Philadelphia, PA (USA)

Tried to stay asleep for as long as possible - but I was wide awake by 0500. Worked on genealogy to pass the time - checked email. Went over to the hangar at 0700 to help with some problems they were having. Ended up having breakfast with Scott at a diner nearby - we watched one of his aircraft take off right outside the window while we ate... Back at the hangar, got a bunch of work done - stayed until 1130. Went back to my room to pack and watched TV for a bit. After I checked out of the Willow Grove Navy Lodge, my ride showed up (1400) and took me to pick up a Lee's Hoagie for the kids (mmm... Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak!!). No problems getting to the Philadelphia Airport - arrived around 1445. Was making good time on my check in until the TSA started to run a drill. Unfortunately, my line was chosen and the screeners failed the test. So, we got to stand there for quite awhile to watch their debrief, training and re-test. Eventually got through and had a short time in the lounge (including picking up some food) before I had to board the aircraft (about 1600). Lots of problems with baggage space - I could barely get my laptop under my seat - and that was all the room there was. Even worse, the American Airlines flight was long! I guess I had forgotten what it seemed like from earlier this month or else the winds were extremely strong...  Somewhere over the Mississippi River, I ran out of reading material.  Arrived at DFW at around 1900L. No problems with my bag - it was quick, actually. Nicky picked me up and we made pretty good time getting home. Whew!!!

St. Johns, Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada)

Up at 0600L - busy day ahead! Took my bags over to the hangar and then hurried over to the Galley for breakfast. Checked out of the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and then got a ride over to the aircraft. Had some last minute flight plan changes - but got airborne on time. I flew the first leg with Matt. Great weather all the way to Shannon - saw Paris, Dover cliffs, all of Cornwall. When we landed, we got a ride to the duty free shop. Things have changed tremendously since the last time I flew through there in the daytime! We had to go into the terminal and clear customs before we could go shopping. This would have been fine if thousands of American tourists weren't waiting for their turn - felt a little self conscious as our group went to a separate line (I'm sure they weren't happy)... Bought some presents for the family - there's always something new there. Sat in the back for the leg to Canada - played computer games and read. Landed in St. Johns to good weather - just a little brisk. We weren't on the ground long - but we had some flight plan issues that delayed us after everyone was onboard. Flew last leg with Craig. Weather was good at first - we saw most of Nova Scotia (including great view of Halifax). As we got to Cape Cod, though, the weather started to degrade tremendously - first it was bad turbulence, then clouds, then ice. By the time we were on final approach at Willow Grove, there was even a thunderstorm west of the airport. The good thing is that we arrived "home" at 1600L - before the storm began. I spent a couple of hours doing paperwork and chatting with Scott. Finally got over to my hotel (Navy Lodge) around 1800L. Spent the next hour answering voicemail calls (work) and checking my email. Did get ahold of Nicky and the kids tonight - it was nice to talk with them. My plan was to stay up as long as possible so I could get back on the US time - it was hard... Found myself dozing while I watched TV. Finally succumbed to sleep around 2200L.

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Our last full day in Sicily - we'll be leaving tomorrow... Slept late (to get back on US time) and then went over to hangar to turn over my Blackberry to the oncoming crews. Took care of work emails and made a few phone calls. Finalized flight planning and then had lunch with the guys at the Galley (1230L). Back in my room, packed and cleaned up - then played some video games. Watched TV and then had dinner around 1730L at the Galley. Bought supplies for the flight home at the Shopette and then met up with all our off-going folks and the in-coming crews for an impromptu party. Wasn't able to imbibe, but had an enjoyable time swapping stories and making plans for my return in September. Stayed until 2100L and then returned to my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn. Wrapped up the last of my packing and went to bed just after 2200L.

