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Check Six – 1985: Inertial Navigation System (INS) Shop

Hawaii Air National Guard photograph

This mid-1980s photograph shows members of the inertial navigation system (INS) shop. In the photograph are (L-R): Jimmy WilliamsMark MendezDarryl Chun Fat, unknown, Edward SugaiWilliam Takata, unknown, unknown, George Kaneshiro

The then 154th Composite Group was flying McDonald Douglas F-4C Phantoms since the 1976 conversion. The Phantoms were a gigantic step up from the Convair F-102 Delta Daggers, especially in the avionics. 


An inertial navigation system (INS) is a navigation device that uses a computer, motion sensors (accelerometers) and rotation sensors (gyroscopes) to continuously calculate by dead reckoning the position, the orientation, and the velocity (direction and speed of movement) of a moving object without the need for external references. Often the inertial sensors are supplemented by a barometric altimeter and occasionally by magnetic sensors (magnetometers) and/or speed measuring devices. INSs are used on mobile robots and on vehicles such as ships, aircraft, submarines, guided missiles, and spacecraft. (Wikipedia)

Thanks to George Kaneshiro for his help identifying those in the photograph.

Check Six: November 1991 Kūkā‘ilimoku

The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as a monthly newsletter today. 

Today we feature the November 1991 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* New 154 COMPG Resources Protection Plan

* CAMS News & Views: lots of familiar names

* HING Rifle Team wins State Title: Team members include Vern T. Miyagi, Galen M. Yamada

* Promotions: including Ricky Yamamoto, David Franks

* 201 CCGP wins HING Softball Championship

Review the entire the November 1991 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue

Does Medicare cover emergency room visits?

From the Medical News Today website

Medicare covers emergency room visits within the United States and its territories. Out-of-pocket costs differ between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

In most cases, Medicare does not cover emergency room visits for people traveling in a foreign country. However, Medigap, which is Medicare supplemental insurance, has some plans that offer this benefit.

This article discusses coverage of emergency room visits with original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage plans. It also explains inpatient and outpatient costs, examines Medicare and Medigap coverage of emergency room visits in a foreign country, and looks at Medicare coverage of urgent care.

Learn more

Medical myths: Vegetarian and vegan diets

From this article on the web

From the Medical News Today website

Until fairly recently, vegetarianism was generally considered a fringe lifestyle choice in the United States, and veganism even more so. Anything on the fringes of society tends to inadvertently encourage myths and misconceptions.

Also, deciding to avoid animal products sparks rage in some people. This anger manifests for a range of reasons, which are beyond the scope of this article and discussed in full here. Suffice it to say that if a sizable group of the population is against something, conditions are ripe for myths and half-truths.

Overall, vegetarianism and veganism are misunderstood. As today is World Vegan Day, it seems an appropriate time to address some of the most common myths.

Off Track: Hana High and Elementary School

In Hawaii, what high school you graduated from is often among the questions asked when you first meet someone. Public versus private, old versus new, town versus county, island versus island – some high school rivalries continue well into graduates’ old age.

The Images of Old Hawaii website periodically publishes articles about various high schools around the state. We will post links about these Hawaii high schools on their website. 

Hana High and Elementary School was established by the Department of Education in 1912. “The new school at Hana will be a four room one, and it is hoped that it will be finished soon.”

“The new Hana school will stand in grounds that cover four acres. The site is an ideal one for a school and the view from the place is a magnificent one.” (Maui News, October 19, 1912)

Continue reading

National Guard graduates include: Can you name a graduate?

Related Retiree News posts:

President Theodore Roosevelt High School
President William McKinley High School
Hilo High School
Kamehameha Schools
Iolani School
St. Andrew’s Priory School
Henry Perrine Baldwin High School
St. Louis School
Waialua High School
James B. Castle High School
Mid-Pacific Institute
Punahou School
Sacred Hearts Academy
Paia/(Old) Maui High School
La Pietra / Hawaii School for Girls
Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy
Lahainaluna High School

What a Biden Administration Means for Defense

Off the History.com website

From the Air Force Magazine website

Major news outlets declared former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. the President-elect on Nov. 7, ushering in a new era for the military under a Democratic administration.

Biden has secured enough electoral votes to win the presidency, though Trump has pledged to challenge state results in court based on unsubstantiated allegations of election-official misconduct. His campaign’s past challenges have been blocked.

Biden’s election as the next commander-in-chief will usher in a middle-of-the-road approach to defense policy that draws on priorities from both the Barack Obama and Trump administrations, observers said.

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Related: Check Six – 2008: HIARNG Rescue 3 Senators

What to Do If You Have Edema

From the Everyday Health website

Edema is the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissue. It usually occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs, but it can happen in other parts of the body, too.

The condition often occurs as the result of congestive heart failure (CHF). It can also be the result of medication, pregnancy, or another underlying condition, like kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.

An array of conditions — congestive heart failure and lung, liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases —  can lead to edema. It can also be caused by medications to control blood pressure or by an allergic reaction.

