The Marine Corps at H-3
In addition to the US Air Force, US Navy, Civilian contractors and the Icelandics tht served at H-3, there was also a short period when the U.S. Marine Corps also helped defend these "Far Flung Frontiers of Freedom" from the Russian air threats. There was a short time where H-3 was being completely rebuilt and updated with the newest radar technology. This meant that the old radar systems had to be completely shut down and removed. During this time, had it not been for a USMC portable radar group that was assigned to provide coverage, we would have left the east coast of Iceland undefended.
Here is some information and photos of that Marine Corp detachment that "covered" H-3's role in the air defense of our country. I would like to thank Dave Miller for providing the following pictures and comments.
Hello -- My name is David Miller and I was stationed with the 667th AC&W from July 19th to August 15th 1967 as part of a backup group with the Marine Corps. We were sent there to back up your squadron while they updated there facility. Upon return to the states I was assigned to the 2nd, then the 1st Light Anti Air Missile Battalion (HAWK) in Vietnam from November 1967 till December 1968. I have some images from the base and from the air strip in Hofn if you or anyone you know might be interested in them let them know .My Marine Corps MOS was Air Control / Anti Aircraft Warfare Electronics Operator, and Col. Howard was the 667th C.O. at that time. Please advise if you know anyone from the 667th interested or know anyone that might be interested with my small image collection from that time frame, none seen on any of the web sites I've visited. A base maintenance man name Val was seen nearly daily while we were there. Was great duty while it lasted. Please forward my address to any concerned party.
Best Wishes
David Miller
Here is some information and photos of that Marine Corp detachment that "covered" H-3's role in the air defense of our country. I would like to thank Dave Miller for providing the following pictures and comments.
Hello -- My name is David Miller and I was stationed with the 667th AC&W from July 19th to August 15th 1967 as part of a backup group with the Marine Corps. We were sent there to back up your squadron while they updated there facility. Upon return to the states I was assigned to the 2nd, then the 1st Light Anti Air Missile Battalion (HAWK) in Vietnam from November 1967 till December 1968. I have some images from the base and from the air strip in Hofn if you or anyone you know might be interested in them let them know .My Marine Corps MOS was Air Control / Anti Aircraft Warfare Electronics Operator, and Col. Howard was the 667th C.O. at that time. Please advise if you know anyone from the 667th interested or know anyone that might be interested with my small image collection from that time frame, none seen on any of the web sites I've visited. A base maintenance man name Val was seen nearly daily while we were there. Was great duty while it lasted. Please forward my address to any concerned party.
Best Wishes
David Miller
There are also some documents David provided that can provide a little more "feel" for the "Semper Fi" visitors to H-3. You can click on them to see the full size document.
We have heard from another Marine who "covered" H-3 when the old radars were in the process of being replaced. Bob Baker was a Corporal in the Marine Air Control Squadron 5 which set up a temporary radar site. Below is a note from Bob.
I was a USMC Corporal and I served with Cpl. David Miller at H3 from July 1967 to August 1967. We were both members of MACS 5 stationed at MCAS New River, NC when we were deployed to H3. Our time at H3 was short but it gave us an appreciation of the hardships endured by those who served at H3 for an entire year.
Regards,
Bob Baker
Bob has also forwarded an article that was printed in the Rotovue newspaper ( a newspaper covering Marine Corp activities). The article is available by clicking on the image.
I was a USMC Corporal and I served with Cpl. David Miller at H3 from July 1967 to August 1967. We were both members of MACS 5 stationed at MCAS New River, NC when we were deployed to H3. Our time at H3 was short but it gave us an appreciation of the hardships endured by those who served at H3 for an entire year.
Regards,
Bob Baker
Bob has also forwarded an article that was printed in the Rotovue newspaper ( a newspaper covering Marine Corp activities). The article is available by clicking on the image.