#161—The “Pucker Factor”

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) According to Professor Google, the term, “Pucker Factor,” originated somewhere, sometime in the 60s. I never knew the term during my early elementary and junior high school years, though there were times when it would… Read more#161—The “Pucker Factor”

#157—Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

Andy Adkins: Boot Camp, Retired

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) What my Recruiter Said – “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” It’s been over 50 years since I walked into the Navy recruiter’s office in Tallahassee, Florida. At the tender young age of 18, I was… Read more#157—Oh, the Places You’ll Go…

#149—Short? “Five Days and a Wake-up”

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) In my last post I wrote two weeks ago was my “Anniversary” of joining Uncle Sam’s Canoe Club 50 years ago. That post got me to thinking about those last few days aboard USS Kitty… Read more#149—Short? “Five Days and a Wake-up”

Blog #146—Flight Ops: Another Fine Day in the Navy!

Since I’m out on vacation this week, I thought I’d repost one of my favorite blogs. During my short Three Years, Eleven Months, and 29 Days (But Who’s Counting) career in the Navy, my rating was an ABH (Aviation Boatswain’s… Read moreBlog #146—Flight Ops: Another Fine Day in the Navy!

#143—Flight Ops… Around the Clock

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) We weren’t at war… The “official” end of the Vietnam War was April 30, 1975. I’d reported aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), just thirty days prior. She was moored at North Island,… Read more#143—Flight Ops… Around the Clock

#139—Is This What I Signed Up For?

Carrier Sunset

A Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet takes off from the flight deck of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Atlantic Ocean. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Pinske.

#136—What Makes the Flight Deck So Exciting?

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) They say working on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is the most dangerous job in the world. You’ve heard me say this before… while I agree that working on the flight deck is… Read more#136—What Makes the Flight Deck So Exciting?

#135—You Mean There’s More to a Carrier Than the Flight Deck?

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Becky & I recently returned from a great trip to San Diego, visiting our son, Jared, and his two boys (our grandsons, ages 10 & 8). The weather was as I remembered it from years… Read more#135—You Mean There’s More to a Carrier Than the Flight Deck?

#132—The Navy That Stayed with Me Through the Years

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) My Navy “career” was a short four years. Actually, it was 3 Years, 11 Months, & 29 Days, But Who’s Counting? It may have been short, but during those formidable years, 1973-77, I learned a… Read more#132—The Navy That Stayed with Me Through the Years

#131—Japan Air Lines 747: Engine Out

Trivia Questions (Answers @ end) Naval Air Station, Agana, Guam – 1974 Oohhhh, baby. That’s it. “Ooh-Ga!” A little lower. “Ah-Ooh-Ga!” Don’t stop… “AHHH-OOOH-GAAA!” “Chet. Chet. Wake up, Chet.” “What the hell, Borne? I’m in the middle of a dream.”… Read more#131—Japan Air Lines 747: Engine Out