KEEP IN TOUCH WITH DAVID CHUNG WHO WORKED WITH MY DAD,MR. CHUNG WAS LIET THEN. I WAS ONLY 2 TO 6 DURING THAT TIME. LOVE TO HEAR FROM U THAT KNEW MY DAD. ALSO I REMEMBER MY DAD BROUGHT THE SOLDIERS HOME FOR SUPPER...THEY HAD NO FAMILIES OVER THERE. SO WE SHARED WHAT WE HAD WITH THEM.

william l lasswell		30-May-2010 16:16
I am bill lasswell. I was stationed in the 9th TFS from 1956 to 1959. I attended the last reunion in Tunica Mississippi 2 years ago. It was a great experience. I visit Jimmy Charles in the bayon every once in a while and am in fairly regular contact with Harold Nelson who was in squadron supply.

George McCarter		06-May-2010 21:40
George McCarter--388th FBW Mar 56 Dec 59. Was Records Clerk in 561st FBS.Worked at hanger and at Wing Hq. Last several months at Base Finance Office, Travel voucher clerk until Dec 59 after Etain closed. Knew Col Wm E Bethea and MSGT Spanik, 561st FBS 1st Sgt. Married French girl Nov 58. Still together. Been back 4 times. Etain was cleared as grass field and French helicopter unit was using 561st Hanger. Nothing else there. Workede at officer club for about 2 yrs after arriving at Etain. Lost several pilots to accidents. Saw Major killed on runway after plane hit dozier at end of runway

Richard Belanger		29-Oct-2009 12:07
Richard BELANGER 31LUCKY13@gmail.com

Richard Belanger		29-Oct-2009 11:53
I to was station at SIDNA BRIHAM in 60 & 61 543trans we trained at the air force base to drive 5 ton tractor trailer Then we were transfered to METZ FRANCE and became the 84th trans I have a few pictures of both ETAIN & METZ Enjoy hearing from anyone maybe an old ARMY buddy.

orville cleverley		14-Oct-2009 19:24
At Etain 54-57 in the supply sqdn and married a beautiful french lady. Would love toi hear from any one from that time. My boss was a Capt Murphy

Russ Queen		30-Jul-2009 16:30
I was stationed at Etain from late 1957 to 1959. Was a jet engine mechanic, worked at the jet engine cell, out near the end of the runway. Went to Spangdalehm, Germany 1959 to 1960 when the Wing had to leave France. We had F-100s. Col. Grumbles (base commander)flew the 222 at both bases.

Jerry Anello		16-Jun-2009 21:39
I was at this base in 1961-1962 with a fighter group from Ohio, we had f-86 nice air craft. I was with the armament section.

Howard Sidenstick		31-May-2009 21:24
Hi Guys: I was stationed at Etain From Apr 1956 until June 1959 as a crew chief on the F-86s and then the F-100's, in the 563rd FBS and later the 9th FBS. The Etain Pioneers (sport teams)have a reunion every 2 years in Tunica Mississippi. Any one who would like to attend cna contact me at Howard165@aol.com or my cell #708 307-2067. At the last reunion we had 7 crew chiefs in addition to the Etain Pioneers. Great time to reminisce.

A Scott		30-May-2009 00:07
Bill Dietrich, I arrived in Etain in 59. My OIC was Capt. Petett, I worked with A2C John Main, A1c Prentess. I probably got there after you left. I also was in supply.

Bill Dietrich		29-May-2009 03:35
This message is for any one that was staioned at Eatin air base from 1956 to 1959. My name is Bill Dietrich my father would like to hear from any one in supply or any one that was at Eatin air base from 1956 to 1959.My dad and family were at Eatin at that time. I think he went over in 56 and we came over in 57,his name is Sgt Wesley Dietrich, he had somthing to do with supply and somthig to do with parts for the F-100's and he played golf for the base and for the U.S.Air force team. We came back to the U.S. in 1959. My dad is still alive he is 82 years old, if you would like to send him a amessage you can do so at my e mail address. - Thanks- Bill Dietrich

Ardoin		12-Apr-2009 22:13
I was at sidna briham army camp the 543 trs. div.I was known as frenchie ,Had wonderful time there in 1954-55 Espicely at madam mado the cafe de chame de faire. Ha Ha . Anybody rember that get in touch. Berkley Ardoin.

