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Hi, I'm George Campbell, owner of the site. I was in Samsun in 1967-8, for a 15-month tour, as a Russian linguist. I worked both in lower and upper Ops. No nicknames as far as I know. I'm writing most of the stories on the story page, but hope I'll hear from others on this.
George = Nice site = happy to see more pics and stories on "Sam". Thanks for linking my site. I have been in recent contact with two guys from Samsun, one sending recent pics of the city which is now huge with many multi story buildings (pop. 330 thousand) = he says it was a beautiful place back in the '60's but not now = uncontrolled urbanization. The 3-2 base, he says, is occupied by the Turkish Army, contrary to my original belief that the University was there, which he reports is 15 km west. I have since corrected the info on my site. He was reluctant to photo the base as it is forbidden. Will relay his photos to you. Keep up the good work. Chuck Maki (AMIT) set up my site = I'm still a HTML dunce. Dave Matteson '60 - '61
George, This is becoming a terrific site for us Samsun guys. It's great that you are taking the time and effort to put this together. I hope other guys find it and support you with pictures and stories of Sam.I will encourage everyone I know or meet that was at Sam to visit this site and help out. Marty Mintz, Dog Trick
Glenn Shipley, 1963-64 - Russian linguist. email: glennshipley@home.net Thanks for putting this website together - I'd like to locate some old buddies from those years. At Christmas that year Bob Hope and his group were supposed to come to Samsun, but in a snowstorm all they could do was circle overhead in a C-130, cracking jokes. I remember renting motorcycles from the locals down by the harbor. I was working in OPS when news of Kennedy assassination came over VOA.
George: I'm glad I found your site. The photos bring back a lot of memories, and of course tne "war stories" are always fun. Glad I could contribute a little bit to it.
Regards,
Chuck Miller MSgt (Ret) 61-62 & 62-63/Det 3-2 Rancherchuck@ricc.net
Hi George,
My name is Roy Goldsmith and I was stationed at Samsun from March 1960 - March 1961. I was a 29251 (ditty bopper). I worked mostly in the DF shack, that was at that time, located in the antenna field.
I remember a bunch of us used to take the Bear out of the cage and play with it! Boy, when I look back on that, I know we must of been nuts...
Regards, Roy Goldsmith
George, in summer of '67, some visiting general asked a bunch of us if we had everything we needed. Somebody said, "We never get any ice cream". The general said "I'll see what I can do". A few weeks later, a sign went up at the chow hall "Ice cream available for lunch tomorrow". The next day the line went around the building at lunchtime. When they opened the doors, we went in to find not ice cream, but about 50 bowls of lime sherbet. Oh, well, not a bad substitute, right? Only problem was, the Turkish cooks had poured chocolate syrup over every bowl of lime sherbet! Yechhhhh!!!
I remember the first time I went through the chow line in Samsun. I got my food, got a glass, went over to the milk dispenser and filled the glass. After a few bites of my meal, I picked up the glass of milk and took a big swig. At first, everything was o.k., but as I swallowed, this awful taste hit me, I almost barfed! "This milk is spoiled", I exclaimed. "No, it always tastes like that", someone offered, "that's why nobody drinks the stuff". Well, I was a big milk drinker, and the prospect of 15 mos without milk was unacceptable. After some experimentation, I found if I filled the glass with ice, which was readily available, then poured the milk over the ice and gave it a few minutes to chill, I not only was able to drink it, but actually wasn't able to tell the difference.
Hi,
Please remember to add your name and dates served in Samsun when you post a comment here. That way, we'll all know who's talking.
Best wishes,
George Campbell -- 67-68 Able Trick
Hi George,My name is Scott Newton.I was stationed in Istanbul and some time in Karamursel. I came to 3-2 every 3weeks on the "white boat" with the mail etc.Years:1958-1960. I new only 3 guys that were there during my time.Bob Hill, Don Ross(deceased)and Civilian Fred Winslow. I still see Fred.Great memories from those days. Like to here from anyone.
Thank God for the White Boat. I came in in 1960 but if Scott Newton had posted his E address I would thank him personally for the mail. Dave Matteson blumssgr@aol.com
Thanx Dave Matteson for telling me to put in my Email. Here it be: scottnh39@hotmail.com You're welcome! It was my pleasure....Scott Newton '58-'60
Barry Sparkes (holyoke mass) was at the site from november 1966 until jan or feb 1968. this site blows me away becuase the picture of the able trick football team team is my team I see sullivan( Coach), sgt. paine (with his back to us left forground,murphy from boston tall guy with 8 on him He could hit and i left him a samsun baseball hat with an S on it there were lots of other activities like the time I took Tree Top jackson(about 6'6") down to able flights house at the cara hani.....boy were those women afraid of him.all except for matop , a woman with a heart of gold and talent to match , a wonderful human being I wil ber back to this site again for more stories that reflect a gi's life in the sixties
Barry sparkes again. it was curtis watson I took down town we called him tree he was big.
I am Joel Church. I was in Det. 3-2 in 62 and early 63. This was during the time of the Cuban missle crisis. Needless to say, Kruchev was not happy with our presence on the Black Sea. One morning we woke up to a full task force just out in the water. A few times we were buzzed by Russian migs. All in all, it is a time I would have rather missed.
church@freedomministries.com
David Simmons, Baker Trick 202, 6oct59 - 6oct60. Glad to have found the page. Would hope to eventually run across some of the folks I knew when at Sam. I have some pics (somewhere). If I can find them, I'll send them along. dilerin@aol.com
My home 68 until 71 That was the year I found out ST. Nick was a Turkish original. New years eve we opened the doors to the Ops Building to the world for the first time. This was the beginning of the end of the site. It was drunk out, non drinkers fell off the wagon as they new it would be just a matter of time before they went home. What a mess!!!!!!!!!!! We look back now at our Bear and wonder if he was cared for, and other pictures with a feeling of a lost family as Trails grow very dim. John E Sullivan (ED) SSGT echospass@aol.com
Never at 3-2 however looking for anyone at Karamursel from 70-71. I was with US Army Security Agency. Army unit was TUSLOG Det 4-4.
Chuck Martin Mchas41@aol.com
Greetings, After Army Language School at Monterey, CA, arrived Samsun by "Akdeniz" NOV 58. Most of the Samsun tour was per diem, with duece n'half taxis up to ops on the hill.
Departed NOV 59 on same white boat for a year at Rhein-Main, Germany on C-130's, returning TDY to Incirlik, Turkey at times. Thanks for the photos. Eugene "Gene" Skinner. eugene_skinner@yahoo.com
Tom Janke 64/65- 203- tomjanke@yahoo.com Never drank so much, smoked so much, swore so much- "f#ck" was used as every part of speech (at least twice in every utterance), or whacked off as much. After a year the washer women were looking good! Trip to Trab w/ Fenstermaker. One valley we'd be greeted by smiling faces with hazelnuts, the next we'd be stoned! (?Cyprus?) I still can taste that wild boar someone shot and cooked forever. Irrepressible Arky going ape over the Fab Four and Elvis movies. I've got a B&W blowup of "Li'l Egypt" dancing in the the buff at the club somewhere. Whatever happened to Buffy, Niel, Skip, Clarence- Big C - (was that his kid got killed near Pittsburgh?), Kaminski, Woody, Henderson, Lipson, Ray N. and all the other guys? No one from this time frame has shown up here.
This is Mike Hanna. I was there from Oct. 66 till Jan. 68. I was on the Able Trick flag football team that won the base championship in 1967. That is me on the left of that foto. I played tackle eligible, caught a rew passes to help win a couple of games. Some others on the team were Erv Johnson from Michigan, Pat Maloney from Chicago and Bill Clark from Massacussetts. Bill was the general (oops, I mean quarterback). I am at MMGREYHOUNDS@cs.com
My name is Jim Pratko, I was stationed in Samson from January, 1962 to March 1963. Dog Trick. Mey e-mail address is jim.pratko@highmark.com.
My name is Ed Wilson. Nickname on "The Hill" was PeeWee. Tour of duty was 1967-68. Scanning the comments I remember playing ball against/with "Tree Top" Watson and Bill "Sleepy" Clark. I was a clerk in the supply unit and didn't have a lot of contact with you "Ops" guys. I would really like to make contact with anyone who may remember me. Other names I have a vivid memory of are Bybee, Smart, Weber,Poll, Johnson, Grass, Sage, D'Arcy, Grissom. My e-mail is jedwilso@aol.com Thanks!!
My name is Richard Bacon. I was at Samsun from April 1966 until July 1967. I spent a lot of time at the AFRTS radio station, where Bill Bailey was NCOIC, but I was actually a member of dog trick. Most disliked part of the tour: the rotating shifts. I was tired the entire 15 months.
Most memorable occasion was when about four of us went swimming in the water tower on July 4, 1966. Also, after some signficant misbehavior by the men the CO saying he was going to tighten things down until they squeaked. For about a month "TPS" became "This place squeaks."
Richard Bacon dbacon@airmail.net Tuslog Det 3-2 4/66 to 7/67.
Hi, I'm Jim Summerlin known as Frog from May 1968 to August 1969 while at Samsun. I spent a lot of time down at our beach house with bud's from OPs. At that time the lower OPs was the base radio station and there was only upper OPs. I really appreciate the pictures because an ex-wife burned all of mine along with my other memorobilia.
Great web site, George - I'm Tony Cote from New Hampshire - Charlie trick 20250 from 6/61-9/62. Buddies included Dick Craver, Bob Couchman, Bob Sapp, Bill Smorley, Tex, Snuffy (others faded in memory). Played 3B on the base championship softball team in '62. Great memories too numerous to mention: way too much time spent in the airman's club, trips to the compound and the "Civilian Club" after paydays, boar hunting (no luck, thank God), R&R trips to Ankara, Amasya and Karamursel. It all seems so long ago, but some memories are so fresh...
Thanks for the effort putting this together.
Hello George. Just fond your site and it is really great. Thanks much..I was Site Mgr for the Tumpane in '63 and '64 after having been Mgr at Trabzon site in '60. I hope some of the troops and civilians of my time at "SAM" will e-amil me at budbruneau@hotmail.com .Thanks again and I have many slides of the base then if you are interested..
I see that more and more sites are being created with the USAFSS bases and former inmates as the subject matter. Samsun, I am sure, is deeply ingrained in the brain of anyone who was stationed there. Your site, George, conjures up a lot of memories (mostly repressed over all these years) of a time when 15 months seemed like an eternity. Hope your site grows.
Regards,
Jim Kidd SSgt, 203, RT Controller Dog Flight 5/65 - 8/66 kiddjm@attbi.com
Just (15 Dec 01) found out Chuck Maki is folding his American Military In Turkey Site due to changes in host policy. It's a sad event in USAFSS internet content. Chuck has done a tremendous service to all of us. I hope someone can fill the huge gap that will be left in the Turkey USAFSS. Thanks, George, for keeping 3-2 alive. Dave Matteson
I was stationed at Sam from Jan 3, 1961 until March 1962. I was in the A.A.C.S. Communications Squadron. I worked in bothe the receiver site down the hill and in the transmitter site about 13 miles west of Sam, along the coast road to Sinop. I have many photos, including: Library, gymnasium, AFEX, snack bar, Honor guard, White Boat, motor pool, NCO club, Officer's lounge, Headquarters building, NCO club, base chapel, dining hall (interior), Officer billet, airman's billet,my first paycheck as a disc jockey at KSAM, photos of a USO show (1961), dormitory row, me riding an asek, the transmitter trailer, the road out after a big snowfall, inside the receiver trailer, inside the transmitter trailer, a class VI card, an NCO chit book, a THY boarding pass (originally accompanied by a St. Christopher's medal, insence, prayer beads, and 3 barf bags). My Squadron commander was Richard Herman and the First Shirt was Jack Fielding. Robert Vann rhvann@alpha1-net
Francis R. Kwiatkowski, Feb 64-Mar 64. Worked up on the hill at GLR-1. Lousy place to be stationed however, the hunting was out of this world, if you were a hunter. Lt Col Adkins, Comdr, Lt Boyd Admin Off, Capt Martin, OIC GLR-1, MSgt Houghton - Lower Ops, SMSgt Ben Carr from Miss, Maint, SSgt Donald Callan, Maint, from Johnstown, PA. SSgt Batts, Sec Police, SSgt Payne NCOIC TS Control. Have 3 to 400 color slides of the base, town and ancient cites in Turkey and will try to post them when I get the time. the 6924 website also wants to get 400 color slides I have of that tour. Retired and live in Mesa, AZ the past 28 yrs. ourdogboss@mindspring.com
My name is Bob Underwood and I live in Texas now. I was stationed at Tuslog Det 3-2 from December 1967 to February 1969. I worked in personnel with Skip Shallcross. Played football on the base team and also softball, and basketball. Enjoyed the NCO club for lack of other things to do. I would like to make contact with others who were friends of mine and also make new friends. I am now 56 years old and remember very clearly my time in Turkey. You can include my email address for possible contacts. Thanks for the Website. Respectfully, Bob.
