Served as PMEL support outside the compound at IAS Crete. 1975 to 1976 only in the compound twice to work on electronic equipment. It was not until joining the cretestock group on Yahoo.com that I became aware of how much information was gleaned from our Silent Warriors. Great web site!
My dad, the SSgt Jimmy A Coley was stationed at Irakilion from 1970-72 in the 6931st SS.. We lived off base for ayear and then moved into the “new” base housing. I attended the elementary school onbase (Kearns) for 3rd and 4th grades. My dad retired out of Keesler in 1982 to Georgia. I am just now finding out about what it was my dad REALLY did all those years in the USAFSS
Teri, sounds like you and I had similiar circumstances. My dad, MSgt Edward Kephart was stationed at Iraklion AS from 1970-1972 in the 6931st SS. We also lived off base in Iraklion for a few months prior to moving into the new base housing. We lived in quarters 812C. I attended Kearns for the 2nd & 3rd grades, seems like my teachers name was Ms. Forsythe. So we were classmates! The main things I remember was living close to the beach, eating coffee ice cream, the bowling alley, playing baseball, going to the movies, eating souvlaki’s in downtown Iraklion, and picking fresh grapes from the locals. I also remember visiting the ruins of Knossus palace. It was the best place to live, and I hope to go back someday and visit.
I was a 292×1 stationed there from Feb 67 to Aug 68. I really enjoyed by time there. Especially the two summers. Went back in April 08 with my wife, son & daughter-inlaw. Was a thrill to be back again. Wow, have things ever changed. Most of the old buildings have been trashed since the closing in 93. Malia was almost recognizable. St. Nick’s has really grown, but the little beach we used to visit is virtually the same. I would love to hear from some old friends from those times. Would love reunion.
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I am on Crete at this very moment (Aug. 6, 2009). I arrived here on Aug. 2, 2009, and will be here until Oct. 31, 2009! Can you tell that I love Crete? I stayed here last year for 3 months as well – for all of May, June and July. I already have plans in the making to return here next year for another 3 months! I think I am addicted to Crete! Well, at least that isn’t against the law! Vist my blog at http://www.bobscretanadventure.blogspot.com to see what I am up to! Take care and stay well.
Last comment was from my son Niels. I was at Iraklion from June 65 to Dec 66. Linguist. Anyone there around66 remember the phrase Allison Wonderland, (Base cmdr Herbert Allison)? Aerial photos of Crete sure make it seem like a changed place. Lou Hansen USAFSS
I was stationed on Crete from Aug 67 to April 69. I was a “ditty-bop” on Able Flt. Great place to be. I envy Bob Armistead’s 3 month visit and enjoy reading his blog posts. Check it out.
Was assigned to Crete beginning in 1971, played a whole of softball, volleyball,etc.. Compared to Clark AFB, Crete was a Country Club. Had a terrific time there, met a great deal of really good people that had a lot of fun after our work was done. Greece is a special place on this earth, and lately it’s been on my mind due to John Payne’s passing and all of the correspondence surrounding it, starting with Arthur Sharon.
Anyone reading this, hope you are well and enjoying life. Me, I’m in the Pacific NW, amidst weather that’s bordering on winter conditions, wet and windy, no snow yet.
Eric Gunderson
I was stationed on Crete from may 1967 until October 1968. I believe I do remember Butch Kuykendall. Does anyone remember james Prince from Louisana. He owned a new MGB convertible. I coached little league baseball and also played on the softball and basketball team. Colonel Kozina was our base commander and I remember playing basketball with Captain Gunkel and Mike Halterman. I would love to hear from anyone who was there at the same time.
I was stationed at the 6931st from December 1968 through March of 1973 as a 292 on Baker Flt.We had several flt commanders during that time. I remember Lt. Leveque, Lt. Jeffrey Blair and Lt. Charlie Jordan.It was a great assignment!
My wife, daughter, and I were there from 1963-1964 (our son was born while we were there, but they shipped his mamma down to Tripoli to giver birth). I was a 702×0 on Baker Flight (an eternal E4).
I’m very interested in contacting other people we might know from there – particularly a Stanley Gilliett or family.
I was stationed at the 6931st from July 4,1963 until Sept 30,1964. I was a 29252 on Baker flt living in Barracks 304. I have placed many pix on various sites in the hopes that someone will see some people they know and contact me. Any ifo you have would be appreciated. I will never forget the work, the people, and the beauty of Crete.
