purposes only, and is not legal advice. The study doesn't estimate past concentrations or exposure dosage and was released with . The P-6 Hawk (1932-1937) Aircraft was @ Oscoda. [4] Enchanted Forest Web Page Design Service. Today the Wurtsmith district is integral to the community's economic potential. It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. These bases wereresponsible for a housing a Ready Alert Nuclear Strike Force. [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]. On June 30, , 1993 the 379th Bomb Wing was disbanded and Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. [4] Its mission was to, maintain half of the fleet on a 15 minute alert, meaning the plane could be in, the air in 15 minutes, to reduce vulnerability to a Soviet preemptive missile, strike. In 1977 the 379th Bomb Wing upgraded the B-52H fleet to B-52Gaircraft. [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. In 1955 Wurtsmith Air Force Base became an official permanent post in the United States Air Force, which meant that many new services were implemented on base. While these crews were on ready alert they did not have a wholelot to do. Mr. Norton experienced this first hand while being station at Wurtsmith Air Force Base when he had his Squadron Commander help him hang drywall in his house. [6] The 379th Bomb Wing wasdisbanded on June 30th 1993. Cindi developed hypertension and Lawrence diagnosed with lung disease. [5] While the 379thBomb Wing was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base they were part of the ReadyAlert Nuclear Strike Force. TCE in another well on Jet Street near the present day Wurtsmith AFB museum was 1,739-ppb. The base was put into a standby status to be there just in case something happened in those areas. Wurtsmith earned recognition during the war as the leader of the group of pilots using P-40 and P-38 fighter . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It excelled in low-altitude ground support as a well-built and reliable aircraft capable of absorbing quite a bit of battle damage. Their water table has been contaminated with high levels of PFOA because of the leakage of chemicals from Wurtsmith Air Force Base. [2] Another unfortunate occurrence that Happened more than it should have were Court-Martials. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree they, resorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they were, not conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on their, equipment. My wife has breast cancer, and Hashimoto's Disease (auto immune), I had a double mastectomy to remove growths, hormone issues, kidney scaring liver lesions, lumps in both lungs, sleep APNEA, sudden onset Headaches, unexplained stress attacks, to name a few. What they had was a one-seat warplane piloted by 2nd Lt. Frank H. Moody, of Los Angeles. These contaminants are harmful to the environment. still rejects and "nexus" to the toxic chemicals on the base. [1] As tensions increased around the world and the likelihood of an actual mission being flown while on ready alert increased, the weekbecame more stressful. [5] However, the B-52H aircraft maintained nuclear alert at Wurtsmith, Air Force Base. [5] The 379th flew with a Triangle K tail flash to continue the, tradition from their World War II counterparts. He said the wreckage from the plane is scattered across the lake bottom. USVCP Not A U.S. Government Publication. Report also stated that the Oscoda Michigan gunnery field was very rough and sandy and notoriously hard on wheels, landing gears etc. 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. It had a commissary, a gas station, a hospital, housing, a bowling alley," said veteran Michael Grogan. The P-47s radial engine proved remarkably resistant to battle damage and, with its heavy armament and well-armored cockpit, the Thunderbolt established a reputation as one of the most effective fighter-bombers of the war. [1] This meant that they could be flying a mission supporting a fighter squadron in Iraq, then be redirected to refuel a bomber squadron over Saudi Arabia, then fly back to Spain to land. The EPA began requiring public water systems to monitor for PFOA and PFOS in 2012, but even today there is no federal drinking water standards for PFOA or PFOS. JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas - Announced in late 2021 by the spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Sharene Brown, it increases focus and attention on the top five quality of life challenges military families face. 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 . [4] Over the tenure of the base it was home to an aerial gunnery range, a fighter-interceptor training base and later home to the 379th Bomb Wing as a member of the Strategic Air Command.[4]. Having high amounts of this chemical directly underneath their high school could have serious long-term effects on the kids that attend school as well as the faculty. Stationed there for 84-88 and am suffering with a motor neuron disease process. According to Robert Delaney, a Michigan Department of Environmental Quality specialist, If you pull the water out of the ground in that training area, it still foams, theres so much in there. Since this entire problem stems from the fact that the foam used to extinguish fires on the base is what carried the toxic chemical, that goes to show just how invasive and problematic this contamination can be. I will try and highlight some of the most interesting aircraft and their stories!. ROME, N.Y. -- There was nothing small-scale about Griffiss Air Force Base in the 1990s. On June 30th, 1993 the 379th Bomb Wing was disbanded