Letters From Tim

After getting the troops in-position, setting up our operations, and conducting initial inventories - it was time to begin our LAOs (local area orientation). The LAO consists of flying with the guys who have been here all year (that we are replacing). We basically fulfilled half of each flight crew with their guys and half with ours.

As the LAO begins, we depart our FOB and understand ‘what’ is in the theatre around us, ‘where’ it is, practice combat flying techniques, low altitude flying and most importantly, what NOT to fly over or around. This helps us develop our overall situational awareness.

We do this in day and at night - under night vision goggles. We don’t simply practice it once, but several times.

As I walked out to the aircraft I was flying, I said to myself - “well, this is it - it’s gameday.” I dawned my body armor, flight vest and other flight gear, locked and loaded my pistol and rifle and climbed in the cockpit. Right before takeoff, I looked out to the edges of our FOB and the berm that protects us - and thought “remember your training/combat flight techiques and procedures.”

After takeoff, I quickly noticed how sluggish the aircraft responded to flight control inputs. I had not flown an aircraft this heavy (because of all the medical gear and ballistic protection in the aircraft), nor in this hot of weather. Both of which affect aircraft performance.

Within moments, I was over our protective berm and I was out in the wild west. After about an hour we came to our first FOB and we landed for fuel and to drop off several of my soldiers that will manage the FOB for the coming months. After a quick tour of the FOB, I made some mental notes of the FOB strengths/ capabilities/ capacity/ logisitcs/ etc. and then boarded the aircraft to fly back to the FOB I occupy.

This evening also marked my first NVG (night vision goggle) flight. The flight was about 90 minutes and was almost medevil. Flying through the vast desert, you see all of the oilwells/gas burnoff pipes lit up with brilliant orange and yellow flames. Between the burning fires there is little contrast and a fuzzy horizon that blends the ground and sky together. With sparse man-made lighting - it’s extremely dark = even under NVGs.

I’ll conclude by saying the soldiers are doing well - very well. I’ve said it before, but I am truly blessed to have such a talented team.

Take care,

Tim

Special thanks to: Jean Foss for the ongoing letters of support; Nate/Helena/Elin Rowe for all the post cards; Tom/Kathy/Mina/Hattie Rowe for the care packages; Caroline/Wally/Suzy Sutliff for the support and care package; Julie Kimmel and Chuck Stevens for the care package; most importantly, my wife for making this all happen - while she holds down the fort.