Check Six – 1954: The First Kūkā‘ilimoku

The first issue of the Kuka’ilimoku appeared as “Kaleo O Kukailimoku” in February 1954. It was the newsletter of the 199th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, one of four Hawaii Air National Guard units at the time.

The lead story is about 13 F-86E Sabre aircraft arriving on the aircraft carrier Cape Esperance. This would be the start of the conversion from the F-47N Thunderbolts which the squadron had flown from 1947. 

There are recognizable names in this issue – mature retirees will recognize even more names:

M/SGT James Lota, who were later commissioned and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

S/SGT George Oshiro who retired as a chief master sergeant.

A/2C Howard Okita who retired as a chief master sergeant.

A/B Marlin Little, future F-86 and F-102 pilot

The basketball article mentions Samuel Pacarro and George “GK” Meyer. 

February 1954 issue of the Kuka’ilimoku

It was a long time ago…. For unknown reasons, another issue of the newsletter did not appear until September 1957.