Southern Cross information
for 23 INF DIV
For date 710903
23 INF DIV was a US Army unit
Primary service involved, US Army
Quang Tin Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, Chu Lai
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Crew Chief has chore caring for CH-47, passenger, flights" by SP4 Randy Bombard (23d Inf. Div. IO)
CHU LAI - The day begins early for SP4 Kim Spahn (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.). It's up at 5:30 a.m. and down to the chopper pad by 6:15 to begin preparing for the new day's missions. The first item on the agenda is the pre-flight check given all systems on the aircraft. This includes checking oil and hydraulic fluid levels along with a visual inspection of the interior and exterior surfaces of the aircraft. The crew chief looks for any hair line cracks in any control surfaces or around stress points, as well as frayed or chafed points on wiring or tubing. When an item is found that requires attention, it is written up in the log book and when maintenance has been performed, it is then signed off by the person performing the maintenance operation. Many hours a day are required to keep all the equipment and various systems on board in top operating condition. The remainder of the day Spahn is busy supervising the loading and unloading of freight or passenger loads that are carried by their CH-47 (Chinook). Originally assigned to an infantry company, Spahn decided he would like to fly, so he put in a request to transfer to an aviation company as a door gunner. His request was granted and he has since worked his way from door gunner to crew chief, a position that carries much responsibility. Spahn definitely enjoys flying. he said, "The Chinook if really a great aircraft to fly on. I'm really glad I was able to make the transfer from the infantry to flying. I definitely enjoy it."
Comments: SP4 Spahn, Kim; CH-47 CE; ;
The source for this information was 7109_435_scr supplied by Les Hines 03/17/2000
Additional information is available on CD-ROM.
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Last updated
12/12/2000
Date posted on this site:
05/13/2023