Doug Kurkoski has posted some wonderful pictures of Ramey on Flickr. Doug shared with me the following:
“I was stationed at Ramey as a SSGT in the Base Budget Office in 1972-73.Some of the photos are ones that I took myself, but many of them are from a slideshow that the First Sergeant (MSGT Dick Drake) of the CAMS (Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) used to orient newcomers to the base. He gave them to me as souvenirs when I left as the base was closing in 1973. If I turn up any more photos, I will post them as well. My purpose in posting these photos on Flickr was to make them available to anyone who might be interested, and your setting up a link to them will be very helpful in doing just that. So far I have received 440 hits on that set of photos, so I know that there definitely are people out there who are interested.”
I’m certain anyone viewing this post will appreciate these photos. The photos are bright, colorful and labeled. For anyone who served at Ramey, these photos will be a trip down memory lane.
Thank you Doug for keeping the memories of Ramey alive.
Hello. My father was stationed at Ramey and I was also born on base.I would love to see any and all pictures you might have of the base. I am curious if you might have known my father. His name was James A. Major. He was there in 69. thank you very much.
Hi James! Thank you for finding us and welcome to the Ramey AFB Historical Association Blog! I would recommend you subscribe to this blog so you will receive all the new updates. Currently I’m busy working on the Ramey AFB website, but I do plan on uploading more pictures to this blog in the very near future. On this blog I’ve placed a link to our Facebook page. This is an active site and many of the group members have uploaded wonderful pictures of the base, and someone might very well have known your father! And last but not least James I would highly recommend you consider becoming a member of this excellent association (we have many members who were born on the base). Go to (there is a link on this blog) our website at Rameyafb.net. Click on the link “Become a Member” and this page will give you information about becoming a member and the many benefits you would receive. We have a reunion coming up next March in Puerto Rico! Details about the reunion is also available at the website. So James welcome aboard and I look forward to hearing from you again!
Lori Mischke Webmaster and Secretary for Ramey AFB Historical Association
OUTSTANDING JOB LORI,,, MAKES ME PROUD OF SEE ALL THIS HISTORY COLLECTED AND PRESENTED IN A MANNER FOR ALL TO ENJOY… I ENJOYED MY TWO YEARS AT RAMEY 65-67… I WAS WITH THE 72ND COMBAT DEFENSE SQ… (AIR POLICE)..BASE POLICE AND TOWN PATROL.. AND WE ALSO RODE THE HORSES ON THE BEACHES AT NIGHT… RAMEY WAS A TURNING POINT IN MY LIFE FOR MANY REASONS, ALL OF WHICH WERE POSITIVE
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR EFFORT IN WHAT YOU HAVE DONE..
i really liked the pictures of tropical acres…it is shame the buildings look the way they do now…my wife and i lived at 1574 D powell st from may 1972 to june 1973…i was a sgt in accounting and finance from 1`971 to 1973 at ramey
I was i WAS IN ACCOUNTING AND FINACE AS CHOEF OF PAY AND TRAVEL/ tHE BEST i CAN REMEMBER WE HAS A cAPT PIERSON AS FINACE OFFICER
My father was in the Crash Boats in 48-50 maybe 51 His name is Kenneth Ward Doubblestein. We lived in a little house across from the Airport on Base. I would love to hear from someone who knew him. My sister was born there in 1950. I have such great memories even though I was very young. I would like to see some pictures of that era. Thanks for reading.
My father was Cmdr Jack Connery, a Naval commander who helped to close the base. Ilived w/ him and went to Ramey School during my Senior year of high school, 1974. We lived in the BOQ on the cliff. I used to work at the base nursery nights and weekends.
I would love to see any photos and touch base with any of the 33 students who graduated from that year.
Hello, I used to live with my folks on the airforce base in puerto rico in the early 1960′s
I was a little gal then but remember the folks talking about when we lived there. I even had my tonsils taken out there at the hospital. I did go to school there kindergarden on up to 2nd grade. I rememeber the big planes 
when your little every thing is bigger lol. I think pop was a sargent not to sure I cant ask him he is heaven now with mom 
We lived in Puerto Rico from 1959 to 1963. Children went to school there. Enlisted – last name Wright living at 147 D Street.
