Douglas DC-3A-456 EC-47N

02/28/2016. Remarks by Johan Visschedijk: "Built as a C-47A Skytrain (affectionately known as "Gooney Bird") by Douglas Aircraft at Long Beach, California, USA, this aircraft was delivered to the USAAF on October 21, 1943. Between December 1943 and July it served with the 8th Air Force in the European Theater of Operations, upon return to the USA it was stored. Subsequently it served with a number of ANG units.

Between September and November 1966 it was operated by Air International of Miami, Florida, whereafter it was converted at Mobile Air Logistics Area, Brookley AFB, Alabama to a RC-47N for photographic reconnaissance and ELINT (electronic intelligence) missions. March 1967 the aircraft was transferred to Grenier Airport, New Hampshire, the following July it was assigned to the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing and transferred to Tan Son Nhut AB, Vietnam. There it was further modified for ELINT/ARDF (electronic intelligence/airborne radio direction finding) and redesignated EC-47N (nicknamed "Electric Goon"). The aircraft were equipped with a large number of antenna of various types.

The aircraft was operated by the 360th TEWS (Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron), affectionately known as Antique Airlines. The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award was awarded to the 460th TRW in 1969, its colors can be seen next to the cockpit window

In September 1971 the aircraft was transferred to the 483rd Tactical Airlift Wing at Cam Ranh Bay AB, while in February 1972 it returned to Tan Son Nhut AB, where it was assigned to the 377th Air Base Wing. In November 1972 the aircraft was transferred to the South Vietnam AF under the Military Assistance Plan. Its ultimate fate is unknown."

02/05/2004. D.J. Hegland was an aircraft commander for the 360th TEWS based at Tan Son Nhut AB. He flew missions as well as flight instruction. D.J. Hegland was awarded his second Distinguished Flying Cross in Vietnam.