Imminent Threat
Page 8
Since I had the best hand, I quickly tossed in fifty cents.
“I raise you,” Fabulous called out, tossing in another crisp one-dollar bill.
Bill raised it another buck and finally called.
“Ace of spades, a pair of aces—king of diamonds, a pair of kings—queen of hearts, look at that straight—eight of hearts, pair.”
Fabulous led with a buck; Bill raised it to two and Rollin called. The kitty full of change and bills looked exceptionally good. I glanced at my down cards again. “You guys keep betting like this, I’ll be in bed wiped out in an hour.”
“That is the point, isn’t it?” retorted Fabulous. I don’t think he meant it the way it sounded. He seemed to be playing Bill to his right, had been playing him for the last five or six hands. Bill kept reaching into his wallet.
“Seven of hearts, two pair showing,” began Bill as he started the deal again. “Three of diamonds, two pair showing. Nine of hearts and no help. Yes! Eight of spades, three of a kind showing.”
Bill began the bidding with two one-dollar bills, our pre-game limit. Fabulous bumped it up two to four and Rollin did the same. Suddenly, it was six bills to me. I laid down a stack of quarters, then sat back and watched as the game progressed; one last down card.
The final ante to me was quickly six dollars again. Sticking to my guns, I put it in. Bad Boy to my left was eyeing the pot. I could see he was glad he got out. I wished I had.
By the time Fabulous turned up his cards, the large pot had attracted two potential players. He had but two pair. Eventually, with a straight, I took that first big kitty. But then Rollin started playing games like Butcher and Blind Tiger.
Butcher was one wild game and when he first introduced it, it nearly started a fight among friends. All cards were dealt face up. When a player received a card of the same rank as one already dealt, it was transferred to the player holding that card. Four of a kind took the pot and low-hand split it with him. After a while we came to like the game. Except for Bill the Nav who had absolutely no luck.
Saturday, 2 February 1991
At 11:55 I had my gear in hand, a helmet, flight gear, chem gear, a can of beanies and weenies, and a newly-acquired bag of sour-cream-and-onion potato chips. I took one last quick glance at the PME as I waited for the crew van. Today was the first day in a long time that I’d seen the windows open and the shades drawn though the stagnant air still hadn’t cleared.
On the far side of the room, Fabulous was pressing a suit, of all things. He even had an ironing board. Fabulous was smooth. Big John was fussing with his bags. I didn’t know what he was all worked up about but he didn’t seem to be in a good mood.
I heard the crew van pull up. My heart began to beat a little faster as I stepped outside. The driver was Mike from the crew. “Where’s your flat top?” I called out. His reply was sort of a snarl. Mike had a way of doing that. “You here to alert us?”
“No. Didn’t you hear, you’ve been bumped back two hours.”
“Two hours? Shit. What am I supposed to do for two hours?”
Mike snarled again. “You seen Big John?”
“Yeah, he’s fussing with his bags.” I was about to head for the rec tent to tell Happy and Cowboy about the delay when the glare in Mike’s eye stopped me cold. I knew him fairly well, so I knew something was wrong. “What’s up?”
“Big John’s going home today. You want to tell him I’ll be back in forty-five to pick him up?”
I glanced at my watch. “At 12:45?”
“Yeah, thanks,” replied Mike. Before I could say anything, he hopped back into the crew van and started off.
I almost headed back into the PME, but then I remembered Happy and Cowboy waiting in the rec tent. They must’ve had CNN blaring to not hear the crew van pull up.
“We’ve been bumped back two hours,” I yelled, ducking my head into the tent as I unzipped it. “Hey, Happy. Man, you want to come talk to Big John with me? Something’s up. I don’t know what, but they’re sending him home. He doesn’t look too good.”
Happy may have been obnoxiously perky, but he understood people. He knew what made them tick, or so it seemed. “Sure, no sweat,” he answered.
Big John was still fussing with his bags. His face was bright red. It was strange because he was otherwise the most mild-mannered individual I knew. It was only his size that threw people off. Most figured anyone that big had to be an animal, but he wasn’t. He was a teddy bear.
“Hey, Big John, Mike said he’d be back at 12:45 to pick you up. You look like you need some help. You packing?” Big John didn’t answer; I nudged Happy.
“Shit, Big John, you look bad,” Happy said in his usual jocular manner. “What’s wrong, someone die?” I could tell he didn’t mean for the words to come that way, they just did.
Big John stopped fussing with his bags and tears came into his eyes. “I’m going home,” he said. “They’re sending me home. Can you believe it?”
