62.
Damn.
I had to spend Thursday night and Friday morning in the ER at Palmdale Regional Medical Center due to the results of blood work at the Lancaster VA. I got the notice via voice mail late in the afternoon Thursday. The nurse said my potassium was at 2.7. The preferred range is 3.6 to 5.6.
It was a definite strain.
Buck was right.
Gettin' old ain't for sissies.
62...............................
Showing posts with label changes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label changes. Show all posts
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Sunday, March 16, 2014
The Niece is getting married-Official Engagement Pictures
Ashlee Marie Luque and Michael Quick..........Dusty in here all of a sudden. This is one Special Young Lady to Missus ORPO and I.................................
Jeepers, I am getting old.........................
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Milestone...........................
Today is the 20th Anniversary of the commencement of my retirement leave.
This date in 1993, I detached from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Four Zero on board Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington.
The trip back to my home town began. I headed up I-90 with Seattle in the rear view mirror...........I stopped at the scenic pull out on the east side of the Columbia River Gorge at Vantage......to look back for a bit. I spent 11 of those 20 years in squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island. It had been home for that long. Sharon and the kids were already in Havre, Montana in a house we had made an offer on that previous spring on the TAD/TDY that was given under the draw down.
In the following years I have become a grandfather, suffered ups and downs in employment, had a knee surgery, a broken back and a short go around with renal cell carcinoma.
Twenty years being retired from that world we all keep, those of us who take the oath, be we Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman..................................Damn where did the time go?
This date in 1993, I detached from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Four Zero on board Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington.
The trip back to my home town began. I headed up I-90 with Seattle in the rear view mirror...........I stopped at the scenic pull out on the east side of the Columbia River Gorge at Vantage......to look back for a bit. I spent 11 of those 20 years in squadrons at NAS Whidbey Island. It had been home for that long. Sharon and the kids were already in Havre, Montana in a house we had made an offer on that previous spring on the TAD/TDY that was given under the draw down.
In the following years I have become a grandfather, suffered ups and downs in employment, had a knee surgery, a broken back and a short go around with renal cell carcinoma.
Twenty years being retired from that world we all keep, those of us who take the oath, be we Soldier, Sailor, Marine or Airman..................................Damn where did the time go?
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
James Pisano at Google Plus on the election yesterday
Here's what I'm seeing from what happened last night:
1. The American people have spoken. Although I do not believe Conservatism is a minority mentality in America, what is exposed through the evidence from yesterday's election is that Conservatives are not well represented, and thus will not be able to well represent Americans in its political endeavours. This needs to change if America is going to become a powerful leader on the world stage again, instead of a complicit follower.
2. Americans, as a whole, do not understand the damage that has been done to our ability to sustain ourselves as a Nation. We've forgotten what self reliance means, and have traded hard work and dignity in for revenge politics a la Valarie Jarrett, David Axelrod and President Obama. America, to our dismay, has shown that the sensationalism of the dirty political game is what makes them happy.
3. We, as a Nation, are in for a devaluation of the dollar as a world currency. The world, as we know it, will begin to stop trading commodities in our currency and we will begin to see a downward spiral into banana republic status as we continue to try to print our way out of the obligations Keynesian fiscal policies will create for our progeny, and theirs. America will see its credit rating dropped from the As and we will become the biggest Greece this world has ever known. The rest of the world will be forced to cut us off for fear of our failure taking us down with them.
4. Because the House remained in GOP control and the Senate did not change control we will see a perpetual Continuing Resolution built on a 2009 budget baseline that included over $1T in spending that was intended to be temporary. Instead of what President Obama promised in a reduction of our National Debt and reduction of our Deficit Spending we will see at least $5T more added to our debt with $1.3T/yr deficit spending per year until Obama leaves office.
5. There will be continued attacks on the non-governmental institutions that have helped define what it means to be an American. The Constitution will see attack after attack as Justice Ginsburg retires and two more lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court are appointed by President Obama and Harry Reid. These appointments will be divisive, have defined designs on their personal interpretations of the Constitution and what it means in terms of how the Government can control the individual and the individual entity. We will see an increased fervor from those already in our Government for Command and Control governance, where the regulatory state will determine your outcome regardless of the legal ramifications of your actions within your state of residency. If you wish to succeed it will be at the behest of the Government, not because of your desire to do so.
