2012 News Items

AWRA has received very sad news.  Colonel H. Pierce "Bill" Bilyeu passed away suddenly in Pocatello ID on 5 Jan 2012.  Col Bilyeu had most recently served as one of our Association Vice Presidents. H.P. enjoyed a long association with the weather reconnaissance mission under Air Weather Service, beginning in 1948 with his assignment to the 374th Recon Squadron (VLR) Weather, flying B-29 and WB-29 aircraft.  He subsequently served in the 55th and 58th Strategic Recon Sq, Medium, Weather in California and Alaska, adding the WB-50D to his long resume'.  He later flew with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and its Detachment, at both Bermuda, and later, Hunter AFB, GA.  It was while assigned here that he first flew the WB-47E.  He served a tour at the 9th Weather Recon Group, which brought the weather recon squadrons under one operational command for the first time. From Jul 1967 until Nov 1969, Col Bilyeu commanded the 55th WRS at McClellan AFB.  He was extremely popular with his troops and was often found out on the flight line, checking to see what they needed, and how he could help.  The 55th was operating both the WB-47 and WC-135B aircraft.  During his tour, the WC-135 was modified as an air refueling receiver, and began operations around the globe.  Beginning in Nov 1972, Col Bilyeu served at HQ Air Weather Service as the DCS/Air Operations/Recon Division.  He was the last DCS Air Ops for AWS.  His retirement in 1975 coincided with the transfer of the remaining weather recon flying squadrons from AWS to the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service.  While Col Bilyeu was out visiting the squadrons, your web master had the good fortune to occasionally fly with him on the WC-130.  His tens of thousands of hours in AWS aircraft was clearly apparent.  A natural pilot. H.P. stayed very busy in retirement.  Near and dear to all of us was his role in helping set up the Air Weather Reconnaissance Association in the early 1990's.  He attended almost every reunion, and we all noticed if he was unable to get together with us.  H.P. would always call his many friends to see how they were doing.  He made a point of thanking each and every person for all that they did.  It is us who need to thank him. Clear skies and fair winds for all your future flights.  May God Bless. The funeral home info and obituary can be found here.