179th Assault Support Helicopter Company "Hooks", Pleiku 1969
The 179th Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC) served in Pleiku from 1966 to 1971 under the 52nd Aviation Battalion (and under the 223rd Aviation Battalion in the last few weeks). It flew CH-47 twin-rotor helicopters, with an average strength of 170 men.
This photo series shows two crew members wearing two-piece Nomex fire-resistant suits, preparing for a flight. One of them has donned a "chicken plate" body armor and an AFH-1 flight helmet. This helmet is fitted with a black M-33 microphone, but in 1969 the grey M-87 microphone was much more common.
The other crew members not scheduled for a mission wear a more casual attire.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