Motta Santa Anastasia, Sicilia (Italy)

My Blackberry woke me up at 0830L (this time, a text message). Played video games for awhile and then went to the Business Center to check email. Around 1100L, took my box over to the hangar and took care of flight planning for our return mission (on the 24th). Had lunch with everyone around noon time (Galley) and then went back to the hangar to meet Shanti and Tron. Glad I worked that out - now I don't have to worry about waiting two months for delivery or having to carry the pottery on the flight from Philly to DFW... Ended up helping them out to get going, including coordinating services. Got back to my room around 1400L - started laundry. Wiled away the rest of the afternoon playing strategy games again ("Europa Universalis: Rome"). Met the rest of the guys around 1900L at Chucks room. Matt wanted to use up his groceries, so we feasted on antipasti (prosciutto, mozzarella, spiced sausage and olives) until everything was gone. After that (2015), we headed over to Il Caviliere (AKA Farmhouse) again. We arrived to find the restaurant was semi-closed for a family birthday party. But they let us stay, fortunately. We sat outside again - very pleasant evening. No menu again this time - only a few items available. Ended up having prosciutto & melons (mmmm...) to start, some good bread and olive oil next. I don't know what the actual name of my entrée was, but it loosely translated as "Gramma's pasta" - it was similar to a pierogi with a special sauce. An older lady - who I assume was the owner's wife - must have been the Gramma... Chuck (grilled swordfish), Craig (veal marsala) and Matt (veal limone) let me try some of their dishes and they tried mine. A child's birthday party went on the background throughout our meal, culminating with the singing of "Tanti Giorni" by a few dozen kids (using a karaoke machine). We clapped and sang along with our best attempt at Italian - and were rewarded with a piece of the birthday cake (very fluffy with rich, creamy - but thin layered - frosting). We said goodbye to our gracious hosts and headed back to the hotel - but not before swinging by the gelato restaurant (closed). Made it to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 2245L. Watched TV and went to bed around 45 minutes later.

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Slept until 0830L. Took care of more emails and then played video games until lunch time. Ate at Galley and, as I was leaving, noticed that some buddies of mine from Fort Worth had arrived (I watched them do a missed approach...). Went down to the hangar to meet up with them - hoping they would take my pottery home. Turns out they were willing - what a relief (don't know how the mail would have worked)! Went shopping for a few more souvenirs with Craig at Auchan - actually found a new one down in the outskirts of Catania (close to the airport). Even picked up some things for Shanti and Tron... Got back to the hotel around 1500 and spent some time packing my box for transport. Called home but ended up missing the family. Had dinner at the Galley and then worked on genealogy for a few hours. Watched TV and then headed over to meet the guys on their return for the night. Helped them get checked in at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and then met them at Jox for a few drinks. Chatted and relaxed until after midnight. Planned to go to bed when I got back to my room but discovered the NASCAR race was on - ended up staying up a few more hours...

Piazza Armerina, Sicilia (Italy)

Woke up at 0800L. At the Business Center for a few hours - taking care of some more work emails. At 1100, went to lunch at the Galley. Came back to find my room was still being cleaned, so I hung out with Chuck for awhile. Spent about two hours working on genealogy and playing a computer strategy game. Made a few work calls late in the afternoon. Matt stopped by around 1730 to report that he had figured out where we could go to dinner at one of the famous agriturisimo sites on the island. We had to wait to eat until 2100, but with the drive we had to leave around 1945L. Up until now, I've spent several evenings outside as it got dark - but it really isn't dark until you drive into central Sicily (no street lights anywhere!). The roads aren't straight, either - by a long shot! We took backroads towards Gela and then drove up into the mountains. Our GPS was helpful, but thank goodness the Blackberry had internet - we needed it... Of course, asking the locals for directions is fun, too. The "restaurant" (if you could call it that) had a trademark "little red fox" on signs that only appeared about once every major turn. Eventually, we found ourselves on a narrow, gravel road in the fields southeast of Piazza Armerina. I won't say we were lost... We wondered (constantly) if we were ever going to find the place ("Agricasale") - but then we did. It struck me that we had found something so remote on an island with several thousand years of history - it was similar to a ranch in North Dakota. As we entered, it became clear that our hotel had called ahead for us - the host was ready with wine, water and olive oil before we even sat down. It wasn't too busy at the beginning (Americans always eat too early, apparently...). The waiter, who I assume didn't speak any English, just started bringing food - roasted onions, thinly sliced & grilled eggplant, various cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes. There were about five to six items on each little plate - enough for all of us to share. Wine flowed freely as we ate. Knowing when we finished, the waiter brought other dishes - ravioli and gnocchi, salad, lamb chops and pork chops. It took almost two hours to eat - before we got to "desert" (fruit and little pouches with something like cannoli filling). All of us were very satisfied. The owner was gracious and asked us to return for an even bigger party in September. The drive home was easier - we just headed north until we got to the autostrada (A-19). We arrived at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn at around midnight. Watched TV for awhile and finally hit the hay.

