scoot 0
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kschilk 0
I was in NATTC NAS Millington, for "A" school....Dec.-April '89! Does it still flood? Man....I hated that! The base is in a bowl and it fills up, every time it rains. I left that place with trenchfoot....and a high watermark, on my forehead. Every time it flooded, they had to check the school for "cottonmouths". They'd get into the closets and stuff. Luckily, I lived off base. Went to NAS NORVA, from there.
How long did it take, from the time you put in your "package"....until you got your LDO? I heard it's a grueling process...but it's the Nav norm, I suppose. By the way...congratulations! (belated) My last DO was a LDO (AME), a real good guy.
When I got to Norfolk, I had to do 90 days TAD as the CO's duty driver. One night, I got orders to pick up an Admiral, at the tower and chauffer him around. He arrived in civvies and with a female lieutenant. He bitched me up one side and down the other....because I had called him sir and opened the door, for him. He was pretty cool, I figured he was a lower. I found out later, it was Admiral Boorda!
"T'was ever thus."
scoot 0
Millington has changed a lot since you were here. Most of the buildings are newish and they continue to build more. I have not seen it flood once. Have seen more than a few snakes!
All the aviation training was moved to Pensacola so much of the personnel support is now here; all the detailers, the promotion boards, recruiting etc. Millington proper has begun major growth...they even have STARBUCKS.
It took me 3 times to get picked up and everyday I am waiting for someone to show up and tell me it was a mistake and I have to go back to E-5. But the Navy has been real good for my family and me as well. My family and I have lived in Europe for about 6 years (Italy and Germany), we all learned to snow ski in the ALPS, I have taken my wife to Rome, Paris, Athens, and Palma on those important holidays such as birthday and anniversary. That would not have been possible if I hadn't signed the dotted line. The times away from family are hard but it also makes us appreciate the time together more.
I met ADM Boorda when he was NAVEUR. He was different from any Admiral I ever met.
All the aviation training was moved to Pensacola so much of the personnel support is now here; all the detailers, the promotion boards, recruiting etc. Millington proper has begun major growth...they even have STARBUCKS.
It took me 3 times to get picked up and everyday I am waiting for someone to show up and tell me it was a mistake and I have to go back to E-5. But the Navy has been real good for my family and me as well. My family and I have lived in Europe for about 6 years (Italy and Germany), we all learned to snow ski in the ALPS, I have taken my wife to Rome, Paris, Athens, and Palma on those important holidays such as birthday and anniversary. That would not have been possible if I hadn't signed the dotted line. The times away from family are hard but it also makes us appreciate the time together more.
I met ADM Boorda when he was NAVEUR. He was different from any Admiral I ever met.
kschilk 0
It sounds like it has definitely changed a lot, since I was there! There wasn't much of a town, to speak of....a few stores, on the strip. There was a K-mart, Church's Chicken....I think there was a McD's, by K-mart but I can't swear to it. The other stores didn't matter, anyway. They opened, sometime between 10 AM and 1 PM but it didn't matter, when they opened.....they were all closed, by 2 PM....regardless. There was an indoor shooting range, on the strip. It was about the only thing open, after 2 PM. I spent a lot of time there. We didn't have a car so we had to walk everywhere....plus, we had 2 kids. It was a little rough, at times but not so bad. It sure rained a lot, though. Three times isn't bad, considering....most don't make it. It clearly wasn't a "luck of the draw" thing, you obviously earned it....just had to wait for a slot, to open up. I joke a lot, about officers but really....I probably hung out more, with them....than I did with the enlisted guys. LDOs make the best officers, in my opinion. I'm not saying that, just because you happen to be one. I've seen a lot.
I'll try to give you a Readers' Digest version of my short career. I wouldn't be surprised if it somewhat parallels your own....before you made LDO. I'll try to send it by private message. The Navy was a good time, for me but all modesty aside....I was good, for the Navy. I was a "lifer"....terminal four-oh. I hated to leave. I think you'll understand why I had to, though.
Were you serious, about your Daughter, Wife and Mother in Law....the tandems? I won't let my wife jump, she's just not the type. She's Russian and very athletic but she doesn't follow instructions, so well. I have 2 sons, 2 daughters and 8 grandkids...that's a comfortable King Air load! I told all my kids, that I wanted enough grandchildren....to make a load on a King Air. I'm about there but I'll take a few more, if I can get 'em. I think one of my "grandbuddies" will jump, when he's old enough. He's a wild one!
"T'was ever thus."
I joined way back in 81 and did almost 12 years as an Electronic Warfare Technician. I did the repair and operate....so yes I was a push button. Now I am an Operations LDO. You know CIC, missiles, radar, big guns and port and starboard watches. Currently I am in Millington, TN...just finished a short tour as detailer and now I am the Assistant Community Manager for all the LDOs and CWOs.
I too enjoy the canopy ride more so than the free fall...but with only 24 jumps I am sure much will change. I am in no rush, as I figure I have many more years ahead of me and have read too much in these threads about exceeding your limits.
Watch turnover between 2 aviators: "Hey, you are in my seat!"
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