Hey gents,

I know I’ve been out of the loop for a bit (stupid thing called “real life” biting me in the ass), but I did get to spend quite some time climbing around this beauty yesterday.



Any idea where I am?

        

(more to follow tomorrow from Japan...not where I am presently)

BBall

Mate, If I'm not mistaken, that looks like an Australian F-111 in the background!

Not sure BBall, could it be "Fighter World" at Williamstown next door to the RAAF base near Newcastle in Australia ?

We sent a pig to a museum somewhere to the States, but can't remember where?

I just did a Narita overnight B.

Samri

Hey guys!

Greeting s from sunny Nagoya!

I will say you Aussies REALLY KNOW YOUR PIGS (thought it was sheep you were supposed to know....J/King of course!).

If by "pig", you mean an "Ardvark", then you are correct! That is indeed an Aussie F-111 in the background! Pics in a second...

This picture will (hopefully) solve the mystery of “where’s Waldo?” (or “where’s Bball” as the case may be)...



Descending into Honolulu International Airport on day two of my 12 day trip (I’m on day 7).

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A nice view of PHNL and the harbor that was the scene of “infamy” those many years ago...

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We had a 66 hour layover scheduled in “paradise”, so I naturally grabbed my trusty camera, hopped on the bus and hit the ground running. Day 1 was spent at a place that I’ve been meaning to visit for years, but for all sorts of pathetic excuses, just never have. The “National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific” has long been on my bucket list, and I crossed it off a few days ago. It’s been called the Pacific’s version of our beloved Arlington National Cemetery, and for good reason. A somber, quiet day was spent with the ghosts of WWII, Korean and Vietnam, plus the likes of one of my favorite WWII authors of all time. I’ve read everything Ernie Pyle has written about the war, and after a sniper’s bullet tragically ended his life on Okinawa, he was laid to rest here. It was a powerful day...and I’ll post up some pics in the near future.

Day 2 was spent at a locale that I’ve been fortunate to visit many times in past layovers....Pearl Harbor, and most notably this time the “Pacific Aviation Museum” on Ford Island. I plan a separate thread for those pics, but I promised you pics of an Aussie F-111, and here they are...



A gorgeous machine.

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I saw the country markings and couldn’t help think of you fellows “down under”.

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In your honor...

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Cheers!

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Samri. Sorry I missed you in Narita! I'll be there on Wednesday this week....probably be the guy slumped over at the bar (a bit pissed) at the Jet Lag Club...stop in and I'll buy you a beer!

BBall

Arh.....the jet lag bar!
A place where the women are cute, and the dogs even cuter!

I get a NRT every couple of months or so....will let you know when my next is.   My next pattern is to ANC, do you get there much?

Cheers,
Samri

Samri,

I call Narita my home away from home.

I do indeed get to ANC every now and then, but not very often. Since my son is now stationed at Ft. Richardson (co-joined with Elmendorf AFB), I’ll probably be bidding more trips up there.

Drop me a line when you’ll be heading to “Narita-ville” next, and I’ll buy you a beer and some gyoza!

Agreed on the “women and dogs” part!   

BB

Look forward to it B.

Sam.

Nice pics Bill! Any idea why it is written "nous reviendrons" (obviously french for "we'll be back") on that insignia ? Prolly WW2 related? I've also seen french on some cav emblems.

(B/229) NeF wrote:Nice pics Bill! Any idea why it is written "nous reviendrons" (obviously french for "we'll be back") on that insignia ? Prolly WW2 related? I've also seen french on some cav emblems.

Nef, ive been looking why its motto is French, i believe it has links back to WW1 when our Air Corps flew 4 squadrons with the British Air Corps in France.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._6_Squadron_RAAF

WW1, Of course.. they already knew about some weirdo corporal with a funny stache or they just liked the wine.

i'd go with the wine and the women............

Hope their not "Bearded woman"........