Thoroughly enjoyed the Cretan Odyssey. Your photos were shared with our homesick Grecian sever over the weekend which almost brought her to tears (in a good way). Safe travels home.
It's somewhat dismaying to discover that the sailor I'm following habitually drinks polluted coffee. On the other hand, this Olde Chief has long recognized that subtle class differences separate shipmates. <sigh>
When I arrived in Scotland, I was trapped in a DoD cattle car (World Airways) whose staff did everything possible to discomfit their herd (such as multiple in-flight forced seat transfers). Jet lag was not a concern; I yearned to arrive at any destination, including Prestwick where my Navy-issued Love of My Life awaited.
Subsequently, I was assigned to CSEs under orders by CINCLANTFLT to deploy aboard units based in (conventional spelling) Norfolk.
CINCUSNAVEUR arranged transportation for these one-way transits returning to the Land of the Great NAVEX as the only passengers booked on a chartered TWA 747. (The aircraft delivered a Blue or Gold SSBN crew to Holy Loch the day before.)
Those flights were magnificent. There were only eight of us on a flying machine designed to hold hundreds.
On the inbound flight, the flight crew had dealt with 155 Submariners of varying ages, rates, ranks, and maturity levels facing a six-month deployment away from their families.
For us, the flight crew extended every courtesy - we were very few, very quiet, and mainly concerned with creating comfortable bedding by pushing up the arm rests of an entire row of seats. Our "asks" were for as many pillows as could be found and our worst habit involved removing our shoes to sleep better.
The worst thing the flight crew were forced to do was to wake us up before we landed at Logan International.
Awesome trip Bryan. Thanks for sharing.
Enjoyable posts. Journey mercies.
Thoroughly enjoyed the Cretan Odyssey. Your photos were shared with our homesick Grecian sever over the weekend which almost brought her to tears (in a good way). Safe travels home.
It's somewhat dismaying to discover that the sailor I'm following habitually drinks polluted coffee. On the other hand, this Olde Chief has long recognized that subtle class differences separate shipmates. <sigh>
When I arrived in Scotland, I was trapped in a DoD cattle car (World Airways) whose staff did everything possible to discomfit their herd (such as multiple in-flight forced seat transfers). Jet lag was not a concern; I yearned to arrive at any destination, including Prestwick where my Navy-issued Love of My Life awaited.
Subsequently, I was assigned to CSEs under orders by CINCLANTFLT to deploy aboard units based in (conventional spelling) Norfolk.
CINCUSNAVEUR arranged transportation for these one-way transits returning to the Land of the Great NAVEX as the only passengers booked on a chartered TWA 747. (The aircraft delivered a Blue or Gold SSBN crew to Holy Loch the day before.)
Those flights were magnificent. There were only eight of us on a flying machine designed to hold hundreds.
On the inbound flight, the flight crew had dealt with 155 Submariners of varying ages, rates, ranks, and maturity levels facing a six-month deployment away from their families.
For us, the flight crew extended every courtesy - we were very few, very quiet, and mainly concerned with creating comfortable bedding by pushing up the arm rests of an entire row of seats. Our "asks" were for as many pillows as could be found and our worst habit involved removing our shoes to sleep better.
The worst thing the flight crew were forced to do was to wake us up before we landed at Logan International.
Have a great flight, Sir!
Obligatory retirement beard ✔️ go for a 6 on top 4 on the sides monthly whether you need it or not. Barbers need to eat too! Safe plane ✈️ sleep
Yeah, been there, done it.
Sounds like a terrific trip, Bryan! Welcome home!
The Cretan dispatches have been enjoyable Bryan. Have a great trip home. Signed, the female no beard demographic :)
Thank you