You "old fart."
BUMP for recent new AW Members!
BusyBee 1953 to 1985
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BzB
Okay Shoe, you're right... time for a party, an "AW spring break"? We need a reason, so how 'bout my AW fifth anniversary? Way back in April '09, I got a PM from some unknown Navy Vet, on another Navy website ~ called "Navy Together We Served (NTWS)". The PM invited me over to a site about Naval Aviation, he thought I might enjoy reading on the site, a maybe contributing some adventures and 'stuff'. Of course that note was from our own Skyhawk Plane Captain,and VA-44 Squadronmate Brownshoe!Fxxk it! I've had enough this week, yet still my head is buried in paperwork, blue prints annnnd I've gotta work all weekend. Took a break, found a six pack and I'm relaxing. Now come on you old farts... Corky, Derf, BzB, Ron... let's party! Happy Hour Lounge? First drink is on BzB. (Sigh,,, the old Navy.)
Cat, well said! I too, was greeted many times yesterday with they well intentioned "Happy Memorial Day" as though it were a day to celebrate like a birthday. Where time allowed, I explained (as diplomatically as possible), that it for me, was not a happy day, but a day of remembrance and reflection. Closed it with "Enjoy your holiday, but don't forget to remember"!I smile, but do not quite share the "Happy Memorial Day" wishes I hear. For me, it is somber day, and not so happy. But that is OK. I also smile at those who confuse Memorial Day with Veteran's Day.
The only "VN flashback" I've ever experienced happened not too long after my sec0nd combat cruise. Vacationing in Seattle, Mrs. Bee, I, and our 3 pre-teens were sitting on a blanket at Green Lake, awaiting start of the annual fourth of July fireworks show. Nearly dark, I was caught by surprise by the opening thunder & bright explosions, with the sky seemingly filled with tracers. Without thinking, I found myself flat on the ground, totally covered by the blanket. Didn't last long... tried to explain to the little "Beelets", but they couldn't quite grasp it. I have avoided fireworks displays to this day.Last week, once again I also found that I could not enjoy our community's always awesome fireworks display - like more 'normal people' - because the fireworks was too up close and brought back some difficult memories.
I was very fortunate to be given that tape by the crew of one of our CVW-14 E-2 'Hawkeyes'. We had never been aware that all of our E-2s had a 7-channel tape recorder which, when airborne, simultaneously recorded Guard/Strike/Tower/SAR/plus AIC, CCA, & others as directed.However, listening to it further, I realized it was an audio of your SAR RESCAP, your CAS, and your taking a hit, on fire, and going for a swim. Great stuff! Thanks for it. All experienced professionals doing their job under fire. BZ, BzB.
Cat, well said! I too, was greeted many times yesterday with they well intentioned "Happy Memorial Day" as though it were a day to celebrate like a birthday. Where time allowed, I explained (as diplomatically as possible), that it for me, was not a happy day, but a day of remembrance and reflection. Closed it with "Enjoy your holiday, but don't forget to remember"!
The only "VN flashback" I've ever experienced happened not too long after my sec0nd combat cruise. Vacationing in Seattle, Mrs. Bee, I, and our 3 pre-teens were sitting on a blanket at Green Lake, awaiting start of the annual fourth of July fireworks show. Nearly dark, I was caught by surprise by the opening thunder & bright explosions, with the sky seemingly filled with tracers. Without thinking, I found myself flat on the ground, totally covered by the blanket. Didn't last long... tried to explain to the little "Beelets", but they couldn't quite grasp it. I have avoided fireworks displays to this day.
I was very fortunate to be given that tape by the crew of one of our CVW-14 E-2 'Hawkeyes'. We had never been aware that all of our E-2s had a 7-channel tape recorder which, when airborne, simultaneously recorded Guard/Strike/Tower/SAR/plus AIC, CCA, & others as directed.
I play it back at long intervals to remind myself. how fortunate I am. It is a case study of an efficient, and professional recovery of 2 shotdown Pilots, in different type aircraft (A-4C & A-6A), from different CVAs (Connie & Ranger), by the same helo, while under AAA & mortar fire, which resulted in the A-6 B/N KIA.
For recent AW members, several years ago, we posted links to both the SAR audio tape, and the written narrative of the whole episode... on this thread, page 9 (previous page), post #121. If interested, give the audio link a try. If no joy, drop me a PM, and we'll try to get it fixed. Thinkin' you'll find it only too real... and interesting!
BzB
Great post, BzB! Great people to remember. Stirred up some memories.
Low profile for me, today. Like a cartoon I saw today - a child with his father at a national cemetery asking why "only today?" - I remember almost 365!
I smile, but do not quite share the "Happy Memorial Day" wishes I hear. For me, it is somber day, and not so happy. But that is OK. I also smile at those who confuse Memorial Day with Veteran's Day. Because It is far better than when you and I thankfully returned decades ago.
Those who mean well but do not know can be forgiven if they have not shared the experience.
Maybe... but then why did my legs and knees sometimes shake uncontrollably after a trap while I was taxiing to the bow?NIGHT CARRIER LANDINGS
"The three best things in life are a good landing, a good orgasm, and a good bowel movement. The night carrier landing is one of the few opportunities to experience all three at the same time!"
*Posted on a Ready Room door USS Enterprise - 1969 - Gulf Of Tonkin
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"BzB 604.. Ball... Skyhawk... State 14"
"BzB 604.. Ball... Skyhawk... State 14"
That's affirm, that was the lingo back inDid you mean 1.4? As in 1400 pounds?