[MilCom] Callsign "Freedom 159"

[AllanStern at aol.com]

Freedom 159' used one last time

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO - Maj. Gen. Edward Mechenbier, an Air 
Force Reserve pilot who is assigned as the mobilization assistant to the 
commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, here, will embark May 22 on an 
historic repatriation mission to Vietnam.

This will be the general's first time in Vietnam since he was a prisoner of 
war for almost six years at the Hanoi Hilton.  In June of 1967, he was shot 
down in his F-C4 aircraft on his 80th mission over North Vietnam.

The general, who has more than 3,500 flying hours, will be flying the famous 
Hanoi Taxi back to Vietnam.  The "Taxi," also known as tail "177," is a C-141 
Starlifter aircraft.  It was the first aircraft to fly Vietnam POWs out of Gia 
Lam Airport, Hanoi, North Vietnam on Feb. 12, 1973.  The aircraft belongs to 
the 445th Airlift Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Wright-Patterson.

The general will fly the historic mission using the call sign "Freedom 159", 
the same call sign given to Vietnam POW pilots after they were re-qualified to 
fly after their captivity. An aircrew from the 445th AW will accompany the 
general. 

This flight marks the last mission of an Air Force Vietnam pilot who still 
serves his country. General Mechenbier has served for more than 40 years and is 
scheduled to retire in June.  (Courtesy 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)