Bismarck, ND (USA)

Still fueling in Bismarck after midnight.  The town was pretty by night - they also had windy, but pleasant, weather. Got airborne again around 0030L. We had to stop at Camp Springs (Andrews AFB) on the way to Hampton Roads (landed before 0600L).  I arrived at my home in Virginia Beach by around 0630, just in time to see the kids before school.  Glad to be back in the USA!

Anchorage, AK (USA)

After staying up late (local time) last night, it was nice not to have to leave immediately. Slept late at the Elmendorf AFB North Star Inn (Air Force Inns) and then had a nice brunch before checking out of my room. Ultimately, we departed Alaska at around 1600 local time - bound for the "Lower 48"... Landed at Bismarck, North Dakota, for fuel just before midnight.

Shemya Island, AK (USA)

Left Japan early - I had to check out of the NAF Atsugi CBQ/BOQ at 0415L in time to make our flight to Misawa!  Due to a crew/aircraft change scenario, I ended up flying with a squadron mate, Kevin F. It was so beautiful - I've ever had weather like this before while flying along the Japanese Coast! To spread the flight time out fairly, we switched crews a few times (I later flew with Jeff B.)  On the way to the North American mainland, we stopped for fuel at Shemya Island - a very deserted place on the Aleutian chain.  Never thought I'd visit a place like that! Our trip to Anchorage was uneventful and we landed there at 2200L. We checked into the Elmendorf AFB North Star Inn (Air Force Inns) after midnight but then we realized we were actually reliving the same day again because we'd crossed the Date Line.  In addition, Alaska was still lit up as bright as daytime!  In the end, we decided that we had several hours to enjoy the city nightlife before the sun actually went down. Dinner (more of an after midnight snack) was at a pub downtown.  Wish we were staying longer...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Nagasaki, Kyushu (Japan)

[Flight with Waylon - Atsugi to Nagasaki to Atsugi - welcome change from Iwo runs - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Iwo To (Japan)

[after checking out of COMFLEACT Okinawa CBH, we returned to Kadena and set up for our mission.  we (Waylon and I) then flew from Okinawa to Iwo Jima/To with a lift that planned to climb Mount Suribachi - since it started to rain soon after we landed, none of us borrowed one of the bikes that were staged for aircrew use - instead, we waited for our passengers to return and then flew back to Okinawa - after dropping them off and getting fuel, we flew back to Atsugi - returned to my room at the CBH NAF Atsugi for the night - great mission!]

Mindanao (Philippines)

After checking out of The Westin Resort Guam (1200L), we headed to Andersen AFB.  Our mission took us from from Guam to the Island of Mindanao in the Philippines. [Flying with Waylon W.] We were only scheduled to be on deck in [Z] briefly today, but the flight down gave us an opportunity to check out the remote island scenery. We saw an unbelievable number of thunder storms but some of the places we saw were sunny and peaceful. It is too bad that this place has a semi-civil war going on, because it seemed like it could have been a nice vacation spot. After picking getting fuel and taking care of our passengers, we departed the Philippines and flew to Okinawa.  Despite other visits to Kadena Air Base, this was the first time I was able to stay on the ground for any length of time. Our crew was lodged at the COMFLEACT Okinawa CBH.  Unfortunately, we had no car and I didn't have time to figure out the public transportation system. However, I was able to walk around a bit and got a better feel for the island.  I know I say it all the time, but there seems to be some good potential for future exploration...

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

Woke up refreshed after a night at the The Westin Resort Guam - this is the life!  I had time to walk over to the K-Mart for some much needed supplies and checked out the shopping. There is a good shuttle that people use to get around the malls - it's a pretty good deal because they had lots of stops. Spent a few hours on the beach working on a paper for grad school. Nice sunset. Got dinner at the hotel restaurant (Misty's / Starlight BBQ) and enjoyed the meal tremendously.  Bed late.  We're out of here in the morning...

Tumon Bay, Guam (USA)

[Flew (with Waylon) from NAF Atsugi to Nagasaki and then continued on to Guam.]  We were ahead of schedule all day and made it to Andersen AFB with nearly 48 hours before our scheduled departure (an extremely unusual experience!). I have been able to overnight in Tumon Bay before but, during this visit there was with lots of "rest" time - no rushing. Our crew checked into the The Westin Resort Guam by 1650L. Like many of the other places, the resort had a restaurant with a $50 all you can eat/drink dinner. Waylon and I enjoyed the meal, especially our table was outdoors on the beach. The rest of the crew joined us later and we all took a dip in the pool.

Iwo To (Japan)

[Flight with Waylon - Atsugi to Iwo and back - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Kamakura, Honshu (Japan)

Rafael and I took the train over to one of the old capitals of Japan today - Kamakura. This is my second time here - his first. I recently saw this city in the old version of "Around the World in 80 Days." It has some old palaces, temples and a 60 foot Buddha statue. We enjoyed some great food and great exercise. Bought lots of souvenirs.  [Staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi.]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Iwo Jima (Japan)

We've been visiting the tiny island of Iwo Jima several times during this detachment.  However, today was the first time we were able to stay for nearly the whole day! [Flew with Waylon W. from Atsugi to "Iwo To" (the name acceptable to the Japanese).]  This turned out to be one of the more interesting things I have been able to do in the last few years. Featured in several World War II movies, it was the site of a horrific battle. To visit it now, though, you would never know that so many people lost their lives defending the black volcanic soil and sweltering caves. The assault by the US Marines can only be appreciated with a walk along the steep beach. As I stood at the top of Mount Suribachi, I was moved by the images of flag raisings and stunning bravery that the battle required - on both sides.  [Staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi.]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Iwo To (Japan)

[Flight with Waylon - Atsugi to Iwo and back - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi]

Iwo To (Japan)

[Flight with Waylon - Atsugi to Iwo and back - 2X? - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi]

Yokohama, Honshu (Japan)

Another nice day in Yokohama - my favorite city in Japan. We had a delicious lunch at a restaurant I have visited before - we cooked meats and vegetables on a small hibachi grill. Time spent at the Minato Mirai (a "new" shopping district) is well worth it. We arrived on a day of celebrations and parades - complete with opening day for the Yokohama Bay Stars (baseball). The weather was awesome and we visited all the interesting places - European section, Chinatown, etc.  [Staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi.]

Atsugi, Honshu (Japan)

Worked all day - staying at CBH at NAF Atsugi...

Iwo To (Japan)

[Flight with Waylon - Atsugi to Iwo and back - staying at the NAF Atsugi CBH]