March and April both rushed past before I could manage to put all the stories down on the computer, so for lack of time and the energy to recount my entire journal, I'll post another page of photos/stories of the last chapters of my deployment.
MEDEVAC on March 10th. Gorgeous day to fly, even in Kuwait and Iraq
Dustoff Flight refueling after another mission.
Another flight in the books, time to pose
Second MEDEVAC of the day, cool castle-house on the Iraq/Kuwait border
Another view of why the air smells the way it does here.
Farms of Iraq, flown by my co-pilot, Kelly
Some over-water flying to make us Navy folks feel at home.
Crowded cabin, ready for another mission
More fires, this time on the way to Tallil
Convoys seem to be everywhere on these roads
"Viper Towns" in Kuwait
How did you celebrate St Patrick's Day this year? 5K anyone?
19:06 later... exhausted.
Enjoying a free show by "Bad Company" on the 16th
One of many "creative" workouts using a truck tire.
the second half of "the Beast" workout
Hover practice in Basrah. Photos courtesy of AWS1 Price
Former Det 6 buddies, together again. Mark, Mark and Dan
Long runs around the base gave me some new views of "home"
Two of our Apache friends on the way out.
Sunset landing at Ali Al Salem for a patient drop-off
Maintenance crew hard at work washing the bird after a busy night
On deck in Kuwait
HM2 Hysell helping out the Plane Captain in style
Kiowa Helicopters staged in Kuwait before their trip North
Yes, it gets dusty over here
Following the leader on the way back home
"On top of wires now, now, now"
HM2 Criss and AWS2 Reader practicing their hoisting skills
Another clear evening for flying on March 31st
Evolution of our Prison Yard Gym starting to take shape
Opening day for the Majors. Justin and I were able to sneak in a game of catch between rainstorms.
Even Iraq can't keep me from watching the RedBirds!
VICTORY!
the BlackHawk unit next door to us is out of Utah... go figure!
Desert Fox Cubs living in the hangars
They're cute until they grow up
April 12th and already getting hot
Justin's and my last flight together. We made the best of it though, logging over 3 1/2 hours between Iraq and Kuwait.
Lead aircraft from Kuwait
Thanks for the good picture, Justin.
Skills... flying a helicopter and posing for pictures!
On deck at Patton Air Field - Arifjan
Crew of my last flight, and a few MEDEVACs in March
My flag. With me for 7 incredible months.
Last night on the "ups," making my journal entry for the day in the alert crew bunkroom.
the Oasis plaza. Supposed to be a relaxing hangout spot, but the Camel wasn't there to ride, the stores are lame and overpriced, and nobody was there!
Det 2 Pilots lookin' tough - or trying to
Armed to the teeth
"OK boss, ready to fly!"
Most of our gang, enjoying a final afternoon on the porch
My flight gear ready to go for the last time. Sayonara, Iraq!
