Retiree News sent this photograph to Richard Hasting to confirm individuals and other information. The photograph shows (L-R) Les Obrien, Gerald Sada, Lawrence Cabrinha, Richard Hastings and Tai Hong.
Les Obrien was a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and one of the first Air Force advisors who served with the then 154th Group. He went on to finish his Air Force career and became a banker in Florida.
Gerald Sada joined the HIANG after serving on active duty, flew F-102A Delta Daggers, and F-4C Phantoms. A Traditional Guardmember, Gerry worked and retired from the State of Hawaii.
Lawrence “Cabby” Cabrinha also flew F-102s and F-4Cs. He flew the B-47 on active duty. He retired as the Director of Operations at HQ, Hawai‘i Air National Guard. Another Traditional Guardmember, he retired as the President of Aloha Island Air when it was still a subsidiary of Aloha. He moved to that position after serving as VP for operations at Aloha.
Richard Hastings, another WSO, served in the Air Force prior to his service in the HIANG. Dick was a full time technician and served in various positions in the 199th Fighter Squadron. After the Wing’s conversion to F-15s, he served in several support functions, eventually becoming the Commander of the 154th Mission Support Group. Dick retired after serving as the Wing’s Vice Commander.
Tai “Mynah” Hong flew T-33s, F-86s, F-102s, and F-4Cs during his career. He served in various positions in the 199th Fighter Squadron and staff positions in the then 154th Fighter/Fighter Interceptor/Composite Group.
The then 154th Composite Group flew the F-4C Phantom II from 1976 to 1987. This photograph was taken somewhere between 1976 and 1980. We suspect it is closer to 1976 because Gerry Sada appears to have a “Deuce” patch on his right shoulder.
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