Assigned to Edwards for F-16 Flight Test. Worked LANTIRN and Auto Terrain Projects. Crewed 81-0688 and 81-0816.
In 1993 I went back into the Air Force as a C-130 Flight Engineer. Unfortunately in 1995 I injured my back working on the C-130 and they medically discharged me. I loved the service and still miss it.
Current or Favourite assignment
Edwards AFB/6515th Test Squadron. We tested the newest stuff and had a blast doing it. Nothing better than being at Edwards working on the latest equipment, and as a bonus, watching the Space shuttle land and then be ferried back to Florida.
The LANTIRN project was exciting and more fun than we should have been allowed to have. We were actually the 6515th Test Squadron, but I don't see that listed in the units.It was a great squadron with a great bunch of people.
Deployments
Too many to list. Florida, Maine, Vegas, etc...I really don't remember them all.
One of the best stories was one of our test flights, with our craziest test pilot; (Rank back then) Major Chuck Killberg. The man was fearless and perfect for what we tested.
He took a dignitary on a night test flight in 81-0816 when we started testing the Auto Terrain feature. He turned the jet sideways and slid it through a break in the mountains just big enough to fit through (sideways). The words and language that came out of the mouth of the dignitary cannot be repeated here, or anywhere. I'm reasonably sure the man had to change out his drawers after the flight.. It's a little sad to see her on a pole in Atlantic City, but I guess that's better than in a boneyard somewhere...like 81-0688, my other jet.
Sgt. Dan Dennison