LARRY CARTER 66-67 PLAYED ON BASE TEAM BASKETBALL WITH MIKE HANNA, DICK LEE, ROGER SPERRY, DICK SACHS
I'm Del Drury, there in 1962-1963. Wish I had it to do over. I'd go everywhere and meet everybody. It's so long ago you forget the names, but you remember everything else like it was yesterday. I can still smell the olive oil. Once out of the service, I named one of my dogs, Goulan. My family probably wondered where I got that name from. If anyone knew Richard H. Hutchings, he passed away according to the Social Security Death Index. Good place to look for people you once knew. Sad, isn't it?
Hello, I'm Gary Fixsen. Its been a long time so I'll have to think about the dates a little bit. I arrived at the base around 1961-62. The upper General Dynamics test site (XAN/GLR-1) was not yet operational. We first started going to work in civilian clothes. Things were pretty loose, but no security. I was Hired by General Dynamics and worked for them after my Air Force shift as ELINT analyst. Because of the job with GD/E I stayed in Samsun until late 1964. Ihave 35mm slides somewhere. I was on duty when President Kennedy was shot. Still have the initial teletype accounts that soon covered upper operations communications room floor. At that time it was only used by us to make ditty tapes we then drove down the hill to lower ops for transmission. I understand that all changed after I left. Does anyone have pictures of the Turks lined up arm tip to arm tip all the way from upper ops down to the main base gate? I didn't have a camera when that was going on. Things were pretty tense. Also there was a second smaller Russian Brown bear that was turned loose to run free between the outer and inner fences at the upper site. It had become a bit of a threat by the time I left. The picture I saw on your site of Gullun looks like it might be that younger bear. The caged bear I seem to remember on main base was a larger darker colored bear. Any way best wishes. Pleased to find your site, always wondered what happened to the place. Gary Fixsen
Jerry D. Adams, A/2C, 30330, Karamasel 4/14/58-12/31/58, then Samsun 12/31/58-4/1/59 then to Keesler AFB, Six phase microwave fundamentals instructor. Prior to Turkey served in Berlin and Sembach, Germany.
Roomed with Reeves R. Dixon,Warren C. Faulk, John A. Banter, Stanley A. Arakawa, Donald R. Aadland, liven in a hotel near a mosque downtown. Dixion and I were the guys that did the Exlax trick on the Turks, throwing it out of the 6 by 6 on the way up the hill to the site, hollering "Chocolate" the fought over it and we didn't see a person for 3-4 days! I think Dixion is dead now, don't know about any of the others. Ran into Warren Faulk working on the Apollo/Saturn V Moon launch program.
Bob Underwood, I remember you well. Think you were from Corbin, Ky. My name is Ed (PeeWee)Wilson from Mayfield, Ky. I seem to recall we nicknamed you "Nasty", but I don't remember why. I didn't see your e-mail address, in your post. My address is jedwilso@aol.com. Would like to hear from you.
From across the void of space and time, Hello! If you remember Airman George J. Masur, it would be from the AFRTS station at Samsun. I was there from early January, 1968 for 15 months into the spring of '69. Wasn't it fun? Where could we have been where we would have enjoyed life more? Where could we have been stationed, where we would have been surrounded by such non-stop, action-packed nightlife ...and so many gorgeous, willing young women?
Interesting thing about many of us in the broadcasting service was that we really wanted to do what we were doing. Some of us, like myself, had been broadcasters before the service and were eating our hearts out to get finished with service and get back on real air back home. I was an afternoon shift D.J. At age 21, I felt destined to join the pantheon of superjocks: Cousin Brucie, Larry Lujack, The Real Don Steel ...Charlie Tuna. Such role models! Our conspiratorial obsession -which you perhaps detected- was to make the AFRTS station sound just like WABC, WLS, KHJ ...and KLIF.
You would have heard a little bit me, and mostly the L.A. area illuminaries who were on canned programming shipped to us every 2 weeks from AFRTS, Hollywood. Johnny Grant, Roger Carroll, Jim Pewter, Herman Griffith, Chris Noel: Ring any bells?
Many years ago after I got into television news, my name was changed legally to jay scott bacchus. Today, I'm jay to everyone, even in my immediate family. jayguy@comcast.net.
I wish I could remember the names of everyone I knew and worked with at Samsun. Gary Smith was 'Smitty'. A sort of older brother 'nemesis' who taught me much about life was one Frank Selig. Other faces and personalties stand out, but the names have oxidized with the passage of so much time.
Speaking of the passage of time, I'm about to become 55. And, I may have taken too much of your time. If we worked together, messed together or got into trouble with one another, please visit my inbox in metro Detroit. There will be a cold beer and a red carpet for you!
jay b.
Hi George, Larry Hunn. 203 on Baker Trick Nov 1958 to Nov 1959. Enjoyed my year in Turkey. Loved the people, the food and the scenery. In 1986 my wife and I traveled extensively in Eastern Turkey. The changes were remarkable. Thanks for this site.
Glenn Shipley, TUSLOG Det 3-2, 1963-64, second posting in case anybody is trying to contact me, my email is now glennshipley@attbi.com because Excite@home decided it would rather read Chapter 11 of some boring book on bankruptcy than tend to customer business. Hope to hear from you early sixties guys sometime!
Ah, the wonders of the internet. Skip Rither, CAFSC 20250 and a long time Dog Trick operative in 1962-1963. A big night out was playing cribbage and eating pistachios (one kilo for 10 TL when the exchange rate was 10 to 1). Ebrihim Itgoulu, our relatively ambitious house boy, taught us all a lesson with his "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow" philosophy. One of the more interesting trips was a bus tour to Carsamba, Unye and Ordu, which was organized by Father Zachman on behalf of the Holy Name Society. Captain Moore arranged for the motor coach, Sgt Pilch rounded up the gourmet food and libations, and Captain Raszewski made certain that we all had a great time. On one other occasion a group of us Dogs (Bretzke and Smitty are the only two names I can remember right now but there were two other guys in the group) rode the train to Amasya and stayed for two nights at a small hotel across the street from the river. We spent our days visiting the apple orchards (it was spring and the orchards were in bloom) and exploring the tombs in the rocks above the city. Someone else commented on the awful taste of the milk in the chow hall. One of the German cooks had mixed chocolate syrup in with it and it was pretty good tasting stuff after that. It was hard to beat the occasionally free Beck's beer and buttermilk at the NCO club...and who knows how many fortunes were made or lost on the slot machines in the entrance. Mail call in the gym at Christmas was a real treat...everyone on base came to help sort it all out. PB, from Moses Lake, Washington, received the most incredible package any of us had ever seen. It was full of exotic cookies, crackers, smoked oysters and even a jar of caviar. There was no smokescreen there, if you 62 vintage types know what I mean. I have a b/w photo of the base taken from the water tower. I'll send it along so it can be posted on the site. sritheratworldnet.att.net
Hello All: My name is George (Turk) Sisemore and I was stationed at Det. 3-2 in 63-64. We had to stay a bit longer than planned because of the Cuban fuss. I was the baker trick chief in ELINT at the old Ops. It was a great adventure for those of us that liked the place and I did. Spent as much time as possible off site visiting as much of the country as possible. I would to hear from anyone that was there at that time. My email is newfolks@attbi.com
Beautiful Country, Interesting Culture
Greetings, I was a 203 at Sam (Indiana U.) and I worked mostly as a midnight reporter (straight mids) and ran the base library during the day. My tour ran from January 1961 to March 1962. Reading some of these notes brings back a few memories and I even recognize some of the names. Lance Peterson lpeters7@tampabay.rr.com
YO! MY NAME IS CARL (HERNNIE) HERNANDEZ STATIONED ON SAMSUN 1967-68.I WAS ONE OF THE SECURITY POLICE DUDES.I REMEMBER PLAYING BALL AND HELP FEED GOULAN, THE BEAR. ED, EDNA AND WATCHING LITTLE EDDIE BORN. I WAS THE ONE THAT CALLED FOR HELP, WHEN EDNA WENT TO LABOR. I ALSO RECALL WHEN WE FINALLY GOT SOME REAL MILK. AND A REAL COOL OFFICER COL. GEMILL. HE BROUGHT BACK OUR MORAL WITH HIS LEADERSHIP. I ENJOYED SEENING THE PHOTOS. MY X GOT RID OF MOST OF MY THINGS FROM THERE. ANYWAY THANKS.......
my name is jack dingus stnd at sam from aug 62 nov 63. was enroute home when kennedy was assassinated.remember the cuban missile crisis well. was once buzzed by migs on way up the hill to the chow hall. spent many shifts on duty in the comm center afsc was 29151. would like to comm with anyone who was in comm center in the period of time i was there. great site well brings many memories.
I was stationed at Samsun from 5/62 thru 8/63. I have many, many memories. Playing very competitive softball. The bear mascot. The two lane bowling alley. Shift work Moscow Molly Very competive pinochle Learning to like powered milk Red "A" flight hat, short sleeve shirt with shirt-tails out The list is endless Ed Sugg sugg@henryadams.com edsugg@comcast.net
Jim Naster here. I was with GD/E from Feb 62 thru May 65 and have a slew of memories from Samsun. Our pet wild boar..... Ed, the doughnut eating asak..... The young bear, shot on top of his cage by a young AP.... 2 of the bullets almost got me! Lumburgers at the NCO Club....MMMMMMMM! The two Tropo workers who accepted jobs in VietNam. We thru them a nice going away party the night before they left.... 24 hours later they were ambushed and killed a half hour after landing in Saigon...... And on and on and on........
I was stationed at tuslog det 4 at Karamasel from January 1965 to June 1966. I have fond memories, spending all of my off duty time on the island of Buyukada. I left my heart there.
Don Hastings dhastings@hallowellprinting.com Hope, Maine
Thanks for setting this up. I was in Samsun in 1963 and 1964. I was a 29251, ditty bopper. For now I draw a blank to many of those memories. If anyone knew Bill Singer or Skully, they were some of our pals. I worked for TS Joe Pershika. I think that it was C shift. I can't be sure. The photos on this site bring back some familiar thoughts. I also recall working on the mess hall to set up for the Bob Hope show. He never made it due to fog. So there we sat, listening from the plane in the decked out mess hall. I would enjoy hearing from some one that might recall some of this. ebcarl1@astound.net. My name is Brian Carlson. Today I live in St. Cloud, MN.
Samsun! Charlie Trick Animals 1965-66 Don't see any names I recognize from when I was there. Maybe we really weren't? We didn't chase Homer (the pet camel named after the base commander), didn't wrestle with the bear, shoot crows at the state farm, win softball, travel to Sinop by bus to play volleyball, copy the russkijs or any of that stuff.
Thanks, George for setting up the site. Hope some of you might recognize us from Charlie Trick. Tom (monk) Person 203 '65-66 email: os29pi@aol.com
Jim Naster....... GDE 62-65 Just have to respond to the Bob Hope show episode. Since I had Officer Club privelidges I was avidly looking forward to the after show social aspects! Needless to say I ended up sorely disappointed! But I never forgot the effort that troupe made to put on the show via radio! I truly did learn to like or love Bob Hope as a result. I was a fan ever after!
I was at det 3-2 from 3/61 thru 6/62. I worked in the comm ceter. I remember the times the navy destroyer escorts would come into the bay by Samsun and we'd tour the ships and the navy would come up to the base and we'd have some wild softball games. I roomed with a guy named stan alverez, a gymnest, I believe he was from calif. My 1st daughter was born while there on 11/12/61 same day as a friend of mine named McKinney. I worked with a guy maned Joe Cobb Jones From Dallas Texas, He was later killed working as a police reservist when 2 police cars collided in Dallas. I, like most thought Samsun was probable one of the worst places on earth, but we were all young, or most were, and now that I look back it wasn't so bad I guess.. After leaving Turkey I spent the rest of my time stationed at the Pentagon in Washington.