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Slept until 0800L. Worked at the Business Center for several hours and cleaned my room before heading over for lunch at the Galley. Investigated the possibility of being able to mail some pottery (and other souvenirs home) - may work out after all. Mailed some postcards and checked out the progress of our maintenance crew (aircraft wash) - we got them some pizza for their trouble. Watched movie at Take5 ("Book of Eli"). Jim D. called me late in the afternoon asking if I wanted to stop by for dinner. He picked me up around 1815L and I spent a few hours at his home. We had something that sounded like "edamame" (soy beans?) while Jim grilled some more of his delicious flank steak. His boys showed up for dinner and then we played video games (X-Box auto racing) until 2130L. Jim took me back to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and then I worked on genealogy for about an hour. Watched TV until it was time to bed (around 2300).

Sembach (Germany)

Up at 0600 - breakfast at the Galley. Took care of some work email before heading over to the hangar for our brief. Found out we were modded (added passengers and cargo) - turned out our "trainer" was an actual mission after everything was changed. Took off on time and had a good flight to Germany. Saw a lot of scenery up to the Swiss border - Alps included - but then we ended up over the top of a solid cloud layer all the way until we got to Ramstein. Icing on the approach and rain when we landed. Darin met me after we shut down - and he took me and the forecaster we brought with us over to Sembach. This was my second trip to the weather center (see SEP 2006) - I'm still the only pilot to have visited... Darin took us out to lunch at a restaurant called Grillpfanne and we had Doner Kebab (a German take on souvlaki without the gyro bread - actually, it was a sandwich). We spent some time enjoying the ambiance. Was floored by some of the racy things that appeared on the TV there - in the middle of the day - and on the front page of the newspaper on our table! Headed back to Darin's office around 1230L and spent about an hour walking through the center. Got some face-to-face interaction with folks I usually only can talk to on the phone - it was good. Darin drove us back to Ramstein around 1345L and I stopped off at the Shopette and Kathe Wolfcarte for some souvenirs. Made it to the aircraft at 1445L - took off shortly after that. Weather on the way home was much nicer - had spectacular views of the Italian Riviera, Elba, Ischia and the Bay of Naples. Flew over the Aeolean Islands (including a steaming volcanic island) and came around the west side of Etna - no haze at all. Landed around 1700L. Finished paperwork and took care of a little more work emails. Cleaned up and watched TV until it was time to leave for dinner (1930L). Tonight we ate at Club Medusa - outside - and enjoyed some good food. Headed back to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and spent another hour or so watching "Jesse Stone" (Tom Selleck) episode with the guys - not bad. Went to bed around 2330L.

Patti, Sicilia (Italy)

Chuck had told us he wanted to go to the Caleca Factory this morning - it was tough to get up in time (tired from yesterday). Got some cash and changed it to Euros and made a few phone calls. By 0900L we were on the road. Made pretty good time up the autostrada to Catania - then in a traffic jam near Taormina. After that, we had no problems getting through Messina and over to Patti. Things hadn't changed at all since my last visit (see OCT 2007). It was Craig's first visit, but Chuck and I were on a mission to add a few more items to our wives' pottery collection. I didn't get a lot - wasn't sure how I could get it home. Spent about an hour there and then headed down to the Patti Marina. This is actually the first time I've been there - usually I head over to Tindari. We found a quiet cafe on the beach (no other customers when we rolled in around 1300L). The kitchen for the place was across a busy street - and we had fun watching the waiter/waitress run across with trays... Had a pretty good lunch in the shade with a nice ocean breeze. It got really busy as we finished - lots of rowdy summer folks. It is now the height of the Faragosta for the Italians (vacation). Headed back around 1400 - using the mountain route. It was my third or fourth time going that way - but this time we had a GPS. It was funny to watch it try to keep up with the busy, curving roads in the mountains - I missed plenty of supposed turns but the GPS always corrected to a more direct and main road. It wanted us to use alleyways almost every time... I don't like the "help" it offers, actually - my maps are just fine! Made it back to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 1630L. Got some email work done and prepped for tomorrow's flight. Had dinner at the Galley and then cleaned up in the room. Several folks were having a party in the gazebo below my room - I joined them around 2030 and stayed until 2230. Started watching this movie called "The Spanish Prisoner" and wasted quite awhile before I realized it wasn't any good. Got to sleep late...

