Geno Quist

Concluding an AF tour at UDORN RTAFB in RF-4s, I heard about a recce Navy Exchange program. I called AF personnel requesting the slot, and with the blessings of my skipper got the position with the Vigis. I joined RVAH-3 about Aug 1974. Shortly thereafter, I was sent to the west coast with a few RVAH-3 guys who decided it would be a good idea (hilarious watching an AF guy find his way aboard ship). Before getting aboard, I tried showing some of the trained killers the fun in South Lake Tahoe! One joined me so we made it in time to catch a few z's in the car, pull one handle, and go back to get aboard. Needless to say, I was lucky to find the head and scuttlebutts.

I completed RVAH -3, and was sent to RVAH-6 for a WestPac cruise. Since I was under the totem pole, once in the PI, and the Captain wanting to put one Vigi ashore for deck space, I was 'chosen'. I stayed ashore for a few weeks, flying whenever we could get the bird flyable. Of course, flying out to join the ship going to Hong Kong, we lost all nav and comm, tried returning to Cubi, but it was weathered in, and ended up at Clark until the ship returned. When returning to the US, I was fortunate to fly off the ship, heading to Key West. We flew in to San Diego, hot refueled and started leaking fuel all over the ramp. We shut all 3 jets down, and being the fuels guy, I got to crawl into the soaking bomb bay, find the disconnected fitting between two of the cans, reconnect it, give a thumbs up, and get all 3 in the air again. No more stinking fuel leak, only fumes and leftover fuel. We got through the weather at San Antonio for refueling, since one jet had a working radio! Good formation flying! Then into Key West with 3 jets!!

Of course, before leaving Key West, I got married to an ex-Navy wife. Then back to RF-4s at Bergstrom AFB, TX. From there, after 3 years, I stayed in recce and got selected for the SR-71 program, finishing 5 years there, and 14 years of flying, before finishing my career in BD-6s (big desks, six drawers).

That's a 'little bit' about myself. Throw the darts, toss the fruitcakes, puke, erase it all, enjoy! Godspeed to all!

"Concluding an AF tour at UDORN RTAFB in RF-4s, I heard about a recce Navy Exchange program. I called AF personnel requesting the slot, and with the blessings of my skipper got the position with the Vigis. I joined RVAH-3 about Aug 1974. Shortly…"

Comments

Carl Holland January 31, 2021 at 10:39am

Welcome captain air start! You were our division officer in RECON ! We introduced you to the big boys Disneyland the PI! Love to hear from you! Carl holland 901 487 3065
Answered the Last Call

STICK June 26, 2019 at 8:34am

Well....I'd say he just "Told us a little bit about himself"

WELCOME Geno...any problems lemme know or postup any questions or problems
Geno Quist June 24, 2019 at 6:09pm

Concluding an AF tour at UDORN RTAFB in RF-4s, I heard about a recce Navy Exchange program. I called AF personnel requesting the slot, and with the blessings of my skipper got the position with the Vigis. I joined RVAH-3 about Aug 1974. Shortly thereafter, I was sent to the west coast with a few RVAH-3 guys who decided it would be a good idea (hilarious watching an AF guy find his way aboard ship). Before getting aboard, I tried showing some of the trained killers the fun in South Lake Tahoe! One joined me so we made it in time to catch a few z's in the car, pull one handle, and go back to get aboard. Needless to say, I was lucky to find the head and scuttlebutts.

I completed RVAH -3, and was sent to RVAH-6 for a WestPac cruise. Since I was under the totem pole, once in the PI, and the Captain wanting to put one Vigi ashore for deck space, I was 'chosen'. I stayed ashore for a few weeks, flying whenever we could get the bird flyable. Of course, flying out to join the ship going to Hong Kong, we lost all nav and comm, tried returning to Cubi, but it was weathered in, and ended up at Clark until the ship returned. When returning to the US, I was fortunate to fly off the ship, heading to Key West. We flew in to San Diego, hot refueled and started leaking fuel all over the ramp. We shut all 3 jets down, and being the fuels guy, I got to crawl into the soaking bomb bay, find the disconnected fitting between two of the cans, reconnect it, give a thumbs up, and get all 3 in the air again. No more stinking fuel leak, only fumes and leftover fuel. We got through the weather at San Antonio for refueling, since one jet had a working radio! Good formation flying! Then into Key West with 3 jets!!

Of course, before leaving Key West, I got married to an ex-Navy wife. Then back to RF-4s at Bergstrom AFB, TX. From there, after 3 years, I stayed in recce and got selected for the SR-71 program, finishing 5 years there, and 14 years of flying, before finishing my career in BD-6s (big desks, six drawers).

That's a 'little bit' about myself. Throw the darts, toss the fruitcakes, puke, erase it all, enjoy! Godspeed to all!
Answered the Last Call

STICK June 24, 2019 at 8:28am

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself
Terrill R. Saylor June 18, 2019 at 8:43pm

Welcome Aboard Geno!

Terry RVAH-14
John Attanasio June 18, 2019 at 8:06pm

Hello Geno,

Welcome aboard.

John VAH-9

This reply was deleted.

Geno Quist

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