My Parents live in Altus and I was raised in Altus. I was stationed in Germany( U.S. Army) at the time the tornado hit in 1982 and I remember my parents telling me they had to replace the c-5 (i think it was the c-5) that was situated on the corner of the park. The tornado picked up the old aircraft and I don't think anyone knows where it is now. In 1982 When I went to visit I noticed there was another one in its place. I remember the photos my parents sent me this tornado destroyed Altus AFB and including parts of Altus also. I think it has been the worst tornado Altus has ever witnessed. Even growing up in Oklahoma I have unfortunately been through alot of Tornado's. 06/06/2008 @ 06:42 [ref: 8013]
I was stationed at Altus from 78-83. I was in the 2002CS and our barracks were the first ones hit after the tornado touched down near the main gate. I also worked in bldg. 214. I was in the barracks on the third floor when it was hit. Never will forget it. 05/16/2008 @ 20:13 [ref: 7770]
James Moore Cullman, Alabama
I was stationed at Altus in 1981-1983 also when The Tornado went through. I was a crew chief on the KC-135'S at the time. I actually did a few wall murals on the wall inside of building for the 340th.One was a KC-135 refueling a F-111.I always wondered if it was still there after all these years.I remember doing FOD patrol on flightline after that storm. 04/23/2008 @ 13:05 [ref: 7411]
R. Ray Medford, Oregon
Stationed at Jan 1981-Aug 1982 as a weather observer. Was on duty in the weather observation tower when the tornado hit. 02/06/2008 @ 17:00 [ref: 6747]
Danny Whiteaker Independence, Missouri
I was stationed at Altus AFB between August of 1981 until November of 1983 where I then went to St. Joseph Missouri to work on C-130's. While at Altus I was an avionics specialist with the 340th working on the KC-135 aircraft. I was on base when the tornado came through in 1982. I remember it very well. It did a lot of damage and turned all the C-5 Galaxy aircraft 45 degrees with the wing of one embedded in the nose of another plane. Top floor on one of the dorms was completely gone. It wasn't a pretty site at all.
Today, 9/24/07, I returned to Altus for the very first time since leaving in 1983. WOW...how it has changed. So many new businesses in town. I remember when Arby's came to town. That made everyone in town so excited. I see its still there. I tried looking up TSgt Reggie Lewis who I worked with. He said he was going to retire in Altus but I couldn't find him in the phone book. I have a lot of good memories living in Altus. I lived at 704 N. Julian St. where I rented a house. I drove by the house today. Still looks somewhat the same. My first son was born at the AFB hosipital in Altus. I'll always have life long memories of my experiences in Altus. It was fun to revisit today after 23 years. 09/24/2007 @ 18:59 [ref: 6336]
Al , Florida
The C-118 is long gone, but there is now a nicely displayed C-141. Of course the base is not open to the general public and you need a military affiliation to get in. There is a B-47 on display in a park in the town of Altus (on US Hwy 62) that anyone can view. 09/15/2007 @ 18:24 [ref: 6315]
Harry W.ADR1 USNR(TAR)RET. carson City, Nevada
I flew the jumpseat on 573 out of Nas Dallas in 1965.Went to Rota and changed 2 engines and back to Norfolk,then Dallas.It was a real truck. 12/13/2006 @ 06:03 [ref: 5491]
HARRY SHARP FLORENCE, Colorado
I WAS STATIONED AT ALTUS AFB FROM DEC.69, UNTIL I RETIRED IN JAN.84. SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I EVER MET WAS AT ALTUS. THE BASE HAS REALY CHANGED OVER THE YEARS SINCE I RETIRED. 09/22/2006 @ 08:47 [ref: 5282]
Don Martin , Maine
I was stationed at Altus from 78-82 with the 443rd FMS. I worked both C-5s and C-141s. I don't remember seeing any retired aircraft on the base. Where would they have been? The only "museum piece" I knew of was the B-47 on the corner of Park(?) Ave. and US 62. I was there for the tornado in 1982 that came right across the base, doing major damage 09/23/2005 @ 23:03 [ref: 4458]
(15 visitors)
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