Check Six – Early 1980s: F-4 Aircrews at the Alert Pad

Posted on Nov 2, 2018 in 1980's, Check Six
Hawaii Air National Guard photograph | click to enlarge

This undated photograph was taken at the alert pad. It shows L-R: Harold “Shaka” Schatz, Les O’Brian, Jamie Bury, and Richard Dove in front a F-4C Phantom.

After the F-4 era, Shaka transitioned to the F-15 Eagle, and flew several more years with the 199th Fighter Squadron before retiring.

Les was a weapons systems officer (WSO) who was an Air Force Advisor assigned to the 199th Fighter Squadron. He moved on to another assignment after his HIANG tour. The Air Force Advisor program faded away during the F-4 era. Side bar – in reviewing documents, there is some confusion whether his name is spelled O’Brian or Obrian.

Jamie moved to support positions after the F-4 era. He retired after serving his 20 years.

Rich became the Director of Personnel for a few years before leaving the Guard. We believe his call sign was “Big Bird”.

Mahalo to Harold “Shaka” Schatz and Stanley “Ossum” Osserman for helping with the ID and providing comments.


The appearance of external hyperlinks did not constitute endorsement by Retiree News, this included the linked websites, information, products, or services contained therein. Retiree News did not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Additionally, some of the sites linked to may limit the number of stories you can access without a paid subscription. All links were provided with the intent of meeting the mission of Retiree News.