101st

This is my 101st blog post. Yeah. I've been on a nutty schedule the last couple of days. Tomorrow will be my 4th 4am brief in a row. I've been working on this FCF, trying to get a helicopter's vibrations within limits, but with frustrating results. I flew over 6 hours yesterday and almost 2 hours this morning, but it's still not responding to our corrective actions. Our mech's have been all over it this afternoon, so we're hoping to wrap up the checkflight tomorrow morning. Helicopter FCF's are very painful when they involve vibration analysis. As you might imagine, vibrations are a huge issue with helo's, and when they are out of limits, it can be very difficult to find the source of the problem. Thus, my 4 day saga. After my 6 hour ordeal yesterday in 95 degree heat, pushing the engines to their limits to fly in the regime required to check the vibrations, I was pretty wiped out. I finally gave up and took a nap around 3pm. I woke up with the phone call for my 4am brief the next morning! Now, my inbox is overflowing, once again. Just can't get ahead! I'm definitely not a morning person. It's now past 8pm and I need to get to bed before I get up at 3am again tomorrow morning. Hopefully only one more day of this.

Encouragement

Short post tonight. I'm briefing at 4am for an FCF tomorrow morning. Don't remember if I've explained that term yet. If not, I'll cover it tomorrow. Today's been a nutty day. I was up at 2am for a 3am brief for the same FCF (functional check flight), but we delayed the FCF to set an unexpected alert before sunset, then just as we were ready to launch for the FCF, the alert actually launched, causing us to cancel the FCF. So by 9am, I felt like I had already been through a full work day. Now it's quarter to ten at night, and I need to get to bed! It's been a day of paperwork, mostly, with a decent nap thrown in this afternoon when I couldn't think straight any more.

I had a long talk with Scott, my Chaplain friend after lunch, too. It was nice to catch up with him today. He shared with me that one of the AW's in my squadron recently led another AW to Christ! That was awesome news! I haven't had a chance to talk to them yet, but I was very encouraged to see the Lord working among our Sailors out here. I am blessed to be surrounded by some Godly men and women, from my CO to fellow department heads, junior officers, aircrewmen, and maintainers, there are many around me who walk with me in faith. It's very encouraging. I appreciate your prayers that I might be a positive influence for Christ to those around me who don't know Him.

Oh, by the way, we're now UTC+3, which means we're now 10 hours ahead of PST and 7 hours ahead of EST.

Back on line

It's been a while since I've written. I've been on a bit of a personal journey, sorting things out and dealing with what the future holds. I apologize for dropping the ball on keep the blog up to date, but I just didn't have much to write about in this forum. Life moves along, and I need to get back into this habit. I do enjoy the writing and I enjoy the feedback and sense of connection that it brings.

As you may have seen in the news, we shifted over to the Arabian Gulf last night and we're now supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. This means our daily routine may shift a little and there may be more for us to do as a helicopter squadron. At this point, change is very good. We recently passed the half way point for this deployment. A little over 3 months to go. As you may have seen on her blog, Janell and the girls got home a couple days ago to a big empty house. I can empathize with her feeling of loneliness now that she's home. Part of the purpose of her trip was to help the time of this separation go by quicker, but often the third quarter of a deployment is the toughest. We still have a long way to go and it's been a long time already. We face similar issues out here and the danger for us is complacency. Complacency in aviation is a killer--it's a battle every day to not take the basics for granted. A little change in our daily operations can help us to stay fresh.

The ship is in the middle of a Stennis Idol competition. They've shown some of the performances on the ship's TV and they'll hold voting via the ship's intranet website soon. During the first round, one of our HS-8 sailors made it through to the next round. She's the same very talented lady who sang the National Anthem A CAPELLA at our change of command ceremony. It was perhaps the best delivery of the song I've ever heard.

I recently received care packages from my home church, with some delicious cookies, from my sister, and from my parents who sent it from Lake Almanor! Thank you very much, everyone! I've enjoyed the snacks and reading material. Haven't had time for the videos yet.

