Jump to content
Sign in to follow this  
ST0RM

The never ending trip

Recommended Posts

Last Sunday, our crew set out on what was planned for a 1 week trip dragging some German F-4 Phantoms into the Mid East for an exercise. After a 10 hour flight from Kansas into Sigonella, we had enough time for a couple of beers and off to bed. The next day we flew into Souda, Crete. Upon landing we discovered that one of our hydraulic pumps had died, so we were pretty much broke. This pump is essential for air refueling and since that is our mission, everything was on hold. Wahooo 3 days in Crete. My liver is still hurting.

 

After the 3 days in Crete, we took off and flew out to pick up our 3 Phantoms and refueled them along the way to the Mid East. Another night there with some of our deployed squadron mates and friends. So on Saturday (yesterday) we took off and flew into RAF Mildenhall. Again, we partied it up with some more of our friends (more liver pain). However this morning as we arrived at our -135, it has an oxygen leak so we are most likely staying another 24 hours.

 

Ahh the life of a tanker guy.

 

I'll post some pics of the Phantoms when I get home. ???

 

Thought I'd share.

 

Cheers!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Sounds like such a hard life - ever thought of filling the tanker up with beer instead :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Looking forward to the Phantom pics! :biggrin:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh poor baby..... :lol:

And sure you were "broke" at Souda.......just we were last week in Hawaii.......for 4 days.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Still broke here at the 'Hall with an O2 leak. This morning, I was trying to get out to the approach at Lakenheath to catch some Strike Eagle photos, but couldnt get a ride or the taxi driver didnt know where to go specifically. This blows!!

 

I think we are going to hit up the Green King brewery tour though. More liver pain...

 

Cheers!

 

P.S. Broke in Hawaii? Not us, but it as our squadron guys on their way to Australia. And honestly, these have all been real breaks, not gaming the system.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Wait, do you have a 2nd job as a human beer tanker??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Human Beer tanker. Hmmm, I like that.

 

Any of our UK based friends near Mildenhall? My plans got cancelled for the night so maybe a beer at the Bird in Hand? Anyone??

 

Here's a quick shot from the Phantom drag.

 

GAFF-4FPhantomsA-to-A13032009sm.jpg

 

Jeff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

hard times... reminds me of last week on Purim and my birthday

liver pain ^ 2 :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Look on the bright side. You were able to refuel Rhinos.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Jeff check your user title under your name.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Made it home last night around 1730. The damn jet leaked out all of the oxygen again from the primary system during the flight across the pond, so we had to go to the auxiliary system. Luckily it held pressure.

 

I'll post some photos sometime today.

 

-Jeff

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Now we're hearing rumors that the new tanker competition may be postponed indefinitely...because the 135s are still all in great shape!! Really! They are! Pay no attention to that human beer tanker behind the curtain!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

×

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue..