HOME SEARCH 1918 Joseph Lester Asbury - Military Career by Colonel Jean K. Woodyard, USAF Retired, Squadron Commander, 8th TRS Part 4: POST-KOREAN WAR The 155th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron and 185th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron from the Tennessee Air National Guard were brought on active duty with RF-51s and converted to RF-80s under the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. These two squadrons were re-designated the 302nd and 303rd Tactical Reconnaissance Squadrons. Along with the 12th Tactical Recon. Squadron back from Korea with RB-26s, these three squadrons flew their aircraft across the North Atlantic via Goosebay, Labrador, to Narssak, Greenland; then to Iceland; then to Prestwick, Scotland, and finally landing at new home base at Sembach, Germany. I was 303rd Squadron Commander and Major Lester Asbury (pictured above) was the Commander of the 302nd. Every pilot in these two Squadrons had completed a combat tour in Korea - that was a real combat ready group. The 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing was formed with two RF-80 and one RB-26 Squadrons in France in early 50s and when President De Gaulle kicked U.S. forces out of France, the 10th Wing moved to Spangdahlem, Germany. These two Wings represented largely all the recon capability to support NATO. RF-84Fs replaced RF-80s by early 1956. I flew the RF-80 one last flight 13 February 1956. After 1,325 hours - it was like losing an old friend. Copyright (C) 2000 Jean K. Woodyard Editor's note: There are many interesting photos with captions to be found at the website for the veterans who served at: Sembach Air Base. and here is a photo of: Col. Woodyard and also one of the mascot: "LesterBerry"