Dad in the USAF

After graduating from the University of North Carolina, my Dad enlisted in the US Air Force. He got his wings while stationed at Hondo Air Base in Hondo, Texas.

Here’s a little background on the base:

As a result of the Cold War and the expansion of the United States Air Force, Hondo Air Base was reopened and activated 5 June 1950 by the USAF Air Training Command, as a contract flying training school. The 3304th Pilot Training Group was activated at the base, with the 3304th Pilot Training Squadron (Contract Flying) operating J-3's, and T-6s in a joint effort with Texas Aviation Industries, directed by H. B. Zachry, training pilots under the supervision of the United States Air Force. In 1955, they were replaced with T-28s, and T-33s.

Dad trained pilots, many of whom would likely go on to fly missions in Vietnam.

Dad flew the Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star

Mom pins Dad’s wings on him at his graduation.

A fly-by over downtown San Francisco

Captain Denny Mitchell, callsign “Shamrock.”