We have had two new Junior Officers check in to the squadron in the last couple weeks, and three of our senior JO's left, having completed their tours with us. Between the change of command, and the shift of the Junior Officer mix a little, the climate of the squadron has begun to shift a little. Hard to tell how things will shape up, but we're definitely in the midst of a change. Having some new guys on board also helps us to refocus on the fundamentals, because they have to be taught all of the things we've done by second nature for months. It's a different world here and it's all new to them -- a very steep learning curve for a young 24 year old pilot with 40 hours in model.

Happy Mother's Day!

Somehow, when you're on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean surrounded by fighter jets, sitting in meetings, and flying circles over the ocean, it just doesn't feel like it could possibly be Mother's Day. Yet, somewhere, a very deserving, hardworking, and busy mother is not getting the break she deserves today. One year ago today, the girls and I took Janell out for brunch at the 94th Aero Squadron, an awesome restaurant located adjacent to the runway at Montgomery Field airport in San Diego. Today, all by herself, she got all four girls up and dressed and shuffled them all into the US Air Force Academy's iconic chapel for church. After that, I'm not sure how her day went. I'm looking forward to hearing about it. But I know one thing. I wasn't there to give her the support she so rightfully deserves. Anyone who has read Janell's blog for the last couple month's already knows what an incredible woman and mother she is. I don't know of any other person alive who would even consider, let alone attempt or succeed, what she has done in this life-changing epic adventure. I love to brag about her and I do so daily out here. Guys may get tired of hearing about what Janell and the girls are up to, but I don't care. I love telling her stories! It's not just this trip that makes Janell an amazing woman. The daily devotion she shows to our girls and the sacrifices she makes for their education, their well-being, and their spiritual growth are beyond description. She is frequently complimented by complete strangers on the maturity and good behaviour of our girls. Yes, they are somewhat pre-disposed to be quiet kids (Janell and I are both introverts), but kids need to play, to be adventurous, to explore. But there is a time and place for such freedoms. Janell has tought the girls the virtue of respecting the rights of others around us to enjoy a peaceful meal in a restaurant to meditate quietly in a museum or to listen while a presentation is made. They continue to learn those lessons, but Janell is continually there for them, using those teachable moments to instruct and guide. She is so good at praising them for success, too. I look forward to the day when our girls can express for themselves their appreciation for all that Janell has instilled in them. They are on a path to become women of virtue and grace, thanks in great part to Janell's selfless committment to their growth. When I'm around, I know I play a part, too, but there's no mistaking the influence of Janell on the girls. I have my own things to teach them, but only their mommy can teach them--show them--what it really means to be a godly woman. And Janell is the perfect mommy for that job.

Of course, I would not be who I am today without the influence of my own mom. She made sacrifices of her own and put up with a lot of heartache in raising me. She taught me patience, temperance, respect, and how to be a gentleman. She can appreciate what Janell is going through, to an extent, as my dad was often gone for weeks at a time as a corporate pilot. Despite a busy work schedule, she gave selflessly of herself to make sure my sister and I had every opportunity to succeed and to accomplish whatever goals we set for ourselves. My mom, perhaps without trying, taught me the qualities I needed to look for in a wife. She wasn't perfect, just as Janell isn't perfect. But she gave motherhood everything she had and then some. And I am a better man for her efforts. Thank you, mom. Happy Mother's Day.

I'm still here

I can't believe it's already been a week since I last wrote. Unfortunately, as Janell wrote, my schedule has been chaotic the last several days. Between preps for VP Cheney's visit and preps for tomorrow's change of command, and a busy flight schedule, I haven't even had time to work out. Plus, I've been trying hard to not stay up as late when I don't have to. This won't be a long entry, just a quick update to let you know I'm still alive, just a little overwhelmed lately. I hate leaving you hanging on part two of my last port visit report, but you'll have to wait a little longer, yet. I think we'll find some equilibrium again in a couple days. There's always a little uncertainty that follows a change of command, but we have a great team taking charge of the front office. It'll be tough to see Skipper Tynch leave, though. Without a doubt, he's the best CO I've had the honor to work for. I've learned a lot from him. He was one of the first instructor pilots I ever flew with as a young H-60 student. He was on the Air Wing staff for my squadron when I checked in to HS-6. He served as Tactics Officer (and my boss) when I was Asst Tactics Officer at HS-6. He has always taken care of me and all the people who have served under him. I'm glad he extended the invitation to come join him at HS-8 as a department head. Now, we move into a new chapter for the squadron.

