Merry Christmas

One of my additional duties is Contracting Officer (COR), which means serving as the military liason to our aircraft mechanics, who are civilian contractors.  Since our arrival, we have been operating with just two mechanics, which is 50% of the authorized personnel strength in maintenance.  To maintain operational readiness with just two mechanics is a monumental task…early morning launches with evening recovery’s, scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, logbook updates, refueling, engine rinses, aircraft cleanings,  and troubleshooting pilot writeups…it all equates to very long days in harsh working conditions. 

You would never know our two mechanics are scheduled to return home in a matter of weeks...their professionalism, dedication, expertise and positive attitudes have been an inspiration...we could not be in better hands.  This picture was taken on Christmas morning…after they spent all Christmas Eve, trouble shooting a fuel gauge issue…they paused long enough to exchange Christmas greetings.  To us, they are not contractors, but valued team mates and friends…Merry Christmas & Thank you for all you do!

 

Christmas Shopping

With the RIP/TOA complete, we set out on our first solo mission with an overnight in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.  We asked our driver to stop at a local market...and since we tend to stand out in a crowd...we received alot of attention from sellers.  Here my fellow pilot was able to go to the rear of a shop and see how the crafts were made---this guy is sharpening tools with a grinding wheel;

Since it takes 2-3 weeks for packages to ship back home, I used this time to get my Christmas shopping done for my girls...since the gifts will probably be late, here is a preview.  I have become an expert in negotiating for African jewelry...this time I made sure to capture the moment...Merry Christmas Ladies!

Snorkling In The Indian Ocean

Due to a short work day in Mombasa, Kenya.  The unit pilot's were able to maximize the situation and partake in a 2-hour snorkel trip in the Indian Ocean.

This part of Kenya is tropical...white sandy beaches, coconut trees and camel rides;

The visibility while snorkling was probably 15-20 feet...we were able to see a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, starfish, sea urchins, sting rays and an eel.  The boat had a glass bottom which was used at the end of the trip to observe a fish feeding frenzy.