Joe Espich
Hello, my name is Marty Flynn. I was a Russian linguist in Samsun in 1957 and 1958. In reading the other messages, I haven't seen anyone that goes back that far, but the messages indicate that the site was built up considerably after I left. In 1957-58 I only remember one building on the hill. We lived in town on per diem, and drove to our shifts in 6Xs. I remember spending a lot on time in the NCO Club they had in town. We had an apartment in town on the second floor, the first floor was occupied by an american tobbacco buyer, whose name I can't recall. At that time there was an area in town called "the Compound" where the local prositutes lived. Since no one else mentioned this, I wonder if it still existed. I shared the apartment with Chuck LeBer and Tony Dombrowski. its hard to believe its been 45 years since I arrived in Samsun! Where did the time go??? MJJF@AOL.COM
I remember the Christmas at Samsun when we were supposed to get a visit from Bob Hope--the Christmas show for the poor remote guys!! Well, we were all sitting in the gym, waiting for Mr. Hope to show up. The airport got fogged in, and all we got was a bit of the show transmitted from the planes radio to the gym!!. Allso, I remember being on duty the night President Kennedy was shot.(yes, it was middle of the night in Samsun). I was the one who heard it on BBC, and advised the shift leader, who then notified the commander. John Theisen (jwtheisen2@aol.com)
Allso, I remember being on duty the night President Kennedy was shot.(yes, it was middle of the night in Samsun). I was the one who heard it on BBC, and advised the shift leader, who then notified the commander. John Theisen (jwtheisen2@aol.com)
Jim Naster, GDE, 1962-1965.......I was watching a movie at the main base when suddenly it stopped and the house lights came on. Immediately, a senior NCO made the very short announcement of the assassination and death. We civilians were told to return immediately to our homes and the base was placed on alert. I caught a Taxi into town and it took forever to get home because it seemed like every policeman in Samsun stopped the car to offer their condolences.
Chuck Weaver here. I was at Sam from 1061-1963--went to language school at SkyTop in 1960. Served at Sam with John Riley, Doug Glenn, Rick Collins, Bill Silva and a bunch of other close friends who I would love to hear from. Now live in San Antonio, TX.
Doug Morris, Security Police from April '68-July '69. I found this site a few days ago and sent Dave a photo of a farmer and oxen that he's already posted here. I took that photo when a group of us cops rented some horses and rode for a day several miles west of the base. That particular farmer was pleased to accept a cigarette from one of our party and proudly showed us into his village. I hope some of my "akadash" read this posting, especially friends like Jimmy Haan, Denzell Sells, "Peewee" Butner, Ned Gropp, SSgt Ezelle Tutt, Sgt McInvale and Sgt Lejeune. Those 454 days on the hill seems like a part of someone elses life until I saw this site, now it's all coming back to me. Thanks Dave for keeping up this URL for all of us to enjoy. dougmorriscs@earthlink.net
Doug Morris again here, Above I mistakenly credited Dave Matteson rather than George Campbell for the site. Dave has made clear that it is George that deserves the glory and indeed he does. Sorry for any confusion my confusion has caused. Doug Morris, Samsun '68-'69
HARVEY MADISON DEC. '67 - MAR. '69 Able Trick EMAIL: Harv@nts-online.net Wow - watta rush to find this website! Remember that we couldn't even tell our parents where we were going? I was an intercept operator (294), played on the base football team which went down to play at Izmir. That was the most treacherous bus ride I've ever been on. By the time we were four hours out, everyone had migrated to the back half of the bus so they'd survive the inevitable crash. The names are all out there in the ether, but the place and events are burned into memory. I'd love to hear from anyone who recognizes my name, and I'll send some pictures.
JAMES CZIGANS- "ZIG" Grettings Everyone! I was at TUSLOG DET.3-2 during 68-69. Thanks for sharing the wonderful photos, they brought back memories! I would love to hear from anyone who remembers "ZIG".
Tom Crowley Arrived July 1958 (A/3c) by the Black Boat and entered Samsun via the harbor. Departed June 1959 (A/2c) by the White Boat and disembarked in Istanbul. Morse Systems (293x1) Worked in operations and in the TRD-4 hut at the far end of the base...before they built "the base". Operations was in a tin-roofed building across from the tin-roofed snack bar. Rode six-bys up and down the hill from Samsun where we lived on the economy. Lived in the Eli Alta (56) housing area. Also spent a few months in the American and Vidinli hotels. And lots of nights in the Pavyons. Was there when USAFSS lost the crew of AF 60528 over Yerevan on 9/2/1958. The new airport was built during my time there. Just south? of the site where we worked.
Tom Crowley Arrived July 1958 (A/3c) by the Black Boat and entered Samsun via the harbor. Departed June 1959 (A/2c) by the White Boat and disembarked in Istanbul. Morse Systems (293x1) Worked in operations and in the TRD-4 hut at the far end of the base...before they built "the base". Operations was in a tin-roofed building across from the tin-roofed snack bar. Rode six-bys up and down the hill from Samsun where we lived on the economy. Lived in the Eli Alta (56) housing area. Also spent a few months in the American and Vidinli hotels. And lots of nights in the Pavyons. Was there when USAFSS lost the crew of AF 60528 over Yerevan on 9/2/1958. The new airport was built during my time there. Just south? of the site where we worked. All-in-all, Samsun was a rewarding tour of duty.
John Allison I was at Samsun from September to December 1969 Charlie Flight, when the base closed. Afterwards we went to Sinop. Russian Linguist 9-9-67B E-mail JRandAMAllison@aol.com
Skip Rither, August 1962 to August 1963. The comment about the US Navy ship visits to Samsun reminds me of the time one those ships (it may have been a submarine tender) was at Samsun. We had a great time at the club with the sailors at the club and the partying ended when Sgt Pilch locked up for the night. The next morning the ship was gone from the harbor but we still had one sailor up on the hill. He eventually flew the reliable? THY (Fly and Die with THY) to Athens to catch up to his ship.
Jim Naster.... GDE 1962 to 65 Just a note relating to the port visits by the US Navy. The one mentioned in the '63 time frame was probably the Destroyer that was used to calibrate the equipment at the GDE site. I loved the spy vs. counterspy aspect of the situation since the Russians were steaming right alongside probably making the same measurements!
This is second visit to this site. My name is Jim Summerlin, known as Frog in Samsun. I am glad to see that there are other people who have memories of those days in Samsun. One Memory: I shared a nice beach house in Matasyon just east of Samsun with many others from my flight. We lived there most of the time, including the very cold winter. We had a dog named Gnarf who loved us Americans but hated turks. An askari shot him on the beach, right through the chest, but he lived. He was really mean. A great watch dog. Looking back on it, I really enjoyed my time there (May 68 through August 69, I think). I wouldn't want to do it again though.
Jim Summerlin jsummerlin@satx.rr.com
Hey, My name is Bill Dover. I was in Samsun from 4/57 to 10/58; Baker trick chief in Elint. I think I met Skinner at SS Hdqtrs after I returned and before he left for Turkey. Tony Dombroski was there and ended up at SS hdqtrs in San Antonio with a whole bunch of us. Perry Cole was a linquist over there in the same time period and we ended up marrying sisters. I think half the guys that went to San Antonio ended up getting married there. I remember Flynn, and think I remeber Crowley. There was only about 150 of us there back then, lived in town, no barracks,no mess hall, ate mutton & water buffalo The guys that I know of or about are Billy Driskill, Perry Cole, George Gorham,Gene Barnes, Miller, Hovick, Danford, Sgt. McBride.Other guys that were there during that time James Garmon, Sgt. Hudson, Capt. Talbot, Capt. Williams, Becker, Emory Harry, Robert O. Rader, Robert Day, Gene Barnes and my buddy Gene Jones, Eugene Cook,Tex Cowart, Buzz Costner, Carathurs, Savage, We built the baseball field and outdoor movie screen on the property of the American Tobacco Company.Baker trick won the softball championship in 1958 mostly on the strength of our pitcher, a guy named Larry Wedge. We also had one hell of a Turk Stomp one night down there at the field in 1958. My girl in Samsun was a school teacher named Pinar Chacmak. Anyone know her?
I spent a lot of time hunting, fishing, horseback riding.
I can remember the names of half the guys over there but I can remember the name of the guy that started this web page (old age)but you havce done a great job. When I get some of my slides scanned in I'd love to share them with you guys, Bill Dover email: billdover@earthlink.net
Hey there, Cliff Carey Samsun 66-67. Intercept, log checker dog trick, played basketball, worked AFRTS part time.
ccare@triton.net
Hi George, Larry Hunn - Russian Voice - Nov 1958 thru Nov 1959. It was good to meet you face to face last summer. Thanks for all your work on this great site. Would like to hear from anyone who served in the 1958-1959 time period. My e-mail address is larryhunn@juno.com
Hi, Dave Moyer here. Was stationed at Samsun from '62 - '64. Worked at Upper Ops(GLR-1) in Mission Control. Stumbled on to this site and it provoked a lot of memories... Hard to believe that its been 40 years since seeing the place.
Hi Dave M.! Tom Janke here (64/65). Yes! Time flies! Just discovered exactly 40 year old orders posting 75 A3Cs to Syracuse for various lingos!
Hamdi Tdemir ,8 december 2002, hi, hey I live in Samsun,yes Im a local-national and Im interested in USAF and US military and bases in Turkey. So I know many information on it. dont think Im a ignorant Turk. My aunt's husband is an american and he was also working at samsun station in 80s. anyways if you want I can help you and provide you anything about samsun. just mail me ok.
Hamdi Tdemir ,8 december 2002, hi, hey I live in Samsun,yes Im a local-national and Im interested in USAF and US military and bases in Turkey. So I know many information on it. dont think Im a ignorant Turk. My aunt's husband is an american and he was also working at samsun station in 80s. anyways if you want I can help you and provide you anything about samsun. just mail me ok. cemhamdi@hotmail.com
Great site. I wasn't stationed at Samsun, but can't resist adding a comment or two. I was detachment interpreter/translator and general factotum at Det-4 Sinop '57-'59, and used to have to drive my jeep over to Samsun every two months or so to beg or borrow stuff we couldn't get. Sorry I never had time to get to know anybody there. But boy, did we hate you guys living on the economy when we were up on that wind-blasted Hill in Jamesway huts, mud and outhouses that flew down the hill during storms. I defected to the Air Force and after Skytop came back to ops at Det 3 Karamursel '60--'63. Did a couple of short TDY's to Samsun and Trabzon. It was a great life. Dick Riedy, burada@earthlink.net
DAVE PHIPPS 11/63-12/64 EMAIL KPHIPPS@ANGELFIRE.COM SHOT A LOT OF POOL AND DRANK A LOT OF JACK DANIELS @$2.40 A BOTTLE.
Dave Phipps 11/63-12/64 294XX thanks for great site.C shift Elint analyst "up the hill". Worked Mid when Kennedy shot also was there for Bob Hope attempt. Anyone heard from Larry Kirn, Jim Hart, Norm Brown, Tivis Stophel, Jon Parlier, Gary Kaye, Price Courtwright, others from that time? Now live in Va. Email kphipps@angelfire.com
Hi, I was a 294 at Sam I beleive it was late 66-67. Many great general memories but can't remember names. Thanks for the site
email ogdenhlcrazy@ev1.net
FRANK HORVATH, 1967-1968. 20351. Dog Flight. 454 days of eternity. I was given the tour of the base the first day and started my countdown calendar. Every night before turning in, I would open the closet door and cross off a day. 454 days WITHOUT many things you take for granted. Thank God for a great mission and a great bunch of drinking, card playing, basketball playing and partying animals like myself! Also spending lots of time in the gym learning karate from Jim (?) Baumgardner (?).
Frankhorvath@peoplepc.com Formally of Buffalo, NY. Now Little River, SC
My Father, Richie "Stud" Studwell, was part of 3-2 in 66 - 67. He's is still living in Long Island, NY with my mom. He was on the Basketball team and broke his ankle while he was there! Would love to hear from anyone who knew him and I'm sure he's love to hear from you as well! My email address is AnastaciaLee13@Yahoo.com
Hello,
Bill Hunter here and I was at Sam from Feb 67-Apr68. I worked at the Education Center. I worked for Ross G. Morris, Capt, Services Sq., Wilson Abney, who was NCOIC, Education and some more acquaintances were Mike Dew, who ran the gym, Pete Cousins, who was a carpenter, I also knew Larry Carter, Dick Sacks, Roger Sperry, Fred Mengi (sp) Jack Phillips, Fred Bybee, who were all, I think in the Supply Org. Also Tree Top, Ray, Mgr of the NCO Club, Ho John-waiter there. Ismet- (smitty) base laundry was also good friend of mine. I knew the Turkish gal who worked in the personnel office, but cannot recall her name. Also there was a gal called Acevedo and Max Winkler was 1st shirt then.
I was reading some of the comments in your website and noticed Bob Underwood had made some comments. I did not notice an email address from him though-if you could relay mine to any or all of the above for further communication.
