Was pleasantly surprised to find the Woomera Page on the web, today. I was stationed there from Sep 71 to Oct 72 with the USAF, and I still have fond memories of the village, the donga, and the friendliest people in the world.
I remember that prior to the last Black Arrow launch, the Brits came into the ELDO Mess after a day of not being able to launch. They were covered in dust and were very thirsty. One of the Brits approached the bar for a pint of beer and an Aussie asked him if they launched their rocket that day. The Brit responded, "No mate, the wind was too strong", and the Aussie said, "Aww, what happened, did the wind blow out your match?" That started the melee. While the Aussies and Brits went to it, the Yanks that were in the mess stood along the wall, guarding our drinks, and watching it.
I don't think I ever laughed so hard as at the question, "Did the wind blow out your match?" Everyone thought it was funny after all was said and done, Brits, Yanks and Aussies.
I will address memories again, at a later date, but sure am glad to see it from here in Colorado Springs.
Bye Mates
P.S. - Would be nice to hear from some of the folks I knew down under. I had the opportunity to return to Woomera in 1981 as the First Sergeant of the 5th Comm Sq but the person I was to replace decided he liked it too, so he stayed there. The family and I were disappointed, but we understood. My youngest son hopes to eventually be stationed there as he is an F-16 pilot. He is looking for an assignment where he goes there and a Royal Australian Air Force pilot comes to the states.
Ed Hetsko - Colorado Springs, U.S.A.
E-mail: cyn40ed@aol.com
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Memories of Woomera |
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