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.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Started at 0800 again. Completed my writeups and spent a few hours working on some big projects that surfaced while we were gone. Around noon, Keith came by and told me we were going to leave TONIGHT (rather than tomorrow). I just love it when we keep changing the plans - over and over and over... He wanted us to all check out of the hotel right away (to save a few dimes, I guess) - but the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn told me we'd get charged the same whether we were one or four hours late in our checkout. So, I wrapped everything up and then went back to the room to pack. Ate most of my remaining groceries (luckily, I didn't buy too much) and got a little done on my laptop. Met everyone back at work around 1600 - we had our debrief then. To be honest, we've been at this so many days in a row that it didn't feel right when it was all over... Our flight back to Fort Worth departed around 1900. The weather was great and flight only took two hours. Nicky and Mollie picked me up at Alliance (2100L) and we got home before it was even dark. Got a lot of work done on the trip - I'm tired...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Hit the ground running around 0800 today - trying to finish everything, if possible. Made a lot of progress before lunch - even had time to visit a few offices that I normally can't. Went with everyone to the Mellow Mushroom (pizza) on Fleming Island - burned a few hours but got to do more job-hunt networking. Rain hit us on the way back to work (first we've seen this week - made it much cooler). Finished all my checklists by the 1600 meeting. Spent a little time with email work and phone calls and then went back to the hotel. Met up with Bobby, Keith and Pat around 1830 and we drove over to Orange Park Mall. Everyone planned to eat at Five Guys (burgers) but I was still full from lunch... Instead, held out for movie popcorn. We got tickets for "Inception" (dream-state thriller). Not a bad flick, actually. Got back to the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn by around 2230. Watched a little TV before bed.

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

It was hard to wake up this morning - probably only got about five hours of sleep before the alarm rang at 0600. Started at work (next inspection) by 0730. I was pretty amazed at the number of guys walking around in the building today, but I guess it was because they planned to work through the weekend. Spent several hours this morning with Randy and Ramon - got a lot done. Took a break at 1100 so I could meet up with Rob (see yesterday). We had lunch at Mulligans and caught up on Checkmate news - what a great thing to get a chance to visit with him (it's been at least 10 years). Tried to meet with Base Safety staff but they were off at a meeting. Got back to work around 1300 and made it through about 75% of my work. Had our routine 1600 debrief and then went back to hotel. Brett had asked me to show him around town - he is looking for a place to live. It had been at least five years since I had time to look for real estate in the area, so I was happy to have the opportunity. We started in Mandarin - I showed him some of the old neighborhoods along the river (near our old home). We found some good places. Took San Jose south across Julington Creek and got stuck in a bad traffic jam (blocking northbound lanes). Decided to eat dinner (Firehouse Subs) and wait for it to clear. Around 1900, started north again and looked around on Loretto - then got on I-295. FL-9A is now completed, so we drove over to see some of the newly completed homes and condos between I-95 and J. Turner Butler Boulevard. Turns out most of them are for 55 and older (no kids). Still, the neighborhoods were really classy. Took Baymeadows back over to San Jose, looking at a few more things on the way. We drove down Sunbeam and found Brett's old apartment (mid 1990s). He said it looked the same - although there were no little alligators in the community pond... Drove back over to Orange Park and looked around on the waterfront behind the Dog Track - some nice places there. Brett took me back to the NAS Jacksonville Navy Gateway Inn and we had a drink and chatted until late. Fell asleep much earlier tonight (tired!)...

Jacksonville, FL (USA)

Went in again around 0800. Got all my write-ups done in the morning and then got drafted into a selection board that was being held in the building. I had gotten a little hint of it last night, but didn't really know what it entailed. While I reviewed packages, one name jumped out at me - my old friend Rob (roommate from 98/99 Cruise). Wow - he really has come a long way! I had a chance to shake his hand and learn he's the boss now! Back in the board, found the process to be interesting but time-consuming. Luckily, I brought my lunch, because before I knew it, it was already 1500. Came out of the meeting and found the rest of our team rushing around - trying to get the inspection done today! We made it, but everyone was pretty tired by the time we headed back to the hotel (1730). Decided to stay at the T-Bar tonight - they had pizza. Visited with nearly everyone I know in Jacksonville until long after dark and then got into an interesting conversation with a guy named Ed who had some job-hunt tips for me. He might not have been trying to sell me on a future career, but I liked the stuff he said. Lots of new things to think about. Bar stayed open until after 2300. Couldn't sleep for several hours - watched TV at the Navy Gateway Inn until after midnight.