On deployments in the Navy, one of the ‘issues’ with coming home is ‘channel fever’. As the boat gets close to home, excitement rises and usually the last night at sea you have a hard time sleeping. Am there.
Also completed a last trip to Iraq. Was a good time, as I attended another Iraqi Navy ceremony (Iraqi Navy day) and said goodbye to a few friends I have made in their Navy. Sort of bittersweet – just getting to know them and it is time to move on. We then went up to Baghdad for a day, then up north to Balad airbase. The trip also marked my last rides in Army Blackhawks (helo) and C-130s (a good thing!)
On both C-130 legs, the planes had issues and had to sit for while, engines running, to cool the engines down. While the engines are too hot, they cannot run a/c packs, so the normally stifling back end turns into a sauna. In body armor and helmet, it IS literally a sauna – sweat just pours off of you and soaks your clothes. (nobody passed out on either flight, however). I was a bit nervous after our takeoff for home was stopped and we went back to the ramp to sit, but after about an hour and twenty, we rolled back out and took off for home.
Today I went outside on the way to work and noticed three unusual things - (1) real clouds in the sky – even covered the sun (2) they brought oppressive humidity – 100F plus 80%+ humidty = sauna… and (3) a pack of about 14 dogs crossed my path. They ignored me, however. It is hotter in Iraq – was 120+ my last day, but the humidity here kills. That, and it is Ramadan now => no shorts, and short sleeves are frowned upon. My clothes are pretty sweaty after a 20 minute walk in that kind of heat.
The coffee guy. He had one cup and everyone would drink from the same cup. Local tradition – but I passed, not wanting to get H1N1 the same week I am supposed to fly home!
Parade is over.
The parade, including girls throwing rose petals
Included a boat parade and swimmers!
Leaving Umm Qasr, Iraq – the ditch below is the Iraq-Kuwait border (Iraq side)
At Camp Victory in Baghdad on a lovely summer morning
Inside opulent Al Faw Palace, now US HQ
One of many CHU-towns on base
Late afternoon over Baghdad. Earlier in the day, explosions rocked the city, but we were on the other side of town and did not hear
Night test-fire of a CRAM gun – originally on ships to shoot down incoming missiles, they now are mounted on bases to shoot down incoming rockets and such. VERY loud!
Lego-man and I chillin, drinking coffee at Balad airbase in Iraq – my last morning in Iraq. It was over 100F at 7am, too…
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