Camp Pendleton, CA, 27 Mar, 0900 Local. We used the most efficient means available to load four bags per Marine onto a semi for the journey to March AFB.
1030 Local. Still loading.
March AFB, CA, 1400 Local. After standing around Camp Pen for a few hours, we loaded onto busses and drove at 45 mph to our departure point. There's a large hangar used exclusively for deploying and returning personnel.
There were volunteers serving us snacks and drinks, donated by local organizations and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Also available were a wide variety of books, magazines, and games. It's not unusual for guys to be stuck waiting here for upwards of 12 hours.
35,000 ft, 1800-0200 Local. We boarded a 767 with a civilian flight crew for the trip to Bangor, Maine. I found it unusual that we all carried pistols and/or rifles, but were not permitted knives or liquids. Part of the flight attendant safety brief included the proper way to orient our weapons during the flight. At least we didn't have to share the plane with another unit or any civilians. We did, however, get to enjoy our first of about 8 airplane meals and movies.
Boston, MA, 28 Mar, 0200-0700 Local. Bangor was fogged in, so we diverted to Boston for the night. Safety regulations did not allow us to stay on the plane while it was serviced, but Port Authority was not about to allow 130 Marines to run around the airport or flight line with weapons, so we compromised by leaving our weapons (and 2 guards) on the plane while we assaulted the airport. It was agreeably empty for the first few hours, so most Marines took the opportunity to sleep. I watched the Best of He-Man, Vol. 1 and 2. I'm sure the early-arriving passengers were a bit surprised to see a bunch of Jarheads running around the terminal in uniform. One of them advised me to shoot first and ask questions later. My court-martial will commence the next day.
Bangor, ME, 28 Mar,0800-1000 Local. After a 30-minute flight from Boston to Bangor, we once again waited for a few hours for the flight crew to arrive and the plane be serviced. At first, I thought that they were under the impression that we were returning from a deployment, the way everyone lined up to shake our hands. It was right out of an Army commercial. Later, I found that this is a common departure point for deploying troops, and they have a little Welcome area just for us, to include free cell phone rental and toiletries. Once again, my faith in the American spirit was restored. Also, I learned that Bangor was the home of Stephen King, and his book/movie "The Langoliers" was set in and filmed at this very airport.
Leipzig, Germany, 28 Mar, 2300 Local. The Atlantic is a large ocean. Here, I got my first two hours of sleep since leaving CA. The airport was largely empty. I longingly looked at the last beer I'm likely to see for a few months.
Camp Pendleton, CA, 27 Mar, 0900 Local. We used the most efficient means available to load four bags per Marine onto a semi for the journey to March AFB.
1030 Local. Still loading.
March AFB, CA, 1400 Local. After standing around Camp Pen for a few hours, we loaded onto busses and drove at 45 mph to our departure point. There's a large hangar used exclusively for deploying and returning personnel.
There were volunteers serving us snacks and drinks, donated by local organizations and the Riverside Chamber of Commerce. Also available were a wide variety of books, magazines, and games. It's not unusual for guys to be stuck waiting here for upwards of 12 hours.
35,000 ft, 1800-0200 Local. We boarded a 767 with a civilian flight crew for the trip to Bangor, Maine. I found it unusual that we all carried pistols and/or rifles, but were not permitted knives or liquids. Part of the flight attendant safety brief included the proper way to orient our weapons during the flight. At least we didn't have to share the plane with another unit or any civilians. We did, however, get to enjoy our first of about 8 airplane meals and movies.
Boston, MA, 28 Mar, 0200-0700 Local. Bangor was fogged in, so we diverted to Boston for the night. Safety regulations did not allow us to stay on the plane while it was serviced, but Port Authority was not about to allow 130 Marines to run around the airport or flight line with weapons, so we compromised by leaving our weapons (and 2 guards) on the plane while we assaulted the airport. It was agreeably empty for the first few hours, so most Marines took the opportunity to sleep. I watched the Best of He-Man, Vol. 1 and 2. I'm sure the early-arriving passengers were a bit surprised to see a bunch of Jarheads running around the terminal in uniform. One of them advised me to shoot first and ask questions later. My court-martial will commence the next day.
Bangor, ME, 28 Mar,0800-1000 Local. After a 30-minute flight from Boston to Bangor, we once again waited for a few hours for the flight crew to arrive and the plane be serviced. At first, I thought that they were under the impression that we were returning from a deployment, the way everyone lined up to shake our hands. It was right out of an Army commercial. Later, I found that this is a common departure point for deploying troops, and they have a little Welcome area just for us, to include free cell phone rental and toiletries. Once again, my faith in the American spirit was restored. Also, I learned that Bangor was the home of Stephen King, and his book/movie "The Langoliers" was set in and filmed at this very airport.
Leipzig, Germany, 28 Mar, 2300 Local. The Atlantic is a large ocean. Here, I got my first two hours of sleep since leaving CA. The airport was largely empty. I longingly looked at the last beer I'm likely to see for a few months.
Those Germans have interesting airport entertainment. I was, however, happy to see that American marketing has crossed to the other side of the world. Little did I know that this would not be the last time I had that thought....
1 comment:
That sounds like it was quite the trip over the big lake. Your sense of humor continues to amuse me!! Thanks for the update and pics. It is certainly good to hear from you!
moogie
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