I lived on “L” Street, Harrison Lane and “Wing Road”. My hot girlfriend was JoAnne Hinshaw………………….. Randy
was there in the 60′s. really liked it a whole lot
I was station at Ramey 1959-1961 My oldest son was born at Ramey Hosp. I was a 2 striper (was called then A/2c ) stripes were hard to come by then. We lived in Isabella on an old coffee Plantation own by Dr. Hernandez. Very few Airmen under Staff lived on base. A few A/1c lived at FHA. This might be closed now. I did not see them on the pictures, for those who remember this is where the B-52 crash in the play ground, Col Porterfield was killed in that crash. This happen Approx 2 or 3rd of Jan 1960. I was in Telephone Maint and Repair. I put a lot telephones in these buildings. One of them was the Porterfield house (this was a house for VIP.Quite a few Presidents stayed there.) I really like the pictures. Thank You.
Correction on B-52 crash it was Feb 1st
Jerry M Dunham Msgt Ret
Sir Jerry M Dunham. i live in Puerto Rico close to the base… it still open but just the underground base for submarine
I was at Ramey from Oct 1958 until the spring of 1961. I was in the Air Police, but later transferred to the Radio and Television station. One of my shows was the 780 club (780 on the dial) with top 40 music weeknights 6:30 to 7:30 pm. I also did the Ramey Bandstand on the TV station 1960 until I left in 1961.(similiar to Dick Clark’s show)
I remember the B-52 crash. I knew some of the airmen on the plane. I was on the air at the radio station when the plane crashed. I heard a heavy boom, and saw a huge flash of light reflected in the sky. My first reaction was that we had been bombed.
Of course, in a few minutes we received a call to begin broadcasting (public) information relating to the crash.
Chuck Houston T/sgt Retired.
I was stationed at Ramey afb 1957 – 61. Remember the crash well. I was in the Air Police on “C” flight under Sgt Raymond Armstrong. Such a wonder no buildings were destroyed in the small ara the plane was set down as many thought. In fact I worked with a A/1c Wilson on “C’ Flight…..just wonder if it was you. Lots of memories…all good.
Chuck, just read your item. I was an A/2c (Ramey 58 to 61) I remember Sgt. Armstrong. Boy he was something else! The guys asked me one night to play “Nothin’ Shakin’. I did and he responded by making them clean their area of the barracks with shoe brushes. I was safely at the radio station, so he couldn’t get to me.
I was in the air police at that time , and at the crash site , I believe the left wing broke off and went back out toward the runway . One small section where the star on the side is was all left of the plane where it lay . I went to Ramey from Tucson , also on a c-121 that caught on fire leaving Charleston , in Feb- 1959 . I left for K.I. Sawyer in northern Mich . June 1961 . Both of these SAC bases are closed now , and Sawyer was brand new in 1961 . I was in the K-9 for the last part at Ramey , and traveled all over the old bomb area off base where the kennels were . We ate a lot of fruit from the trees there . They took my dog away from me the last couple months , and gave me a pickup with a BAR man . Castro was stirring up trouble and we had tons of rockets and ammo stored in the old bomb area to protect . Ever thirty minutes a c-134-a was either landing with ammo , or taking off empty . We only worked nights in the k-9 , so we got to eat in the pilot’s mess hall , good food . We had 50 more troops shipped in from the states at that time , and it wasn’t untill I was at Sawyer that I fully understood the gravity of that situation . The missles went back and I finally got my discharge . My dog’s name was Russ # 084X , an old Army dog from Panama . Strange how you remember some things . Davis – Monthan AFB at Tucson was my first base in 1958 , they had KC-97s, B-47s , and F-86s in ADC , still one of my favorite fighter planes . At Ramey I saw LT.COL. James Stewart , Pres. Ike , and the big brass himself LeMay . I also had to guard the U-2s in that hanger . Once we had a hurricane warning , and had to move into that hanger with our dogs tied to our bunks , turned out to be a noisey night , with no hurricane .
Larry, did you ever learn to play the guitar?? I was with you there. I had Rex, until he had to be put down, then I got Duke. I don’t remember their numbers. Aiello was NCOIC. We sure had some good times, I left I think early 61.
