wurtsmith air force base housing

During the Cold War, the base became part of Strategic Air Command. Drinking water laced with high levels of poisonous chemicals may be to blame for cancer and other chronic disease among veterans and families who lived at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northern Michigan, according to a new federal health report draft. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base that was closed by the 1991 Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC 2) and is a proposed EPA Superfund site. The Allison V-1710-85 liquid-cooled V-12 engine behind the pilots seat drove the propeller by means of a driveshaft mounted under the pilots seat. The aquifer overlies a thick clay layer at an average depth of 65 feet. I have always scheduled an apt with my dr to talk about the possibility of how this may have affected me. The EPA Superfund Contaminants of Concern Update of June 3, 2016 lists all the same contaminants listed in 38-3307(7)(i) as it relates to USMC Camp Lejeune water contaminants. With all of this in a single family, the V.A. http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/04/wurtsmith_pfas_pfc_april_45_me.html. (Superstorm) Sandy came along (in October) and moved things around, David Losinski said. I have also read about the PFAS via fire retardant foam. One of these places included directly underneath the Oscoda high school. On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, we recognize the many men and women who served and fought during the difficult conflict, giving them the appreciation they deserve. Weights were 2450 lb. In this June 6, 2018 photo, PFAS foam washes up on the shoreline of Van Etten Lake in Oscoda Township, Mich., near Wurtsmith Air Force Base. There is an ongoing project to decontaminate the area. History. Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport - Ready to launch | Business View Magazine [THE FLINT JOURNAL VIA AP] While many of the airmen preferred to live on base it was possible for them to buy or rent a house or apartment off post. At the time, it was considered a vital Air Defense Command base and was equipped and manned with interceptor aircraft capable of flying over the North Pole into the Soviet Union. Peters: Air Force Must Immediately Prior | Senator Gary Peters We didnt know really what we had.. In 1953 it was renamed Wurtsmith Air Force Base after Michigan native, Major General Paul Wurtsmith. Welcome to The WAFB Historical Site dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and the units assigned there. [2] Another unfortunate occurrence that Happened more than it should have were Court-Martials. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. On June 30, , 1993 the 379th Bomb Wing was disbanded and Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. That plane actually crashed April 11, 1944, which was 70 years to the date that the picture was taken, Drew Losinski said. Even studies on fish have been done, where it was found that PFOA is a liver carcinogen in rainbow trout. On January 18, 1994 it was listed as a Superfund due to extensive groundwater contamination with heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, 1,1,1-trichloroethane . Anyone know the status on this? WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. When the Gulf War started in 1990, the 379, Bomber Wing sent B-52s as well as their accompanying KC-135s into the Middle East. There is no amount of PFOA that is officially recognized as harmful. However, many studies have shown otherwise. These, planes would regularly fly missions from Wurtsmith Air Force Base during the, The 379th Bomb Wing moved to Wurtsmith Air Force Base in June of, 19661. Ellsworth Air Force base, South Dakota. [2] The flight crashed at 2:20PM while returning from K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula. This man later took the proposal to build a gunnery range to the people of Oscoda. U.S. Military Once Again Pollutes Drinking Water and Won't Clean It Up Wurtsmith Today The former Wurtsmith Air Force Base (AFB) properties are being reutilized by 28 businesses and agencies that collectively employ more than 1,660 workers (representing 240 percent of civilian jobs lost). I recall we lost a tanker on touch and goes which had to be extinguished with a massive amount of this chemical. Veteran Compensation Programs (USVCP) (www.veteranprograms.com), and any of their associated websites is for general informational. These Air Force bases were remote. ASN Aircraft accident Boeing KC-135A Stratotanker 60-0317 Oscoda I saw a big splash, and then the plane went out of sight.. Cindi developed hypertension and Lawrence diagnosed with lung disease. This unfortunately happened on October 11. , 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. Visiting Wurtsmith Air Museum, Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan - YouTube Maximum speed was 178 mph at sea level, 171 mph at 10,000 feet. [5] In recent years groundwater contamination has be linked to jet fuel, cleaning agents, and fire suppression agents used at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. They resumed the investigation last spring. In 2016, residents near Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan discovered that the water they drank, bathed in, swam in, and fished in was contaminated with jet fuel, cancer-causing chlorinated . Survived stage 3 oral cancer and per medical review, origin unknown since I have never smoked. The Lackland Air Force Base Education Center is located at 1550 Wurtsmith Street, Suite 5. . Oscoda, Michigan and Tales of Wurtsmith Air Force Base - Postcard History Wurtsmith Air Museum - Facebook [1] Mr. Norton also landedthe first KC-135 in operation Southern Watch. Groundwater data collected in 1999 at Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Michigan), Tyndall Air Force Base (Florida) and Naval Air Station Fallon (Nevada), where PFC concentrations ranged from below detection limit to over 14,000 g/L, suggest that any military site where AFFFs have been used is likely to have a dissolved plume containing . 