6. Iran will be emboldened by our inability to throw off the shackles of tyranny which bind us to our fate. Ahmadinejad will see this election as akin to what happened in 2009 in Tahrir Square through violence and unproductive demonstration against a totalitarian regime, and recognize our unfulfilled will to oust a dictatorial despot as further evidence that we do not possess the means to prevent him from developing a nuclear device. Iran will reach that goal or Israel will be forced to stop them, and they will have to do so on their own. This will spark the powder keg that is the Middle East into what could very well become the catalyst to WW3. Under President Obama we will not be prepared to protect ourselves or our allies, and we will not be prepared to feed and power ourselves without the rest of the world's resources available for our purchase because the Command and Control state will not allow for continued domestic energy and agricultural development.
7. Because the President and those in the Senate will see their continued status in power as a mandate from the people for them to lead us to their designs of what this Nation should be we will see massive increases in taxes for the wealthy and what is known as the upper middle class. Those who have means will leave this country for nations friendlier to their wealth, and those who do not have means will suffer at the hands of a Nation that does not value their productivity as much as it values punishing it through wealth redistributive measures. Those who are in the so-called middle class will find it harder to succeed, and those who are poor will become poorer still. There will be a rash of selling of stock and a retraction from the market by those who have capital but are unwilling to spend it in anticipation of the increased taxation that will come beginning in 2013 and continue with the implementation of ObamaCare.
We're in for a very rough four years, everyone. If you measure our Nation's success in terms of the unemployment numbers and GDP, both are in store for a respective downturn as those who produce begin to find new markets to move their productive activities into. War will not become a thing of the past, and we will see many more instances where Libya's failures will become the norm.
We have been shown to be the moral minority. That doesn't need to be our death knell, but at present it will be discouraging. Do not despair. When confronted with the truths about Conservatism in the face of the lies of Liberalism and outside of the echo chamber that is the mainstream media, the American People invariably choose the former over the latter. We have to find a way to cleanse the GOP of those less than upstanding examples of who and what we stand for, and better educate those who are willing to listen. Our message is clear, but the minds of those receptive to it are not, and the hearts of those who would co-opt our souls for avarice and power are all too common.
This is not the end, everyone. It is a beginning. Fight Club and the Dogs of War are not dead. Eventually Americans will realize what they've done to themselves. Once they do we will be there to help guide them out of the dark and into the light that is Freedom, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
My two cents starts here.
I freely admit this, I am not very happy with what occurred last night. There have been many reports of improprieties around the country. I think the process was compromised in several locations. I will wait and see if there are proper investigations into such activity. I do have this little bit from a friend of mine in Madera County, California.
"In Madera County, voters were given TWO ballots for POTUS. I know...I vote in Madera Co. THAT is how obama won...double-voting." Pam McKinney.
"ABSOLUTE VOTER FRAUD. Across the board/across the nation. Look toward the union thugs. Remember, the Election Depts in YOUR county are run by government workers, the socialist democrats, the union members. In Madera County where 89% of the population is Mexican (and a LOT of them illegals), they were given TWO ballots. I KNOW. Republican Congressmen had better form an investigative committee and have every single democrat signature checked for legitimacy and then count the signatures against ballots. There WILL be more ballots than signatures." Pam McKinney.
Remember, this is a state that actively supports and coddles illegal aliens over and above the citizens. The Democrats, as they are called, are directly responsible for this. Governor Brown needs to be held accountable as well along with our Attorney General. That individual, Kamala Harris is a Card Carrying Member of the American Communist Party. Nuff said there.
After the shameful manner in which the voting was handled in many locals along with the blind faith of those who voted for a second term for the Current Occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I will no longer give any respect to Barack Obama. To me he is a pretender, usurper and a charlatan.
I am now considering liquidation of assets and heading to Belize.
The unintended consequences are already happening as reflected in the Dow dropping 300 points immediately upon opening of the stock exchange.
The United States of America is no longer the Republic which I served for the best twenty years of my life. It is now a third world septic tank. We allowed UN representatives from other countries to "monitor" our electoral process. Our currency is not what it was at all. Our "leaders" act as if they could care less. I include a number of GOP Senators in this as well.
All of those who voted and enabled the outcome of last night are going to be surprised when things start to fall in on them as a result of their lack of proper judgement.
As for California, the liberals who make up the majority in this once vibrant and productive state have decided, among other things, that a tax hike is in order. Prop 30 was passed along with other dubious measures.
California Ballot Measure Results at this link
Diane Feinstein 'won' her fourth term in the Senate.Term limits seem like a good idea to me.
