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Closed Field Ops @ Whiting

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
One thought to consider, if the field is closed and something happens (Class A) there is the possibility that the NAS could be singled out as a contributing factor. For example, the runway was not safe for ops, but since the field is closed, it's not a big deal.

Now do you think an NAS CO is going to be keen on aircraft flying from his runways when there is ZERO air traffic control or manned crash crews? I doubt there would be many senior officers who will be willing to put THEIR career on the line due to allow someone to do something that they have no control over.

Closed field ops may make your life easier, but those who are reaponible for base ops will probably be very resistant to it. Until you can show that a squadron can not maintain readiness because field hours are restrictive, I don't think you find any senior leadership pushing to allow for closed field ops.
And before the JOPA start saying this is part of the problem, ask yourself how often you let work done by the Petty Oficers in your Division go to the front office but without being checked by yourself? You probably won't because you can't trust everyone not to be stupid.

Many have already said it, but doing closed field ops happens from time to time, including one of the most frustrating airfields to fly out of (Mayport). Even Whiting did some Closed field ops for a limited time. I understand your logic, but eliminating the "senior leadership" part of your argument, it's no different than operating out of a Class E/G airport or "worse," an assault strip like up at Norfolk or down at Blanding. I think the COs that don't want to take the risk have just lived in an environment where it wasn't a norm and the ones that do allow it have seen it before.

Regardless, because it does happen at various places, it just seems like a silly rule to have, at least as it's currently written.
 

Swanee

Cereal Killer
pilot
None
Contributor
If this is true, he must be working the CFI gig and flying for the ANG.

Hmmm. It's been more than a year and a half since I've been there. Maybe it was someone else, or I'm mistaken. I do seem to recall an instructor from AMS getting picked up by the Niagara Falls unit- thought it was he.
 

Brunes

Well-Known Member
pilot
Skipper decided today to slide arrival to conform with field hours...so much ado about nothing. But thanks for the info folks. Had at least 2 other viable options lined up when the CO decided to delay.
 

Flugelman

Well-Known Member
Contributor
Skipper decided today to slide arrival to conform with field hours...so much ado about nothing. But thanks for the info folks. Had at least 2 other viable options lined up when the CO decided to delay.

"When you come to me with a problem, you better have at least two solutions in hand" was a favorite of one of the best COs ever. RADM Tony Maness. RIP
 

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
I was probably thinking of the Ft. Pickett one, as I thought there was one there, but didn't remember the name.
 

PropAddict

Now with even more awesome!
pilot
Contributor
You betcha. I was his Ops Chief the last year I was in VP-6. How do you know of him? He was one of the best ever.

They named our TSC after him and there was a big dedication for it a few years back. Bunch of old guys showed up with scraggly kitten patches on their jackets. I gathered that they had been on his crew and/or worked for him way back when.
 

Flugelman

Well-Known Member
Contributor
I had not heard of them naming the TSC after him. Was that at Moffett? The guys with the patches must have been from Crew 1. He left VP-6 a little after I did and went to PatWing 2. He eventually wound up as PatWingsPac.
 

parrothead08

KCCO
pilot
Hmmm. It's been more than a year and a half since I've been there. Maybe it was someone else, or I'm mistaken. I do seem to recall an instructor from AMS getting picked up by the Niagara Falls unit- thought it was he.

Yeah this happened right when I was finishing up. Wasn't Paxton. Wish I could remember his name. I was supposed to do a check ride with him and he said I can't, I'm going to UPT tomorrow. Was over a year ago now. Damn, can't remember his name.
 
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