Rick Freeman: From Cobra Gunships to Fighter Jets & Special Operations

Early Life and Entry into Aviation

• ✈️ Rick Freeman grew up around airplanes due to his father's Air Force career, leading him to join Civil Air Patrol and pursue aviation.
• 🇺🇸 Facing the draft in 1967 after a friend's death, Freeman chose to join the Army and enter pilot training.
• 🚁 He qualified for helicopter pilot training and attended basic training at Fort Wolters, followed by advanced training at Fort Rucker.

Helicopter Pilot Training and Vietnam Deployment

• 📚 Freeman's prior aviation experience accelerated his training, allowing him to tutor classmates.
• 🐍 He volunteered for a two-week gun program, learning about weapon systems on helicopters, though Cobras were not yet at Rucker.
• 🪖 Assigned to Fort Campbell, he chose to join an ARRA (Aerial Rocket Artillery) unit at Fort Bragg, anticipating flying helicopters with forward-firing ordnance.
• 🚀 Upon arriving in Vietnam in March 1969, Freeman's unit was initially equipped with Charlie model Hueys before transitioning to Cobras.

Cobra Operations and Tactics

• 💥 Freeman transitioned to flying Cobras, noting differences in handling and tactics compared to the Charlie models, emphasizing speed and maneuverability.
• 🎯 He describes tactics for close air support, including using flares for marking targets and employing flechettes and rockets, while being mindful of ricochets in jungle environments.
• 🤝 Freeman recounts supporting SOG teams, using mirrors for signaling and employing miniguns and rockets for close-quarters engagements.
• 🚁 The transition to Cobras involved extensive training, with Freeman initially serving as the front-seat gunner before becoming a pilot.

Special Operations and Extended Tours

• 🗺️ Freeman extended his tour twice, drawn by the operational freedom and lack of restrictive rules when operating across the border.
• 🎯 He details missions supporting SOG teams, including a critical operation to locate mortars threatening a firebase near the DMZ.
• ✈️ During Operation Lam Son 719, Freeman highlights the challenges of operating with insufficient intelligence and the heavy losses incurred due to advanced NVA anti-aircraft weaponry.
• 🤝 He expresses frustration with the lack of dedicated air support for SOG units and the poor organization of Lam Son 719.

Post-Vietnam Career and Reflections

• ✈️ After his service, Freeman pursued a career in the Navy, flying jets off aircraft carriers, including F-4 Phantoms.
• 🚁 He later returned to flying helicopters in the Oklahoma Guard with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) reserve battalion.
• 🌍 Freeman also engaged in contracting work, including flying King Airs in Afghanistan and supporting special operations in Central America.
• 🎖️ He reflects on his career, emphasizing the importance of experience and adaptability in aviation, and the unique camaraderie among those who served in combat.