...And Back Again

I have returned from another TDY (temporary duty) trip. It started off on the wrong foot. Our means of transportation, a Boeing KC-135 tanker from Grissom ARB arrived to fly us down to Key West on Sunday the 11th. We boarded the plane and loaded our baggage. Then we picked our seats and waited while the aircraft was started. Prior to taxiing, the crew noticed a gauge that was not functioning. As this was necessary to fly, we ended up waiting around all day until another gauge could be located. We got one late in the afternoon, but by then it was too late, so we had to spend Sunday night at Hill AFB here in Utah.

The next day, we took off on schedule and had an uneventful flight to Key West. The trip took about 4.5 hours. Here is a view out the window at two of our jets which were flying formation.

When we got off the plane, we did some basic in-processing, got the rental cars, room keys, and our baggage. Then it was off to the dorms to put our stuff away. We then drove over to the flightline and did a couple of hours' work. After that, it was a quick change, and off to TGI Friday's for dinner. Here are three of the guys: Eric, "Turtle", and Ryan.

Since the group I was with was working swingshift, a few of us decided to go to breakfast in the morning. Here is my first picture I took in Key West!

After breakfast at Denny's, we drove around a little to see the area in the daytime. It was totally different than at night. Here is one of the local phenomena: a pink taxi!

Before returning to the base for work, we drove down one of the main drags in town, Duval Street. Duval is probably the most well known street on Key West. It is lined with shops, tourist traps and bars. Quite the interesting spot! Here's one of Duval from the car.