Giardini Naxos, Sicilia (Italy)

Up at 0830L. First coordinated a drill with Ken (to take place at 1100L). Made other calls (Gabe & Jim) and checked work emails. Over to hangar at 0930 and worked with Jim on more inspection items. Conducted drill - it went well. Went to lunch with Andy, Jim & Z (Galley). Afterwards, wrapped up ground portion of inspection with Jim and his team (finished around 1500L). Spent a few more hours chatting with other folks who I normally only can get on the phone from the States. Started coordination of flight to Germany (hopefully on Wednesday) using text function of Blackberry - Keith wrote right back and will get permission for us. Back at my room around 1700L. Spent some time with email from home (whirlwind of damaged aircraft...). Called Darin when it was virtually certain we would be going to Germany. Left with the guys for dinner (1930L) - hoping to make it to Taormina tonight. Normally, this would be pretty difficult on a summer evening - and Matt had an idea to visit Giardini Naxos first (hmmm...). Anyway, it was something different - and I don't remember spending much time on the beach there. We arrived around 2045L and had some drinks on the waterfront - the whole atmosphere was very relaxed. Saw a seaplane trying to land in the ocean - tough with high winds and surf (he gave up). Matt had read about a restaurant somewhere on the beach so we walked for awhile looking for it (ended up experiencing the WHOLE beach...). As the sun set behind us, the soft lights came up. I've always enjoyed the summer evenings here - they aren't anything like the daytime. It is surprising how the temperatures drop quickly - and the sea breezes reach pretty far inland. Of course, the oceanfront is a little cooler... Success, though - we found Matt's restaurant ("La Sirena") at the end of the pier. Had a great dinner (antipasti was melon & prosciutto and bruschetta pizza, entre was "macheroni" - really long tube pasta). Discovered I was really dehydrated when I polished off two full litres of water... Afterwards, we had some gelato and enjoyed the bustling beachfront street. By this point it was already 2230 - Matt agreed that Taormina was probably going to be difficult... Headed back to NAS Sigonella - made good time. Craig told us some good stories of his family restaurant (Chinese) - made the time fly. Back in my Navy Gateway Inn room at around 2330 and went to bed immediately.

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Very lazy day today - nothing scheduled and nothing planned. Woke up at 0830L (didn't actually get much sleep). Did laundry (borrowed detergent from Matt) and took care of work emails. Over at hangar at 1100 - ended up eating lunch (Galley) with Craig and Matt. Did some genealogy for most of the afternoon (while my clothes finished up). Changed some cash into Euros and mailed a few more post cards. Watched TV until around 1730L. Had lunch with Chuck at the Galley and then went back to his room to watch "Hell's Kitchen" finale. He had bought some sparkling wine and wanted to try it out ("Puchacco" ?) - it was alright, but didn't beat Wilson Creek Almond Champagne! Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 2300L - watched finale episode of "The Pacific" until late.

Souda, Crete (Greece)

Didn't have to brief too early today - got started at 0800L. Caught breakfast at the Galley and then spent about half an hour catching up on emails at the Business Center. Made it to the brief at 0900L and immediately was faced with several major changes to our day. Thought we had caught everything - we were ready to go at 1100 - but then we got a slot time of 1140L (#@$@ !). It was really hot today, so that didn't help. After that, though, we had an uneventful flight over to Crete. It was Matt's first time there - we ended up getting a rare visual approach (can't remember the last time that happened). On the ground, had problems with our flight plan, so headed inside to rectify the situation. Strangely, the entire terminal and all offices were deserted (later learned that they had cleared out the previous day for demolition!). Got some assistance from the duty officer - refiled but got a slot time again... Spent the delay walking around - some new things (store!). Bought some souvenirs and picked up a great milkshake (really hit the spot with 37 degrees C plus). Got back to the aircraft and found the slot time had been removed - we departed as soon as we could. Departure took us over the airport (great view) but haze started to degrade any further photo moments... Back in Sicily around 1600L. Walked back to my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn and took a quick shower. Mailed some post cards and then relaxed until 1900L. Made call to Nicky and the girls before we headed out for dinner in Motta. This time, we tried Paradiso restaurant (wine, water, pennette montanarosa - sausage & mushroom). Everyone else had gelato (not me). Back to room before we all headed over to Jox (2200L). Spent a little time there (couple rounds of Kilkenny). Emails at business center and intended to hit the hay around 2300. Got distracted by the V-J Day specials on TV (including "Pacific" episodes and "Flags of our Fathers"). Bed very late...

