During my thirteen years in NDI, the AF decided to change our AFSC (53650) as many of number of times; why, I'll never figure that one out.

The NDI Lab (Non-Destructive Inspection) and the SOAP (Spectrometric Oil Analysis Program; we "burned" the oil samples looking for metal wear in engines), was a fantastic job. If you didn't know of us, you may have seen the flashing red beacons, "X-RAY WARNINGS", at one time or another.

I really enjoyed my time in SAC (especially was fond of the SR and U2); but a plane that I felt was the "backbone" was the F4. A very well built plane, and well maintained.

I'd like to add something here in regards to the F4, and what I believe may have saved some lives. While stationed at Eglin (73-74) I was on the AFSC side of the house, but also supported the 33rd and TAWC. We were finding numerous "wing-fold locking lugs" severely cracked, perhaps 25% of each fleet. I was one of the strong advocate's of suggesting to replace the aluminum lugs w/ steel. We received a "nasty gram" from depot in Utah, telling us we did not know what we were talking about, let alone, know what the hell we were doing when it came to the inspections (all cracked wing folds were shipped to Utah for analysis, thus we received replacements from them). This nasty gram was unfortunately circulated thru out the AF, in what appeared to bring great shame and disgrace to our unit. However, we held firm in our beliefs. When one day they shipped back a "cracked" wing that they supposedly checked (we inspected it prior to installation), the tide turned. Many of the commanders at Eglin shot off messages to Utah. Finally, it was resolved, and it was decided that steel would replace the old assembly.

It was nice to know, that thru our efforts, we slept easier knowing that the pilots had a safer plane to fly. I soon PCS'd to Udorn, and lo and behold, all those F4's! It was extremely rare to find a crack in one of those lugs from there on in; and seeing first hand the numerous missions from Red, Green, Blue, White (can't remember the last sqdrn), that our contribution from Eglin helped to make a difference between success and failure. And we made sure that the radiographs identified every piece of FOD in the intakes (vari-ramps).

So, to those who use to state and swear that NDI meant, "No Damn Initiative or Intelligence", please think again. <g>

"Bzaza"

Dennis R. Browne, TSgt (Ret) USAF 11/68-7/89
Korat FMS NDI 7/73-11/73; Udorn FMS NDI 11/74-8/75