Nick Salem
I was at Ramey Air Force Basse from 1955-1957. My father was the band leader (W2 at the time) and the unit was in the quonset hut a few blocks from the run way. We were there during transition from 36′s to 52′s. We originally lived in the “older” section of housing two blocks from the old movie theatre before moving to the “New” 450 unit of Wherry section consturcted in 1957 were we lived for one year before trasnfer to state side at Sheppard airforce base at Wichita Falls, Texas (B 52’2 SAC also). I was present during hurricane Betsy winds of 115 miles an hour. The new Wherry quarters were right next to the golf course. I use to walk across the course through the drainage area and climb down the cliff to the Beach area and fish. I remember the “evacuation” drills were the entire base of non estentile personnel and dependants would drive 30 miles into the center of the inland to “avoid” nuclear problems. Cold war days.
MY COMMENTS ABOVE LORI,, KEN HILL,
MY COMMENTS ARE ABOVE LORI.. KEN HILL
Hi my name is Howard Nilsen and my father was stationed at Ramey from 69 to 71. I was a Sophmore & Junior and my sister Niki (Nancy) graduated in 70 from Ramey HS (with Victoria Principle). We have GREAT memories of our times there. Thank you for sharing your pictures.
Welcome Howard!
So glad you found us. My name is Lori and I am one of the site administrators. Currently members are working on developing this site so more stories and pictures of Ramey AFB can be shared. Also listings of current RAFBHA events will be posted, so please bookmark this site and plan on visiting with us often.
We have other members who graduated from Ramey HS, and they too have great memories. So happy you found us!
My dad was station at Ramey from 1965-1968. I was about 8 yrs old at that time, had a lot of good times and memories.
Ray, I was there at the same time and was about your age.
My father Willaim Richard Crowell was a pilot and we were stationed at Ramey in the early 60′s. 2 of my 6 siblings were born there. I remeber the Officers Club, Sailfish over the entry and swimming lessons at the pool. Great way to begin all of my fondest childhood memories. I hope to visit there some time soon!
Posted in the wrong place the first time
Meant to add this to the comments on the pictures, which brought back many wonderful memories of my three years there…
My father, Stuart Dorn, was stationed at Ramey from 1970-73 (base closure) as part of the 53rd Weather Recon. I remember my three years at Ramey like they were yesterday (was in 4th-5th and 6th grades while there). We used to live on A street and I remember exploring a lot of the base on my bike. One of my favorite places were the WW2 era gun pits (at least I think that is what they were) that were on the ridge line that ran toward the service club/library (they were approximately opposite where the gym was). They were overgrown at the time, but there was a trail that ran through there, and I would take a book up there to read. I also remember taking my bike down the hill at the service club (you weren’t exactly supposed to do that) for a thrilling ride (you had to pull up pretty quick at the bottom, or you wound up in the street that was over by the PX).
I rode down that hill on my bike! PX, Warner Theater, Roxy Theater (I saw “The Ten Commandments” there. My first banana split at the little hamburger stand. We saw Billy Graham preach on the lawn of the Airman’s Club.
Mike, my sister Bebe and I lived on A Street from 1969-1972; I think I remember your name. Did you go to E Street school? My name was Lisa Bryant then, and I was in 2nd – 5th grade in puerto Rico.
Our family was station there 1964-1967. It was the only place whereyou could wear shorts 365 days a year// We went thru Hurricane Faith had puppies in the middle of it.We lived offbase IN San Antonio, rented from the locals and had some of the best friends that you would want. Also had two of my kids born there.Would love to return there one day.
Thank you Marilyn for your comments and visiting the site. Ramey AFB Historical Association is scheduled to hold their 2013 reunion in Puerto Rico
My dad was S/Sgt Robert Grant, assigned to the 72nd Bomb Wing, from early 1964 through 1967. We lived in Isabella for about four months and then moved onto Ramey; I was seven when we arrived. When we were living off-base (dad, mom, my sister, and brother) I remember the blue Air Force bus coming to the end of the street to pick us up for school to Hook Road Elementary and then taking us home. After moving onto the base it was a five minute walk, our address was 105 Hook Road. My memories of watching B-52′s land and guessing the color of the parachute that would deploy, going to Rifle Range Beach and every other beach both on and off the base will always be with me; I learned to how to snorkle first and to swim second. It was the most fun I ever had as a child. I returned 12 years later as Coast Guardsman stationed aboard the USCGC Sagebrush in San Juan and learned to scuba and spending all my free time at the beaches around the island and even going back to Ramey several times and traveling throughout the Antilles and Leeward Islands on leave.
lived on ramey from 64 to 68. my father was tech sargent james stammers of the 7nd bomb wing. lived at 143 m street. we moved from ki sawyer to ramey. whata shock. great memories. baseball boy scouts 8 man football great weather year around swimming.