Sigonella, Sicilia (Italy)

Blackberry woke me at 0600L again (oops - forgot to turn off alarm...). Ended up getting back to sleep - finally - and dozed until 0900. Got a lot of work done in my room (stuff I brought with me from the office) - only had a couple of phone call distractions. Had lunch in the room (leftovers from last night). Walked over to the hangar to meet with Jim (1100L). Spent the next several hours conducting part of an inspection that really isn't due until September - but figured I might as well get a head start. Helped Jim and his team with some training files and then went next door to wait for Craig and Chuck. Researched information required for our flight on Saturday. Went back to the room around 1700L - watched TV and did some cleanup. Jim picked me up for dinner around 1830L - turned out it was a block party near his home. It was really nice to hang out with him and his friends. I enjoyed some great German beer and some of Jim's excellent flank steak. Met lots of his neighbors and stayed until Jim mentioned to me that he'd had something to drink and couldn't drive me back to my room. I ended up catching (luckily) the last bus at 2120... Spent a little time at Jox and Take5 (email and movies). Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by 2245 - watched a little TV before bed.

Rota, Andalucia (Spain)

Woke up this morning at 0600L to the realization that a Blackberry (provided by the detachment) can be very useful (nice alarm function). Had breakfast at the Galley and then met up with my crew at the hangar for a brief. Also waiting for me was a camera crew who wanted to go with us to Russia - they bailed when they learned we weren't going there. However, they did interview our crew about the fire-fighting equipment we were carrying. It will eventually get to Moscow - just not on our aircraft. Mission was changed again during our brief - to take us from Sicily to Naples to Rota (to pick up more equipment). Matt had been to Naples but never to Spain. Weather was pretty good and it looked like we would have a quick day - until we got hit with the first of several slot times (that's summer flying in Europe...). Fortunately, the time our schedulers gave us was adequate for us to arrive in Naples close to our scheduled arrival time. Feels like I just came here a few days ago, but it has probably been almost three years (see OCT 2007). I went in to see if I could meet up with Gabe (no luck) but bought some souvenirs for the kids before we departed. Flight over to Spain began with an unusual departure off runway 24 (usually we are too heavy) and some good views of Ischia, Sardinia & Corsica, and some barren areas of central Spain (rest was covered by clouds). We were intercepted (training) by a Spanish F-18 - first time I've had that happen. When we arrived in Rota we tried to get some training on the approach but it didn't work - landed uneventfully to HOT & humid conditions. Showed Matt around inside and picked up a great sandwich from the flight-line kitchen. Had problem with slot times again - and this time learned we had passengers just as we were starting our engines. What a mess! Eventually got off the ground again and headed home. Pretty standard flight until we crossed over Sardinia - then we got an unusual direct to Palermo pretty early. Some things are a little different from what I remember... Arrived at Sigonella around 1800L. Dealt with some folks who had heartburn we didn't take the camera crew, but it turned out not to be our fault. After getting a quick shower, had dinner in Motta again - this time at Donna Fortunata (insalate caprese, wine, D'Avola pizza). Owner brought out a drink he made (don't know the name) that tasted like a mix of linoncello and sambucha - very good (I even had two glasses, much to his pleasure). We were able to get gelato this time - right next door. Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn (2200), got some work done on email and watched TV. Bed late.

Motta Santa Anastasia, Sicilia (Italy)

