In 1995 as the wing crew, we had “spared” for a squadron that was going to Aviano Italy as the Bosnia business heated up. Meaning we were the 5th jet, and going along just in case anything happened to one of the primary “go” jets.
At MCAS Cherry Point NC, at 0300 it turns out one of their go jets had a problem. So as the spare, the wing crew gave up our jet, and our overnight bags went to Italy.
We on the other hand started a very long trip back to Whidbey Island, Washington.
We got stuck at Campbell Army Air Field because of weather. Then the jet wouldn’t take gas. So we had to pull panels and short circuit some things for the jet to take gas. Once fully loaded we headed for Tinker AFB OK. Gassed up again. Then on to Nellis AFB NV. Unbeknownst to us when we landed at CAAF, we hydroplaned. Which created a situation known as reverted-rubber-hydroplaning. The rubber in the main tires had de-vulcanized. It happens when big rubber tires touch down on standing water and the water superheats. We did the math in safety school, but it turns out it is pretty rare. I was the only one in my class of 60 who had ever experienced it.
Taxiing to the transient line the jet was bumping along. I just thought the ramp was rough. Turned out there was no tread left on the main mounts.
Two days later we were on our way again. This time a valve didn’t close that allowed the cabin to pressurize.
An emergency landing back at Nellis. The BOQ was full so they put us up at a Hotel/Casino in North Las Vegas.
Whoot! Except our overnight bags were now in Italy. After checking into our rooms we went down to the bar. Four 30 something dudes in flight suits walked into a crowd of semi-drunk middle age women.
Yeah we got groped. At one point I was leaning against a bar stool, not really sitting when I felt something on my crotch. I looked down and then up and saw this gal who had her hand on my crotch. “Hey soldier, can I buy you a drink?” she said. “Sailor, and no, I’m fine.” and took her hand off my crotch and gently put it on the bar.
That was 21 years ago. And I am “oh so traumatized” to this day. I think one of them might have been Hillary Clinton. That was fucking sarcasm.
Selective outrage. I will never minimize the affect that actual sexual assault has on a victim. While technically being grabbed is “assault” calling it that seriously diminishes the impact of those who are actual victims.
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