Distinguished flying career comes to the end for the C-141 fleet

  • Published
  • By by Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Airlift Wing
20060508 --  Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio - A distinguished career came to a finish here May 6. After 43 years and approximately 10.6 million flying hours, the last C-141 Starlifter in the fleet completed its mission, landing at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, its permanent destination.

The C-141, the first jet transport plane to be used by the military, served as the backbone of Strategic Airlift for decades. The plane, responsible for flying entertainer Bob Hope and the USO Shows into South Vietnam, also flew Arizona Senator John McCain out of North Vietnam and the prison he was held in for more than five and a half years.

Fittingly, the last flying C-141, tail number 66-0177, was also the very first American aircraft to land at Gia Lam Airport, Hanoi, North Vietnam February 12, 1973 to pick up prisoners-of-war. Because of that singular honor it was dubbed the “Hanoi Taxi.”

About 120 former POWs were honored with a “last flight” aboard the “Hanoi Taxi” May 5, 2006. All of the former POWs were repatriated from North Vietnam in C-141s. Most of the men had not flown on a C-141 in over 30 years. There were tears of fond memories and tears in remembrance of fallen service members on the two flights.

“I never thought I’d live to see this day,” said retired Air Force Col. Ben Pollard who was shot down May 15, 1976 while flying an F105F. He spent almost six years in captivity leaving just days short of his 41st birthday. “I never thought I’d live through being a POW.”

Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne flew with the first group of POWs and spoke at the ceremony to all attendees before the second groups’ flight.

“What a great honor to fly in the ‘Hanoi Taxi’ for the second to last time,” Secretary Wynne said. “So we say goodbye to one wonderful airplane. It will now be enshrined at the National Museum of the Air Force. This is going to be one of those aircraft with a legacy that will last forever.”

Secretary Wynne lost his older brother in 1966 when he was shot down over North Vietnam.

In attendance were, Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington D.C., and Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga. as were all three former commanders of the 445th, retired Brig. Gen Paul Cooper, Brig. Gen Rusty Moen, Maj. Gen. Robert Duignan and current commander Brig. Gen. Bruce Davis. Congressman Dave Hobson, who represents Ohio’s 7th Congressional District which covers Wright-Patt also attended.

Over time, the plane became a flying museum while continuing its real world missions for the 445th Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Above its forward entrance door is the inscription, “First C-141 to Hanoi.” Aircrew headrest covers on the flight deck bear the familiar black-and-white POW/MIA emblem. Dozens of framed photos are mounted on the side bulkheads throughout the cargo compartment showing POWs in Hanoi and aboard the plane bound for freedom. A label on the flight engineers panel simply reads “Hanoi Taxi.”

Truly, this has been an emotional time. To say wing members from the ISO dock, to the flying squadrons to the aerial port did not have some level of emotional attachment to the C-141 would certainly be naive.

445th Maintenance Squadron member Technical Sgt. Harold “Buck” Rogers, like many in his squadron and the wing, saw an old friend retire in the C-141. “You knew it was coming, but it didn’t set in until it was really here,” the sergeant said. “The public sees it flying but doesn’t see the day-to-day inspections with every inch of the plane being checked. The safety of the crew and passengers is not just a quick look at the plane, put in some gas and send it on its way.”

Sergeant Rogers said he felt honored to be the last dedicated C-141 crew chief. The sergeant marshaled in the “Hanoi Taxi” directing the pilots on where to park the aircraft after it landed on its final flight from Wright-Patt to the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

There was a massive and elaborate tribute dinner on the evening of May 6 attended by hundreds of wing members, most of the POWs and their families, base personnel, retirees and others. Close to 1,300 people enjoyed a full evening of celebrating the proud history of the C-141 with the “Hanoi Taxi” a few feet away. A local Dayton television did several live broadcasts and Senior Master Sgt. John Wheeler, an 89th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, was married at the tail of the plane, one of the most unique events of the evening. The plane which was parked just outside the hanger doors was open and hundreds of people took pictures and toured it throughout the evening.

Perhaps the 356th Airlift Squadrons Master Sergeant Herb Nicholson said it best when he surmised “this doesn’t have to be such a somber occasion; she’ just going to heaven.”

Now that the “Hanoi Taxi” is officially retired from flying the National Museum of the United States Air Force will soon place it on permanent display. At first, it will be outside where wing members and the public can view the exterior only. In time the plane will be moved inside the museum and opened up so all may come aboard and experience a remarkable aircraft.