I retired in 1982 and have been in the general aviation world in contracts, purchasing area. Currently, I am located in Macon, Ga.
Great site. Keep up the good work. Best Regards to those who read-Bill H. My email is hunte818@bellsouth.net
Hello, I'm Harold (Skip) Boone. I was stationed at Manzarali (? Site 23) in 1962. I played basketball and have some nice memories of a tournament played in Bitburg, Germany. I am trying to find an article that must have been written in the Stars and Stripes about the Mediteranean basketball tournament held in Instanbul during the month of February, 1965. I remember the first two games we won-I scored 40 points per game, but the games had to be replayed because the clock was off by a minute or two????? Anyway, I was due to ship back to the states and left for Ankara via train to return to the states. I am looking for any article which was probably written in the Stars and Stripes newspaper about the tournament........could anyone please help???????
Hi, This is George Campbell, owner of the site. I have a request from someone for Harold (Skip) Boone's email address. I see that you've posted here Harold, so leave another guestbook entry and include your email address. I guarantee someone will contact you.
High, My name is John Kodak I was stationed at Samsun 1961/62 Air Force Communications Service.
I actually purchased a female bear cub that was intended to become Goulons mate. She was about 70# when I left there.
In addition to the regular duties and managed the "Photo Lab" and helped maintain the "Radio Station" we had a very good softball team.
I will have to dig back throuth my old photos to see what I can add to the mix.
They built the large complex at the top of the hill while I was there. During the construction of the Chapel and Tennis Courts, we excavated a Roman bath and serval Roman graves.
My Brother-inlaw, who I met at Samsun pointed me to the site.
Was at the site 66-68. Did a lot of reading and went to every sports game. Especially enjoyed watching the base basketball team. Roger Sperry( what a rebounder for his size), Mike Hannah, Dick Lee, Larry Carter (the best shooter I ever saw in the Air Force), Dennis Mcguire (great defender and leader) I was such a fan I once got a technical and was escorted out of the Gym. "Jules Solomon"
Hi,
This is a great website. My name is Bob Topmiller, I was stationed in Samsun from Nov 1960-Feb 1962. I was a 29251. Worked in Ops on the D trick. I also worked in the DF shack. My roomate was Tim Fague. I hated the powder milk served in the ugliest brown formica glasses. It tasted like shit. We used to get ham until it ran out of our ears.You never had to worry about the menu. It was going to have ham on it. I used to hit the slot machines once in a while at the Airman's club. I can remember being buzzed by a Russian Mig coming back from the chow hall on my way back to work in the DF shack. I enjoyed the Spring and Summer. The winter time could be hell. I'm not much on names,but I think I used to relieve Roy Goldsmith in the DF shack. My brother in-law John Kodak was stationed in Samsun at the same time He was in AFCS. He was big in photography. I think Goulon was his buddy. I left the bear alone.
962.
Surfing around and welcome this site. John MacLean, dog trick 64 ELINT. I was the one that wrestled the Turkish Olympic cham.
Does anybody remember eating "Yeni Askeri Soup" ? It was the young solders soup and contained about everything but the kitchen sink, 10-12 kinds of beans, and who knows what else, but it was good! Also, fresh baked bread, hot out of the oven,green Turkish beer, Rocci (licorice drink, clear turned white when mixed with water), the "Pound"and the infamous Turkish cigarettes, I would get a headache just smelling them, and for sure smoking that stuff! Jerry Adams
Yes, I remember the soup and loved it, also the bread which was delicious the day it was baked and doubled as a lethal weapon the following day! I never had eggs with spinach until a Turkish maid cooked them for us one day and loved that also. All things considered, there were worse days than the ones I spent in Samsun!
Jim Naster..... GD/E '62 - '65
Hello oldtimers! Graduated SyracuseU 1959-was in the fire there at Skytop that killed 7 airmen. Spent 6 months on Baker trick then shipped out to Bremerhaven 6913thRSM.I remember riding the 4-bys down to the beach with Turk kids pelting us with rocks. Our trick cleaned/decorated the old French church in town for Christmas 1959, then had to work mids and missed the service all together.Waterfights in the barracks without any officers to bug us. Love to hear from any old 203's. Don Dowling placid1@rochester.rr.com
Bob Bielski - TUSLOG 63-2 (AFCS) 1/68-4/69. Still in touch with former Captain Leon E. Walker/A1C Michael G. Volosov/A1C Herbert H. Blommel. Notfied by Ted Walker that former Captain Joe Mack is deceased. I left Samsun for Langley and then to Cam Ranh Bay and to end my four years to Grand Forks. If you remember me, contact me at RJJB1948@aol.com
Ray Meador Jan 65 - Dec 65 Charlie Flight, GLR, Analyst
My name is Bill Roberts e-mail: wfroberts01@attbi.com
Funny I found this site - I was just looking for info on Samsun, considering all that is going on over there right now. I was at Tuslog 3-2 from 9/63 till 12/64. I was with Air Force Comm Service(AFCS)and I still remember 3-2. It was the first place I ever got 100% blasted when I got a Dear John letter from my fiance's sister. Anybody remember that we used to post the D.J. on the notice board in front of base ops? I remember reading the handbook telling us it was a sub-tropical climate and we got hit with feet of snow. No one had brought heavy coats. I remember the movies every night in the base gym, sitting on foldup chairs. I remember Bob Hope flying around over the base because it was to foggy to land. AFCS used to help take care of the radio station- 10 watts. On Sunday mornings I used to bring a bunch of my albums done to the station to play them on the air. The AFEX sold albums for $2 & change. Bought my first two reel-to-reel tape recorders there. Since I was AFCS, we had a site 15 miles out and 1 mile up on a hill. All dirt road from the intersection with the town road, and some real great dropoffs. I also remember none of the Air Police men at the base sites were allowed to have any ammunition for their .38's. But I'm glad I didn't miss it - the Turkish people were great and they all thought we were rich. I also ended up at a site south of Istanbul for 2 months - believe me, I was glad to get back to 3-2. "Fly and die with T.H.Y" They had just finished the airport when I arrived and I do remember the humpback. The guy who built the airport eventually hung himself in the airport because he ran out of money. I remember the Navy C-130's approaching over the Black Sea and setting down right on the edge of the runway back from the cliff edge and then taxiing to the far end to take off and falling off the runway over the city to gain air speed. I remember a lot of stories from Tuslog 3-2. More later. Bill
My name is Bill Roberts e-mail: wfroberts01@attbi.com
Funny I found this site - I was just looking for info on Samsun, considering all that is going on over there right now. I was at Tuslog 3-2 from 9/63 till 12/64. I was with Air Force Comm Service(AFCS)and I still remember 3-2. It was the first place I ever got 100% blasted when I got a Dear John letter from my fiance's sister. Anybody remember that we used to post the D.J. on the notice board in front of base ops? I remember reading the handbook telling us it was a sub-tropical climate and we got hit with feet of snow. No one had brought heavy coats. I remember the movies every night in the base gym, sitting on foldup chairs. I remember Bob Hope flying around over the base because it was to foggy to land. AFCS used to help take care of the radio station- 10 watts. On Sunday mornings I used to bring a bunch of my albums done to the station to play them on the air. The AFEX sold albums for $2 & change. Bought my first two reel-to-reel tape recorders there. Since I was AFCS, we had a site 15 miles out and 1 mile up on a hill. All dirt road from the intersection with the town road, and some real great dropoffs. I also remember none of the Air Police men at the base sites were allowed to have any ammunition for their .38's. But I'm glad I didn't miss it - the Turkish people were great and they all thought we were rich. I also ended up at a site south of Istanbul for 2 months - believe me, I was glad to get back to 3-2. "Fly and die with T.H.Y" They had just finished the airport when I arrived and I do remember the humpback. The guy who built the airport eventually hung himself in the airport because he ran out of money. I remember the Navy C-130's approaching over the Black Sea and setting down right on the edge of the runway back from the cliff edge and then taxiing to the far end to take off and falling off the runway over the city to gain air speed. I remember a lot of stories from Tuslog 3-2. More later. Bill
Several people have mentioned Navy ship visits to Samsun. I was the Executive Officer aboard the USS Bigelow (DD942) which visited in the late spring of 1962. We were followed all the way from the entrance to the Bosphorus by two Russian Destroyers. We detected them before sighting them via ELINT. Since we knew they were out there, we put all four ship's boilers on the line and steamed slowly out of the entrance between them. We slowly steamed along, turning south toward Samsun with them trailing along for about an hour. As we observed them, we figured they were not ready for high speed, so we turned on maximum speed, about 36 knots (about 45 mph) and took off over the horizon. It took them two days to catch up. thereafter they stayed "at the ready" for any more of our high speed tricks as evidenced by the continuing columns of black smoke from their stacks. On that trip we also headed up towards Odessa just to bug them and to see what their reaction would be. It was just more ships! We visited Eregli on the way to Samsun (or vice versa, my dimming memory fails me). I do remember standing looking out the windows of the O Club at them all steaming back and forth waiting for us to leave. I remember being given some old Greek coins that had been dug up somewhere near Samsun in some old ruins. I guess my ex-wife still has them.
Thank you for reminding me of this little footnote to my career in the Navy.
CAPT Joe Felt USN (Retired) http://www.pioneernet.net/joensun/persdata.htm joensun@pioneernet.net
To: Capt. Felt Just a small point to make about your post. Those old coins were Roman not Greek, they could be purchased literally by the shovel full in downtown Samsun. Some of us here may not be aware of this historical tidbit about the area. Approximately 25 miles south of Samsun at the pass thru the mountains on the road to Ankara there is a historical billboard which marks it as the spot Caesar stood upon as he said," Veni,vidi,vici". Somewhere in my archives I have a photograph of my family standing next to it. Samsun was an important Roman outpost 2000 years ago. Jim Naster... GDE '62-65
I am Terry Lee Frock. I was there from 1961 to 1963. I worked in lower ops as electronic interscepter operater on Dog Trick. My e-mail address is pfrock@kc.rr.com Some one please reply to my e-mail address so I'll know I got through ocky. I have more to talk about and have pictures I took there that I can share. Thanks, Terry Lee Frock
Remember those snails you couldn't help snapping with every step on the walk to lower ops? Or those haggling sessions in town for Turkish towels and robes, puzzle rings and meerschaum pipes? I recently discovered an 8x10 B&W of Li'l Egypt dancing! I have a recent map of Samsun, showing "our" ridge centrally located in a sprawling city! Do any of you 203s have Book II of Intensive Russian (lessns 17-32) c. '56-'58 or thereabouts that I could copy? TIA, tomjanke@yahoo.com 64-65
Sam Pool, Prescott AZ. I was a ditty bopper at "Sam" from late '57 till about mid '58 ... got hauled back to Mainsite 'cause they needed more folks there. The pictures bring back a lot of fond memories. There was no "base" back then. We lived in apartments or houses and hired maids who cooked and cleaned. Great site!
John McKeown I worked for General Dynamics on the "Yeni Radar" from July 62 to May 65. When we first arrived in Samsun stayed at the Vidinli Hotel, rather primative in those days. Enjoyed the Civilian Club, the Officers and Enlisted Clubs. Learned turkish thru University of Maryland estension course, by remembering greeting phrases such as "Na silsiniz" by saying "nasil sinus". The early transportaion between town and the airbase was in the back end of an airforce truck. You notified the driver to stop by stomping on the floor and shouting "Dur Abbe" or Dear Abbey.
wjmckeown@msn.com
John McKeown I worked for General Dynamics on the "Yeni Radar" from July 62 to May 65. When we first arrived in Samsun stayed at the Vidinli Hotel, rather primative in those days. Enjoyed the Civilian Club, the Officers and Enlisted Clubs. Learned turkish thru University of Maryland estension course, by remembering greeting phrases such as "Na silsiniz" by saying "nasil sinus". The early transportaion between town and the airbase was in the back end of an airforce truck. You notified the driver to stop by stomping on the floor and shouting "Dur Abbe" or Dear Abbey.
wjmckeown@msn.com
Chuck Herman, was at Det 3-2, Samsum from Jan 60 to Dec 60. Can;t remember what trick I was on but was a 29251, ditty booper. enjoyed my year there out of tech school at Keesler. Who remembers Goulon the base mascot (bear). We used to take him down to the beach with us and wrestle with him until a Turk guard teased him at his cage with a small dog. Goulon got ahold of the dog and ate it. Thats when we built him a new and permanant cage that he stayed in 24-7. Remember all the good shows we got at the club, the poker games with everyone from A1c thru officers playing together. Nice hot Turkish bread, Turkish Compounds. I got lots of pictures and when I get a chance I will put some on this site. Left Turkey for a tour in Iraklion Crete. Last assignment in Security Service because I married a Greek gal and got tossed out of the job. Spent the next 20 yeas in the Ops field. Anyone remember me from 1960.
