2016 Miramar 3rd Fleet Christmas Run

Patron 4 Embraer E/D-120 AK-901, BuNo 16034, being loaded with gift dispensers at Miramar, 12/24/16

'Tis the Season...
As planned, the Patron 4 AK-901 was loaded and initiated the 2016 Miramar 3rd Fleet Christmas Run, covering all locations where 3rd Fleet has a foothold. Present as part of this entirely voluntary detail were LCDR. An "Mistell" Rainbow, LT. Jenny "QB" Kaz and CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron. Also along for the ride was ENS. Declan "Raven" O'Mara, who was a great addition considering the amount of folded dispensers we had to haul on the E/D-120. The configuration of some of the installations we were to drop by excluded the use of one of the N.A.S.M. VR-54 Hercules.
Here is the photographic record and report of the mission. 

Note: As usually, click on the images to see enlarged version.

                 Top: Busy N.A.S.M. East Apron on Christmas Eve. The folded dispensers fit in the AK-901 cargo area perfectly.                   Bottom: ENS O'Mara joins the detail just in time to haul dispensers. The crew good to go Ho-Ho-Ho.

First stop: N.R.S. Oryx, Corsica, just across the Aldabra Sea from Miramar. The Christmas gifts dispensers were delivered to the station commander, LCDR. Alli Eberdeen, and placed by the station's arrival area, near the front entrance to the main building. "We come bearing gifts, and we are not Greek!"
Good weather, just a little turbulence before landing, a cordial welcome and pleasant visit, as Oryx always provides, and the AK-901 was ready to take off for the second leg of the run. As expected, the short runway was just about right for the E/D-120 and the reversed thrust on touchdown managed to avoid the rotors parked by the strip. Take off was not a problem.

LCDR. Eberdeen welcoming the "Flying Reindeer" at N.R.S.O. and the gift dispensers in position.

Facing severe weather half way to N.S.T.C. Nautilus, the crew was forced to recover at the airport of destination, Southern Cross, where fixed wings visiting the Training Center can land and take off. Due to the nature of the day, we found no CO's present and had to postpone the placement of the dispensers that need to be set to 3rd Fleet group to operate. Auto return has been known to send stuff back so better safe than sorry! After a quick check, the AK-901 was ready for the long third leg to Avignon.

At Southern Cross, by NSTC. In the E/D-120, LT. Kaz and ENS. O'Mara watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas".

The flight to N.A.F. Avignon, Satori, was smooth at 500 meters ASL, and weather permitted an uneventful trip. As N.A.F.A. also had no CO's present the crew made a short stop to refuel and secure the AK-901. The next leg would be out of her reach. N.B.N.V., in Cumberland.

 Arriving at North Valley. The Christmas detail salutes N.B.N.V. CO, LCDR. Harcassle. Mission accomplished.

At Naval Base North Valley, Cumberland, we were greeted by the local CO, LCDR. Daniella Harcassle, CWO Natalia Arevelo and Mr. Mac Gaelyth. The place seems to have extreme weather as well and snow was way above 6 inches! A problem Tuarua Fiji does not know, but a few miss during this season. Warm reception by the local officers and a lovely visit that we will repeat soon in an attire that fits both aircraft cockpits and Navy regulations better. The dispensers were placed on a strategic location right past the main gate and all got their gifts. Big smiles on, the crew clicked their Navy issued boot heels three times and poofed to Miramar.

There's no place like home, but it's not Kansas to us. The crew on the last stop with the dispensers placed at Miramar.

The Christmas Run is meant to be the first of many to come in future years and from Miramar we extend to all 3rd Fleet members, their families and friends sincere wishes of a bright and merry Christmas. It is our privilege to serve in this Fleet and this Navy. Hooyah.

CDR. Asra "Cougar" Kron
NASMCO