Was on Crete (the rock) 1966 – 68
Worked on D and E flights as a ditty chaser – have alot of fond memories of Crete – hard to believe it is no longer there – I remember riding around in a 1961 rambler with a rag for a gas cap. OYZO and apples went well together.
MY father was Tech-sgt Jesse Miller. We lived on Crete from March 1967 to July 1969. I admit I was the cause for our transferring back to Ft. Meade, MD. I was going into 9th grade and my parents didn’t think I would have survived Ankara. We all loved that place. I still have a copy of the little black and white getting to know Iraklion AFB booklet. Very cool to look through.
Stumbling on this site brought back a lot of fond memories. I was an X1 on baker flight 1971-74. Married my lovely wife 39 years ago there (can honestly say my marriage license is all Greek to me)and my first born (a son) arrived a few months before my discharge. Still use the high speed rack skills I acquired for ham radio cw contests. Our closest friends are still those we developed during our 3+ year stay. Haven’t been back but I sure would like to some day.
Butch and I were room mates. I was the one with the White Triumph TR4A that I purchased from an officer on the base. Served Feb 67 to Aug 68 same as Butch. Went back last week. Sad condition of the base. Have some great pictures of 42 years ago and now of the base. Will see if I can add them to the Wikipedia site for Iraklion Air Station.
I was a 202 on Able flight from March 1978 until March 1980. Wanting to hear from anyone that remembers me or was just stationed there at the same time I was. Things about me that might jog your memory: Blond, Blue eyes, Glasses. Had 650 Yamaha motorcyle, traded for VW Bug. Crashed Bug into olive tree about 100 yards from front gate. Fell off 40 foot cliff while holding Conan King. Roy King’s son. Spent about nine days in the clinic. Worked in the S&W center with George Larson, Karan Hamel, Dave Hussey, Rayfo Smith, and others that I can’t remember the names of but I do remember them and their faces.
Hi,
I was in Crete from 1968 – 1972 as a linguist.
Greg
Greg, that’s about the time we were there. I remember living offbase close to a bakery and a woodshop.
I was station on Crete for 6 years,1963 to 65 and 1966 to 70.Been back 3 times.Loved it back then and still do now.
Served as PMEL support outside the compound at IAS Crete. 1975 to 1976 only in the compound twice to work on electronic equipment. It was not until joining the cretestock group on Yahoo.com that I became aware of how much information was gleaned from our Silent Warriors. Great web site!
Daniel
My dad, the SSgt Jimmy A Coley was stationed at Irakilion from 1970-72 in the 6931st SS.. We lived off base for ayear and then moved into the “new” base housing. I attended the elementary school onbase (Kearns) for 3rd and 4th grades. My dad retired out of Keesler in 1982 to Georgia. I am just now finding out about what it was my dad REALLY did all those years in the USAFSS
Teri, sounds like you and I had similiar circumstances. My dad, MSgt Edward Kephart was stationed at Iraklion AS from 1970-1972 in the 6931st SS. We also lived off base in Iraklion for a few months prior to moving into the new base housing. We lived in quarters 812C. I attended Kearns for the 2nd & 3rd grades, seems like my teachers name was Ms. Forsythe. So we were classmates! The main things I remember was living close to the beach, eating coffee ice cream, the bowling alley, playing baseball, going to the movies, eating souvlaki’s in downtown Iraklion, and picking fresh grapes from the locals. I also remember visiting the ruins of Knossus palace. It was the best place to live, and I hope to go back someday and visit.
At the 6931st from Feb. of 1964 to Aug. of 1965. Anybody remember SSGT Edward G. Frankenstein? No joke, his real name! Or TSGT Thuot or TSGT Herridge?
I was a 292×1 stationed there from Feb 67 to Aug 68. I really enjoyed by time there. Especially the two summers. Went back in April 08 with my wife, son & daughter-inlaw. Was a thrill to be back again. Wow, have things ever changed. Most of the old buildings have been trashed since the closing in 93. Malia was almost recognizable. St. Nick’s has really grown, but the little beach we used to visit is virtually the same. I would love to hear from some old friends from those times. Would love reunion.
Hi! I just wanted you to know that I am on Crete at this very moment (Aug. 6, 2009). I arrived here on Aug. 2, 2009, and will be here until Oct. 31, 2009! Can you tell that I love Crete? I stayed here last year for 3 months as well – for all of May, June and July. I already have plans in the making to return here next year for another 3 months! I think I am addicted to Crete! Well, at least that isn’t against the law! Vist my blog at http://www.bobscretanadventure.blogspot.com to see what I am up to! Take care and stay well.
