posted 04-15- 09:37 AM               

I must say running the 4 huge GE TF-39C engines is a REAL kick in the ass! Taking all 4 up to 90%, or 2 at a time to TRT (Takeoff Rated Thrust) is just an incredible sight and sound to behold. Since I'll never be an airline pilot this is the closest I will have ever gotten to that experience. The enormous WHINE of the engines will never be forgotten by me that's for sure. I've really come to love the airplane despite all of it's typical maintenance aches and pains.

So anyhow, from Feb 1989 when I first came on active duty as an Airlift Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice (C-5 Crew Chief), to becoming a C-5 Flight Engineer from Jan 1996 to November 1999, and then onto a C-5 Isochronal Inspection Branch Area Supervisor from Nov 99 until this morning, I'm very proud to announce to the world my moving on to grander horizons. I have about 40 days to out process, move, and settle in the new job until May 21st, my true Date of Separation from the USAF. But at least for now the work is OVER!! I'm very very happy about that

What's next for my wife, son, and I? Well we're heading down to Southern California where I'll be working with a new company as a 3D graphic artist. Using much of the skills I've learned with Fighter Squadron I'll be building objects with the new company that you'll all eventually get to mess with in games. Just wanted to share the news and I'll tell more when I'm able to.

I'm signing off for now. I've been going for about 24 hours now thanks to the unannounced work last night and this morning.
Oh and now it's MR Hawk instead of SSgt Hawk. I thought this day would never get here. I take my hat off to all the many many friends I've made all around the world, and especially here at Travis. I'm gonna miss them.

posted 04-15- 09:43 AM               

Thanks from your service in the USAF! As a proud citizen of this great country I appreciate your contribution! *S*

And congratulations on your new position! Sounds like your moving from one life you've enjoyed into another one that you enjoy! We'll anxiously await more news and the treats that I'm sure will come pouring from that creative mind of yours!

Best wishes!! Ronin

posted 04-15- 10:34 AM               

Sounds great: 3-D-Artist, California, no more Uniforms etc. Wise choice, IMHO. But: I´m sure in the near future you *really* will miss the Galaxys. To compensate that I suggest to finish some planes the community is really really waiting for: Catalina and Libarator. I imagine, the roar of four Liberator-Engines at a thrust of 100% just before liftoff cuuld be a thing to forget about those modern planes, no matter about the number of wheels... ;-)

posted 04-15- 11:08 AM               

For those who think we may have been sleeping while waiting for Pete, check out the following: http://members.xoom.com/Butterfield/teampby
Actually the second page has more meaning full data but that link doesnt work yet.
Still busy making the links work but if xoom will get out of the way there is an image you can download of the PBY for SDOE....
Welcome back Mr. Hawk

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Snickers
=FC=

posted 04-15- 05:47 PM               

Hey you guys from OPPs, what data are we missing
You have heard "It takes a community to raise a child" right? I am finding out it takes a community to build a plane....

The model in the image is still the original provided to team PBY by Pete BTW....

posted 04-15- 06:34 PM               

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Be sure to visit my site and check out the NOSE ART BABES (Over 250 of them)

posted 04-16- 12:42 PM               

Thanks for that nice comment.

About the C-5...
DEFINITELY! Haha. One of the active runways was only about 100 yards away, but no, there's no way I'd have the balls to even think about taking 'er up for a spin. There is a large calibur AAA gun across the field that WILL BE USED if anyone or group ever trys to leave the base with a C-5 or KC-10. (or any military plane for that matter since we do have transients all the time).

It really is an awesome feeling though because the entire airplane shakes and you can hear the thing FOR MILES at power, especially at night time when the usual winds we have around here calm down. We were running at 3:00AM waking up the entire base and surrounding communities. I LOVE IT!

posted 04-16- 10:46 PM               

Best wishes for your new endeavors - Hope all goes well with the transitions you are about to take. I am sure things will go fantastic for you with your optimism, enthusiasm and strong work ethic!

BTW, I have to bring this up. I will never forget being stranded at a gas station near the interstate in Salina, KS about 10 years ago. The van I was driving broke down around midnight and I had to sleep in the back of the van (by the interstate - not down by the river) with no pillow, blankets, carpeting, etc... It was summer, but very uncomfortable sleeping on the hard uneven metal. What really didn't help was an Air base nearby where these large C-5s or C-140s kept coming in about three in the morning. Right above me, continuously, all night - they were big, they were loud, I was pissy as hell. =) What an experience....

posted 04-17- 02:57 AM               

Yes, I totally agree with being kept up at night. Even though now and then I got to wake up the base while "sitting the sticks" on the C-5, on many many more occasions I've had to endure the countless hours of hearing them run late into the night, just as I'm trying to fall asleep.