I was stationed at Ramey from 1970 to 1973
I worked in Recreation Services (Airmans Club, Lifeguard at the Beach, Base Gym)I returned to complete my degree at Inter-American U until 1975
If the AF let me stay at Ramey…I would have reenlisted
I think ypur supervisor was a MSGT Plant whom I ram into at Little Rock Arkansas racquetball tournament. Played alot of racquetball outside and Badminton inside the gym. Red Stratton
Hello,
My father was stationed at Ramey AFB from 1970 to 1973. He was Capt. Willie Byrd who also coached and played basketball on the base team. It’s great to read a few articles from those that were stationed there and remember the wonderful times. I was about 8 years old then but I do remember using flattened boxes to sled down the hill near the library and the outdoor skating rink behind the gym. Wish the base never closed…could have stayed there forever.
I am a Ramey AFB native, born there in 1959. Stumbled on this site while researching my birth certificate which I found out is not valid after 2010. Learned the certificates Augadillo as the birth town. From the pictures I have seen the area looks like a paradise. Personally I don’t have any recollections of the place as I was only six weeks old when my parents PCSed from there.
Now I am getting ready to retire from the Air Force (CIV) and may have to make it there to check it out.
Mike
I was born on Ramey AFB in 1952. My dad was stationed there and I left when 2 years old. Haven’t been back. I’m told that the Marriott Courtyard is built where the old hospital was located. Is this true?
Hi,
Was in the Air Police (Base Police) from 1963-1965 at Ramey along with Dave Albanese, loved being stationed there!
Do you guys remember “The Linner Dinner” The Pizza Place (Paioli’s) outside gate 5, The Chicken and Rice Rum Schack outside gate 1, and who could forget the “original” Corona Beer” (brown bottles) that used to be owned by a Puerto Rican company before being bought out by today’s Mexican company! Anybody remember the fruit called “Caneppa’s”?
I think I remember that fruit! Were they also called “puerto rican cherries”- I light yellow cherry with a very sour flavor?
I was at Ramey from 1963 to 1965 and worked in the electric shop. There was an incident off base I beleive in 1964 where two TDY officers were invloved in an altercation with some airman and the officers were hospitalized. I believe an airman or two were court martialed and sent to levenworth for an unknown period of time. Would you happen to know of or remember such an incident? Names of those involved are anything else?
Hello Albert:
My name is Ron H. and I was at Ramey in 1963 to 1965 and worked in the Electric Shop as an aircraft aand missile electrical repairman. Do you remember hearing about an incident that happened off base one week end I think in 94 were two officers at PR on a TDY mission got into an altercation off base and ended up in the hospital. A couple of airman were charged with the crime, received a court martial and one or more were sent to Levinworth. If you remember this please let me know names or anyrhing else about that evening.
Meant to say “Liner Diner”
My dad was stationed at Ramey from 1970 to 1972. My older sister Penny and I went to school there where she graduated in 1972. I loved living there, had the best time of my child hood life.
Loved Ramey A.F.B. Was a dependent there from Nov.63 until Aug.66. Lived off base in San Antonio on Montana Rd. Then moved on base and lived at 147 Lighthouse Dr. My dad is retired MSgt. Ray Brietzke. He worked at the base gym building and ran the PCU unit. I was in Jr. High during my time at Ramey. Loved every minute of it and have nothing but great memories. I never tire of telling and re-telling stories about the base. The Warner and Roxy movie theaters, the outdoor roller skating rink behind the base gym, Crash Boat Beach, the football games especially against the dreaded Antilles Pirates, kiddie bingo at the NCO Club and swimming at the Airman’s and NCO Club pools just to mention a few of the places and things I remember. Oh yea….and the Lazy R riding stables.