1st Combat Evaluation Group The P-39 had a unique configuration with the engine placed behind the pilot and the drive shaft running under the cockpit to the propeller. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is said to have originally started with a fishing trip between two men. VA counselor "don't waste your time". Wurtsmith AFB has a better paper trail showing irrefutable evidence of contamination of the base drinking water with Trichloroethelene (TCE) first discovered in 1977 as a result of a complaint from a base housing resident. WAFB began operations in 1923, under the name of Camp Skeel, and was officially named the Wurtsmith Air Force Base in 1953. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Debbie Stabenow (MI) and U.S. In addition across the base boundary dirt road was the EOD range where every friday morning we burned and destroyed old munitions and other stuff they needed disposed of. I served at Wurtsmith from 1974-1977 my whole family has suffered from various ongoing ailments. Posts and surveys made on this website are opinions or suggestions of users of this website and are not representations, opinions or suggestions of U.S. [1] On May 9th 1961 the first B-52 landed in Wurtsmith Air Force Base, signifying the re-designation to a Strategic Air Command Base. It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. The M&FRC is located at 1550 Wurtsmith St . The single officers who lived on base lived in a dorm type building. Wurtsmith Air Force Base - storymaps.arcgis.com Call 205.328.9200 Claim Application. [1] On the first Wednesday thefresh flight crew would relive the current flight crew in the bunkers. Airport History. As seen, in the picture of the runways, there is a Christmas tree coming off of the, beginning of the runway with a building next to it. The 4026th was a SAC Major Command controlled (MAJCON) wing that had been organized on 1 August 1958. The Losinskis havent abandoned their quest to bring this long-forgotten chapter in the history of World War II to light. The Wurtsmith Air Force Base, created in 1923, played a large role in WWII. He said the wreckage from the plane is scattered across the lake bottom. [5] Wurtsmith AFB, Mich SAC 379th Bomb Wing B-52, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm. I served at Wursmith AFB from 1982 to 1989, living in base housing the entire time and drinking the water. Timothy Marcum, 1/15/2071-73 camp lejeune nc bad water va in redding pretends they know nothing about having problems. Located in Iosco County, Michigan, Wurtsmith Air Force Base operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. Our biodegradation . This lead to Wurtsmith transferring to Air Combat Command control, and then on June 30th 1993, Wurtsmith Air Force Base closed. The intent is to create a self-help registry for those who were harmed by the extremely toxic organochlorine pesticide contamination detected at Military Family Housing. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in Iosco County, Michigan.It operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. The ready alert flight crews were rotated on a three week cycle. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, trained at Oscoda for several weeks and stayed on the base. My mom was recently diagnosed a month ago with colon cancer and skin cancer and still being treated by a dr, my broth had sever ulcers his entire early childhood. This is desirable from a strategic standpoint, but for the airmen that served on the bases themselves this meant that they were removed from the vast majority of society. During those efforts, they noted several areas they wanted to investigate, including one about four miles north of the Blue Water Bridge. If there's a main break, sections of the base will . The plane was equipped with the cannon and four .50-caliber machine guns two mounted on the wings, two more just behind the propeller and timed to fire through the spinning blades. According to the Air Force's account, in October 1977, a Wurtsmith base housing resident complained about a peculiar odor and taste in the drinking water. Wurtsmith Air Force Base Toxic Exposure | ELG Law This is heinous, and my heart goes out to so many. They are surely exposed to this chemical nearly every day, whether it be playing outside on the playground or from being exposed to the chemicals via drinking the water. [3], www.nytimes.com/1988/10/12/us/six-are-killed-in-crash-of-an-air-force-tanker.html, www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, www.strategic-air-command.com/bases/Wurtsmith_AFB.htm, www.strategic-air-command.com/wings/0379bw.htm, http://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/wurtsmith-air-force-base/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wurtsmith_Air_Force_Base. Their children developed asthma, spinal defects and thyroid problems. It was criticized for its low service