GERALD JERRY GARCIA		16-Mar-2009 02:13
Yo ex-Etains: I arrived Etain AFB Sept 52, the Main Gate was an old-wooden-guard-shack, I helped build the Expendable Supply Warehouse, as young Lt was my boss! I recall a fire in that warehouse, yes It was LT Abraham, I think! I recall a Iseral Martinez, a fellow named Ryan, who worked at the NCO club, maybe my cmmander was Capt, lSG was Morris, I think! I now live in Spokane, WA age 75 and hope we were at Etain at the same time, I cannot recall, its been a while hasn't it? A/2c Gerald Garcia email - coachjerry9@aol.com Orville CLEVERLEY, Now that is an Memorable Name, don't you know, if I recall correct, I was staioned w/the 388th Supp;ly Sq until 1955: How about staying in touch?

orville cleverley		15-Mar-2009 17:59
at Etain from 54-57. Would love to hear from anyone who was in the supply sqdn, or who might have history or pic's of that time. orville cleverley

Bob Scott		03-Mar-2009 21:40
I was stationed here 59-62, and worked on the docks. We would unload the trains and the very big items,(aircraft tip-tanks) we would haul them to the other side of the base. I wish I could remember the names of the airmen that were there. John Main, Prentess, Capt. Petit,. Such fond memories, and very nice to hear from all of you.

Ronnie Inman		21-Aug-2008 14:40
I lived here as a dependant child in 1961,my Step-father name was Chancey S. Inman, he was Army aircraft maintenance person. Can remember best child buddy, His name was Eddie: his Grandfather was German and he was a toymaker , he handmade many fine toys for Eddie. My mom and I (Elizabeth Inman) step-brother (David) came to France in Oct. 1959 to Chambley air base first, then to Etain ( step-sister Katy born at Vernun ) in 1961 and onto Brienne-le-Chateau in 1962. We returned state side to Corpus Christi Texas (Naval Air Station) in 1963. Step father Chancey S. Inman (Joe ) passed away in 1986 in Virginia.

Philip Kuhn		17-Aug-2008 21:46
I was stationed at Etain AFB just after it was rebuilt in 1954-55-56. We brought the first jets to Etain from Edwards AFB, Clovis AFB and some others. The base was not really ready for occupancy when we arrived. It was a sea of mud and shale. Barracks were not completed, the mess halls were field type. I lived off base in Luxembourg City with my wife and son, then had another son born in Bitburg Germany on that air base. I drove 110 miles round trip each day for duty. There was no available housing in Etain or Verdun at that time. Later they brought in some small trailers for dependents. The army had a post in Verdun.

Roger Hall		07-May-2008 23:32
Nice photos. I was stationed at Etain with the 49th Fighter Bomber wing from 1958 to July 1959. In July 1959 we had to move the 49th to Spangdahlem, germany for political reasons.

Dwight LaRiviere		06-Apr-2008 23:19
I was a Canadian Air Force Brat attached to No. One Fighter Wing at Marville from 1960 to 1963. My favourite story concerns Etain AFB in approx. 1962. A Canadian serviceman and his family were driving near Etain on their way to Heidelburg for Easter. They were passed by two African-American fellows in an MG or MG Midget Convertible.They were wearing driving caps, big scarves and sunglasses. A few Km's ahead they caught up with them as they were stuck behind a herd of cows moving slowly down the road. The MG began to honk it's horn and try to work through the herd. The cows had been on Spring grass and soon enough a tail came up. A jet of bright green shot into the open car.

Richard Porubsky		21-Mar-2008 13:58
Just to add to my previous comment about Etain air base, I would sure like to here from anyone that served there during the same time that I did.Nov.1961-Aug.1962.I was with the civil eng. sq. My e-mail add. is rb_1@verizon.net

Richard Porubsky		19-Mar-2008 20:26
I was very pleased to come across this site.I was stationed on the Etain air base during the Berlin wall crisis. 1961 &62.I was a member of the 7121st.Tactical Fighter wing.Looking at the picture of the base, my barrackes was the 1st. one from the left. Right across from the mess hall.I took my wife to France in 1996.We were able to get on the base mainly because I had a couple of pictures that I had taken of the base 34years earlier,with me. When I gave them to the officer at the gate he gave us an escorted tour of the base.Even let us go into my old barracks.It was great.When I was there during the crisis I did not see my wife and 2 little girls for about a year. Pretty tough. This sure brings back memories.I was there from Nov.1961 to Aug.1962.