I guess I am done for now.
1. The American people have spoken. Although I do not believe Conservatism is a minority mentality in America, what is exposed through the evidence from yesterday's election is that Conservatives are not well represented, and thus will not be able to well represent Americans in its political endeavours. This needs to change if America is going to become a powerful leader on the world stage again, instead of a complicit follower.
2. Americans, as a whole, do not understand the damage that has been done to our ability to sustain ourselves as a Nation. We've forgotten what self reliance means, and have traded hard work and dignity in for revenge politics a la Valarie Jarrett, David Axelrod and President Obama. America, to our dismay, has shown that the sensationalism of the dirty political game is what makes them happy.
3. We, as a Nation, are in for a devaluation of the dollar as a world currency. The world, as we know it, will begin to stop trading commodities in our currency and we will begin to see a downward spiral into banana republic status as we continue to try to print our way out of the obligations Keynesian fiscal policies will create for our progeny, and theirs. America will see its credit rating dropped from the As and we will become the biggest Greece this world has ever known. The rest of the world will be forced to cut us off for fear of our failure taking us down with them.
4. Because the House remained in GOP control and the Senate did not change control we will see a perpetual Continuing Resolution built on a 2009 budget baseline that included over $1T in spending that was intended to be temporary. Instead of what President Obama promised in a reduction of our National Debt and reduction of our Deficit Spending we will see at least $5T more added to our debt with $1.3T/yr deficit spending per year until Obama leaves office.
5. There will be continued attacks on the non-governmental institutions that have helped define what it means to be an American. The Constitution will see attack after attack as Justice Ginsburg retires and two more lifetime appointments to the Supreme Court are appointed by President Obama and Harry Reid. These appointments will be divisive, have defined designs on their personal interpretations of the Constitution and what it means in terms of how the Government can control the individual and the individual entity. We will see an increased fervor from those already in our Government for Command and Control governance, where the regulatory state will determine your outcome regardless of the legal ramifications of your actions within your state of residency. If you wish to succeed it will be at the behest of the Government, not because of your desire to do so.
6. Iran will be emboldened by our inability to throw off the shackles of tyranny which bind us to our fate. Ahmadinejad will see this election as akin to what happened in 2009 in Tahrir Square through violence and unproductive demonstration against a totalitarian regime, and recognize our unfulfilled will to oust a dictatorial despot as further evidence that we do not possess the means to prevent him from developing a nuclear device. Iran will reach that goal or Israel will be forced to stop them, and they will have to do so on their own. This will spark the powder keg that is the Middle East into what could very well become the catalyst to WW3. Under President Obama we will not be prepared to protect ourselves or our allies, and we will not be prepared to feed and power ourselves without the rest of the world's resources available for our purchase because the Command and Control state will not allow for continued domestic energy and agricultural development.
7. Because the President and those in the Senate will see their continued status in power as a mandate from the people for them to lead us to their designs of what this Nation should be we will see massive increases in taxes for the wealthy and what is known as the upper middle class. Those who have means will leave this country for nations friendlier to their wealth, and those who do not have means will suffer at the hands of a Nation that does not value their productivity as much as it values punishing it through wealth redistributive measures. Those who are in the so-called middle class will find it harder to succeed, and those who are poor will become poorer still. There will be a rash of selling of stock and a retraction from the market by those who have capital but are unwilling to spend it in anticipation of the increased taxation that will come beginning in 2013 and continue with the implementation of ObamaCare.
We're in for a very rough four years, everyone. If you measure our Nation's success in terms of the unemployment numbers and GDP, both are in store for a respective downturn as those who produce begin to find new markets to move their productive activities into. War will not become a thing of the past, and we will see many more instances where Libya's failures will become the norm.
We have been shown to be the moral minority. That doesn't need to be our death knell, but at present it will be discouraging. Do not despair. When confronted with the truths about Conservatism in the face of the lies of Liberalism and outside of the echo chamber that is the mainstream media, the American People invariably choose the former over the latter. We have to find a way to cleanse the GOP of those less than upstanding examples of who and what we stand for, and better educate those who are willing to listen. Our message is clear, but the minds of those receptive to it are not, and the hearts of those who would co-opt our souls for avarice and power are all too common.
This is not the end, everyone. It is a beginning. Fight Club and the Dogs of War are not dead. Eventually Americans will realize what they've done to themselves. Once they do we will be there to help guide them out of the dark and into the light that is Freedom, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
My two cents starts here.
