Cruise Director
04-15-2007, 02:48 AM
Growing up in Utah, I have taken for granted the fact that I live 10 miles from one of the nation's largest Air Force bases. With that, I employ quite a few full time airmen and reservists. I was honored today as an "employer of choice" for the reserves and got to participate in a little "thank you" they prepared for 40 of us. We spent the day at the Base and over the Utah desert and bombing range. I felt like a 10 year old with a whole new set of Tonka trucks all day!
In front of the KC-135 refueler. From the Utah Air National Guard.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB1.jpg
The F-16's fly along side the refueler until it is their turn to gas up. This is over the Utah Testing Range west of SLC. Apparently it is the largest controlled bombing range of its kind in the World.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB2.jpg
Unlike the commercial flights, they let us climb all over the cockpit... while we were flying. Our hosts were awesome.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB3.jpg
I don't remember what he was trying to show me. I was in awe of being in such a cool plane.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB5.jpg
We got to go down in to the tail, lay on our bellies, and refuel a squadron of F-16's from HAFB. Apparently the jets have to call the tankers and make an appointment to refuel.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB4.jpg
Back in one of the hangers for an F-16 walk around. The 419th Reserve Unit at HAFB has 17 of these. They are being combined with the 75 F-16's that belong to the 388th Fighter Wing that is a full time unit assigned to Hill Field.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB6.jpg
For the "gamers." I'll bet none of you have joysticks like these! I couldn't believe how many switches, dials, etc., are crammed in this little tiny area.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB7.jpg
They needed a guinea pig to show the survival gear the pilots wear while flying. Very complimentary gear they get to wear. (And about 40 pounds without the gun, knife, rope, etc.)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB8.jpg
In front of the KC-135 refueler. From the Utah Air National Guard.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB1.jpg
The F-16's fly along side the refueler until it is their turn to gas up. This is over the Utah Testing Range west of SLC. Apparently it is the largest controlled bombing range of its kind in the World.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB2.jpg
Unlike the commercial flights, they let us climb all over the cockpit... while we were flying. Our hosts were awesome.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB3.jpg
I don't remember what he was trying to show me. I was in awe of being in such a cool plane.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB5.jpg
We got to go down in to the tail, lay on our bellies, and refuel a squadron of F-16's from HAFB. Apparently the jets have to call the tankers and make an appointment to refuel.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB4.jpg
Back in one of the hangers for an F-16 walk around. The 419th Reserve Unit at HAFB has 17 of these. They are being combined with the 75 F-16's that belong to the 388th Fighter Wing that is a full time unit assigned to Hill Field.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB6.jpg
For the "gamers." I'll bet none of you have joysticks like these! I couldn't believe how many switches, dials, etc., are crammed in this little tiny area.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB7.jpg
They needed a guinea pig to show the survival gear the pilots wear while flying. Very complimentary gear they get to wear. (And about 40 pounds without the gun, knife, rope, etc.)
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60/xtension/HAFB8.jpg