Shannon (Ireland)

We landed in Ireland around 0830L. Even though I hardly slept, I felt strangely refreshed as we got out of the aircraft. During this visit, we were able to get through to the Duty Free Shop at Shannon quickly (no other passengers). I bought a few souvenirs and would probably had gotten more but our crew was in a hurry (don't blame them - it's a long day). On our way again by around 1000L. Flight down to Sicily didn't take too long - with time change, we got there at 1400L. From my previous experiences, I knew that the key to success was to get to the hotel (NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn) as quickly as possible to get the check-in process going. Fortunately, I was well ahead of the crowd and had already coordinated the rooms as they arrived - everyone else was also happy to get their rooms quickly. After the 16 of us were settled, I grabbed a quick shower and took our newest co-worker on a tour of the area. The walk culminated with a haircut (it's never been a bad experience to get a cut from an Italian barber). I also had time to pick up some supplies at the Shopette. Ate dinner at the Galley and then went back to my room to unpack. Tried to stay up late to get adjusted to the time-zone but only made it to 2100L...

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.

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...

Shannon (Ireland)

Arrived in Shannon to some low clouds and drizzle (windy, too!). Everything was closed in the terminal this time (duty free shop) - but turn was quick. We saw another plane from home - lucky bastards got to spend the night here! We took off around 0030L and flew over England, France and Italy on our way down to Sicily. Weather was nice - could see lots of landmarks. Arrived around 0330L. Got checked into the Sigonella NAS Bachelor Housing and spent a little while with some old friends at a little pub that was still open. Got to sleep around 0500 and didn't wake up until 1100. Had some leftovers (from the flight over) for lunch and intended to meet up with Paul and Carina around 1230 (for some shopping) - but neither showed. Went over to the aircraft to see if they were there and found Carina. Found out our itinerary was changed (again) and we had a lot of work to do to make that happen. Had a few minutes to visit Andy - works next door. Didn't end up going out until nearly 1600. We eventually had an opportunity to visit the Auchan for some local products. On the way back we stopped for dinner in Mota at the Dona Fortunata restaurant - always good. Walked down the street afterwards and found the (usual) gelato shop. Thought about getting some cookies from Carmelo the baker (see DEC 2008) - but his shop was gone. Back at the gelato shop, met a guy who knew the backstory on this. He pointed me towards another bakery and we headed over there for the delicious cookies the kids liked last time. Had an issue with getting some Euro - Paul bailed me out. Got a whole box of the individually wrapped cookies - some flavored with almonds, others with oranges (mmmm...). Back at home around 1000. Packed up and went to bed.

St. John's, Newfoundland & Labrador (Canada)

Woke up around 0800 and headed over to Auchan with Hartig. I always enjoy seeing what people I'm with will buy - olive oil, cheese, meat (etc.). I bought some new things this time - blood orange juice and sambuca. We made it back to the NAS Sigonella Navy Gateway Inn by around 0915.  After that, I packed, checked out of my room and headed over to the aircraft. Before we could depart, we had some issues with weather brief and flight plan.  The best thing about the morning, though, was that passengers were there on time!  As a result, we took off only a little late but made up the time during the flight to Ireland. This was the last day of flying with Bob M. and I told him how much I appreciated the good experience of flying with him.  My job in Fort Worth doesn't often give me a chance to get in the air on a big trip like this and I am sometimes concerned that I'm losing my edge.  He definitely helped me be my best "International/Overwater TAC."  Upon landing at Shannon, we parked in a different place from where we normally get stashed.  This led to a minor problem during engine starts because a push back was required. Seems like the whole trip has been "new things we have to fix."  One bonus of the time on the ground in Ireland - I had time to visit the Duty Free Shop, where I bought Irish flags, Shamrock Rosary Bead bracelets, etc. After departing Europe, our flight back to North America was in daylight all the way.  We did have some radio problems but made it to St. John's OK and had a great stop at Torbay. Got airborne early again (I couldn't believe that the trip was on schedule!!!). On the last leg, I saw Cape Cod and some of Long Island - very pretty. Ended up with the early descent and sun-in-the-face approach. On the ground at NAS JRB Willow Grove just before dark. Felt a bit sad about ending this mission but thanked everyone profusely, telling them I hoped we got lucky enough to fly together again soon.  After grabbing my gear, I started looking for my rental car.  At first, no luck.  Eventually, I figured out that my friend, Brady L. had it (I'd left the keys with the Duty Office).  Eventually, I got everything over to the Navy Lodge and checked into my room. It was nice to be back in the USA, but I couldn't believe how tired I am from the seven time zone changes (in both directions)! Spent a little time relaxing before hitting the hay.  Hoping for an airlift home in the morning...