I freely admit this, I am not very happy with what occurred last night. There have been many reports of improprieties around the country. I think the process was compromised in several locations. I will wait and see if there are proper investigations into such activity. I do have this little bit from a friend of mine in Madera County, California.
"In Madera County, voters were given TWO ballots for POTUS. I know...I vote in Madera Co. THAT is how obama won...double-voting." Pam McKinney.
"ABSOLUTE VOTER FRAUD. Across the board/across the nation. Look toward the union thugs. Remember, the Election Depts in YOUR county are run by government workers, the socialist democrats, the union members. In Madera County where 89% of the population is Mexican (and a LOT of them illegals), they were given TWO ballots. I KNOW. Republican Congressmen had better form an investigative committee and have every single democrat signature checked for legitimacy and then count the signatures against ballots. There WILL be more ballots than signatures." Pam McKinney.
Remember, this is a state that actively supports and coddles illegal aliens over and above the citizens. The Democrats, as they are called, are directly responsible for this. Governor Brown needs to be held accountable as well along with our Attorney General. That individual, Kamala Harris is a Card Carrying Member of the American Communist Party. Nuff said there.
After the shameful manner in which the voting was handled in many locals along with the blind faith of those who voted for a second term for the Current Occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I will no longer give any respect to Barack Obama. To me he is a pretender, usurper and a charlatan.
I am now considering liquidation of assets and heading to Belize.
The unintended consequences are already happening as reflected in the Dow dropping 300 points immediately upon opening of the stock exchange.
The United States of America is no longer the Republic which I served for the best twenty years of my life. It is now a third world septic tank. We allowed UN representatives from other countries to "monitor" our electoral process. Our currency is not what it was at all. Our "leaders" act as if they could care less. I include a number of GOP Senators in this as well.
All of those who voted and enabled the outcome of last night are going to be surprised when things start to fall in on them as a result of their lack of proper judgement.
As for California, the liberals who make up the majority in this once vibrant and productive state have decided, among other things, that a tax hike is in order. Prop 30 was passed along with other dubious measures.
California Ballot Measure Results at this link
Diane Feinstein 'won' her fourth term in the Senate.Term limits seem like a good idea to me.
I guess I am done for now.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Another Milestone, somewhat overshadowed by tragedy
Today is the third anniversary of my nephrectomy.
After the news we got at work today, it pales....................
I did a post awhile back about a coworker and shipmate that had been diagnosed with cancer.
Last night, it took him from us.
It was a rough day at the 416 FLTS/416 AMU for sure.
I did have a flyer so being busy helped.
The jet later in the day took the flag on a memorial flyover/retreat flyover.
AO1(AW) Ed Cunningham, USN RET.
After the news we got at work today, it pales....................
I did a post awhile back about a coworker and shipmate that had been diagnosed with cancer.
Last night, it took him from us.
It was a rough day at the 416 FLTS/416 AMU for sure.
I did have a flyer so being busy helped.
The jet later in the day took the flag on a memorial flyover/retreat flyover.
AO1(AW) Ed Cunningham, USN RET.
Friday, August 10, 2012
19 years
Strange to think of this on an odd numbered year.
Nineteen years ago today, I checked out of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Four Zero aboard Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. Retirement Leave and three days of transit to the family home.
I guess it is a milestone of sorts. I don't know. It sort of came to me.
Buck and others will know what I mean.
We remember things and dates most folks find rather odd.
There are things I mention now from before the Current Missus ORPO and I were married that cause her to raise an eyebrow. It is what it is. Very few of the recollections are of life with the First Missus ORPO. Good thing, eh?
Nineteen years...........................................
The things that have occurred in that time.....................................
It all started in a Hyundai four door headed back to Havre, Montana..........................on to Wichita, Kansas and California City, California...............................
Changing Oil, Chasing Trains, Building Airplanes, Chasing Trains, Building Airplanes..........Crew Chief......................
Nineteen years ago today, I checked out of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron One Four Zero aboard Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington. Retirement Leave and three days of transit to the family home.
I guess it is a milestone of sorts. I don't know. It sort of came to me.
Buck and others will know what I mean.
We remember things and dates most folks find rather odd.
There are things I mention now from before the Current Missus ORPO and I were married that cause her to raise an eyebrow. It is what it is. Very few of the recollections are of life with the First Missus ORPO. Good thing, eh?
