Airdrop

Imagine our delight to be reading Flight journal and discover we were featured in an article (Tailview, "of Turkey and Tomcats," April 2002). The story had to be about us; I had recounted the very same story a few times since returning to the UK: cool tanker guys, refueling F-14s, UK versus USA challenge, case of beer. These had to be the same guys, but some of the facts had been altered-perhaps to protect the innocent or perhaps because it was a matter of national security. Whatever the reason, I thought it was important to tell our version of the story.

It was another glorious day over Afghanistan; we had already been airborne for more than three hours, had gassed several F/A-18 Hornets and had a ringside seat for the Khandahar fireworks display. The last fuel trade of the day was with two F-14 Tomcats, as mentioned in the article: "... the RAF's favorite platform." To the engineers, this is because of the speed at which the Tomcat can take on fuel; they can literally suck the tanker dry. To the rest of the flight-deck crew, it's because the Tomcat is an awesome-looking beast. "How long can you loiter before giving us our gas?" was the question posed. A quick bit of arithmetic followed; we could stay for almost two hours, but this would mean missing out on the beer back at "Tent City." The crew was divided; the air engineer tossed a coin, while the navigator jotted down a few figures. Damn! It came up heads; we would tell the truth (not that we would have done anything else).

"We can stay for one and three quarter hours," was our reply. "Great," responded the Tomcats. The time was quickly passed with some aerial ballet; this allowed us to get some good shots for the photo album (and for your magazine), thereby substantiating the outrageous tales we would tell our grandchildren one day.

"How does it feel to be flying with the USA's finest?" crackled over the airwaves. What a coincidence; America's best alongside the UK's best (our own personal view, of course). Let's throw down the gauntlet and find out how good these guys really are. The challenge was on. The wager was a case of British beer. We had thought about betting all the beer the Tomcat drivers could drink until they fell over, as this would have been a considerably cheaper option. What the hell, let's go whole hog; a case it is.

Ninety-six racetracks later, the time was upon us to sort the men from the boys. Lead man was up first behind the left hose. He steadied himself; plonk, straight in (impressive stuff). Safely in the basket, he could then encourage his colleague; no pressure there, then! (The language used was somewhat stronger than that used in the "Tailview" article.) The next five minutes saw the refuel probe of the second Tomcat pointed in every angle possible before hitting the basket. A lesser human would have backed off and tried again, but national pride was at stake. If an umpire had been present, I'm sure we could have pushed for the draw, but there wasn't, so we conceded. Off they roared, releasing flares as a sign of their delight, for they were merrily on their way to read the enemy its last rites.

Having proved worthy adversaries but unable to collect their prize, our only option, we felt, was to include them in our American hall of fame. So these national war heroes can pride themselves on being listed alongside other famous American institutions such as Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Hooters, baby back ribs, Hugh Hefner and Adam Sandler. Rest assured, gentlemen; if you are ever in the vicinity of RAF Brize Norton, look us up; we'd be honored to cough up your prize and to share a wonderfully homely pint of warm brown beer.

P.S. We'll see you at the next little skirmish. Double or quits?

Names withheld for security reasons

101 Squadron

Royal Air Force Brize Norton

Oxfordshire

When we at FJ first received the subject "Tailview," some folks thought it was a hoax, but they are from Wales. Thanks to you, those of us who were convinced of its authenticity have been vindicated. Thank you for writing. RP

MYSTERIOUS RACO ARMY AIRFIELD

I am hoping that some of your readers might be able to provide information on a former military airfield in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is listed on Michigan's aviation charts as "Raco AAF-Closed," but it does not appear on the FAA's sectionals. I would appreciate any information that can be provided regarding this base, its history, units that were based there and any photographs that might be available.

Michael J. Nutt

Warren, MI

AIR COMMANDO ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REUNION

The Air Commando Association Annual Reunion will be held in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, October 10 to 13, 2002. For more info, call (850) 581-0099; fax (850) 581-8988; email aircomando@aol.com, or check our Web page: home.earthlink.net/-aircommando1/.