To all of you who read and write on this site and all of you who say “Wish I could go there, or I will someday go there, or I have great memories while I was there” all I have to say is that time on this earth is short and we do not know when we will be called to the big base in the sky. My good friend Ed Anderson talked to me on the phone and I told him that I had another commitment and I would not be there and I would see him next year and next year never came for Ed and I did not see him ever again. So this coming reunion(2013) I will beg, borrow or steal enough to make the reunion so that I will not feel bad if I will go to the big base in the sky and miss my friends. I too enjoyed my two years at Ramey Air Force Base(Paradise)
Well stated, Michael. Look forward to solving the world’s problems with you next March!
Hi Mike,
I was stationed with your father at Ramey. Altho assigned to the CAMS, I flew with your dad TDY to Germany. After base closure, I joined the 53rd, and the 1st ACGS, at Keesler. I remained in hell (Keesler), for 14 months until I could wrangle an assignment to work on the railroad in Thailand. If he’s still with us, please remember me to him.
Hi Tina
I worked for your dad as the CAMS material control officer. I remember him as a good guy who did a great job in aircraft maintenance. My job was cut after about 1.5 years, and I was transfered to base supply equipment management until the base closed. If he’s still with us, pls give him my best.
Cheers,
John Hermann
Well here it is midnight Dec.1st 2012 and I stumbled across this sight.My husband was stationed at Ramey in 1964-1966. He was inTransportation Squadron. Airman Richard Williams ( Dick). Our daughter (2nd child of 4) was born on base. They were the best two years of my life. Great memories, beautiful weather, and hoping to go back soon for a vacation. My daughter was born May 8th just about when the Dominican problem was in full swing. I will never forget the sound of the B-52′s and other planes circleling for 24 hours waiting for thier turn to land, the flight line was full. I can almost still here the windows vibrating and of course the sound of the B-52′s. Loud but a very comforting feeling. Thanks for the memories. I will return to this site.
I was stationed at Ramey from 1962 to 1964,I was with the 72nd AEMS,have alot of fond memories. one Christmas we had Santa and his rainrdeer hanging outside of our Quarters ,he looked like he was really flying.I also remember (piolis) outside of gate 5,we used to go there all the time,a lot of good fun.I hope to visit Ramey again.
My name is Bob Jackes and I was a KC-135 Aircraft Commander in 1970 on my first assignment in SAC. Stood many alerts there as well as up at Goose Bay Labrador. Liked the weather much better @ Ramey. See you in March 2013 maybe.
Hello All,I was stationed at Ramey from June 1948 until Jan.1950.I was assigned to the 5900 Maint Sq.I was a buck sgt.radio repairman MOS 648.Our shop was in hanger #5.Spent lots of off duty time at the Mars station KP4AJ.
I was at Ramey from Dec 71 thru jun 73. Iwork in Acctng and Finance under
capt Pierson and Msgt R Stratton,.,I was a sgt and married to Jean ..We had a great time and lots of fun..Miss those days gretly…Joe Lindemann
Hi Joe Sure wish I could get in touch with you.
Ron,Jean and Ilive inSpencer Ia…Telephone 1-712-580-2152. address 907 w 4th str. Spencer, Iowa 51301….Drop a line sometime or e-mail me at cuda273@gmail.com. Benice to hear from you again!!!!!!
I was a dependent of MSGT George C. Hamilton who was in Supply. I attended the Elementary School (4th-6th grade). The years stationed there were 1965-68. I went to the “skating rink” quite a bit. My name is George Hamilton. Anyone out there have a memory of this? The years at Ramey were my happiest in growing up in the military.
I was a 5 year-old kid when dad in 1959 was stationed at Ramey AFG as technical food supervisor. The only memories I have are those of a paradise and the Ramey Air Force Base Officers Club swimming pool. I don’t know why I suddenly wish to find out more, so here has the search engine led me. Great photos, seventies but still sort of fixes up a bit the puzzle of my souvenirs.
