Crew Chief Profiles

 MSgt. Robert Palk (Ret.)

My profile

 Name MSgt. Robert Palk (Ret.)
Country
Unit 14th Fighter Squadron "Samurais"
Crewing F-16s from 1984 until 1991
Contact rpalk Send me a private message
Website
Started USAF on B-52s at Blytheville AFB, AR.(1981-1984) then cross trained to the F-16. In 1991, became a C-5 Flight Engineer at Travis. Loved flying and attained 3500 flying hours before retirement in 2004. However, working on F-16 was highlight of my career. Started off at MacDill AFB, FL. (1984-1987) in the 63th AMU then received orders to Misawa AB, Japan(1987-1990). After that, assigned to 3246th Test Wing at Eglin AFB FL. (1990-1991). Finally decided to apply for a flying job as a Flight Engineer. Began training in 1991 at Altus AFB, OK. After basic Flight Engineer school received orders for Travis AFB, CA. and was assigned to C-5 Galaxy in the 22nd Airlift Squadron (1991-1995). Transferred to Altus AFB, OK. (1995-1999) 56th Airlift Squadron as a C-5 Instructor teaching new students. After that, was transferred back to Travis (1999-2002) and assigned to the 21st Airlift Squadron. Finally returned to Altus AFB in 2002 for one last tour and retired in 2004 due to back problems. I liked working swing (night) shift because you learned more then just launch and recovery. As a F-16 crew chief, I had developed many good friendships. I loved being able to do Aircraft engine runs in full afterburner. The flying job involved long days (up to 30 hours) but had it's rewards. Flying gave me the opportunity to be involved in a lot of worldwide operations. I travel to many different countries and saw so many wonders of the world. My career was truly the best...

Current or Favourite assignment

Deployments

While in maintenance, I deployed to the Philippines, Australia and Alaska. Not many deployments as a maintainer. As a flier, the deployments were constant. Spent a lot of times in Pacific arena, Japan, Asia, China, Middle East, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Was involved in numerous Presidential support missions carrying Limos, Secret Service and Marine One helicopter. Got to go inside one of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, walk the Great Wall of China and so many other sights. Involved in almost every major operation that occurred since 1991. Iraq was a major one but there are to many to list. I have been to almost every part of the world expect Antarctica. Out of everything, would love to go back to New Zealand.

My Jets & Assignments

 B-52 Stratofortress
Unit 97th OMS
Period 1981 - 1984
79363 [Detailed history of this F-16]
Unit 63rd Fighter Squadron "Panthers" [Unit History]
Period 1984 - 1987
Current: AAFG0031  USAF AMARC F-16A Block 10 [sto]
85547 [Detailed history of this F-16]
Unit 14th Fighter Squadron "Samurais" [Unit History]
Period 1987 - 1990
Current: 85547  USAF 445 FLTS F-16C Block 30 [act]
83163 [Detailed history of this F-16]
Unit 3247th Test Squadron [Unit History]
Period 1990 - 1991
Current: 83163  USAF 40 FLTS F-16C Block 25 [act]
C-5 Galaxy
Unit 22nd AS
Period 1991 - 1995
C-5 Galaxy
Unit 56th AS
Period 1995 - 1999
C-5 Galaxy
Unit 21st AS
Period 1999 - 2002
C-5 Galaxy
Unit 56th AS
Period 2002 - 2004

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