Robert (Rob) Craik - WA6GYG
I enlisted in the Air Force in July of 1949. After basic training I was sent to radio school at Keesler AFB for thirty-five weeks. Following tech school, I was assigned to Castle AFB SAC, 93 Comm. Squadron.
Shortly thereafter I volunteered for flight and combat status. I was accepted and flew forty-three missions over North Korea. Upon my return stateside I had numerous assignments flying in B-29, C-47, C-119, and KC-97 aircraft. This period included a three year tour at RAF Lakenheath, England.
I was grounded upon my return to the US, retrained in ECM maintenance and assigned to the 308th A&E Squadron at Lockbourne AFB, Ohio. After three years in maintenance I was assigned to electronic warfare signal analysis with the 55th Strategic Recon Wing, Forbes AFB Kansas. One year later I was transferred to Det 1, 3rd Air Division, Yakota AFB in Japan.
It came to my attention that the Army was looking for candidates for appointment to Warrant Officer. I applied and two months later I was a platoon leader with the 373rd Division Support Company, 2nd Armored Division, Fort Hood, Texas. After a year I received orders for Vietnam. I was assigned to the 1st Radio Research Company Avn. and was responsible for all communication and mission electronics on seven Navy P2V modified aircraft at NAS Cam Ranh Bay, RVN.
Returning stateside, I was assigned to the Army Security Agency Training Center and School, Fort Devens, Massachusetts. I retired in November, 1970. I moved to California and went to work for Northrop Aircraft for eight years on F-5E fire control/LCOS systems as a Factory Special Assignments Man. When the contract expired, I retired.
I serve as the operations officer for the Air Forces Flyers Club, and operate as Net Control on Saturdays for the morning radio net.
73 - Rob Craik - WA6GYG, Operations Officer, AFFC #422
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Rob Craik on May 31, 2018.
-- Jennifer LaChance, KF5HCD, Webmaster