Your Friend,
Bob Armistead
Hello.
My father, Lou Hansen, was stationed there in 1964-1966ish. 6931st SG. He is still alive and well. Anyone work with him?
CPT Niels Hansen
US Army
Last comment was from my son Niels. I was at Iraklion from June 65 to Dec 66. Linguist. Anyone there around66 remember the phrase Allison Wonderland, (Base cmdr Herbert Allison)? Aerial photos of Crete sure make it seem like a changed place. Lou Hansen USAFSS
I was stationed on Crete from Aug 67 to April 69. I was a “ditty-bop” on Able Flt. Great place to be. I envy Bob Armistead’s 3 month visit and enjoy reading his blog posts. Check it out.
Was assigned to Crete beginning in 1971, played a whole of softball, volleyball,etc.. Compared to Clark AFB, Crete was a Country Club. Had a terrific time there, met a great deal of really good people that had a lot of fun after our work was done. Greece is a special place on this earth, and lately it’s been on my mind due to John Payne’s passing and all of the correspondence surrounding it, starting with Arthur Sharon.
Anyone reading this, hope you are well and enjoying life. Me, I’m in the Pacific NW, amidst weather that’s bordering on winter conditions, wet and windy, no snow yet.
Eric Gunderson
I was stationed on Crete from may 1967 until October 1968. I believe I do remember Butch Kuykendall. Does anyone remember james Prince from Louisana. He owned a new MGB convertible. I coached little league baseball and also played on the softball and basketball team. Colonel Kozina was our base commander and I remember playing basketball with Captain Gunkel and Mike Halterman. I would love to hear from anyone who was there at the same time.
I was stationed at the 6931st from December 1968 through March of 1973 as a 292 on Baker Flt.We had several flt commanders during that time. I remember Lt. Leveque, Lt. Jeffrey Blair and Lt. Charlie Jordan.It was a great assignment!
My wife, daughter, and I were there from 1963-1964 (our son was born while we were there, but they shipped his mamma down to Tripoli to giver birth). I was a 702×0 on Baker Flight (an eternal E4).
I’m very interested in contacting other people we might know from there – particularly a Stanley Gilliett or family.
I was stationed at the 6931st from July 4,1963 until Sept 30,1964. I was a 29252 on Baker flt living in Barracks 304. I have placed many pix on various sites in the hopes that someone will see some people they know and contact me. Any ifo you have would be appreciated. I will never forget the work, the people, and the beauty of Crete.
Was on Crete (the rock) 1966 – 68
Worked on D and E flights as a ditty chaser – have alot of fond memories of Crete – hard to believe it is no longer there – I remember riding around in a 1961 rambler with a rag for a gas cap. OYZO and apples went well together.
MY father was Tech-sgt Jesse Miller. We lived on Crete from March 1967 to July 1969. I admit I was the cause for our transferring back to Ft. Meade, MD. I was going into 9th grade and my parents didn’t think I would have survived Ankara. We all loved that place. I still have a copy of the little black and white getting to know Iraklion AFB booklet. Very cool to look through.
Stumbling on this site brought back a lot of fond memories. I was an X1 on baker flight 1971-74. Married my lovely wife 39 years ago there (can honestly say my marriage license is all Greek to me)and my first born (a son) arrived a few months before my discharge. Still use the high speed rack skills I acquired for ham radio cw contests. Our closest friends are still those we developed during our 3+ year stay. Haven’t been back but I sure would like to some day.
Butch and I were room mates. I was the one with the White Triumph TR4A that I purchased from an officer on the base. Served Feb 67 to Aug 68 same as Butch. Went back last week. Sad condition of the base. Have some great pictures of 42 years ago and now of the base. Will see if I can add them to the Wikipedia site for Iraklion Air Station.
I was a 202 on Able flight from March 1978 until March 1980. Wanting to hear from anyone that remembers me or was just stationed there at the same time I was. Things about me that might jog your memory: Blond, Blue eyes, Glasses. Had 650 Yamaha motorcyle, traded for VW Bug. Crashed Bug into olive tree about 100 yards from front gate. Fell off 40 foot cliff while holding Conan King. Roy King’s son. Spent about nine days in the clinic. Worked in the S&W center with George Larson, Karan Hamel, Dave Hussey, Rayfo Smith, and others that I can’t remember the names of but I do remember them and their faces.