 He returned to the United States in August 1955, attended pilot aerial observer training at James Connally Air Force Base, Texas, and was awarded his navigator wings.He next was assigned to the B-47 pilot transition course at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.In August 1956 he went to Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., where he held a variety of positions, including B-47 aircraft commander, squadron operations officer, squadron commander, chief of the 379th Bombardment Wing training division and assistant deputy commander for operations for the wing.