In addition, the 363d provided combat crew training for reconnaissance aircrews. The squadron deployed with a full complement of aircrews and maintenance personnel. During the Cold War, there were many defections by pilots and aircrews. From Takhli 366th TFW aircrews flew air superiority missions over Vietnam. His unit was composed of five aircrews that flew three Kaman HH-43F Huskie helicopters. Japan's losses were greater and included dozens of aircraft and their experienced aircrews. The mission of base became training of replacement combat aircrews. Additional services are furnished to support operations for NAS and transient military aircrews. Tactics improved as Soviet aircrews became used to the Il-2's strengths. While at MacDill, the 27th trained aircrews in the F-4E Phantom II. The C-87 was not always popular with the aircrews assigned to fly it. It was highly dangerous to the aircrews, and to the carriers as well. Stratotanker aircrews at Ellsworth and other SAC bases in the region. The red color aids aircrews in targeting drops of retardant. This exacerbated a growing lack of experienced aircrews.