With high clouds to the west and a light breeze stirring the water's surface, the float-equipped de Havilland Beaver-designated a U-6A-lifted off Naknek Lake, home of King Salmon Air Force Station, located on the upper Alaskan Peninsula. As the aircraft became airborne the blast of the 450 horsepower Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior engine echoed loudly across the water's surface. It was 6 a.m. on June 3,1967, and the party of four was off to enjoy some of Alaska's renowned fishing. The group included Lt. Gen. Glen R. Birchard, commander of Alaskan Command, Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Cunningham, the 22nd Air Force commander, ALCOM's conservation officer Edward A. Bellringer, and Birchard's pilot, Maj. Norman C. Miller. The fickle Alaskan weather seemed to be cooperating and it promised to be a beautiful day.
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