Nineteen years...........................................
The things that have occurred in that time.....................................
It all started in a Hyundai four door headed back to Havre, Montana..........................on to Wichita, Kansas and California City, California...............................
Changing Oil, Chasing Trains, Building Airplanes, Chasing Trains, Building Airplanes..........Crew Chief......................
Friday, October 21, 2011
Will Fisker Motors Be Another Solyndra?
This was at American Thinker yesterday.
The question is right there in front of us. What is the answer? Somewhere, that transparency thing got tossed in the shit can.
"..................There's been considerable coverage of the Department of Energy's $534-million loan guarantee to bankrupt Solyndra. But lurking unnoticed is a similar $529-million DOE grant toFisker Automotive to build the high-end hybrid Karma and eventually mid-priced sedans. With Hyundai, Toyota, Porsche, and GM building hybrids, why is the government funding an automotive startup?
The question is right there in front of us. What is the answer? Somewhere, that transparency thing got tossed in the shit can.
"..................There's been considerable coverage of the Department of Energy's $534-million loan guarantee to bankrupt Solyndra. But lurking unnoticed is a similar $529-million DOE grant toFisker Automotive to build the high-end hybrid Karma and eventually mid-priced sedans. With Hyundai, Toyota, Porsche, and GM building hybrids, why is the government funding an automotive startup?
Fisker's people believe that they can build a car with more consumer appeal. Are they right? The market will let them know, just like it has for Chevy's Volt.
There are two considerations involved. First is the Karma itself, and second is the government loan in light of the Solyndra revelations..............."
The rest of the article follows but I will give you this last one............it will keep the thought in your head..................$529 Million of our Tax Dollars gone to Finland for a hybrid start up......For a car most of us would not buy. Well, at least I would not buy one.
If I am going to spend that kind of money, I want serious performance...............A ticket maker if you will...........
If I am going to spend that kind of money, I want serious performance...............A ticket maker if you will...........
Sunday, October 02, 2011
The Return of Malaise By Lex, on September 30th, 2011
This is worth the time to go and read. The Good Captain has it so one may understand what is at stake here.
A short excerpt to get your interest..........
".........All of the things you learned growing up in the 40s, 50s, and 60s about the birth and growth of a great nation were lies, gentle reader. And the generations that came after you know it. They do not get a “both/and” or “yes/but” course of instruction in the history of the great (dead/white) men that built this land, with their very real sins contextualized to the times they lived in. What they have learned instead is that American exceptionalism, to the degree that it exists at all, is a great litany of uniquely American mortal sins; over-indulgence, global warming, greed, hubris, and a whole host of “isms”: Colonialism, militarism, and imperialism. But far and away they have been taught about our worst sin of all, racism. This is a sin that can never be fully expiated, no matter how many over-credentialed and under-qualified community organizers of color we elect to lead the free world...."
The rest is at the link................
http://www.neptunuslex.com/2011/09/30/the-return-of-malaise/
A short excerpt to get your interest..........
".........All of the things you learned growing up in the 40s, 50s, and 60s about the birth and growth of a great nation were lies, gentle reader. And the generations that came after you know it. They do not get a “both/and” or “yes/but” course of instruction in the history of the great (dead/white) men that built this land, with their very real sins contextualized to the times they lived in. What they have learned instead is that American exceptionalism, to the degree that it exists at all, is a great litany of uniquely American mortal sins; over-indulgence, global warming, greed, hubris, and a whole host of “isms”: Colonialism, militarism, and imperialism. But far and away they have been taught about our worst sin of all, racism. This is a sin that can never be fully expiated, no matter how many over-credentialed and under-qualified community organizers of color we elect to lead the free world...."
The rest is at the link................
http://www.neptunuslex.com/2011/09/30/the-return-of-malaise/
Thursday, July 28, 2011
How to Tie a Tie: Art of Manliness
Gotta go to the link!
It is a good post.
I see guys now in their thirties who cannot tie a tie even using the four-in-hand knot.
Sad commentary, indeed.
How to tie a tie
It is a good post.
I see guys now in their thirties who cannot tie a tie even using the four-in-hand knot.
Sad commentary, indeed.
How to tie a tie
Saturday, March 26, 2011
F136 Engine for the JSF
Seems that the Administration and Congress are stopping the process. Even though the current P&W F135 has had performance envelope issues. Seems as though the GE F136 has met all performance criteria!
The catch word is competition in the article.
