2 even better days

So just when I didn't think it could get any better, Iraq steps it up another notch. Yesterday was an awesome day of flight. I don't think I could ever get tired of showing up, getting briefed on what we supposed to do, and doing it. No lengthy planning and going through excessive lengths to fly. Just show up and get-r-done. The longer we are here the more I'm realizing this is a pretty big deal. Not so much what we are doing but what we are paving the road for, once it is up and running they won't even be using 130s but still. My crew is just another pawn in the massive chess game, but its a pretty cool pawn that all the Generals want to see in action. So we picked up a 2 star in Baghdad who rode with us as we dropped off some rockets and pax (passengers). My AC let me have the plane for a few legs and I got my first 2 combat landings! The general said I did an a great job saving the one he saw, which felt like winning the "most improved" award, who really needs someone telling them they were stunk, but got better. (it was pretty sloppy on the short final but I touched down smooth) either way it was awesome.

Along the way we didn't like the way one of our engine gages was looking so we came back and switched to the spare. It was amazing to see everyone flow together to switch planes so quickly. Maintenance, crew chiefs, ATOC (the guys moving our cargo), another crew, everybody working to get the job done. So we got back out of there and by the end of the day we had our first NVG (night vision goggles) sortie out of the way as well. I never cease to be amazed by the power of NVGs and how beautiful it is. I'm pretty sure I've talked about it before, so I'll just hit the highlights. There are a lot more lights around Iraq than I expected, oil fires can be seen forever and a day away, and more wildlife has been spotted thanks to their help, two jack rabbits (I also just saw to mice outside). I found the big dipper, followed it to the north star, then to the little dipper. Who knew Iraq even copied our stars, those cheaters.

Well I'm getting tired and this post is pretty long so I'll have to write about the previous day tomorrow. I'll throw out a teezer, it included church, gladiatorial games, as well as a Naughty by Nature concert.