Shannon (Ireland)

Woke early (0600), checked out of my room at the Navy Lodge and got over to work. I've been a little apprehensive about the itinerary for our flight - it is very aggressive (all the way to Crete in one day). Fortunately, Bob M. had done most of the planning - we just had a few loose ends to tie up before we could go. After departing Willow Grove, we flew up to St. John's, Newfoundland, for a fuel stop. This time, we tried out Irving Aviation - the third (different) FBO I've used at Torbay. They did pretty well, but we had another problem with our flight plan due to NAT tracks running West during our transit. Re-ran the flight plan again and got it approved.  Downside: we were then about an hour behind schedule.  This was easily forgotten though - after we got airborne, crew started bringing food - delicious salad, a rice & olive dish and some hot rolls. I must say that they treat a guest pilot very well! Crossing the Pond was otherwise uneventful and we got to Shannon around 2300L. Declan met us again (though he has a new company) and we fixed a few minor issues with the plane while the passengers visited the Duty Free Shop. On our way again (about two hours behind schedule) just before midnight...

Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Left Shannon after midnight - once again, we great flying weather! Charlie W. and I took this leg and we arrived in Sicily by 0300L. After our in-brief and (long) check-in process was complete, we checked into the Bachelor Housing for NAS Sigonella.  Fortunately, I was able to get a few hours of sleep. [Did some work for a few hours in the late afternoon - dinner in town.]

Shannon (Ireland)

I learned last night that the aircraft was ready for an early morning departure - yay!  [After checking out of the Courtyard this morning, I got a ride from a duty driver and met the Detachment crew at NAS Willow Grove.]  It was a beautiful day for flying!  With a fully functional aircraft, we headed to St. John's, Newfoundland.  After a great fuel stop, we were on our way to Europe! We stopped again for fuel at Shannon.  Devlin met us and took us to the Duty Free Shop - it's always a nice place to unwind after the crossing.  We were on deck in Ireland when local midnight arrived... 

Sigonella, Sicily (Italy)

Our parts were delivered last night. Before I knew that, I was planning to spend most of the day working on my term paper. Without talking to me, Steve and Jon worked our return flight for this afternoon. It ended up being a good thing, though, since we we flew all the way to St. John's for the night. We stopped in Shannon for fuel and switched crews. I love staying in St. Johns! We got rooms at the Murry Premises again, too...

Shannon (Ireland)

After a nice morning at the Headland Hotel (Newquay), we flew from St. Mawgen to Shannon (Ireland) for fuel.  The flight from Dublin to Newfoundland was uneventful - it was very cold in St. Johns! After getting fuel, we took off for Norfolk and arrived in the late afternoon. Paperwork took a little while, but home before dinner. I made it just in time for the kids' spring break, so we'll leave for a trip tomorrow...

Shannon (Ireland)

[I checked out of the NAS Sigonella Bachelor Housing this morning and then flew (with Herb H.) from Sicily to Ireland.  After completing our fuel stop in Shannon, we continued west, across the Atlantic Ocean, to St. John's (Newfoundland, Canada).  We stayed the night at the Murray Premises Hotel.  After getting changed into civilian clothes, I did some shopping.  Along the way (1620L), I bought some things for the kids at the Heritage Shop of Newfoundland (store at the hotel).]

Shannon (Ireland)

Checked out of the Sigonella Bachelor Housing, returned my rental car to Europcar (0830L; had to fill out an affidavit for the damage done by Chuck C.) and left Sicily at about 0900L.  We flew across the European mainland and stopped in Shannon - this was my first time in Ireland! During the approach, it whole place looked very green - very inviting.  Inside the terminal, though, there were huge crowds of people. One nice thing about the stop: I got to shop in the Duty Free Store and found some good souvenirs for the girls. After getting fueled, we continued west and made our way to Newfoundland.  Our overnight lodging in St. John's was the Delta Hotel and Conference Centre (checked in at 1630L). With a few other folks on the Detachment, I ate a nice dinner at the Press and Bean Restaurant.  It is attached to the Murray Premises, which might be worth trying during a future visit...  Bed late - home tomorrow!