From Aero News.
DoD issues stop work on the GE F136 Engine.
The catch word is competition in the article.
From Aero News.
DoD issues stop work on the GE F136 Engine.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
My Navy is despicable
I only caught a few blurbs on Fox and Friends this morning. But it seems that the US Navy is still going to commission a new LPD as USS John Murtha.
I sent a note to the CNO on Facebook voicing my displeasure. Murtha may have done a few things for the Services but after his disgusting outburst concerning the Marines charged in the Haditha incident, the Aw Shit! officially wipes the slate clean. A man with absolutely no character what so ever.
I urge all who value what is right contact the CNO and voice objections. I was even polite. Be that way............at first.
I did let him know that I would no longer give positive counsel to any youngster wishing to know about Navy opportunities. I will now recommend the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The Navy I was in..................well it ain't the same, anymore.
I sent a note to the CNO on Facebook voicing my displeasure. Murtha may have done a few things for the Services but after his disgusting outburst concerning the Marines charged in the Haditha incident, the Aw Shit! officially wipes the slate clean. A man with absolutely no character what so ever.
I urge all who value what is right contact the CNO and voice objections. I was even polite. Be that way............at first.
I did let him know that I would no longer give positive counsel to any youngster wishing to know about Navy opportunities. I will now recommend the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.
The Navy I was in..................well it ain't the same, anymore.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Out of the past, part two, I think
1. On Facebook, I just reconnected with a former school chum from mine and kc's days north of the border in Alberta. Wow. I haven't seen anyone from there in so long. Reunion in 92 and one trip to Bow Island and Lethbridge after retirement.
2. A former co-worker from my days at Lear Jet in Wichita is going to be a co-worker here at Edwards. He was notified yesterday. Lucky man. His wife is a Lancaster girl, so it is a homecoming for them.
Been a good day.
But then again, every day above ground is a good day. Less than two months from the one year anniversary....................why I started this show, ya know!
2. A former co-worker from my days at Lear Jet in Wichita is going to be a co-worker here at Edwards. He was notified yesterday. Lucky man. His wife is a Lancaster girl, so it is a homecoming for them.
Been a good day.
But then again, every day above ground is a good day. Less than two months from the one year anniversary....................why I started this show, ya know!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
ADJUSTMENTS!
I have been messing around, as it were. Blogger has come up with some new templates and backgrounds. Also got a different shot of my jet. Over the desert, with things that go BOOM on it. I figured since I live out here in the Mojave Desert, I would try a desert theme and such.
So, one and all, let me know what ya think out there.
So, one and all, let me know what ya think out there.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
Thinking. Possibilities?
Got an email at work today. It was from a guy I worked with at Herzog on the ballast trains. The are fully staffed but he would keep it in mind and be in touch.
A few weeks ago, my Production Supervisor, pulled a faux pas of sorts in his manners and bearing. Or more specifically lack of both. One hitch wonder that has 25 years of civil service now. No leadership skills, whatsoever, none, nada.
I sent my old friend a note then. I said that the civil service was a let down and not what it is cracked up to be. And if there was a chance, I would go back out on the ballast trains. And I finished with the phrase, Dead Serious. Hmmmmm? Possibilities. Changes other than having my name on a jet. I am not overly impressed with where I work. It does pay the bills and launching and recovering airplanes is fun for the most part. But the railroad in the blood is hard to get rid of. I miss it. Seriously.
Some would say that at my age, I should be happy where I am. The road kept me alive.
The crew chief thing is a good gig, for the most part. I do have to do things that I have no background in. Such as engines, liquid breathing oxygen and the like. And I am not able to do things I know how to do due to the organizational structure of the Air Force.
I am an airframes system mechanic. Hydraulics and Pneumatics being the primary background. The job was advertised as a pneudraulics mechanic. Not even close when I got here.
So, the proverbial horns of a dilemma.
And I am not getting any younger, either.
A few weeks ago, my Production Supervisor, pulled a faux pas of sorts in his manners and bearing. Or more specifically lack of both. One hitch wonder that has 25 years of civil service now. No leadership skills, whatsoever, none, nada.
I sent my old friend a note then. I said that the civil service was a let down and not what it is cracked up to be. And if there was a chance, I would go back out on the ballast trains. And I finished with the phrase, Dead Serious. Hmmmmm? Possibilities. Changes other than having my name on a jet. I am not overly impressed with where I work. It does pay the bills and launching and recovering airplanes is fun for the most part. But the railroad in the blood is hard to get rid of. I miss it. Seriously.
