USMCFLYR

I'm watching a Military Channel program on the Jolly Greens during the Vietnam War (Wings Over Vietnam - Jolly Greens).
Were any of our APC forum members involved with those units - past or present?
I have always said that the Coastie pilots have one of the best jobs in aviation; but I have to admit a great fondness for the Sandys and Jolly Green too!

USMCFLYR

Kasserine06

My father was an AF pilot in the war and went on many missions with them after he ejected and was saved by a crew. He said he would hang around the rescue crews and when they needed an extra gunner or there was any room, he went along. His favorite spots in the chopper were the mini gun or grenade launcher. That was the one time in his life he said that he would have liked to trade his fighter/bomber seat for a helicopter.

deadstick35

My uncle was a PJ in Vietnam...I mean Thailand. He hasn't talked much about his experiences over there, but what he has told me chokes me up just thinking about it. He got into commercial aviation in the 70's, gave me my first ride in a GA plane, and is the reason I got into it.

I can't express how much respect I have for that guy.

choxy

I just read a book called Combat Search and Rescue by Andy Evans-goes into detail about all that stuff, and real rescues as well.Definately opened up my eyes!

AZFlyer

Is the term/designation/call sign "Sandy" still used today or was it only used during Vietnam for the old Skyraider Sandy's?

I mean, no one today is flying straight into thickets of SAM sites to protect a downed pilot like in those days (thankfully because opposition on that scale doesn't currently exist in our current obligations, that I'm aware of), so my guess is 'no'?

At any rate, talk about terrifying stuff....Outside of the military, did those guys ever get their recognition for doing such dangerous and selfless flying?

Kingbird87

I flew HC-130's in the 33rd ARRS at Kadena from 81-84. We had 5 HC's and 5 HH-53's, and later swapped out for HH-3's. The HH-53's became Pave Low's. It was the best job I ever had, and the most dedicated people I ever worked with. The Combat Rescue mission was very fluid, and at the time, we were still heavy with SEA experienced crews and PJ's. We were the primary SAR unit for the WestPac with additional Jolly Green Squadrons at Osan and Clark. We had a lot of SAR's throughout the region and several drop missions, KAL 007 SAR, and some classified missions.
I later worked early JSOC contingencies with many of the other operators. I know I'm a bit biased, but if any unit is more impressive than Pararescue, I've not seen them. Their incredible volume of training, self reliance, flexibility and physical aptitude is unique. I recently read "None Braver" about Combat Rescue in Afghanistan. It had a chapter about a PJ friend that jumped into a mine field to rescue a severely injured SAS trooper. Just another day for Bill Sine. I wish I could have spent a full career in ARRS. Wearing the "pregnant angel" patch was the most rewarding thing I've been part of.

USMCFLYR

I do believe Sandy is still around.
From Wikipedia:
I'm pretty sure that I worked out of the same base as them as Al Jaber, Kuwait. As far as Jolly Green - I had a friend who was there at the same time flying the HH-60G PaveHawks. Heavyily armed, with massive comm gear and a tough, tough crew to come get you!
From Wiki:
Yes - they would do what is necessary to come get you within the plans. Supposedly the Super MEZ around Baghdad was one of the biggest EVER (second maybe only to North Korea), but the good news is that we have many different ways to deal with them and roll them back than before. Tactics have changed from the Vietnam days AZ - but the job is just as important. Just ask that F-16 driver that was rescused by the Marines out of Bosnia.
Scott O'Grady - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

USMCFLYR

ExAF

The Sandy call sign was still used after Vietnam. I've seen/used it in A-37s and A-10s as recent as 10 years ago. I would think it is still used today for SAR ops.

fdx727pilot

For an update on current AF Rescue ops, check out this link

U.S. Air Force AIM Points: PHOTOS: Michael Yon & Air Force Pararescue

USMCFLYR

Thanks for the link. Great photos!
I just saw a commercial from airforce.com that featured CSAR.
Seems popular

USMCFLYR