Slept until 0800 (after getting a much earlier - 0200L - call from work...). Spent time organizing and unpacking and then went to the Business Center to review emails for work again. Had lunch at the Galley and then tried to get a haircut (line too long). Walked over to the hangar and made the rounds - liaison, executive detachment. Had a chance to chat for awhile with Jim and Andy. Made phone calls to Gabe and Darin. Ended up getting a haircut later and picked up some more supplies at the Shopette. Spent more time in the Business Center and then met up with the rest of our group at the hangar - missions starting to pop up. First heard we might be going to Russia to assist with fire suppression. By the time Chuck and Craig returned from their flight (1730L), this had downgraded to just a flight to Naples. Got most of the planning work done with Matt and then went back to my room. Later, spent some time with the guys watching full-season DVDs of recent popular shows (apparently a past-time for this group). Convinced them we should go out to eat at 1930L (a small victory). Procured a car big enough for the seven of us and drove everyone up to Il Caviliere (AKA Farmhouse) just outside Motta. None of them had ever been there. I've always enjoyed sitting outside under the trees at that restaurant. Tonight there were no menus and the waitress spoke limited English. We managed to understand that it was "Seafood Night" and that the food would be coming in courses. What an experience! We had antipasti (salmon, sardines, swordfish and thinly sliced octopus) and later I got spaghetti "fruti di mare" with mussels, calamari and prawns. Everyone enjoyed themselves with lots of wine (except me and my co-pilot) and the owner (an older gentleman who I've met before) came out at the end of the night with limoncello. As we left, the guys asked me to take them into Motta for gelato - but it didn't work out (they closed just before we got there). Back in my room at the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by 2230. Spent a little time packing for tomorrow's flight before heading to bed.

Shannon (Ireland)

Took off after midnight. Tried to doze on the way to Italy, but wasn't successful. Still, the flight wasn't as long and I passed the time with more chatting and reading. Landed in Sicily around 0700L.  Our C-40 drivers will continue east in the morning but the rest of us get to stay at Sigonella (at the Navy Gateway Inn) for a few weeks. Met up with some more old friends and got a ride (from Matt J.) to the hotel (it took forever to check in...).  Was able to catch a nap from 0830 to 1430. Unpacked after that and then headed back over to hangar for a check-in brief (1600). Made a few calls (Andy, Jim, Darin, Gabe) and set up some meetings for later in the week. Changed some money to Euros and picked up some supplies at the Shopette Store. Later, met up with everyone - hoping to catch an early dinner. However, everyone else was waiting to eat until 2100. Decided to pass on that idea, heading out to dinner instead with the VR-58 folks who flew us to Italy (including Mike). We ate at Alphio's Garden - I had bruschetta pizza (no cheese - only sliced tomato). Had good conversation and got back to my room around 2000L. Got some email work done at the Business Center later. Watched TV until the rest of the gang got back from dinner (around 2200L). Bed after some more TV...

Willow Grove, PA (USA)

Up at 0800 and immediately learned that our flight had been moved up to an earlier departure time (without much prior notice).  Fortunately, this wasn't too much of a stressful situation.  After finishing some packing and checking out of the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn, I picked up some food at Subway. Next (1000L), I went over to the hangar to meet the guys [from VR-58] who were going to be taking me to Italy. I spent the next hour working on email and visiting with my old friend, Rob (see JUL 2010) again. We departed Jacksonville [onboard a C-40] at 1200L - our first leg was to Willow Grove. After arrival, I met up with the rest of my crew [and started the process of integrating with the VR-52 Detachment team]. Got back on the aircraft after about an hour - it as now pretty full of people (oh well...).  Fortunately, I had a good seat, set up by an old friend (Mike from Atlanta). Our flight to Shannon was around seven hours long - our DC-9 would have had to make at least one stop to make it that far...  I passed the time reading, doing crossword puzzles and having good discussions with people I'd previously known only from the phone and email. It was dark, raining and brisk when we landed in Ireland and we all had to deplane and wait near the aircraft while fueling.  On the ground at midnight...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Nicky took me over to the DFW Airport this morning so I could start my two week (plus) trip to Europe. It has been over two years since the last time I was able to fly on a Squadron Detachment and I'm really excited to get back into the cockpit! Had no problems at the airport (spent time in the [USO] Club before I left Texas). My American Airlines flight was scheduled for a 1035 departure and I made it to the gate with plenty of time to spare.  Once onboard, I was very surprised to see that even though the flight was full there was still overhead storage space available (first time I've been that fortunate in several years)... We took off late because of maintenance problems and because an aircraft in front of ours aborted takeoff. Arrived at the Jacksonville Airport at around 1600L and was met soon after by a driver (sent by the squadron). She took me to NAS Jacksonville (via I-95, I-10 and US-17; kind of a unique but scenic route). Once checked into my lodging (Navy Gateway Inn), I got to borrow a vehicle for the night and it came in handy for picking up supplies for my trip. Back in my room, watched TV and did some re-packing. Bed around 2300L.