and Wurtsmith Air Force Base was closed. I worked on the flight line. View All Homes - Homes for Rent Therefore, regardless of the location of cancer in your body, we strongly encourage you to contact our law firm if you spent time at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, either as a veteran or as a family member of one, to recover the financial compensation you are entitled to. There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. the first KC-135 in operation Southern Watch. I recall we lost a tanker on touch and goes which had to be extinguished with a massive amount of this chemical. The Realignment of Griffiss Air Force Base. Theyve seen lots of things underwater, but the story of the P-39 fighter lost just off the Port Huron beachfront touched them. She gave Kelly the rundown of the base. That plane actually crashed April 11, 1944, which was 70 years to the date that the picture was taken, Drew Losinski said. A ground-water divide cuts diagonally across the Base from northwest to . [1] This was followed by one and a half weeks of normal day to day activitiesuntil the flight crew relieved crew on ready alert in the bunkers.[1]. P-6E, serial number 32-156, 17th Pursuit Squadron from Selfridge Field Michigan. [1] As soon as the wheels touched down the clock would be reset and they could be sent out on another assignment. These Air Force bases were remote. WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. This lead to Wurtsmith transferring to Air Combat Command control, and then on June 30th 1993, Wurtsmith Air Force Base closed. The P-47D, in general service by the spring of 1944, had a maximum speed of 440 miles (700 km) per hour and a ceiling of 40,000 feet (12,200 meters). At the start of 1985, Wurtsmith maintained an $80 million annual payroll with 3,600 military and civilian personnel. 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. [5] The 379th Bomb Wing immediately continued the 4026th, During the Pacific conflicts personnel and the KC-135, Stratotankers were deployed to forward bases in the Pacific to support land, operations. More individuals impacted by these chemicals are Cindi and Lawrence Ashbeck. A series of stringers were added to the fuselage sides to round out the cross section. [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. Heavily armed with eight wing-mounted 0.50-inch (12.7-mm) machine guns, it could carry a bomb load of as much as 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg) and could carry ten 5-inch (127-mm) rockets beneath the wings. Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. If your base is not on the map or list above, this does not mean you were not exposed to PFAS chemicals from firefighting foam. [1], Over the course of Mr. Nortons career as both a KC-135 Navigator, and a DC-10 Pilot, Mr. Norton served as a flight commander, served numerous, deployments during the Gulf War escorting fighter squadrons from the United, States into theater, supporting fighter squadrons and bomber squadrons in, theater, served multiple temporary duty assignments to England, Spain, Saudi, Arabia, Alaska, and other Air Force Bases around the globe. Marie and the straights of Mackinac. [5] While the 379th, Bomb Wing was stationed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base they were part of the Ready, Alert Nuclear Strike Force. David Losinski said he and his son were assisting the state Department of Environmental Quality with a barge that sank in Lake Huron in July 2012. Download Images of Wurtsmith air force base - Free for commercial use, no attribution required. 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 5,223-acre Wurtsmith Air Force Base (Wurtsmith AFB) is located on the northeastern part of Michigans lower peninsula. Senator Gary Peters (MI), member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today called on the Air Force to expedite PFAS cleanup efforts at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda.In a letter to Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations, Environment and Energy John . The airplane operated on a flight from Oscoda Wurtsmith Airport, MI to Oscoda-Wurtsmith AFB, MI (OSC). But these days, the county is becoming a haven for retired people such as the Kuhlmans . There were 10 passengers and six crew members on board. [3] Search Superfund Site Information. EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, 28 Dec. 2016, cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0503675. Weve done quite a bit of documenting and measuring, David Losinski said. It had everything in it. He saw the surrounding land and figured it would make a great place for a gunnery range. A short time later in July 1944 it was being used to train Free French Air Force pilots, which eventually led to more and more training and more and more storage of aircraft like the B-52G (oscairport.com). Veteran Compensation Programs (USVCP) (www.veteranprograms.com), and any of their associated websites is for general informational. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is said to have originally started with a fishing trip between two men. As soon as an assignment went over 180 days it was considered a permanent change in duty station. [4] On August 1st 1958 the 4026th Strategic Wing was formed at Wurtsmith Air Force Base. These levels were published by the Enviromental Protection Agency (Mlive.com). The M&FRC is located at 1550 Wurtsmith St . This gave the Army operations the opportunity to begin creating the base we know today. Even after the base closed in 1993, the base maintained a fire staff for many years. This unfortunately happened on October 11th, 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. The former base includes 4,626 acres (1,872 ha) located approximately two miles west of Lake Huron in the Charter Township of Oscoda, bordered by Van Ettan Lake, the Au . [1] At some point over the week an alarm would sound,signaling to the flight crew that the B-52s had to be in the air. I like combining historical photographs with the stories behind them. Investigation determined a defective tire caused the accident. It is one of the most famous bases located in our state. It was also possible for these missions to originate in the United States. These high levels of PFOA elevate the risks of kidney cancer, mesothelioma, and diabetes. Maximum speed was 178 mph at sea level, 171 mph at 10,000 feet. The landing gear was changed from rubber-block shock absorbers inside the fuselage to oleo-and-spring units mounted in the outer forward strut. The views and opinions expressed in this website/articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency of the U.S. government, We are the men and women of the U.S. Military, Wurtsmith AFB is a Superfund Site. Because of the restriction of being close to the Christmas tree theyresorted to playing cards, working out, reading, and sleeping while they werenot conducting recurrent training to stay up to date and proficient on theirequipment. 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. The base became a permanent installation on January 1, 1951, when the U. S. Air Force designated it as a fighter training base for the Air Defense command. "Keeping Wurtsmith AFB and Aviation History of NE MI Alive" Opens on Armed Forces Day in May, hosts a Welcome Home. Wurtsmith AFB Water Health Issues via water, Organochlorine Pesticides Levels at George AFB Family Housing. A single-seat low-wing fighter developed for the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) by Republic Aviation, it was the largest single-engined piston fighter ever produced. [1] While this was a relatively boring week, it was extremely stressfulbecause no one knew when the alarm would sound, but more importantly no oneknew if it would be a drill or not. [1] This meant that there was always at least three, B-52s armed with nuclear bombs, ready to take off at a moments notice. In 1955 Wurtsmith Air Force Base became an official permanent post in the United States Air Force, which meant that many new services were implemented on base. Testing by the Air Force has found high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS in the foam near a plume coming from the former nuclear bomber base. [1] This was followed by one and a half weeks of normal day to day activities, until the flight crew relieved crew on ready alert in the bunkers. With that being said, these chemicals are going to be reaching a lot more people than just the Oscoda residents. It is perhaps the best-known of all the between wars Army pursuits. In addition, the rear fuselage was deepened in order that it could faire cleanly into the bottom of the radiator. The sources Im using include The Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFRA); Photo collections from Wurtsmith Museum; Photo collections from Selfridge Museum, Selfridge AFB Historical files; and Aircraft Accident Reports. Mr. Norton remarked that they were flying the wings off of the planes. Many tests have been done to see the extent to which the contamination is harming the citizens residing in the area. Typical occurrences on Wurtsmith Air Force Base included planes flying in and out on missions. I have had many other health issues since and have recently found all of this. Airport History. In 1953 it was renamed Wurtsmith Air Force Base after Michigan native, Major General Paul Wurtsmith. They have been detected in air, water, soils, sediments, and in rain at levels that would be considered unsafe in drinking . There were frequently extremely large and loud airplanes taxiing, taking off, and landing in the base. 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. My son, was born on the base, has a malformed aorta and congenital nerve damage hearing loss. Representatives Dan Kildee (MI-05) and Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) today urged the U.S. Air Force to take more significant steps to address PFAS contamination around the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base near Oscoda. This unfortunately happened on October 11. , 1988 when KC-135 crashed with 6 crew members and 10 passengers on board. U.S. Air Force should abide by state of Michigan's PFAS Standards, state must hold Air Force accountable. Most Air Corps/Force types used Oscoda at one time or another. One of these places included directly underneath the Oscoda high school. Since its establishment in 1923, Wurtsmith played an important role in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War, hosting the 134th Army Air Force Base Fighter Unit and 379th Bombardment Wing respectively. If you, a friend, or loved one has been injured or died as a result of the contamination at a DOD Superfund Site please follow the steps that are outlined at Get Help. Stay tuned for further developments. . Environmental context Total organofluorine and known fluorosurfactants were quantified in 11 aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) used to extinguish fires in Ontario, Canada, and one commercial AFFF product. During the Gulf War these planes were run practically 24/7, landing only to swap flight crews to meet the flight crew rest requirements. VA counselor "don't waste your time". Since its establishment in 1923, Wurtsmith played an important role