Some would say that at my age, I should be happy where I am. The road kept me alive.
The crew chief thing is a good gig, for the most part. I do have to do things that I have no background in. Such as engines, liquid breathing oxygen and the like. And I am not able to do things I know how to do due to the organizational structure of the Air Force.
I am an airframes system mechanic. Hydraulics and Pneumatics being the primary background. The job was advertised as a pneudraulics mechanic. Not even close when I got here.
So, the proverbial horns of a dilemma.
And I am not getting any younger, either.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Changes of a different kind
Me and Snigs were having a face book chat earlier. She was interested in things that I had experienced during my Naval Career. Among them was women serving along side men. I can only speak for the time I was in the Sea Service.
Here we go, then. Women were not allowed to serve aboard a man-of-war or in squadrons that operated from ships. This included helicopter detachments on Frigates, Destroyers and Cruisers. Auxiliaries do not intentionally go in harm's way. So the Tenders and Repair Ships had women starting in the mid seventies. When the Service Academies went Co-Ed, for lack of a better term, things really started to change. But even before then, we had women aviators. Jane O'Dea and Rosemary Mariner-Conatser were flying in the mid seventies in support units that did fly on and off carriers.
In the summer of 1980, while conducting work ups for an upcoming deployment onboard USS Ranger CV61, we had midshipmen aboard as part of their required summer in the Fleet or Fleet Marine Force. No trip home between the third and fourth year at Annapolis. It so happened that a young female midshipman and an E-3 from one of the Deck Divisions were caught in the act in a fan room. By the Ship's Master-at-Arms Force(police), no less. She said one word...............rape.................Yeah. Rape. The young man got a trip to the US Correctional Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The young lady got a reprimand. The whole world knew it was consensual. But her position would have been jeopardized had this gotten out. Class divisions, Officer-Enlisted. It is against the rules, period for reasons of good order and discipline.
Fast forward to my last trip to sea in the fall of 1992. The squadron I was in was embarked in USS George Washington CVN73 for it's initial shakedown with the Air Wing on board. I was sent to the Ship's Master-at-Arms force. I had 13 months left until retirement. We call it marking time. I had occasion to have to deal with the Discipline Officer concerning a young sailor's paperwork. A young, attractive, female Lieutenant. She asked the then First Class Petty Officer what he thought about her serving aboard ship. I asked her if she wanted an honest answer or did I have to sugar coat it for PC reasons. She asked Petty Officer Cassel to be straight up. I honored that request. I informed her that the Old Petty Officer thought it was one of the biggest mistakes the Department of The Navy ever made. Just about got a royal ass chewing out of that but she did ask. The LT then asked me to qualify my statement. I did. I related the above incident on Ranger. And then I asked her for permission to be candid. Permission granted. I informed the LT that being and attractive woman and in the khaki trouser uniform, walking down a passage way, these young pup sailors would turn around and watch. She said, no they don't! I reiterated that they did. When asked why would they do that and how did I know? I responded, I used to be one of them. After pondering this for a bit, she said that she understood my point and it was duly noted. I had been advanced to PO1 when the Lt was in high school. In that world it is almost a generation difference. At the nineteen year mark, at which I was, I was an old man at the age of 38.
Now Women command ships, squadrons and stations. Bob Dylan reference goes here.
Next June, I plan to go to Whidbey Island, Washington for a retirement ceremony. Rebecca (Burt) Hagemann is retiring with 25 years of service as a Mustang Lieutenant Commander. In 1989 to 1991 she worked for me as a young and extremely capable AMS2 while I was on my last shore tour. My own vanity tells me I had a hand in her success. Just a little bit but a hand in it none the less. I am extremely proud of her.
And I look forward to seeing her and many other shipmates from long ago. Straight up, it may be the last time for some of us. I did start a "Bucket List" of sorts last year. Only prudent at the time, don'tcha think? Not being pessimistic but simply dealing with reality. 85 percent survival rating after the surgery is good but at 55, anything is possible.
Just relaying what has transpired since a bewildered nineteen year old from the middle of nowhere went to sea in 1974. Not taking sides? Make your own conclusions.
