One day (1989) in the Persian gulf, we were at flight Quarters, for mail offload. The Desert Duck is the nickname given the US Navy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Light 2 (HC-2) Detachment Two (Det Two), known as Desert Duck Airlines. They operated out of the Manama, Bahrain airport providing search and rescue, re-supply. I was the LSE (landing Signal Enlisted) Spot two, on the flight deck. After getting the green light, directing the aircraft up, and away, I took off my helmet, and was walking towards spot one, when suddenly the crash alarm sounded! The Air Boss came over the PA system shouting we need an LSE out there! Since I was halfway there, I quickly put my helmet back on. The helicopter came back around, and I tried signaling to get it to hover. Hovering for a moment, then it dropped quickly with a thud! The Pilot shut it down, and as I walked around the side, to check for fire I could see hydraulic fluid all over the side. The Pilot came over to me, said good job and gave me this patch. It was a moment in time I will never forget!
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 14:53:29 +0000
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