Col Blanton

I worked for Col Blanton when he was the S-3 of MARTD Detroit Selfridge ANG Base. We had OV-10s and H-46s, I think he flew both. This was in the 1970/73 timeframe. My memories of him are just as you described, he was a great influence on the entire Detachment. He was loved and admired by all. I would appreciate more information on the funeral arrangements. SF L R Gilton

I also knew the Col in Detroit and he did fky both acft. He also was xo/s3 undwe LtCol Gobat. I remember him as an well respected Marine. sf jim albro

Reserve base CH-46's

of MARTD Detroit Selfridge ANG Base. We had OV-10s and H-46s, I think he flew both. This was in the 1970/73 timeframe.

There was a reserve base in 1970 with CH-46's??? I thought they were all in RVN or on Marine Air Stations during this period. (certainly including LPH's in this description) Were they "A" models?

MARTD H-46s

We did have H-46s at Detroit, I believe it was HMM-776 but not certain. When I first arrived in April 1970 we had H-34s. Gunner L E Kozain was the Maint Officer, we transitioned to 46s in 70 or 71. Dead brain cells prevent recalling those I served with but I do remember Col Gobat, Great Marine. SF LRG

Reserve CH-46's

Thanks for answering up, Leland. We thought they were in shorter supply than that. Guess you had "D" models then, since Brook and I were flying new "F" models in Santa Ana as were others in New River. The conversion back to "E" came later...never did understand the "backwards" move. How many did you have in Detroit? How long were you there?

Col. Bob Blanton USMC (Ret.)

Posted for Jim Rider

topsailgospel@juno.com

Robert "Bob" Blanton, Colonel, USMC (Retired) died on 26 January, 2006 in North Charleston, SC. He is survived by his wife Joyce, and two sons. The cause of death was from a brain tumor. Bob's remains can be viewed at Jay Henry Stuhr Funeral Home, 2180 Greenridge Chapel Road, Charleston, SC. Funeral services will be conducted at St. George Episcopal Church, 9110 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC. Burial will be at Riverview Memorial Park, 3715 Azalea Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405, Phone: 843-744-3949.

Condolences may be sent to Bob's wife Joyce at 8691 Grassy Oak Trail, North Charleston, SC 29420. The telephone number is 843-225-1328. Joyce is quite ill herself, and may not be able to hold long telephone conversations,

Bob served two tours in Viet Nam, one in H-34's, and another in Cobras and OV-10's. Bob served as the regimental ALO for the 5th Marines at An Hoa. He was an admirable man, a good stick, and always brave under fire.

Detroit got 46's in late 71 after doing a tranny mod in Norfolk. I think all were 162 or 262 acft from rvn. if crs is right the OV's were all nre from factory exept the one with air cond. I throught he had left before we got 46/s, but that was a long ago I was there dec 69 to Jan 72 rhen off to rvn.

Reserve 46's

Thanks, Top. I'm learning new stuff every day!

When I was at Los Alamitos NAS in 1969-70 we had H-34's, CH-46's, A-4 B's, and OV-10's. That was quite a mix. Three different reserve squadrons for USMC.

The Navy had F-4's and P-2V's, S--2's (I think) and perhaps H-2's. It was a busy air station. Beautiful spot surrounded by perhaps thousands of acres of agriculture. Right at the end of one runway was a strip mall---nice planning. They finally closed the NAS re the neighbors complaining about the noise. I understand that all the farms are now gone and it's all housing. Good reason to forego living in S. California.

NAS Los Alamitos

I flew in and out of "Los Al" a time or two in 1969 while with HMM-163, flying new CH-46F's out of Santa Ana, and all I remember of what you listed were A-4's and some S-2F's, of course it's been a while..... The base H&MS unit had a UH-34D, that I recall seeing in Navy Blue (or was it gray) at any rate after seeing them in Marine Green for all my years, I did notice that it was different. Never did see any phrogs there, but they could've come later. Guess we had more phrogs than I realized.

Bob Blanton

This thread is about the passing of a truely fine officer, with whom I had the pleasure to serve with at MCAF New River in the early 70's. Please let me also offer my sincere condolences to Joyce and her family. I too share the thoughts of Bob Rider, and others here, who recall Bob as a wonderful, easy going officer, a respected helo pilot and a guy who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He will be missed. Semper Fi......Mike Sullivan

PS....It think would be appropriate to discuss all the MARTD experiences in another thread...

Col Blanton was a super Marine

Bob Blanton was a great guy to work with. I was the XO of HML-167 during the last few months of his assignment in that squadron. The unit was very good and everyone had a lot of respect for the CO. Great tour for me too!