Charlie Herman - To George Campbell. Let me give you the true story about goulon the Bear and his new cage. I arrive in Samsum about Jan 4, 1960. At that time it was a ritual to play a joke on the new guys at the detachment. When you first arrived you spent a couple of days in what I guess was a transient barracks while waitint to be assigned to your permanent quarters. The joke was some guys would take goulon up to the barracks while the new guys were sleeping, open the room door, shove Goulon into the room and you would wake up to see a brown bear in your room. The problem was you didn't know this was the base mascot and were lucky not to have a heart attack over it. the bear was brought to the base by a second Lt who was TDY at the site, went to town, got drunk and purchased this Dancing Bear from the nite club. He took it out to the base with him where it lived for a long time. When I got there in 60, there was an old Conex box between the main street and the ball field. Gulon was in this cage with a chain to secure him. The reason for the chain was because there was a large hole in the top of the box and he could climb on top but couldn't go any further because of the chain. When we had ball games we would take him out of the cage and onto the field. We also took him down to the beach frequently on a base truck. He would climb onto the cab while going thru town and the Turks would go crazy. I have some picture wrestle with him on the beach. He was a lot of fun to play with. There was a lot of talk about building him a new cage for a long time. One day a Turk guard. Akara, coming up the rode fro the compound area carrying a small dog, decided to go over to the conex box and started teasing him with the dog near the cage. The guard was holding the dog and the bear quickly swiped at the dog and got it into the cage and had a feast. Prior to this, the dog was never aloud to have the tase of blood. We would feed him bread and other food from the chow hall but never meat. Once he got the taste of meat and blood, that was it. The new cage along side the field with the tire hanging in it was constructed very quickly, Goulon was put into it and never again aloud outside like in the past. That was a sad day. The story about him going to the chow hall in your message is not the real story. The eating of the dog was the real story. When I get a chance I will put some pictures of the bear and other things on the site. I have thousands of pics from there because I used to go the the hobby shop dark room and load my file which was free so I took lots of pic. Any questions about Goulon, please e-mail me at Seeherman@aol.com, and I will be glad to answer whatever I can.
Chuck Herman - To Dave Matteson. I was just looking at your pictures on this site. You look a little familiar, but it wasn't you that caught my attention. It was John "Red" Wright. John and I and 2 others graduated from Keesler together and all 4 of us took the week long trip to Samsum together. It was an interesting trip. It took a week from Charleston to Samsum. We took a C121 from Charleston, to Greenland, to the Azores, to Morroco, to Tripili. We spent New years eve drunk on our butts at the club in Wheelus. We were out drinking until about 1 pm, went back to the transient barracks and got kindof sick, left the base at 3am in a crowded bus to the civilian airport where we got on a civilian champagne flight to Athens. I son't know about John but I did not want to come near that champangne after all I drunk at the club. From Athens we went to Istanbul, arriving there on friday or Saturday and had to wait til monday to take the ferry across to Karamasil to clear in there. Well on Sunday John and I and I think the other 2 went down to window shop at the compound street. Boy what a show. While walking down the street and looking into the windows of all the buildings, a Red headed gal with gold teeth and a clad only in a pair of panties came out the door and seen Johns red hair, an shoulted in enlish "F..ky F..ky GI. She had red hair and wnated John because he had red hair. Well John was a little reluctant so I went in with him, and he had the red haired gal and I got another one and it was our first experience with the couplounds. I wonder if John remembers this story. i could not believe it when I seen his picture with you. He and I was both from New Jersey. I had always wondered what had happened to him. Let me know if you have contact with him. I also like you picture of the snow on the base. I was problable there when that picture was taken. I was there the full year of 1960.
JORDAN, Charles A.(Tony) 1963-1965 29450. 2T from 6915th. Was appointed Delta Flight Chief at the Yenni Site. An E-5(Spot)in an E-7 Billet. Replaced an E-6 who was as old as my dad. No supervisory training or experience and was running a shift. Learned to write APRs and Forms 2 in a hurry. Fortunately had very few disciplinary problems. A good crew of guys. Regards to all you "Abis" canthonyjordan@hotmail.com
David H. Brown..63-64..Not sure of the dates, Month/ day, etc. Was a 291..Remember CMSGT Lindsey was the NCOIC..Remember the site being buzzed by a Mig a couple of times..Remember when the Turks in Food Service went on strike, Think I pulled KP for a month..When I was there Golon the Bear had a cage down by the ball field I believe, and a big truck tire that he played with, seems like sometimes during that period they pulled his teeth and he could only gum his food. I remember Tim, a Pole Climber, cant remember his last name right now, and cant remember any of the other guys names right now, been a long time!!, I remember the faces but not the names..Got the location of this Site from the 6924th Site and was delighted to find it. One thing I remember so well was the Merchant Marine Ship that docked there in Samsun and all the crew came everyday to the Club, We stayed drunk something afful while they were there..Everyday when the came in one would take off his hat, turn it up on the bar and they would fill it with money for drinks all around, when it got empty they would fill it again. We were not allowed to drink coffee, the Seamen would take your coffee and replace it with a double shot. Guys falling out in the Movie House, They would come get us out of bed..There was no place to hide..Great Memories..Many Thanks for putting up this Site... olejug3@knology.net
RE: Maclean, John (REF 2/15/03) 1964 ELINT Hey John. Send me a note. Tony Jordan canthonyjordan@ hotmail.com
Mike Holder, redfish@tgn.net ELINT GLR/FLR charlie trick 65-66. Came back to Sam 5 times TDY from EURSCTYRGN. Number 33 on basketball team is Rodney (hotrod) Davis, charlie trick mission supe. Number 7 in able trick photo is Melvin Henderson.
Hi, John Fox here. I arrived in Turkey Feb 26, 1968 and was assigned to Trabzon TUSLOG Det 3-1 as a dittybopper. Spent my time there till November 1968 and transferred to Samsun Det 3-2 for the remainder of my time. Rotated back May 26, 1969. I remember long hours of boredom and some of the craziest guys I'll ever know. The only guy from my Keesler tech school class that went with me to Trab was Lenny Ring, Lakeland, FLA. He stayed in Trab when I went to Samsun. I remember Billy Boston, my first roomy there, Mojo and Marty, Doc Holliday from Baltimore, Norm Pleggi of Massachusetts and others. I remember the Hong Kong flu, the sickest I've ever been in my life, when a bunch of guys went home for Christmas leave 1968 and brought it back with them. My E-mail address is John.fox43@verizon.net. Great Site!!
The long time website Chuck Maki created for those American Military in Turkey people has made a comeback. It's now www.merhabaturkey.com and we'd like to expand the website by including your stories. If you were stationed in Turkey at any time, and have some reminiscences (and photos encouraged, too), please let me know:
info@merhabaturkey.com
Cheers! Jan Claire Karamursel 1959-61
Price Courtright Feb 1964 to March 1965 ELINT Analyst on the Hill
Responding to post of Dave Phipps...
Dave, if you get a chance to see this, respond to unitasker@hotmail.com
I tried to get in touch using your posted e-mail addy but no luck...
Also looking for L.T. Kirn, Michael J. Huennekens, Don R. Shytle, or others who were there at the same time... Sorry, time has dulled my memory... :o)
"Dave Phipps 11/63-12/64 294XX thanks for great site.C shift Elint analyst "up the hill". Worked Mid when Kennedy shot also was there for Bob Hope attempt. Anyone heard from Larry Kirn, Jim Hart, Norm Brown, Tivis Stophel, Jon Parlier, Gary Kaye, Price Courtwright, others from that time? Now live in Va. Email kphipps@angelfire.com"
Hi, my name is Ed Pimm. I was stationed at KAS from 5/66 to 10/67. Never hadthe "Pleasure" of visiting Trabzon or Samsun. I only got to see you guys when to traveled to the "Big base." I worked in Finance and part-time at the airmen's club. I remember bumoing into Lenny Helvig one day in the snack bar. I'd love toh ear from anyone who recognizes my name. orangecar4@hotmail.com
to Price Courtright I tried unitasker@hotmail and have not had reply. You may also try me at davephipps@earthlink.net if you read this. Hope to hear from you and any others from '64. Have talked to Parlier and Stophel. Thanks again for site.
I spent a few long months on the "hill" in 69 befor going to det4-4 for the duration dec.71. Anybody remember trying to get the title of "trick pig" I won it once for eating popcorn spit out on the floor at the movie theater.Yea we was all nuts then! Phil Fogle zoobeedo@yahoo.com
"J.J." Kavanagh, Feb '63 to Jun '64, on Able in ELINT, started with old ops, then moved to the other side, in the Golf Ball. Finished as a day analyst up the hill. Reading through the comments brought back many memories. Kennedy assasination. Bob Hope's airborn broadcast. The night that "Sweet Pea" was shot. Burn details and cleaning out the incinerator afterwards. The ship loaded with corn that sank just off the breakwater while trying to leave the harborn during a storm. "Goatburgers" and Raki - especially the Raki.
best wishes
Jim Kavanagh [germanjim@comcast.net]
Just got my latest copy of FTVA Remain In Touch and was stunned to see Arlen Trapp's notice that Roy "Goldy" Goldsmith had died May 19 '03 of a heart attack. "Goldy" manned the DF shack for Able in 60-61. Before that he was with 6913th. "Goldy" contacted me a couple of years ago after finding the Tuslog sites including mine. He really got a kick of the old memories there. "I think it's great!!!", he said. He went on after the AF to become Lead Communications Mission Planner at NASA and retired in '95. Anyone who would like some more info about him can contact me. RIP, "Goldy" 78's. Dave Matteson USAF1135@aol.com
John Laughrey. I was the maintenance officer in 1969/70 and was there for the teardown and closure. Just as we were getting the antennas back to 100%, we pulled the plug in December 1969.
I was assigned to Samsun directly out of tech school at Kessler AFB Mississippi. I arrived at Samsun the end of February 63 and stayed until May of 64. I will try to locate my pictures from that time frame and send them to you. I will attach some pictures I just received from James Yaich. I’m very happy to find your site and I’ll try to keep in touch. I currently live in Centennial CO. (just outside of Denver) Home e-mail tednlinda@comcast.net
Ted Brown x 205/294
Albert Killingsworth (albertk@charter.net). I was with Det. 10, TUSLOG, HQ, Incirlik, in 1955-56. Would like to hear from anyone who was there then.
Albert Killingsworth (albertk@charter.net). I was with Det. 10, TUSLOG, HQ, Incirlik, in 1955-56. Would like to hear from anyone who was there then.
Mark Hooper - 203 (forgot what shift) from about Dec 61 to Mar 63. Plenty of good times. Would like to hear from my 'old' buddies. After 40 years I have forgotten some names, but reading Chuck Weaver's message refreshed this old memory - John Riley was my roomie at Skytop and Doug Glenn drove us around Goodbuddie AFB. Shift work was tough but there was always the club or gym or sampling the delights at Pavyon Denis. Great site here, thanks for rekindling memories.
Mark Hooper again - forgot to add my email address, which is xbergti9902@wideopenwest.com Drop a line, ok?
John (ED) Sullivan Echospass@aol.com 69/70 Maintenance.
John (ED) Sullivan Echospass@aol.com 69/70 Maintenance.
My name Is Ronald Ware. I was a 203 and arrived at Samsun the first week of 1961. My roommate and best friend was Robert Potts. Played basketball, softball and bowled. Would like to hear from any of my friends. My e-mail address is ronware@adelphia.net. I was there when an AF plane left Trabzon and asked us to turn on the runway lights so it could land. We let him know we had none and he almost landed on base. Just missed the water tower. Remember taking turns setting pins at the bowling alley so we could bowl all night.
Philip Ryals, in Samsun 68-69 with Det 63-2 (AFCS) as a tech controller. I alternated between the comm center at upper ops and the tropo site up on top of the mountain (five air miles, but fifteen miles by road). Don't remember many folks names, but I still vividly remember the radio equipment we used and the challenges we had keeping it working. pryals@comcast.net
Jim St.Cyr and I was at Samsun in 65-66. Remember Naster well. Called him Nasty of course. jimstcyr@yahoo.com
A2C Pete McDonough - AFCS about 6/66-10/76 Worked Tropo Scatter at remote site about 8 miles up the hill. Friends I recall - Joe Mariani - HF Radio, Doug Bramstorm - Tropo, Chick Sanders - Tropo, ? Neal - Tropo, Don Morris - Gnd Power, Sgt. Sheldon - HF Radio, Dave Hendricks - Tropo, ? Smith - Gnd Power, Lt.Hughes - Others I can look up,post and have pictures to upload.