Signs that you have edema include these symptoms:

How to read your dashboard lights

From this article

From the Hawaii AAA website

Dashboard indicator lights look straightforward enough, but what does it mean if 1 is flashing instead of solid? Why are some red and others yellow? And how are you supposed to “check engine,” anyway? We look at how to interpret what your indicators are telling you.

Off Track: Best noodle soups on Oahu

Photograph by Marisa Heung from this article

From the Frolic Hawaii website

Finally fall is here, which in Hawaii means it’s not broiling hot all the time, just part of the time. That means we’re rubbing our hands over our favorite steamy bowls. For this roundup we turned to fellow foodies at our sister publication, honolulumagazine.com, for their top picks across Oahu.

And their picks are:

DoD consider drastic measures as commissary shortages hit critical levels

From the Military Times website

Increasing shortages of groceries have ramped up commissary officials’ pleas to industry to help them supply commissary shelves, and caused officials high-level Pentagon officials to consider implementing the Defense Production Act for grocery production.

It would be the first time the act has been invoked for commissaries. The problems are wide ranging, affecting many categories, such as canned goods and frozen goods — not just sanitizing products. Concerns started in the summer and early fall, and are related to various issues around the pandemic, including reduced production.

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Avoid These 16 US States When You Retire

From the MoneyWise website

So, you’re pretty sure you want to retire in the U.S., but where exactly within the 50 states will you settle after your working years?

Every year, multiple studies claim they can show you which states are best or worst for retirement. But they almost never agree, so you’re left to compare their recommendations and draw your own conclusions. And who’s got time for that, while you’re trying to get your retirement savings squared away?

Well, we’ve got your back. To cut through the clutter of retirement studies, we’ve taken three of those annual state rankings and have essentially averaged them into one master list. You might consider these the worst of the worst states for retirement — counting down to the state at the very bottom.

OUR METHODOLOGY: We added each state’s retirement rankings from Bankrate, WalletHub and MoneyRates to create scores out of a possible 150. The higher the score, the lower the state ranks as a retirement destination.

Is Hawai‘i on the list?

Your Hands as You Age

From the Older Persons website

From the WebMD website

You use your hands to do so many things: tie your shoes, open jars, drive, and use your phone, to name just a few. It’s hard to do much of anything without them, but as you get older, they can get weaker and less flexible. Some hand problems can even be signs of certain health conditions. Know what to look out for so you keep them in good shape.

Learn more

Check Six – 1969: 169th Aircraft Control & Warning Squadron News

The following article was taken from the Winter 1969 issue of the Pūpūkahi. It was written by A1C Gregory Ing.

13th Anniversary. The thirteenth anniversary of the 169th AC&W Squadron was held on October 26th at Paradise Park. Two hundred members and guests of the squadron were present for this memorable occasion.

The night’s festivities were initiated with cocktails being served on a lanai overlooking the park, where the sunset and gentle bird cries enhanced the peaceful Mānoa Valley surroundings. As the evening progressed, dinner was served with background music of a female vocalist and her accompaniment.

Brigadier General Valentine A. Siefermann, representing the Adjutant General, presented a brief resume of the active role of the Air National Guard in Hawai‘i, and the major role in air defense performed by this unit, under the “able command” of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Goya.

The final event of the night’s program was the drawing of various door-prizes. All-in-all, the night was enjoyed by everyone on the thirteenth anniversary of the “birthday” of the 169th AC&W Squadron.

169th NCO Club. Under the able leadership of President Senior Master Sergeant Joseph R. Tibayan and his executive committee, the 169th Non-Commissioned Officer Club has planned a very busy and fruitful year.

Events thus far programmed for the year are grounds beautification, fund raising drive, Christmas display, community project, squadron luau, and NCO Club picnic.

Initially, fifty NCOs had shown their interest and joined the club. But a membership drive has increased total membership to 73 (66%). Hopefully, a membership of 100% can be attained in the near future.

Honor Graduate. Recently returned from 30BR1741A, Weapons Controller (Manual) School at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, is Second Lieutenant Jerry M. Matsuda.

Lieutenant Matsuda received an Honor Graduate Certificate “for his outstanding performance. He exhibited a thorough knowledge of current tactics and techniques, and an exceptional capability as a weapons controller.”

To receive this honor, a graduate must maintain a high level of performance throughout the course. Grades for this course are based on daily radarscope performance, academic tests and detailed evaluation of intercept control procedures.

Check Six: November 1958 Kūkā‘ilimoku

The Kūkā‘ilimoku is the official e-newsletter of the 154th Wing, Hawai’i Air National Guard. The first issue came in September 1957 and continues as a monthly newsletter today. 

Today we feature the November 1958 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue. This issue includes the following stories:

* 199th Fighter Interceptor Squadron begins 24/7 alert

* Questions about the F-102 Delta Dagger conversion

* Promotions: including S/Sgt Gary K. Fujii

* Armed Forces Service Medals awarded: including MSgt Norman C. Ault

Review the entire November 1958 Kūkā‘ilimoku issue