Hi guys!

Just another good example of how great it is to have a forum like this - I was in California on
a business/pleasure trip for the last two weeks, and asked if there were any jet guys in the area. I had
quite a few answers, didn't have the time to meet all of the guys, but I did meet Buck and Barry
for breakfast, a look at Gerry's planes and rockets and a fantastic look inside Miramar MCAS in
San Diego!

Thanks, guys - and if any of you jet pilots ever come to Norway, we'll be happy to show you our
field and jets!

Tor

Uh oh...you hung out with those guys!?

Make sure to remove the "kick me" sign from your back before you board the flight to Norway.

Imagine, Buck flies those for a living, that lucky dog!

So that's why everyone was laughing when I boarded the plane....!
Yeah, I would try Buck's job any day!

BTW - I tested something called Flightdeck, an F18 sim facility in Anaheim,
with 7 linked sims and a guys in the tower telling you where your buddies
are and where he puts up bogies for you to shoot down. You are flying over
the San Diego area and it's pretty cool, even the night landing on a carrier
was quite realistic! (OK, for someone who has never flown a fighter, Buck!!)

Tor

Hi Tor,
When I saw the thread title, I was expecting some images from the 'Flying Leatherneck' museum out at the front of the base.
But, looks like you got in there pretty deep.
Was that a ride from Buck's old sq. at Miramar (VMFAT-101 Sharpshooters), or did Buck "bring his own"?
Hope you enjoyed the SoCal WX. I live about a mile from the departure end of the runway at Miramar.

Paul

Paul,
this one was a WMFA-112. I have been outside the gates of Miramar many times, and even tried
to gain access as a corporal in the Norwegian Royal Guard, but no success until Buck drove in in
front of me and just pointed to my car, and the Marine on duty let me in just like that!

It was great to see the many F-18's, Barry was all worked up about 2 red-tailed 18's from WMFA-232,
and we took a LOT of cool pictures! Some of these planes had just returned from many months of duty,
and if you think you have ever weathered your plane too much - that's just not possible! The dirt and oil
was streaking the entire plane, and make them look mean and dangerous - just great!

Tor

It was a pleasure meeting you, Tor! I for one will never complain again about flying in our "cold" (50 degree) weather. Those Norwegians are dedicated RCers!!!

Buck and I took him to a classic local greasy spoon for breakfast (Keith's, just across from the east gate at Miramar), then off to the flightline, where (as you can see) Tor got to play Maverick in a VMFA-112 Hornet from Buck's new home team (the Cowboys).

I DID get all excited when we saw a couple of well-worn, literally "just off the boat" Hornets from the Red Devils (VMFA-232). I finished a SM F-18A in the Red Devils CAG scheme (circa mid-1990's)...it's dead now, and I just bought another kit to replace it. The latest CAG scheme is a bit more colorful and the chance to take some close-up detail pics (I make my own graphics) was not to be missed. Thanks Tor!!!

Barry

Tor

your welcome amigo. It was a great pleasure talking to you during your visit.

I'm glad we were able to help and here's hoping we can meet again next year.

cheers

buck

I'm a Federal Government Contractor, and about 15 years ago or so, my dad and I used my government contractor badge to get onto Miramar (illegally, but Hey, a guy has to try). Drove right up to the Figtertown USA hanger. What a thrill!

I'm so glad you all got together to hang out.

What a great group of guys.

Sean