This photograph was taken on June 12, 1973, It was the close of the 154th Fighter Interceptor Group’s annual field training and there was a recognition ceremony. Among others recognized, CMSgt Theodore D. Hussey (from left, front). MSgt Frederick Rittmeister and Capt Michael “Boss” Tice were recognized.
CMSgt Hussey retire later in the month after 34 years of service. He enlisted in the Hawaii Army National Guard in 1939. He transferred to the Hawaii Air National Guard in the late 1960s.
MSgt Rittmeister retired with 26 years of service. He was one of two remaining charter members of the HIANG who was there on November 6, 1946. The last charter member, CMSgt Robert Choi retired in 1979.
Capt Tice was given the 1973 HANG Outstanding Interceptor Pilot Award. Boss served in several command and staff positions within the 154th Group/Wing. He commanded the 154th Wing from December 1989 to September 2000. He then became the Reserve Component (RC) assistant to the Commander, US Pacific Command. He retired in 2003 as a major general.
There are several other familiar faces in the formation.
In the photograph, Chief Hussey is wearing the two-tone blue Air Force uniform which remains in use today. The others in the photograph are wearing 1505 uniforms – “Fifteen-oh-Fives” – no other term was used. The Air Force used this uniform from 1965 through 1978. Yes, there was a multi-year transition period. They were the last of the khaki uniforms issued by the Air Force.
Photograph from the Hawaii State Archives website
The Hawai‘i State Archives’ mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government.
Website: http://ags.hawaii.gov/archives
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