in World War II, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War, hosting the 134th Army Air Force Base Fighter Unit and 379th Bombardment Wing respectively. "The Department of Defense is evaluating [cleanup standards], and we take our lead from what the Department of Defense says," said Stephen TerMaath, who leads the Air Force division in charge of Wurtsmith cleanup. In 1979, the state of Michigan sued the Air Force for the contamination. [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. The base is influential in Michigan, as well as the United States military history. Located in Iosco County, Michigan, Wurtsmith Air Force Base operated from 1923 until decommissioned in 1993. This includes extra parts, munitions, fuel, and flight crews. distance from the bunker. A sand and gravel aquifer of glacial origin underlies Wurtsmith Air Force Base in northeastern lower Michigan. Now that the contamination has reached the Au Sable river, it could potentially carry this contamination into Lake Huron. Only afterthe plains were airborne would the crew be notified if it was a drill or not. Many of drums ruptured. My family lived on this base in 1983 to 1987, are we at risk? [5] However, the B-52H aircraft maintained nuclear alert at WurtsmithAir Force Base. 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 . These are simply the specific . The documentary by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Sara Ganim focuses on PFAS contamination at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. U.S. During the Cold War, the base became part of Strategic Air Command. 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. Drinking Water At Wurtsmith AFB Contaminted. All the artifacts that were taken off were replaced in their original position and original situation except for the tag we cleaned up, he said. Learn how your comment data is processed. Engine not damaged. Wurtsmith Air Force Base is a decommissioned United States Air Force base in northeastern Iosco County in the U.S. state of Michigan. 1942 -- Camp Skeel is renamed Oscoda Army Air Field and becomes a P-47 fighter base. Moodys body was not recovered until it washed ashore in Port Huron on June 4, 1944 two days before D-Day and the invasion of Normandy. 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. In fact the only time B-52s would travel was for training missions, or actually delivering ordinance to its target. 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. Following cleanup, operation and maintenance activities are ongoing. Here is a list of military bases that are known to have had their drinking water contaminated with PFAS chemicals: Alameda Naval base, California. Aircraft rolled 630 feet before nosing over. [1], As new technologies and mission goals evolved with time the need for the Strategic Air Commands need for the northern tier became obsolete. Published August 24, 2021 at 4:15 PM EDT. They were stationed at the air base from 1986 to 1993. At this time Wurtsmith Air Force Base was still part of the, Strategic Air Commands bomber fleet. [1] The KC-135s had many more opportunities to travel because they would fly in support of any craft capable of refueling in flight. Wurtsmith got its start in 1923 as Loud-Reames Aviation Field, a soft-surface landing site for Arm Air Corps aircraft from Selfridge Field. 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 . [1] This includes on base housing, a daycare center for children, a doctor's office, a . Heart condition, prostate cancer, diabetic, sometimes confused in making decisions. Survived stage 3 oral cancer and per medical review, origin unknown since I have never smoked. The last was delivered in December 1930. Ellsworth Air Force base, South Dakota. [1], The northern tier Strategic Air Command Ready Alert Strike Force bases were considered less than desirable duty stations for one main reason. It has found from testing this area that some places to have over 1000 parts-per-trillion for PFOS and PFOA. What's next? 1946. Call 205.328.9200 Claim Application. A map of the base locations listed above can be viewed below. I have always scheduled an apt with my dr to talk about the possibility of how this may have affected me. This could be from hydrant flushing or a water main break. 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. As previously stated, there is a museum open to the public which has artifacts and information on the bases history. Pieces include the engine, the tail, part of the door and the 37-millimeter cannon that fired through the propeller hub. The average person has around 3 or 4 parts per billion of these chemicals present in their blood. [3], [1] Dave Norton, Former United States Air Force Captain, interviewed on 23 OCT 2017, [2] Ap. The 700 hp Conqueror engine was exceptionally powerful for its day, but it had many minor and some major faults which needed to be corrected. The museum's exhibits are extensive and incredibly high-quality -- including several aircraft that can be examined up . My daughter was born at the base hospital. 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 . [1] Mr. Nortonarrived fresh from navigation school as a 2nd Lieutenant at Wurtsmith Air ForceBase in the fall of 1985. 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. Typically, brown-ish water occurs when there is large change in pressure/flow in a distribution system. 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. It was built out of a portion of the decommissioned Wurtsmith Air Force Base which housed nuclear armed B-52 Stratofortress bombers during the Cold War as well as air refueling squadrons.