John M. Gibbs - AF4MA

I enlisted in the USAF in 1950.  All of my initial training was conducted in Texas: basic training at Lackland AFB, tech school (A & E - reciprocating engine) at Sheppard AFB, and Air Crew training at Randolph AFB.  Once completed, I was prepared for Air Flight Crew duty on bombers and transport aircraft.

My first assignment came in January of 1953 to the USAF’s 1st Guided Missile Squadron, the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron, at Patrick AFB/Cape Canaveral AFS, Cocoa Beach, Florida.  During my tenure there, we launched 16 B-61 Matador missiles downrange over the Bahamas and out to sea.

In March 1954, The 1st PBS shipped as a Squadron deployment on a WWII Liberty-Ship vintage troop ship to Bitburg AB, Germany.  In 1955, the 1st PBS was renamed the 1st Tactical Missile Squadron.

I deployed with AMLO Squadron Section to Wheelus AB in Tripoli, Libya, for Annual Missile Launch Operations in 1954, 1955 and 1956.  As a part of each deployment, we launched four B-61A Matador missiles south over the Libyan Desert.

I am one of two active AFFC members who are veterans of the USAF First Tactical Missile Squadron.  The other member is Don Guthals, K0ZNC.

I was honorably discharged from the USAF in August of 1956, and returned to the University of Florida to complete my college education.  Many years later I retired from Technical Publishing Company, of the Dun & Bradstreet Corp.

Diane and I married in 1963.  At the time, I had a bachelor pad out at Neptune Beach, Florida. I was coming up on a birthday and decided to throw myself a party. My secretary brought her sister, Diane, and that was it. Six months later Diane finished Nursing School at the University of Alabama and we were married. We have one son, Scott, now age 49.

I can’t imagine how Diane has put up with me all these really great years!

My hobbies include ham radio and writing history.  I can also write tech manuals (I just don’t like to read them!)

In 1997, I was FCC licensed into Ham Radio as a Novice, Technician, Technician +, and then General Class Ham Operator.

In 1998, I was FCC licensed as an Advanced Class and then an Amateur Extra Class Operator + 20 WPM CW.

I was active for several years in the OMISS Net, working on WAS - Worked All States.  I chased some DX for a few years but tired of it.

In 1997-8, I became a Member (#470) of the Air Forces Flyers Club.  I am currently an almost daily participant in the AFFC Net, the highlight of my day, at age 85 – and Still Alive!  However, neither Diane, or my cat, Katy, do the Net. They both disappear!

73 - John Gibbs, AF4MA, AFFC #470