My husband Roger Bastian served at Samsun from October 62 to December 63. I don't know what he did there, he would never tell us. But he was there when President Kennedy was shot and I have the teletype from that. He was glad to serve his country. If you knew him, email mebastian@juno.com
A2C - Pete McDonough AFCS Tropo - forgot to add the EMAIL. Will send pictures and relate stories ...would do it all over again...Proud to have served with a great bunch!
BTIRECORDS@COX.NET
MERRY CHRISTMAS! 03'
Pete
Perhaps Martin J. Mintz could share with us how he came to receive periodic "Care Packages" with canned "Chicken Pieces and Matzoh Balls" and Raisin Wine.
Jim Wingo Tuslog Det 3-2 1958/59/60 jimw203@mindspring.com
This is an update to my earlier comment. I was surprised to find my name on the same "Good Conduct" orders that Marty Mintz posted in the photo gallery. If anyone has Marty's email address, please forward it to me.
Jim Wingo Det 3-2 58/59/60 jimw203@mindspring.com
This is an update to my earlier comment. I was surprised to find my name on the same "Good Conduct" orders that Marty Mintz posted in the photo gallery. If anyone has Marty's email address, please forward it to me.
Jim Wingo Det 3-2 58/59/60 jimw203@mindspring.com
I was stationed as a linguist in the 1967 to early 1968 time period.
Does anybody else remember the "mosiac" beside the road from the base down to the lower operations building ? There was a very threatening sign posted beside the ancient mosiac, warning anyone who might steal a piece of it. I wonder how many chunks of this artifact wound up back in the States ?
Art Hall 1967-1968 dougxxx@comcast.net
Barry Sparkes, do you remember being my roommate in Samsun, and our trips to Amasya ?
Art Hall 1967-1968 dougxxx@comcast.net
Chief Clerk for 63-2 afcs from 1/68-4/69. worked for capt. ted walker (whom I still communicate with) and CMSGT Euchner. would not trade the 15 month experience for a million but would not give you 1 cent for another minute in turkey. went to nam after turkey and still would not give you 1 cent for a trade of assignment to get back to turkey.
Bob Bielski
Anyone in the late '67 to early '68 period remember "Harley Davidson Plante" on Charlie Flight ? And if so, do you remember the great launching of the sailboat he built in Samsun harbor ?
SSGT Art Hall 20351 //// dahquincy@comcast.net
Merhaba, Vic Weisskopf, Accounting & Finance at Trabzon, Jan '69 thru Feb '70. Our CO was Ken Saylor, then a Lt Col. You Sam guys still have all the best stuff! One odd memory (among many), is the week when a group of US Army troops from Erzerum (way out on the Anatolian Plateau to the east) came to Trabzon for "R & R". If any Det 3-1 members are checking out this site, give me a shout at uhrensamlr@aol.com.
Jerry Hebert, Radio Maintenance along with Jerry Falls and Pete Williams (61,62). Loved the job, hated the place. Major claim to fame was that we delivered a truckload of Booze to Trabzon after the Brits drank us all dry when they put in. Someone was kind enough to recognize a true emergeny and send in a 130 full of good stuff with the understanding that we had to share with Trab. What a fun bunch! My boss was MSgt James R. McMullen, one of the finest individuals I have ever met. gfhebert@access4less.net
Sorry we did not know about your website sooner, Tom would have loved to have seen it. Tom Uhlmeyer 64/ 66 - TUSLOG 3-2, passed away 2/25/04. Our children are very happy to see the pictures you have posted, to go with his stories of his time there. Especially of his trip to Amasya - as he enjoyed it so much. Thank you for helping with our memories of his time there. Laura Uhlmeyer n6nyg@charter.net
My name is Tom Steele, MSgt Ret. I was a 294X0(205X0) stationed at Samsun from Nov 68 to Jan 70 on Baker Trick. I got there the day before Thanksgiving, what a bummer. I came to Sam directly from Keesler AFB, Ms. I remember the first morning I walked out of the barracks and looked all the way down the main drag from the main gate, looking out at the Black Sea. It was a real empty scary feeling for this WVa boy a long way from home. I had gotten married in June of 68 which made things even harder. I hated almost every minute I was there but looking back I guess there were some good moments. Anybody who knew me probably wouldn't believe I stayed in for twenty years and retired because I was anamate about getting out after "my 4 years". I still keep in touch with Tom Flanagan, 294X0 flight analyst, after all these years. I spent a lot of time in the NCO club playing pinochle with the group that played there every day. I worked my self up the ladder to be partnered with 'Doc' one of the best players. I remember the lousy food at the mess hall, powdered milk and eggs, no sugar for coffee. The cold "hawk" blowing all the time, the freezing walks down to the Rec Center at lower Ops, the hail storms with so much hail we used the hail to fill up our beer coolers, lots of good and bad movies seen over and over again just for something to do. I wasn't all negative there were some good times; field trips, sports, friendships that lasted for some time after we departed Sam. I have some pictures that I would share and would welcome contact from anybody who knew me.
bill fifield july 1957 to march 1958 sure glad to catch the boat out of there. room mate where danny shea and jim wilms (sp)
just finished reading all the posts. sure brings back some memories. there from july 1957 till march 1958 20150. usually worked swing shift drove the 6x6 at times. capt talbot was the boss. we figured he hated the turks more then he hated us. he made col. and went to work for the cia as did I. he finally retired (1975)went home, his wife kicked him out and he died. does anyone remember xmas 1957?? when the club was destroyed. and the fight at the "new apartments" ??
I have attempted to contact Bill Hunter, Jim Cigens, and Ed Wilson, with no success. If any of you read this posting contact me at robertunderwood1@cox.net.
I really enjoy this site, brings back good memories.
Thanks/Bob Underwood
I forgot to include my email address in my first posting. I attempted to contact Bill Hunter and Ed Wilson with no success. If either or both of you see this posting please contact me. My email address is: robertunderwood1@cox.net.
Thanks/Bob Underwood
(This is Terry Lee Frock. My e-mail address has changed to tfrock1@juno.com)Dog Trick. 1961-1963
Hello to a past I thought most forgot. This is/was ssgt Payne, Able flight/trick. I was a 292/203 and the mission supv. from '66-67. I remember the boar hunt(s), trying to eat it when we were all drunk, etc. I also remember Harley Davidson Plante Jr. III; there are a lot of stories about this fellow; I remember when he had a tri-color (?dodge?) at Keesler, and we were his "friends" so he could take us to Pascquegoula(SP?) for wine, women and song (we wished).I left Samsun, went back to "learn" French at DLIWC, then back to Advanced Rus. at the same place, got a BA and M.ed, Flew out of the 6990th at Okinawa, etc. and etc. I remember Tree Top, who was waving a fire extinguisher around my room in the barracks while everyone else on able flight was watching a skin flick agains my wall-and that was the first week I came to Sam. Lots of stories; thanks for posting the website, George. I am now retired, live in a motor home with my wife, and will spend this summer in Alaska fishing, etc. Take care; will review this site in a few months when I return from Alaska. Remember the Carling Black Label beer-in rusted cans? Green hot dogs? Guy Payne, Msgt, Ret. at paynesnw@harbornet.com
George Gorham 1957-1958 Hike14ergmg@cs.com
My name is Mike Franks and I went into the Air Force by way of Chatham, NY. I was a 203 who went to Syracuse from the Summer of '67 to Spring of '68. I arrived in Samsun in Sept '68 and became a member of Baker Trick. I left in Dec '69 and spent the remainder of my AF time at NSA in Maryaland. I "retired" after four years (although I almost got suckered into re-enlisting by the VRB) and have been a civilian ever since. While I was in Turkey/Samsun I generally disliked/hated being there. But with the advantage of time and distance I can look back with more objectivity (?). Over the years, I have occasionally reminisced about my 15 months in Turkey and Samsun. Usually, I have reminisced just in my mind, because no one was interested in hearing about my experiences in Turkey (unless, of course, I could connect my experiences with "Midnight Express"). My memories are usually somewhat fond ones. What has made them so are, mainly, some of the people that I shared my time with there: Ray Garcia; Bill Sereday; Tom Flanagan; "Fergie"; John Cook; "Frenchy"; Travastino; Sgt Sargent; Jerry Sloan; and many others whose names I can't remember at this moment, but whose faces I can see in my mind. There were other positive aspects to being at Samsun. Being able to play all the seasonal sports was one of the highlights: Basketball (I fondly remember a rag-tag team Baker fielded whose lack of seriousness and natural athletic ability infuriated the jocks on the base); Flag Football (I got to go to Izmir with the base team); Slow-pitch Softball; and those sports which held tournaments at various places around the world (In order to go, one didn't even have to know how to play the sport he just had to get permission from his supervisor and not have any competition from others on the base. I was fortunate enough to spend 30 days TDY going to track meets in Ankara, Germany and Texas). Other positive aspects of the time I spent being in Turkey follow (not necessarily in order of my fondness for them): Trips around the country (i.e. Ankara and to the Hittite ruins); the base black & white photo lab (I still have some of those photos); pistachios; our beach house and the dog there, Gnarf; English bands (with females!!) that came to NCO club; slot machines at the club (I remember getting $5 in a Xmas card from my little sister and immediately going and losing the gift in the nickle and dime machines - Boy did I feel guilty!); buying stereo equipment and then listening to wonderful music that helped kill time; reading novels and periodicals; going into Samsun and having chai, and having little kids throw stones and spitting at us; eating four large meals per day (especially the breakfasts); realizing that as bad as I thought Turkey was it was a million times better than being exposed to combat in Viet Nam; being elated that it was a "lifer" (and not an under four Airman) who got pinched for cutting into shreds the Turkish flag that flew on the base (and the fact that 90,000 Turks from Samsun didn't subsequently storm the base and kill us all); and flying back to "The World" with the hopes that I might get to spend some time with a female. I have enjoyed sharing the above with you. If anyone wishes to contact me, I can be reached at mfranks@nycap.rr.com or POB 2, Glenmont, NY 12077.
I was at Skytop from April - Oct, 1960. Rumanian class. Started out in a room in the barracks at the far right of your photo, nearest the tennis courts. Later moved to the Brick dorm on the main road. The other dorm was built later. and the baby factory didn't exist at all when we were there. How things do change. Our class went to TUSLOG DET-3 after finishing school at Goodbuddy. Dale Cox 60-64 dalecox20351@yahoo.com
my name is jack mitchell i was there from 1956 to 1957 with a total count of 40 men.my mailing is address is 1204 virginia ct marlton nj 08053
Hi Guys Jack Mitchell again.I was sent from Ankara in 1956 to Samsun. Left for 6 Months TDY in Crete. Returned to Samsun and left in 1957. Bil Dover is right, Capt Talbot was the Co. with 3 supporting officers.There was 18 Turkish lira to the Dollar!!!We live in our own apts. $50.00 dollars a month with a maid. please write if you remember me my address. 1204 virginia ct marlton n.j. 08053
This is Mike Stanley, and I was stationed at TUSLOG Det 3-2 from mid-June 1966 until mid-September 1967. As someone commented earlier, I value the 15 months I spent there, and I would actually like to go back to Turkey and spend some time touring, if I could talk my wife into it (once the political situation settles down.)
I was an ELINT operator on Able Flight. Sure would be great if I could hear from Roger Scott, Guy Scott, Gary Charbonneau, and especially Dick Oberg (OBEE)from that era.
Some memories: A harrowing bus trip along the coast road to Trabzon to visit Sal Russo and other buddies who were stationed at Det 3-1.
I only saw photos of this - apparently shortly before I arrived, some enterprising airman had climbed the two big "water towers" and put big letters up on them - HOT and COLD.
Having drinks at the Hotel Vidinli in downtown Samsun.
My friend (and everyone's) Mehmet, who worked in his fathers nut shop. Busy as hell just before the nearby movie theater had a movie starting up.
More later, efendi.
