Hello from Asia,


I wanted to share this weekend story.



The approaching Typhoon Etau provided a unique opportunity for a few of us
Junior Officers last week. As the storm continued to close in, the
maintenance department decided that not all of our jets were going to fit in
the hangar space that we had available. Thursday afternoon CAG (commander
of the Air Wing) decided that if the storm remained at it's current
intensity that we would have to do a hurrivac, or in this case, a typhoon
evac, with 4 jets. Four of us quickly volunteered to take the jets to Korea
if it became necessary.

Friday morning, we showed up to work with a bag packed at 0630 ready to go.
Well, CAG decided that it wasn't necessary, so we went along with a normal
day at work (as normal as it can get). At 3pm, the leading edge of the
storm was starting to approach with winds and heavy rain. The CAG quickly
changed his mind so we threw a flight plan together, checked the weather,
and manned the jets.

By 5pm we were airborne and on our way to Korea -Kunsan (Gunsan) Air Base, a
small base mid way up the South Korean western coast. The departure weather
was not good, but definitely workable so we launched as flights of two
(sections) into the leading edge of the storm. We remained in the clouds up
to 41,000 feet, where we couldn't go any higher due to gross weight and
configuration. Finally, about mid way across the Sea of Japan we broke out
of Typhoon Etau (see picture) and were looking at a beautiful sunset over
the Korean Peninsula.

After we landed in Kunsan, we called back to base to report safe on deck and
found out that we had reservations at a five star hotel in Seoul. Now, we
just needed to figure out how to get there. While two of us buttoned up the
jets, the other two went to find transportation. We were too late for the
trains and the buses, and the rental car agency had closed. So, we found a
taxi wiling to make the 3 hour drive for the price of $180. And we were off
to Seoul.

We arrived at the hotel, after some confusion on how to get there by the
driver,( a story in and of itself) and quickly changed and readied ourselves
for a night out on the town. The city was just coming to life at 10pm so we
found a place for dinner then later went out to enjoy the nightlife.

On Saturday, we woke up a bit late, but came up with a plan to sightsee.
The concierge arranged a driver and a few good recommendations. We spent
the day shopping in the Inchaewon district, climbing to the top of the Seoul
tower, and searching for the infamous Scandinavian Club. That night, dinner
was on the top floor of a skyscraper where we could see the DMZ. It was a
good thing the Kendall Jackson was so good, otherwise we may have been a
little unnerved thinking about how many pieces of artillery were pointed at
us from the North.

As Sunday morning arrived, it was yet again, planes, trains and automobiles
to get back home. We took a cab to a bus station that got us back to
Kunsan, then another cab to the base, and yet another cab from the gate to
the flight line. We quickly went to work flight planning, checking weather,
making sure the jets were fueled up and making sure we were ready to fly.
At 5pm we were airborne, this time on the heals of Typhoon Etau.

After a cloudy departure out of Kunsan we broke out at 41,000, set the
cruise control, and enjoyed the view. The storm had cleared out all the
pollution over Japan and made for an amazing sight of Mt. Fugi as we
approached home base. After landing, we parked the jets, turned them back
over to maintenance (full up and ready for work on Monday) and drove home,
just as the sun was setting behind Mt. Fuji.

A memorable weekend, thanks to a Typhoon, government transportation, and
four adventurous Navy Lieutenants.

Regards,
Raz