Janell here...

I just wanted to put up a quick message to let people know not to worry about the lack of blogs from Scott. He has been working pretty hard and hasn't had time to tell us all about his experience singing 80's hits in the nightclub. :) I'm sure he'll delete this message and post his own when he has a break. For now, I'm all you get. Sorry! :)
~J

Back to work

From Thursday, 3 May...
How ironic that I closed the last post by commenting that I was not a "night club kind of guy". I'm really not. Yet, there I was at 0300 last night in "The Aparment" under flashing lights and enormous speakers, singing along with the rest of the crowd to 80's song after 80's song (anyone who knows me well will have hard time picturing this scene). We enjoyed our last full night in port.

...Pause.... From Today...
I guess I should back up a bit. I obviously haven't posted in the last couple of days, despite my luxurious wi-fi connection available at the hotel. As nice and relaxing as that lounge was, I just ran out of steam at the end of each day before I had a chance to do any worthwhile writing. Five day port visits are oxymornically a sprint to do nothing. Actually, I had several objectives for this break. I wanted to shop for some specific items, such as new work out socks, some gifts for the girls, some jewelry for Janell, some new running shoes, and to get measured for a custom suit. Only got two of five. Also didn't get a single run or bike ride in during this port. Perhaps the 100 degree heat was a factor there.

I did get out on the 3rd morning and play a couple sets of tennis. It was me and the Admin O against the XO and PXO. They won the first full set 6-3, and we won the second, which was cut short due to some poor suckers waiting to play after us at noon! We took it 3-2. That heat was brutal. I spent the afternoon at Wild Wadi Waterpark, either floating through the "Master Blaster", flying down the "Jumeirah Sceirah," or bobbing in the standing wave pool. Great way to beat the heat. The park is located right between two of the most iconic hotels in the Dubai area, the Burj Al Arab, and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Check out these photos of the helipad at the Burj. Saw a few shocking things at Wild Wadi. Way too many European men in their "continental" bathing suits. Apparently, the board short craze hasn't caught on in the old world. There outta be a law.

Well, depending on who you ask, in the Islam world there are many such laws. As such, I actually watched FULLY-covered Muslim women floating in intertubes on the "Master Blaster". Wild. And then there was the abominable sand man and his band of merry men. While we were waiting in line (in the tower leading up to the 108 ft drop) for the Jumeirah Sceirah, a group of young men joined the line a level below us. They seemed to be led by a large arab guy who was probably in the mid to late twenties and had a boyish looking face and enough body hair that he could easily be mistaken for a black bear. No exageration. Just after they arrived, they broke out in a chant-like lively song, accompanied by shouts and clapping while they waited in line. Between songs, the guy pulled out a cigarate and lit up. Fortunately, the park attendant quickly put a stop to the smoke that was filling up the small tower. But then the song broke out again. If I had a choice, I'm not sure if I would have endured the smoke or the song.

As it was, my turn came up quickly and off I went down the slide. As with most tall vertical water slides, the proper body position is legs crossed and arms crossed across the chest. There's a good reason for this position. For a split second I uncrossed my legs as I hit the deep water at the bottom during my deceleration. I immediately regretted my actions. Enough said.

Well, it's close to midnight and I actually have a morning flight tomorrow, so I'll have to hold off on the part about the 80's music till next time. Today was a day of alerts and paperwork for me. I'll continue my port report soon.

Hail & Bail

Day too.
It's about ten till two. am. Most of the wardroom is at Trilogy, over at Medinat Jumeirah. I am sitting in a quiet atrium lounge on the 33rd floor of the Oasis Beach Towers surrounded by a glass wall extending ten stories over my head. Through the glass, I look out over Dubai Marina and the "trunk" of one of the palm islands in Dubai. Of course, I can't see that part in the darkness, but what I do see are the dozens of half-built skyscraper condo's that are under construction throughout the Jumeirah Beach area. Each of the projects is capped by a giant crane covered in flashing lights (as a helicopter pilot who flies frequently at night, I greatly appreciate those flasing lights). When I was here in 1999, none of this was here. There were a couple of small hotels, a Hard Rock Cafe, and that was it. Now, there are perhaps 30 finished skyscrapers and at least twice that many under construction. It is mind boggling.