Here we go, then. Women were not allowed to serve aboard a man-of-war or in squadrons that operated from ships. This included helicopter detachments on Frigates, Destroyers and Cruisers. Auxiliaries do not intentionally go in harm's way. So the Tenders and Repair Ships had women starting in the mid seventies. When the Service Academies went Co-Ed, for lack of a better term, things really started to change. But even before then, we had women aviators. Jane O'Dea and Rosemary Mariner-Conatser were flying in the mid seventies in support units that did fly on and off carriers.
In the summer of 1980, while conducting work ups for an upcoming deployment onboard USS Ranger CV61, we had midshipmen aboard as part of their required summer in the Fleet or Fleet Marine Force. No trip home between the third and fourth year at Annapolis. It so happened that a young female midshipman and an E-3 from one of the Deck Divisions were caught in the act in a fan room. By the Ship's Master-at-Arms Force(police), no less. She said one word...............rape.................Yeah. Rape. The young man got a trip to the US Correctional Barracks, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The young lady got a reprimand. The whole world knew it was consensual. But her position would have been jeopardized had this gotten out. Class divisions, Officer-Enlisted. It is against the rules, period for reasons of good order and discipline.
Fast forward to my last trip to sea in the fall of 1992. The squadron I was in was embarked in USS George Washington CVN73 for it's initial shakedown with the Air Wing on board. I was sent to the Ship's Master-at-Arms force. I had 13 months left until retirement. We call it marking time. I had occasion to have to deal with the Discipline Officer concerning a young sailor's paperwork. A young, attractive, female Lieutenant. She asked the then First Class Petty Officer what he thought about her serving aboard ship. I asked her if she wanted an honest answer or did I have to sugar coat it for PC reasons. She asked Petty Officer Cassel to be straight up. I honored that request. I informed her that the Old Petty Officer thought it was one of the biggest mistakes the Department of The Navy ever made. Just about got a royal ass chewing out of that but she did ask. The LT then asked me to qualify my statement. I did. I related the above incident on Ranger. And then I asked her for permission to be candid. Permission granted. I informed the LT that being and attractive woman and in the khaki trouser uniform, walking down a passage way, these young pup sailors would turn around and watch. She said, no they don't! I reiterated that they did. When asked why would they do that and how did I know? I responded, I used to be one of them. After pondering this for a bit, she said that she understood my point and it was duly noted. I had been advanced to PO1 when the Lt was in high school. In that world it is almost a generation difference. At the nineteen year mark, at which I was, I was an old man at the age of 38.
Now Women command ships, squadrons and stations. Bob Dylan reference goes here.
Next June, I plan to go to Whidbey Island, Washington for a retirement ceremony. Rebecca (Burt) Hagemann is retiring with 25 years of service as a Mustang Lieutenant Commander. In 1989 to 1991 she worked for me as a young and extremely capable AMS2 while I was on my last shore tour. My own vanity tells me I had a hand in her success. Just a little bit but a hand in it none the less. I am extremely proud of her.
And I look forward to seeing her and many other shipmates from long ago. Straight up, it may be the last time for some of us. I did start a "Bucket List" of sorts last year. Only prudent at the time, don'tcha think? Not being pessimistic but simply dealing with reality. 85 percent survival rating after the surgery is good but at 55, anything is possible.
Just relaying what has transpired since a bewildered nineteen year old from the middle of nowhere went to sea in 1974. Not taking sides? Make your own conclusions.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
New Mug Shot
No smart alecky comments or the belly incision and staples gets put up on this here blog! Yes the spectacles are government issue. The price is right. They only cost twenty years. This will be slowly replacing icon shots on various sites in the near future. I have already had responses from my sister and former squadron mates. The term Old Fart was bandied about with some regularity on facebook.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Changes
Interesting period here at Falcon Maintenance. One young man is gone to n-Grumman at Palmdale and another has interviewed at the same place. The infamous Plant 42. Lockheed's place at Palmdale is the Skunk Works. You don't need anymore than that, folks. Ask Buck.
Due to my diminutive stature and the fact that I was a Blue Jacket in the US Navy, one of my compatriots at Falcon has blessed me with the nom de maintenance of "Papa Smurf" I like it. The other was Mighty Mouse.
Should either of these end up on an F-16 of the 416 CTF/416 Test Squadron, pictures will be posted.
Due to my diminutive stature and the fact that I was a Blue Jacket in the US Navy, one of my compatriots at Falcon has blessed me with the nom de maintenance of "Papa Smurf" I like it. The other was Mighty Mouse.
Should either of these end up on an F-16 of the 416 CTF/416 Test Squadron, pictures will be posted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)