RE: THE THREAD!!!
Posted: Fri Jun 21, 2013 5:06 pm
Sadly not, Martin. [:(]
ORIGINAL: Dixie
ORIGINAL: Apollo11
HI all,
ORIGINAL: Dixie
Found out today that I'm heading to the Falklands next year for four months.
[X(]
Martin, what time of year (i.e. what season down there)?
BTW, servicing tankers for the Eurofighters?
Leo "Apollo11"
If I go in March it'll be autumn there. Which means the week will start with wind, rain, fog, sunshine, snow and then lunch. I have to be ready to move in November though, in case the guy who is meant to be going can't. In that case it'll be summer down there, which means wind, snow, rain, fog, sunshine. If it goes to plan I'll maybe see the flight tests post winter maintenance before I go, then I'll be back in time to enjoy the last month and a bit of the display circuit.
The season doesn't make a massive amount of difference really. It's always windy and the wind mostly comes from the Antarctic. I've been before and saw one tree in my two weeks there! It's a bit like the Scottish Highlands or Dartmoor with less trees but more landmines.
In terms of my job, if I read the assignment order properly... I'm working VASS (Visiting Aircraft Support Section) which mainly involves dealing with the non-local aircraft like the airbridge or visitors from other places. I think I'm attached to 1312 Flight but I don't have any qualifications on the C-130 and the VC-10 should be retired by then, in any case my VC-10 quals will have expired (finally!). Of course, I might have got it wrong and I might actually be expected to do some Herc work, but as the assignment says VASS I expect not.
It'll be windy and isolated. But it's not sandy, I don't need to take a gun and I'm looking forward to seeing the local wildlife and some battlefield tours. As a nice bonus there are no medals for the Falklands, which means that no-one is trying to shoot me or blow me up, so one advantage over Afghanistan. I also hate hot climates but quite like the cold.
ORIGINAL: Dixie
ORIGINAL: Apollo11
HI all,
ORIGINAL: Dixie
Found out today that I'm heading to the Falklands next year for four months.
[X(]
Martin, what time of year (i.e. what season down there)?
BTW, servicing tankers for the Eurofighters?
Leo "Apollo11"
If I go in March it'll be autumn there. Which means the week will start with wind, rain, fog, sunshine, snow and then lunch. I have to be ready to move in November though, in case the guy who is meant to be going can't. In that case it'll be summer down there, which means wind, snow, rain, fog, sunshine. If it goes to plan I'll maybe see the flight tests post winter maintenance before I go, then I'll be back in time to enjoy the last month and a bit of the display circuit.
The season doesn't make a massive amount of difference really. It's always windy and the wind mostly comes from the Antarctic. I've been before and saw one tree in my two weeks there! It's a bit like the Scottish Highlands or Dartmoor with less trees but more landmines.
In terms of my job, if I read the assignment order properly... I'm working VASS (Visiting Aircraft Support Section) which mainly involves dealing with the non-local aircraft like the airbridge or visitors from other places. I think I'm attached to 1312 Flight but I don't have any qualifications on the C-130 and the VC-10 should be retired by then, in any case my VC-10 quals will have expired (finally!). Of course, I might have got it wrong and I might actually be expected to do some Herc work, but as the assignment says VASS I expect not.
It'll be windy and isolated. But it's not sandy, I don't need to take a gun and I'm looking forward to seeing the local wildlife and some battlefield tours. As a nice bonus there are no medals for the Falklands, which means that no-one is trying to shoot me or blow me up, so one advantage over Afghanistan. I also hate hot climates but quite like the cold.
ORIGINAL: USS America
Sounds like a lot of time for AE. [:)]
ORIGINAL: Terminus
So the RAF is now so poor that the BBMF is being sent to defend the Falklands?
ORIGINAL: Dixie
Found out today that I'm heading to the Falklands next year for four months.
ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie
Blimey! Who have you pissed off? What will they have you working on down there?
Don't even think about using as an excuse not to send turns...
ORIGINAL: Dixie
Found out today that I'm heading to the Falklands next year for four months.
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
This from press.nz.co:
WALLACE, Desmond James - Of Wanaka, passed away at Dunstan Hospital, Clyde, on June 7, 2013, aged 54. Dearly loved partner of Joanne Sands, cherished father of Daniel, and his partner Rhi, loved brother and brother-in-law of Robyn and Dave, Barry and Mary Anne, and Deborah, best mate of Peter, Kathy, and the late Sides, and beloved master of Dixie, Zach and Macy. A memorial Service for Des will be held at Wanaka Districts Club, 45 Plantation Road, Wanaka on Tuesday June 11, at 2.00 p.m. Donations to the Wanaka Cancer Society may be left at the service. Messages to 97 Plantation Road, Wanaka 9305.
Lovingly cared for by:
Affinity Funerals
Central Otago & Lakes District F.D.A.N.Z
ORIGINAL: Dixie
I'm working VASS (Visiting Aircraft Support Section) which mainly involves dealing with the non-local aircraft like the airbridge or visitors from other places.
ORIGINAL: Dixie
ORIGINAL: goodboyladdie
Blimey! Who have you pissed off? What will they have you working on down there?
Don't even think about using as an excuse not to send turns...
ORIGINAL: Dixie
Found out today that I'm heading to the Falklands next year for four months.
I don't know who I've annoyed, but it can't be that bad or I'd have been going to Bastion or KAF. Or Minad. Anywhere hot and sandy really. As long as I've read my assignment order properly and understood it, I'll not be working on the planes.
It's not a surprise, 9 years and I've not done a four month det yet. Many years ago, a visit to the Southern Hemisphere was on my goal list. It's sort of a shame that I went to the Falklands (and Brazil) and crossed it off.
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
I don't want to queer the deal, but aren't you gonna miss the wee one something fierce? [:(]
ORIGINAL: Dixie
ORIGINAL: Chickenboy
I don't want to queer the deal, but aren't you gonna miss the wee one something fierce? [:(]
Yes [:(] However, the RAF seem quite keen for me to go and I don't get a huge amount of say in the matter. Unless I persuade them that I will somehow be a burden to them (beyond my usual) then I'm going. I won't be the first and I won't be the last in this situation. My Dad used to be away for 5-6 months at a time when I was a wee un, that was part of his job. I suspect Simon has done many months away from his tribe as well.
ORIGINAL: Schanilec
CB,
In few hours, it looks like the cities are in line for a good pounding.
Stay safe man.
Night.