We just finished a "Hail & Farewell" celebration at the Marketplace restraurant in the JW Marriott. Outstanding dinner and location. Unfortunately, it was a two hour cab ride to travel the 20 miles from our hotel here in Jumeirah Beach up to the Marriott. Dubai is growing at an exponential rate, but the transportation infrastructure is lagging that growth at an equally exagerated rate. Between 3 and 9 every day, all major roads come to a complete stand still.

The Hail & Bail was a great time. We said goodbye to two of our junior officers, both outstanding officers and pilots, who leave very big shoes to fill. We also "officially" said good bye to our CO. Change of command isn't for two more weeks, but this was our chance to socially and officially thank him for an outstanding couple of years under his leadership. The two JO's are, at this moment, sitting on a jet at Dubai International Airport, bound for home. They literally walked from the hotel right after their scrolls were read, and went straight to the airport. Fair winds, guys. You will be missed.

Scrolls. I'm not sure if this is a tradition throughout naval avaiation, but certainly within the HS community, no one leaves a squadron without receiving a "Scroll". A letter or commendation, written by your peers, often with an overall theme, highlighting the less than stellar moments of your time in the squadron. For example, when I left my first squadron as a JO, my scroll was a letter from Bill Gates, explaining why my application to Microsoft Flight Simulator Test Pilot School had been rejected. At the time, I had received two "thin envelopes" from the Navy's TPS. The "rejection letter" is a very popular theme, as it allows the author to provide a long and embarassing list of reasons why the individual was not worthy of the honor of selection. No. I'm not going to go into details of anyone's scroll here. But they were good.

Many of our JO's were joined by their wives during this port visit. It was fun having them at the Hail & Bail tonight. Hopefully they weren't too embarrassed by the scrolls. I doubt it. I had the opportunity to fly Janell out to join me in Hobart, Australia, during my first deployment. That was an awesome experience. I know the guys and their wives are enjoying this much needed reconnection close to the half-way point of our deployment. As I was meeting some of the wives tonight, one quickly recognized me as "the guy who's been writing the blog". I guess Janell sent a link to the blog to the wives club back home. I'm glad that my ramblings have helped other families help stay connected. It's been fun to see the secondary and tertiary effects of my blogging. I noticed today that Adam's sister started a blog recently. That reminded me of a comment I made on my sister's first blog post...

Amanda,
Great start to your blog! It's been a fun way for Janell and I to journal about what's going on. Obviously, we didn't keep up with it much either for the first 18 months or so. It took me leaving to really commit to writing regularly. Life gets busy, but it sure is neat to share what's going on real time with those who don't see you frequently and to write it down for "posterity's sake". With so little written via paper correspondence, and emails deleted every day, I think the blog may provide a modern way to document the daily (weekly or even monthly) goings on in everyday normal people's lives. It's not earth shattering stuff, but it's our stuff. Our story. Not everyone cares, but we do! So keep writing and have fun with it. Thanks for giving it a try!
-Scott

I truly believe those words. It's our story. This is my story. I have a terrible memory for events. When it comes to telling "sea stories" (a navy art form), I flounder because my long term recollection of things that I've experienced is so poor. I've always wanted to write a journal. But my discipline for writing just for writing sake is equally poor. Somehow, in writing this blog, I've managed to find a way to stay motivated to keep writing. Perhaps it's the feedback I get in the form of comments. Mostly, I think it's the knowledge that I'm staying connected with the people I love. They're seeing a piece of my life that otherwise is almost impossible to share. And boy is it a strange life.

Well, it's now 0230. I have an "appointment" to meet the XO and PXO (that's Prospective XO) at 1000 for a doubles tennis match. I'd better get some sleep. Of course both of them, and my partner are both still at Trilogy. I already have a head start. The nice thing about not being a night club kind of guy is that I get to sleep in a bed tonight. Last night I crashed on some cushions on the floor. Still, I managed to sleep for about 10 hours. Even in the middle of 10 other guys getting up and heading out around me. I take my sleeping seriously. The two previous nights, I slept a total of about 7 hours.

This lounge has free wi-fi, so I'll be writing more soon. I can't beat the view. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow. For now, I'm off to go claim a spot on a bed before the crown rolls in. Signing off from Dubai.