Lived on base in the early sixties ,dad. Steve Wilson my name is stephe also nickname tiger loved living on base
hi all,
I used to play at Ramey’s “Teen Club” from 1965 thru 1967 with my group “The Imitations”, we were from Mayaguez Then with “The Exkurzhune” 1968-1969 at the Officer’s Club, the Cafeteria on the hill, the beach, (Crash Boat??) and other places on base. In 1968 we did a “smash show” (like The Who used to do) at the E street Gym, and we were banned from the base! I have a silent movie of that night. (no sound), but we were playing Vanilla Fudge’s “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” and The Beatle’s “”Hey Jude” in the movie. Fortunately Gilda’s mother kept “vouching” us in and we kept playing private parties. (Gilda Bates was a fan of our group, I think she lived on D Street in front of Dave McPhearson’s house). I have great memories of those years playing at Ramey. Regards to all.
Hi to everyone who loved Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, and still loves the memories. Our Father was MSgt James (Jim) Arrington. Our Dad was in Supply in support of the B-36′s. We were there from August 1954 to May 19 1956. Our Mother’s Name was Lois (Penny) Arrington. I have a younger brother Ralph Arrington. Ralph was four years old and I was 14. I was in the 9th and 10th grade at Ramey AFB High School. I went to school with the greatest kids I have ever met, Tom Goodnight, Pat Bonner,John Major, Judy Yost, Karen Gilliam, Roy Johnson, David Roe (He went to the Air Force Academy and became a Major General in the Air Force). I ran into David when we both attended Squadron Officer’s School in Montgomery Ala. His Dad was Major Roe and he was involved in so many of our activities. Tom Goodnight and I worked at the ‘Drive In’, across from the Base Theater in the Exchange Cafeteria area. I was also involved in the High School’s Year Book ‘Recuerdos’. Our dad had a stroke (thrombosis of the brain) and was air evacuated to Walter Reed. He was paralyzed and never recovered. He was medically discharged from the Air Force in 1956. They left Ramey on February 22 1956. and he passed on November 2, 1956. I stayed with MSgt Tom Ward and his family until May the 17, 1956. I will will always be grateful to him and his family for this kindness. Our Mother was the bravest woman I ever met. She managed to buy her own home and would later see her sons through college. She would later be The founder of Chapter Number ! of the Society of Military Widows. She had read about Tess Alexander’s efforts to form an organization for the benefit of Military Widows. She had a bug “Hong Kong Flu’ and had to rest in bed. She had am lot of time to think and organize. Someone mentioned earlier ‘“The Linner Dinner” The Pizza Place (Paioli’s) outside gate 5, The Chicken and Rice Rum Schack outside gate 1, and who could forget the “original” Corona Beer” (brown bottles) that used to be owned by a Puerto Rican company”. I will never forget them. Tom Goodnight and I used to ride our bikes every where, on base and off. We decided one day to go and have a pizza and a beer (my first). We had drank about 1/2 of the our beers, when I heard my name called. To my great surprise, it was my Dad. He loaded our bikes in the trunk of the car and took both of us back on base. It wasn’t pleasant for either one of us. Come to find out one of the guards at the Main Gate knew my Dad, and he let him know where we were. I was a Boy Scout and an Explorer. We used to camp at Lake Quatajaca. Believe it or not we could hear the drums across the lake on certain nights, It was my first exposure to Voodoo. Does anyone remember the remains of a Spanish Lighthouse on the beach? We went through Hurricane Hazel and I saw the water come through the louvers on one side of the house and out the front door, the calm during the eye, and in a few minutes come through the other side of the house and out the back door. I have dreamed many times about Paradise on earth, but would never go back because I didn’t want to destroy the memories. Later I would land at Roosevelt Roads, on my way to attend an Inter-AmericanDefense Board meeting. I stepped onto the stairs, took a breath, returned to my seat. It was painful.
Wish I had some pictures to share, but I had a house fire a year ago February and all of the pictures and yearbooks I had burned.
Bob Arrington, USAF Major Ret.
I was in the AF from 1951 to 1974. Was never stationed in Ramey, however, visited the base in the early 60s on a three day pass from Bangor, Maine, Came in a KC135. I would like to know of any members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints stationed in Ramey during the very early years – 30s, 40s, 50,s, 60s, 70,s, etc. I live in Aguadilla now and I am writing the history of the Aguadilla Ward. Any information and photos of those years would be greatly appreciated. My address is: Angel I. Camacho, 243-F Urb. Marbella, Aguadilla, PR 00603. My phone is: 787-658-6023 and my Email is: angelito81@choicecable.net. Anything about the church in those days would be of great help. Thank you. TSgt Camacho – Retired