ceiling, its slow rate of climb, and its generally poor high-altitude performance. One specific and important waterway being affected by these pollutants is the Au Sable River. Wurtsmith Air Force Base, a brief history and life on post It was also possible for these missions to originate in the United States. What are PFAS, how toxic are they and how do you become exposed? [1] While this was a relatively boring week, it was extremely stressful, because no one knew when the alarm would sound, but more importantly no one, knew if it would be a drill or not. There were 10 passengers and six crew members on board. One of the unfortunate risks in flying is a crash. However, the drawdown was fairly rapid after that and they were quickly replaced by P-38s, P-47s and P-51s. Michigan Radio. They were stationed at the air base from 1986 to 1993. There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. Paul B. Wurtsmith Air Force Base closed in 1993, dealing a sharp blow to the economy of rural Iosco County. They took a photo on April 11, from the surface of Lake Huron, of the wing of a Wold War II-era fighter plane that crashed during a training exercise, killing its pilot. The former base includes 4,626 acres (1,872ha) located approximately two miles west of Lake Huron in the Charter Township of Oscoda, bordered by Van Ettan Lake, the The Wurtsmith Air Museum is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, dedicated to preserving the history of Wurtsmith Air Force Base and aviation in Northeastern Michigan. I am not a doctor or attorney, and cannot give medical advice or legal advice. [1] Wurtsmith Air Force Base was 2nd Lt. Nortons firstpermanent duty station in the United States Air Force.[1]. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing was, Dave Norton resigned his commotion as a United States Air Force, , 1993 exactly 9 years after receiving his commission, Lt. form the United States Air Force Academy. Click on a marker for base information. Contaminated water has been shown to be the main way that humans get exposed to this chemical, which is exactly whats going on in Oscoda. Powerplant: 1 Allison V-1710-85 liquid-cooled V-12, 1,200 hp (895 kW), Maximum speed: 376 mph (605 km/h) (Redline dive speed was 525 mph), Range: 525 miles on internal fuel (840 km). As previously stated, there is a museum open to the public which has artifacts and information on the bases history. The state says, We dont have jurisdiction over that; its the Air Force, Losinski said. Wurtsmith Air Force Base | Detailed Pedia The P-6 could climb to 10,000 feet in 6.6 min. One example of this is autocross racing. CSIRO PUBLISHING | Environmental Chemistry PORT HURON, Mich. David and Drew Losinski are struck by the coincidence. [1], While these crews were on ready alert they did not have a whole, lot to do. The Air Force knew about the contamination and spent millions since 1977 to try to cover up the problem by adding phosphates to mask the odor of the chemical in the water. Philippines -- Clark Air Base Maps, Charts, and Blueprints The gunnery range was tasked with training pilots fromSelfridge air base in the challenging maneuvers required to land a DeHavillandbiplane on the frozen lake Van Etten for the young Army Air Corps. August 8, 2018. But these days, the county is becoming a haven for retired people such as the Kuhlmans . This air field was in dire need of a gunnery range because they being forced out of their gunnery range on Lake St. Clair. [1] This meant that there was always at least threeB-52s armed with nuclear bombs, ready to take off at a moments notice. /. This is a short video about the small museum located at the decommissioned Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda Mi.http://www.rv-project.com Once we brought that up and cleaned the tag, we knew it was the 221226 serial number.. These chemicals have been shown to cause problems with thyroid, liver, kidney, reproduction, and other health problems. [5] While the 379th, Bomb Wing was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base they were part of the Ready, Alert Nuclear Strike Force. Wurtsmith AirForce Base was constructed with a runway layout specifically for this. The Au Sable River is an attraction for families all around Michigan. One of the unfortunate risks in flying is a crash. It was formed on 1 August 1961 to merge the 3908th Strategic Standardization Group for SAC aircrew evaluation with the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group that had originated from the 263rd Army Air Force Base Unit which transferred from 15th AF to directly under Strategic Air Command c. Beginning in July 1944, the P-47 Thunderbolt was used extensively to train Free French Air Force pilots at Oscoda Army Air Field (AAF). He saw the surrounding land and figured it would make a great place for a gunnery range. Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Mich., served primarily as a combat crew and bomber training base throughout its 70-year history. Double Jeopardy - Exposed at Kadena and Wurtsmith - Civilian Exposure He was training with fellow pilots out of what was then Selfridge Field when his plane crashed. In a nutshell, this is what were trying to do get permission to relocate the parts so they would resemble a plane, David Losinski said. Lackland AFB, TX | Educational Services The Realignment of Griffiss Air Force Base. The base was first named after Capt. to the proper paperwork being completed to allow the missions to continue. [5] One crew flew 29mission out of Jeddah, setting the record for most missions flew by a bombercrew in theater. The P-47 Thunderbolt fighter and fighter-bomber was used by the Allied air forces during World War II. The Air Force knew that due to the method used to apply the pesticide, the building design flaw, that a completed exposure pathway (CEP) existed at a large percentage of its tenantable/habitual . The typical activities while not on ready alert varied greatlyfrom person to person. P-6E, serial number 32-156, 17th Pursuit Squadron from Selfridge Field Michigan. Typical occurrences on Wurtsmith Air Force Base included planes flying in and out on missions. View All Homes - Homes for Rent He brought this idea to the attention of his squadron commander Major Carl Spaatz. Thanks for sending to you and Pat. Bert E. Skeel was a WWI pilot who died in an air race in Ohio. The Loring Air Force Base UFO Encounter - UFO Insight As Michigan makes PFAS strides, Oscoda residents say Air Force is I do hope there is information on Wurtsmith AFB soon. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Nothing contained herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent Veteran Service Officer (VSO)in good standing and licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. PFOA exposure is also shown to be associated with increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children between ages 12-15. After being relieved, the flight crew had until the following Monday morning, off. Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport became a public airport in 1993. Home Buyers Guide; Find a Real Estate Agent; Price: $299,000. Ground-water contamination at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/06/wurtsmith_veterans_health.html, http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/11/13/deq-we-dont-yet-know-full-extent-wurtsmith-air-base-contamination/93242484/, https://www.publicintegrity.org/2017/08/18/21105/military-bases-contamination-will-affect-water-generations, http://www.wurtsmithairmuseum.org/Wurtsmith_AFB/wurtsmith_afb.html, Military History of the Upper Great Lakes. [1], These KC-135s were necessary because the B-52 could not take off with both a, full load of ordnance and a full tank of gas.[1]. There are a lot of stories to tell. There are many different ways that PFOA and PFOS can affect the human body. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Military challenging states on $2 billion chemical liability - Unwell Water [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. These mission were into Iraq. Because of the economic impact of Wurtsmith Air Force Base the community was generally supportive of the airmen, and the base itself. The popular legend, supported by interviews and other historical documents, is that Wurtsmith was established as the direct result of a fishing trip by Lt. Ennis Whitehead (later Lt. Gen. Whitehead, commander of the Fifth and Far Eastern Air Forces during and after World War . GitHub export from English Wikipedia. See: Organochlorine Pesticides Levels at George AFB Family Housing, CERCLA 120(h) Quitclaim Deed Restrictions for the George AFB Family Housing, Organochlorine Pesticide Contamination at George AFB Schools, Terri Crooks won her VA C&P Claim for service connected injury for her exposure to chlordane and other organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), Frank Vera www.BaseFamilyHousing.Info PO Box 1313 Jamestown, CA, 95327-1313 Phone: 209-782-4541, Copyright 2020 - BaseFamilyHousing.Info. Now that the contamination has reached the Au Sable river, it could potentially carry this contamination into Lake Huron. [3], [1] Dave Norton, Former United States Air Force Captain, interviewed on 23 OCT 2017, [2] Ap. The Losinskis said they want to preserve the site for people to dive on. The airplane operated on a flight from Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport, MI to Oscoda-Wurtsmith AFB, MI (OSC). This bunker compound housedthe flight crews on ready alert, the three B-52 bombers ready to take off at amoments notice, and the accompanying KC-135s ready to top off the B-52s after takeoff. My symptoms looking back were insidious with weakness and muscle fasciculations. In fact the only time B-52s would travel was for training missions, or actually delivering ordinance to its target. There were also problems with the complex nose-mounted reduction gear, which caused reliability problems and resulted in fairly low serviceability rates as compared with other fighters. Within a few days, a mere 28 Airmen established housing for over 400 personnel, replete with . There is a lot of open runways still today that can be rented out for a multitude of events. This bunker compound housed, the flight crews on ready alert, the three B-52 bombers ready to take off at a, moments notice, and the accompanying KC-135s ready to top off the B-52s after takeoff. Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Michigan Redevelopment Profile [4] Its mission was tomaintain half of the fleet on a 15 minute alert, meaning the plane could be inthe air in 15 minutes, to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet preemptive missilestrike. [4] In the later, years of World War II Wurtsmith Air Force Base was used as a fighter-interceptor training base and housed the 332d fighter group, which was part of the famous Tuskegee Airmen. Most individuals are not educated on what the base did before and after World War II, what is currently happening at this .