Hi, I was station at6 Samsun for February 64 to May 65 during that time frame Samsun received the FLR system. Me any approximately 6 others had the pleasure of unloading all the antennas. The site has hired 25 truck to bring the equipment up from the White boat. Why they only had 6 or 7 GIs to unload the trucks I’ll never know. We stopped at approximately midnight and were told to report back the next day to complete the job. I believe that was the only time in my carrier that I knowingly disobeyed an order, I had no intention of going back to kill by self. Yes the antennas were labeled HOT and COLD by one of the maintenance men. Ted Brown
Russ Walker 1963-64. I was one of the Security Cops assigned to Samsun. As a matter of fact I was honor graduate for my Air Police class (class 17043 if anyone is interested)and we were told honor graduate would receive his base of choice. Needless to say Samsun was not my base of choice. I have read several stories about Gulan the mascot/bear. Of course Gulan was there when I arrived but there was a second bear of which I have seen/heard nothing. That second bear was "SWEETPEA" and she was kept in a cage at the GLR site as I recall. She was not as docile as Gulan and did escape fairly frequently. As I recall on her last GREAT ESCAPE the security cop on duty at the GLR site was a guy by the name of Lanny "RED" Horvath from someplace in Michigan. Well as I said SWEETPEA escaped and she was running loose inside the fenced area which was OK until she started ripping and tearing at the various cables around the antenna (She had teeth, unlike Gulan) After some time Red Horvath received orders from the base commander ( LTC Fredericks as I recall) to stop Sweetpeas rampage, shoot her if you have to I believe were the orders. We were armed with carbines and pistols I believe. Anyhow Sweetpeacaught many .30 cal carbine rounds and stopped her rampage. The security guys were not the most popular people for quite awhile. Red in particular caught a lot of BS from the troops.
Russ Walker 63-64. Made an entry earlier about Sweetpea the bear being shot at GLR area on orders of the base commander. I said it was a LTC fredericks, but upon reflection I think it was a LTC adkins. Some the other cops there at the same time I was were Charlie Batts, Joe Gray, G.D. Snowden, Ken Morris, Bobby Jackson, Paul Fillo, Ken Leach, Hayward Winstead, Charlie Patterson, ? Lawson, ? Brittingham. Maybe others will come to me later.
5 June, 2004
Jim Naster here and I have some input on the Sweatpea shooting which is somewhat different than what has been posted.
I woerked for GDE at the GLR site in the antenna field to be exact. The day of the shooting I happened to be working in a tower directly in the line of fire from the guard shack to sweatpea's cage. Had a few hair raising moments in there as you might imagine!
As background, Sweatpea was every bit as docile as Goulam, loved beer, donuts and wrestling. She did have a habit of jimmying the lock on her cage however and most of the time just went up on top or played around outside for a while. Generally went back inside with a bit of donut persuasion.
The incident of the shooting had more to do with bragging than orders as we civilians understood it. The airman in question supposedly had stated the next time sweatpea got out of her cage he was going to shoot her and that's exactly what he did! At the time of the shooting she was playing on top of her cage which BTW had no antenna cables anywhere near it, and was no danger to anyone! When the airman began shooting the bullets passed thru Sweatpea and sprayed thru the tower I was working in since I was about 25 yards the other side of the cage. That dumb airman emptied all of his ammo into Sweatpea without killing her and her screams of pain were chilling! Sweatpea finally rolled off the top of her cage and fell to the ground unable to stand up while the airman stood there like an imbecile wondering what to do next. Once the shooting stopped I scrambled out of the tower to see what the hell had happened and should've just dropped the schmuck on the spot!
Since Sweatpea was still suffering a call was put into the main base and the senior MP was immediately sent down to evaluate the mess. He ended up putting her out with a 45 or two into her brain.
In the meantime the GD site supervisor put the word out that any civilian harming the MP would immediately be fired so that kept him safe.
All told the shooting was totally uncalled for and simply the result of a little man making a big boast and then stupidly acting on it! As far as I know there were no instructions by any officer to kill Sweatpea.
That story belongs to our pet wild boar whose death sentance was the order of the base commander. Another dumb move, that boar was as playful as hell and loved company!
Mike Dolce
I was in Samsun November 1967 through February 1969. I was on Dog Flight at opps My email is MDolce1976@aol.com
I'm Jerry Powers. I was at Samsun from early May of '69 until Dec of the same year at which time I was one of the lucky ones (yeah, sure) that was sent up to Sinop to complete my tour. I left Turkey in June of '70. I was an electronic intercept operator. Tom Steele, if you read this, was 'Doc' a black guy? I played softball while I was there and I remember a black guy nicknamed 'Doc'. jrp5808@insightbb.com Anyone is welcome to e-mail me.
Hi Everyone. Ed Kirkham here. I was at Sam from Oct 66 to Oct 67 on Able as Flt Sup. for the 294s. Played 2nd base on softball team with Capt Hiday, Ox Stephan and others I can't remember. Some co-workers were Ralph Lenard, MSgt Massey, Stan Lenderman, Buck Buchanan, Mojo Washington. Probably the best tour work wise in my 20+ AF Career. Got a short after I reenlised and left for San Vito Italy where I met and married my beautiful wife. Current email address edkirkham@msn.com.
Hi, This is a great site. Sure brings back a lot of memories. I was a nineteen-year-old 203 arriving at Samsun in April of 1961 leaving around July of 1962. I was on Able Trick. In the picture of Able Trick, I recognized a number of friends including Gene Gomes, Jim Kwasnieski, Thomson (sorry I forgot the first name), Phil Schiltz and Joe Ondek. Others not in the picture I remember are Gellier (can't remember first name) and Chuck Rosyter.
I remember the movies in the gym and the beach we shared with the water buffalo. Phil Schiltz taught me weight-lifting techniques. Also, I remember making friends with a Turkish army surgeon and helping him with surgery on Turkish soldiers. That is where I got my nickname, "Doc."
I remember the trip over to Frankfurt in an old Air Force C118. Boy was I glad for the PanAm 707 on the return flight!
Would love to hear from any of the guys who where there at the time I was. My email is Droberts65@cox.net.
Hi....I'm Walt Ebie - I was the station manager of the AFRTS radio station in Sam in '67-'68. Working with guys like Frank Selig, George Masur, Ron Jones and Larry Sturholm. Good to see the site and hope to see more photos of those days. I have somewhere a photo of the Mosaic which someone else mentioned that was along the road down to the lower buildings somewhere - if I can find it I'll send it on for posting. Have also submitted a group shot of the radio station crew - maybe you'll see someone you recognize.
Hi....I'm Walt Ebie - I was the station manager of the AFRTS radio station in Sam in '67-'68. Working with guys like Frank Selig, George Masur, Ron Jones and Larry Sturholm. Good to see the site and hope to see more photos of those days. I have somewhere a photo of the Mosaic which someone else mentioned that was along the road down to the lower buildings somewhere - if I can find it I'll send it on for posting. Have also submitted a group shot of the radio station crew - maybe you'll see someone you recognize.
Hello all, Lee Gunderman (A1C), I was at Sam in 63/64 in 63-2 (AFCS) Sure do remember that "Bob Show" Aneta Bryant sand Silent Night over the radio as we were fogged in I think. Had a great time in Turkey and think of it often. Yes I remember most of the events as commented on by others on this site. I have been in Australia since '71' and would welcome any email from fellow AFCS people who were at Sam during my time there. Cheers... leegun@ozemail.com.au
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I don't recall the exact date, but it was in the year of 1967. A group of us, four or five, took a bus from Trabzon, TUSLOG Det 3-1, to Samsun. As we approached the gate, the AP looked at us and asked who we were and where did we come from. We told him we were on leave from Trab. He was astonished. His response said it all, "Yall must be stationed in a really f@#*#8&% place if you come here on leave." Truth of the matter was, you folks had a Class 6 store that sold liquor and we had some friends from tech school stationed there. I found my old friend Roger Scott, an ELINT collector from Hot Springs, Arkansas, and we shared some good times recalling adventures at Thompson Hall, Keesler AFB, MS. I would love to get in contact with him again. kchrisp@earthlink.net
I spent my "remote" year at Samsun, when the base hadn't been built yet. We had operations, snackbar, commander's office, PX, motorpool, Tumpane contractors building, and that's about all I recall. Time frame was June 1958 - June 1959.
In the beginning I did my job in operations and later moved to the TRD-4 (DF hut)near the motor pool.
I arrived on the Black boat and left on the White boat a year later. While there, I lived in (1) the American Hotel, (2) later, The Vidinli Hotel, (3) and then in the Eli Alta housing area. We had a maid, a great one at that, and her name was Haji. She looked like the witch in the Wizard of Oz, but a dependable maid and good cook.
I've got lots of good "pavyon" memories of Samsun. Actually, I really had an enjoyable tour of duty. I regret not having taken any photos while there.
Tom Crowley Lewisville, Texas t.crowley@verizon.net
Hi, I'm Tim Fague and I was stationed at Samsun from December, 1960 to February, 1962 (two Christmases and I was just engaged to be married. My brother found this site where my name was mentioned by Bob Topmiller, my roommate. Unfortunately, Bob did not leave his email address so I don't know how to contact him. But this is a great site that sure does bring back memories. Thanks a bunch. My email is tfague@prodigy.net
Larry Carter
Was at Samsum 66-67 would love to hear from anyone who was there during the same time. LARRYCARTER1946@YAHOO.COM
Hi I had the pleasure of serving at Samsun from December 1967 through February 1969. I don't recall the flight, but I was RT Controller for 14 months plus additional duties when everyone left during my last two months in 69. I do recognize most of the guys in the pics from that period as we were at Syracuse together.
I don't remember a bear! I do remember rocky landings in the fog. I remember centipedes in the shower, midnight movies, playing a triple header after mids. UFO sightings, cheap wine, men without eyebrows coming back from the burn room, a defrocked colonel, shows at the club, one guy losing his bonus to the slots, cheaper wine, playing the golf course and being shot at by a guard, interesting underground cisterns, no evacuation plan!, "Happiness is a nil heard", long bus rides to exotic places, eagerly anticipating the next lame issue of Stars and Stripes, more wine.
I've been retired for 7 years and my wife and I live part of the year in the San Francisco Bay Area and part of the year in the Oregon mountains. Emails are welcome. Jim Moore JMFWAY@Juno.com
Gene McCluskey...........Samsun/1960-1961...30452....very nice site........maccus@gwtc.net
Doug Morris, Base Cop 4/68-7/69 Since first posting on this site a couple of years ago, I hooked up with a good friend I'd lost touch with after leaving Sam... a fellow cop named James Haan. I'm from Washington, James from Texas but coincidently we now live only about 100 miles from each other in Northern California. Nice to have James close again. Thanks for maintaining this site. dougmorriscs@earthlink.net
I was on the Windy Hill from April 63 through about half of 64 (I seem to remember something about 455 days). I was an A2C working in Finance.
One story about Gulan that I have not seen yet pertained to how he got his name. I believe there was a fairly popular Greek (Christian) woman in the "local compound" (remember the compound?) with the same name -- the story as told to me was that she and Gulan shared the same name, because both were very hairy, which if you will recall, was not a trait of traditional Turkish women in Samsun. If I recall (40 years is a long time) the bear was named after the Greek woman, but it may have been vice versa. Anyways, I cannot believe that nobody else has offered this not-so-trivial bit of data.
Also, I have yet to hear mention of the "other bear" that was kept up the road at a site just outside the main base. Her name was Sweetpea and at one time there was talk about mating her with Gulan, but it was nixed because Sweatpea still had all her teeth and Gulan did not. Sweetpea was shot by an AP who panicked one night when she got out of her cage (something that was not at all uncommon for her) and the base marksman had to put her down (after the AP pumped about 8 38's into her). The morale was the lowest we had ever seen on the hill, and the AP was flown out of there like the next day.
If anyone can add to these stories, please do because after 40 years, it's hard to remember everything as it occurs.
posted by: ThomSeabol@provide.net -- TUSLOG Det 3-2 Class of 63-64.
A few corrections about the Sweetpea story although I had posted the correct version here some time ago.
I'm intimately familiar with the incident! I was working in the antenna tower just behind Sweetpea at the time of the shooting and several bullets fired, passed uncomfortably close to me! The incident took place in broad daylight, actually early afternoon, the weapon was a rifle and the bullets were steel or copper jacketed designed not to expand on contact. The airman emptied two clips into, thru, or near Sweetpea without killing her. He did so not out of panic but rather because he had vowed to shoot her the next time she broke out of her cage on his watch! Her habit was to open the door, climb on top of the cage, and play for a bit before being enticed to return with either a doughnut or a can of refreshment. She was less than a year old and wrestled several times a week with anyone willing to play with her, in other words...... Harmless! There was talk of mating her with Gulan when she matured.
While she layed on the ground howling in pain, the airman out of ammunition, and a lot of us wishing it was the airman in her place, the main base was called, the Head AP arrived ASAP and dispatched her with a 45.
We GDE employees were advised to keep hands off the AP at the cost of our jobs! I could go deeper but to no good purpose!
