former crew members who have passed on

25 August 2025 

Age 91 

"Fred" enlisted in the United States Air Force at age 17 on April 15, 1951 and after basic training at Lackland and Sheppard Air Force Bases in Texas, completed Communications school at Fort Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In December of 1951, departed for Korea on the MSTS Daniel Morton and spent the next 18 months traveling around the Far East to such places as Japan, the Philippines, Okinawa, many islands and finally to Guam before returning to the United States on the MSTS Sultan and an assignment to Cape Charles, Virginia in October of 1953. Fred's PACCS assignments had him at Westover AFB, MA, Barksdale AFB, LA, Hickem AFB, HI and finally Grisson AFB, IN where he retired in March 1996. 

Fred was a founding member of the SAC ACCA and was previously President and most recently President Emeritus.

1 October 2023 

Age 84

"Ed" graduated from Floyd High School, worked at a furniture factory, and then began a program in electronics. In November 1961 he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, worked as an avionic communications technician, and retired in August 1976 as a Master Sergeant. Ed had some of the more colorful flying experiences while in SAC. Before he flew on the KC-135A/B's he flew on the EB-47L Radio Relay Aircraft (Pipe Cleaner) out of the 4362nd Support Squadron at Lincoln AFB, NE.  He stated they never secured the crew entry chute door until they were above 10,000', thus secured in the fact they would land. The hatch being left open was one less item to to run on the bail out checklist. 

20 January 2023 

Age 88

"Harv" as he was known had joined the USAF and in time was stationed at Offutt AFB, NE. When he began flying on "Looking Glass" in 1964 the new aircraft (KC-135B's) had just been delivered to Offutt. Having flown on the KC-135A's he said "the B's were super fast but soon SAC loaded them up and they became slow like the A's". Upon retirement Harv remained associated with the PACCS network as the resident Switchboard specialist. Not a morning went by when the #3 Glass flyers landed and they would stop by for a quick cup of coffee and a fun conversation with Harv. He was loved by all. 

8 December 2022 

Age 79

In 1961, shortly after graduating from John Adams High School in Cleveland, OH, "Bob" enlisted in the USAF. Initially trained in Radio Maintenance he was  assigned to the 9th ACCS at Hickam AFB, HI. This was in support of "Operation Blue Eagle", flying on EC-135P aircraft. In 1969 Bob was then assigned to the 1st ACCS at Andrews AFB, MD in support of "Operation Nightwatch" on EC-135J aircraft. Bob was on hand when the first E-4 aircraft were delivered. When the 1st ACCS transferred to Offutt AFB, NE he transferred as well.  He retired in 1981.

11 September 2020 

Age 72

 In 1969, shortly after graduating from Medway High School, "Steve" enlisted in the USAF.  His many assignments had him in Vietnam and abroad. Steve was then assigned to the 2nd ACCS at Offutt AFB, NE on Looking Glass. At first as a Radio Operator, then a trainer, as Stand/Eval evaluator and finally as the Flight Superintendent.  He also served on the ABCCC EC-130's at Keesler, AFB, MS.

30 August 2018 

Age 84

"Jim" was commissioned in the USAF in 1956 after graduating from Auburn University and completing the AFROTC program. He was assigned as a KC-135 Navigator in the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and in one 12-month tour flew 199 combat missions while stationed in Vietnam. He later served as a senior officer at the USAF silo complex in Minot AFB, ND. Jim was the last commander of 3rd ACCS, notable since he was the only Navigator (at the time) to command a flying squadron.  He was also a former President of SAC ACCA.