Christmas Mission

As promised, a quick recap of the special mission. First the pictures, then an explanation:

What you see above is the 6 hour process of loading a helicopter simulator into a C-5 Galaxy. Or, from a Soldier's perspective, 'like watching a python swallow a rabbit'. More specifically, we were tasked to help some civilian contractors move a Longbow Crew Trainer (for Apache Pilots) from here back to Texas. Because of its importance and price tag ($27M) it cannot travel through normal means. Because of its size, roughly two semi-trailers, it is only transportable by the largest plane in the Air Force Inventory. The trailers require a special forklift to build a special ramp so that a special truck can drive directly on the front of the C5. Even so, the setup affords only about 3 inches of clearance at most with zero tolerance for error. Fun, eh?

Somehow I became responsible for the whole operation, from requesting the aircraft 3 weeks ago to coordinating all the times, tools, and personnel required to load this ridiculous contraption. Unfortunately the first C5 arrived over a week ago but was unable to 'squat' down due to a mechanical issue so could not take the load; That's what happens with a nearly 40-year old aircraft. (I've actually flown Blackhawks even older than myself). When the big day came everything was ready and, though it wasn't pretty, we accomplished the mission. Again, not as exciting as an Air Assault but interesting learning something new and working with a diverse group of people towards a common goal. That's what the military is all about.

We worked through lunch but were done well before Christmas Dinner. Nope, no lefse or lutefisk but there was a watered-down version of Egg Nog and all the usual fixings. All in all, a Christmas to remember.