Jim Naster..... GD/E '62- '65
Thanks George for all your effort with this site. My Name Is James C. Caudill, I was an A!C stationed at Samsun, Det 63-2. My tour was from 3/3/64 until 5/14/65. My AFSC was 30450 and my duty assignment was at the remote TROPO site 15 miles from base. The Det 63-2 Commander at that time was 1st LT Walter J. McMahon and the site Supervisor was TSgt Albert O. Moore. I am having trouble recalling the Names of the Men I worked with, but we had fun. I have lots of 8mm Film of these guys but no names. The shift was 24 on and 48 off and we spent allot of the off time in a daze. Remember those nice white rocks that aligned the road entrance from the Main Gate. Two of our guys got drunk one night and one was rolling the rocks down into the ditch while the other came along behind him saying NO, NO while trying to roll them back up the hill to the edge of the road. We finally stopped laughing and helped them get all the rocks back in place before we got caught. There was an Ex WWII German COL.that was the contractor supervisor for the power plant and I don’t know what else. He would be at the motor pool shack when we would be checking out our truck to go to the TROPO site. There was an AP that always came in during that time and would give him a big zig heil, he would just drop his head. The COL was responsible for the locals that operated the power plant down on base plus up at the TROPO site. The locals went on strike and pulled the main switch when they walked out. We had a ground power person that was trying to start all the generators that was scattered around the base. He told us not to say anything but most of them had to be started with a torch, not the standard USAF procedure for starting diesel generators. We were coming back from the TROPO site when we were met outside the Main Gate by a mob of strikers holding a picture of Ataturk. We had been told not to go through any demonstrations were there was a picture of Ataturk. We would move the truck up to the mob as they were trying to hold it back, without actually trying to go through the demonstration. Finally a Turkish Army office arrived on the seen and with just the wave of his had the mob parted and we entered the base. We had two dogs up at the TROPO site anybody from about that time remember them. I also remember getting snowed in on top the TROPO Mountain for several days. Required bulldozer and road graders to get us out. They had just put an aortic cat up there when I left. I spent the last several months there repairing all those nice big reel to reel tape recorder/players that you guys purchased from the AFEX that had problems. I guess that is enough for now. My email address is Griverjimc@comcast.net
Well, thanks to this site Bob Topmiller and I, once roommates, have been able to link up again after 43 years. Thanks again. Tim Fague tfague@prodigy.net
Greetings all of you ex-Sams. My name is Jim Burnside and I was an AP at 3-2 from Nov., 1960 to Feb. 1962. I remember the powdered milk and eggs at the chow hall but I had some very good meals there and at the cafeteria near the bowling alley. Some of my friends were John Horton, Dick Didion, John Calhoun, Colin Chisholm. Would like to hear from them. Email is burnie@otherside.com
Happy New Year to All! Recently received an e-mail from Joe Espich, Comm Ctr., 61-62, after he saw my 3-2 page linked to this site. Also want to pass on a very interesting url that I got on Google: www.fotoajans.com/turkey/ samsun/samsun-i0001.htm this may not work from copy/paste. The photo I think is most interesting is http://www.fotoajans.com/turkey/samsun/samsun_old_04.jpg this is a photo looking toward the cliffs before our base was built. Caution: this is linked to xxx material. There are many other Turkish cities on this site on the home page. Dave Matteson
Hi, everyone! It's George Campbell, owner of the site. I'm really sorry about the commercial stuff that has been posted here. I've deleted all of the messages I could find. I'll try to keep the guestbook free of that nonsense, as much as possible.
George Campbell ososoftminerals@yahoo.com
Tom Brannon Samsun nov 65-feb68...I remember the arriving at the Samsun airport with no instructions on how to get to the base...then I spotted an AF station wagon, Turkish driver. I asked him for a ride to the base, he obliged and proceeded to scare the living crap out of me...doing 70 mph through the little settlement with kids diving into open doorways to get out of the way...I remember passing a drab Turkish hut on the way, somebody had posted a sign on the roof "Howard Johnson's -- 28 flavors"
Hi there folks and fomer sam people!! I justed found your site.Dod not see many names from the past.My tour of duty at sam 1964 to late 1965.Iwas in building maintence. I can not rember the officer in charge.I worked with the turkeyish Nationals and the Tumpane people.I remember golion the bear.I was in charge of the hobby shop at nite. Mabey someone will remember us.I say us because I was the lowest grade Airman that had his wife over there.We lived with the locals downtown.One of our very good friends[turkish was name of LUFE that worked on the base].Anyway my name is charles wayne Blitch[A-2]and my wifes name is Ranae Blitch. our daughter was Born at the hospital in Ankra.We would love to hear from anyone that remembers that time.conyact us at charles_Blitch2003@yahoo.com I have some pictures I would like to post sometime.love your site thanks charles and Ranae
I REMEMBER DET 3-2 IN SAMSUN. IWAS A ARMY SPECIALIST FROM DET 4 IN SINOP.I USED TO COM TO THE BASE TWICEA WEEK WITH OUR LAUNDRY THE YEAR WAS 1967. MOSTLY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. I REMEMBER YOUR BEAR,PLUS THE OUTRAGOUS RIDE TROUGH THE MOUNTAINS.TO GET THERE.THANKS.LANCE KUGLER
Hi I'm Behic Cetin I from Samsun Turkiye . Good site. Samsun waiting for yours.
My name is Jim Burnside and I was an Air Policeman at TUSLOG Det. 3-2 from Nov., 1960 thru Jan., 1962. My most vivid memories are: the powdered eggs and milk at the chow hall; the shorttimers badges and table at the chow hall; the belly dancers who would perform periodically but were forbidden to continue to go topless after we got a new Chaplain who thought such activity was bad for morals; the Radio Moscow broadcasts which were the mainstay of many airmen as a source of entertainment and music; the "compound" in Samsun which we had to patrol because if was "officially" off-limits to the military; the Turkish Askers (soldiers) with which we worked. There are just so many memories, good and bad. Thanks for reading. Would like to hear from others. Jim Burnside burnie@otherside.com
Thrilled to find this site! Thanks George for your efforts here. Name's Tom Thompson was there at Samsun Oct. "68 to Dec."69. I worked at the A-FARTS (AFRTS) station with Walt Ebie, George Masur, Ron Jones,Frank Selig and Larry Sturholm. What a Great Military experience & memories for me. When the question is asked "What did you do in the war daddy"...god do I have some stories to tell. Does anyone remember to Turkish kid that worked as a dispatcher at base transportation? I believe his name was "Yenar" (not sure of spelling). He had a great sailboat down in the harbor. Some terriffic memories of "partytimes" on that boat. Does anyone remember the USO band (English or Irish I think) called "Pandora's Box"? We had some great times at the AFRTS radio station (What a great crew to work with...most fun I ever had working in broadcasting). I continued to work radio & TV after returning to the states and civilian life for over 20 years (in Ohio, Montana and Florida). Now retired in St. Petersburg, FL. I have fond memories of some of the "work" we did at Samsun radio...anyone remember our productions of "As the Stomach Turns" and "Down Our Street & UP your Alley" (mostly written by Larry Sturholm). Also the weekend madness of the "All Night Garbage Can" with Frank Selig. And who can forget the totally nuts Ron Jones and his favorite sign-off "Remember...you can pick your friends and you can pick your nose...BUT you can't pick your friends nose". Obviously loved my stint at AFRTS Samsun. Would be thrilled to hear from any of the AFRTS guys (any anyone else who remembers). I've had contact with Walt Ebie but nothing from Frank, Ron or Larry (just saw George Masur's Message posted here and will attempt to contact him). I'm hoping to hear from other Samsun alumnus and intend to post more memories later. I can be reached by e-mail at: tlthom910@netzero.net
Really glad to see this. A bit after my time (I was there in 1956/1957, when a Radio Squadron was REALLY Mobile; we all lived "per diem" as bachelors in the village, in rented houses, and pretty much had a blast).
I went from Ankara to Samsun, Samsun back to Ankara, helped build Mainsite at Karamursel, went up for a tour and a half in Trabzon, and then they made me go home.
I was the Airman Last Class Clerk of All things - like MASH, on TV. If there's anybody else out there, from then - give me a shot.
Lewis Briley amasa@indian-creek.net
Marvin M. Olson, Oct. 1965 to Dec. 1966
marvolso@cvn.com
I will always remember the wild boar hunts and duck hunts we went on during service at Samsun.
Phil Carroll. Syracuse 57-58, Ft. Meade '58. Trabzon 58-60. Half of our group of Russian linguists got off the black boat at Samsun in August '58. I went on to Trab with the rest of the group. In '59 some of us hired a cab (48 Chrysler) on a 3-day break and drove the coast to Samsun to see our buds. Up to the axles in mud for half the trip but we had a blast when we got there. 1st thing the driver did when he got there was lock the wipers, antenna and hubcaps in the trunk. Man, what a long time ago. Post a note on enablingsimplicity.com if you would like to contact me.
Hi Roy Locke Been There done that. Spent Many years in USAFSS started at 6910th Rhein Main Germany Later AFCD San Antonio Then Det 3-2 from 2-69 til 4-70 About 70 personnell remained when I left Helped close that sucker down. Returned to USAFSS Hq traveled with CEMPT til 72. Trans to Columbus Ms and retired 2-73 ROY LOCKE E-8 Ret
Hi Roy Locke Been There done that. Spent Many years in USAFSS started at 6910th Rhein Main Germany Later AFCD San Antonio Then Det 3-2 from 2-69 til 4-70 About 70 personnell remained when I left Helped close that sucker down. Returned to USAFSS Hq traveled with CEMPT til 72. Trans to Columbus Ms and retired 2-73 ROY LOCKE E-8 Ret
Hi Roy Locke Been There done that. Spent Many years in USAFSS started at 6910th Rhein Main Germany Later AFCD San Antonio Then Det 3-2 from 2-69 til 4-70 About 70 personnell remained when I left Helped close that sucker down. Returned to USAFSS Hq traveled with CEMPT til 72. Trans to Columbus Ms and retired 2-73 ROY LOCKE E-8 Ret
Thank you.
A2C Glenn Shipley, at Samsun '63-64. Posted some remarks earlier, but since then my email address has changed - now glennshipley@comcast.net. I'd love to hear from anybody who knows the whereabouts of my room-mate, Mike Mongan, as well as Bob Sandberg, Dale Fox, and "Sgt Jolly". Has anybody mentioned the tiny greasy-spoon snack shop on the base where you could get a burger when the mess hall had something indigestible? I remember some great debates in there. I also remember an occasion when a belly-dancer came out to the base, and left in a huff when the guys started to hoot at her to take it all off. And what about the rental motorcycles down by the docks? Thanks for all the comments and memories - Glenn
Mattison Theodere King A1C Nov 61 to dec 62 Nickname:Matt tmking1@kaxy.com
Anyone servering during this time frame would Love to hear from you I was a MIO opertaor cant wait to hear frm anyone !
jack r.weaver mavjac@cox-internet.com \dec 1968-dec 1969
My name is George Whitney, I went Samsun from Incirlik in 1967. Was there for 8 months. I remember the bear and the pictures look familiar. I was with AFCS and worked the Telephone switchboard while there. My commander was Capt. Walker and Sergent was Mitchell. One of my co-workers was named Johnson.
George, I was at Samsun July 67 through August 68 on a 13 month tour at the end of my enlistment. I was an Air Policeman, and played on our football, softball,and basketball teams as well. Also went on that trip to Amasya and Corum [sp]. Lee Bullock
My name is Jack R.Weaver Maintenance Dec.68-Dec.69. I met the greatest group of men at Sansum I had ever met before or after my time there.I enjoyed visiting this page and will return to keep in touch.email-mavjac@cox-inyernet.com or mavjac@webtv.net
hi, my name is ray clouse and i served in turkey from aug 62 to nov 63 at the trabzon site and would like to hear from anyone that was there at the same time. i was an elint operator. my only brief memories of samsun was when the plane touched down there as i came and went.
Some recent photos of Samsun. http://www.pbase.com/osmanolgen/samsun Dave Matteson 60-61
Brother, does this site bring back memories. I'm Dave Moyer stationed at Samsun 1962-1964. My most outstanding memory of the place was the death of John F. Kennedy. I was sitting in the Airman's Club when the announcement came over the PA. The whoe place when silent for a few minutes and then the speculations started as to whether or not we would go to war with Russia. (Remember this was during the Cold War). The worst part of that time was the lack of information from the States. None of us knew what was going on back home and that was frustrating. I haven't thought about TUSLOG 3-2 in decades and stumbling over this site really brings back to mind a nearly forgotten part of my youth. Thank for the memories!
Hi, Dave Moyer here, station at Samsun 62-64. I worked Upper Ops (GLR-1) in Mission Control. This site bring back memories that are decades old and most welcome. Thanks for your efforts.