Fabulous was still ironing his suit, doing a good job of acting as if he didn’t hear a thing. He might not have because of the music playing in his ears from his Walkman, but I was fairly certain he was listening. Our training made us preternatural curious types; listening was part of the job.
Happy and I helped Big John disassemble his cot. He didn’t say anything for the longest time. Neither did we. Happy had that usual dumb smile on his face—I imagined he’d probably die with that same grin on his face some day.
We were in the middle of stacking Big John’s bags outside, chem gear, flight gear, and A-bags, when Big John unfolded two pictures from his wallet.
“These are my kids.” He handed the pictures to me. Right then I expected him to tell us that one of them had died. But he didn’t.
“They’re cute,” I said handing the pictures to Happy. Big John didn’t even break a smile.
Happy looked at the picture for a moment as if he was remembering something he had been trying to forget. “How old are they?”
“John junior is seven. Samuel there is five.”
Happy handed John back the pictures.
“Cute kids,” I repeated.
Big John stood there a moment rather glumly, and then he took two folded up drawings from his flight suit chest pocket. “I received these in the mail along with a letter two days ago. My wife Anna isn’t doing too well. You know, when I first looked at those pictures, I saw only our plane and the mountains. That second picture there looked rather like a forest, till I put on my glasses. I don’t much care for wearing my glasses, you know, only when I fly.”
I stuttered, trying to say something in response but stopped instead. I was glad I didn’t say anything, because as Happy handed me the drawings I saw shock on his face—and here I’d just thought about that dumb smile glued to his lips until the day he died.
“She told me things were fine but that John junior was having troubles in school with his teachers. Then I get this letter. See there, I thought those were gray clouds at first, and then I looked closer. It’s smoke. There’s fire. That second picture there my youngest drew. Where do they come up with these things?”
“I wish I knew,” I replied. The second drawing wasn’t of a forest but row after row of crosses. It was a cemetery and under one of them was a little sign that read, “Daddy.” That’s about all it took to bring me near tears.
“My wife’s not taking this separation too well,” began John after a long awkward silence. “She’s been telling my sons that Daddy will never be coming home unless, of course, it’s in a canvas bag. You know, I was fine until Thursday. I told her nothing like that could ever happen, and then it did happen. I don’t know anymore.”
Big John paused. There were tears in his eyes now. “I got a phone call late last night. That’s when I heard the news about Anna.” He continued in a barely audible whisper, “I’m glad I’m going home or otherwise I would’ve had a breakdown like Anna. I nearly did. I lost complete control yesterday. That’s never happened to me be
fore.”
“Kids are a lot tougher than you think, Big John. You go home and things’ll turn out all right.”
“I don’t want things to turn out all right. I want them back the way they were before. What am I going to do without Anna?”
“They’re cute kids, John,” began Happy. “They’re young. You go home and you tell them you love them. Spend a few days concentrating on nothing but them. You’re leaving, John. Good God, the war’s behind you. With the stress gone, Anna will bounce back. You’ll see.”
Silence followed. Big John, Happy, and I stood awkwardly waiting for Mike to return, which he did at exactly 12:45. Happy and I put Big John’s bags into the back of the van, and then we said a quick goodbye. That was the last time I saw Big John. He caught a transport headed to Germany just as we were entering ops to go fly. He never came back.
The story continues with
Baghdad or Bust: Air War #3.
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AAA
Anti-Aircraft Artillery. Most Iraqi AAA ranged from short range 23mm to long range 130mm artillery. Small caliber weapons fire vast amounts of rounds and rely largely on this high number of shells to destroy the target. Large caliber weapons fire large shells, which contain an explosive charge (detonated at altitude) to scatter a great number of fragments. Most AAA systems rely on command and control communications and radar to help target enemy aircraft and are largely mobile.
AAM
Air-to-Air Missile. Most fighters are equipped with AAMs, which are used to destroy enemy aircraft.
AIM
A type of air-to-air missile. The AIM-7 (radar-seeking missile) and AIM-9 (heat-seeking missile) are widely used by US fighters.
Alarm
There are four conditions of alarm associated with possible nuclear, biological, chemical and/or conventional attacks. With the exception of the all clear signal, the alarms require the donning of protective gear and assuming defensive posture. See All Clear, Alarm Black, Alarm Red, Alarm Yellow.
Alarm Black
Nuclear, biological or chemical contamination is expected or present.
Alarm Red
Alarm condition that means an attack is imminent or in progress.
Alarm Yellow
Alarm condition that means an attack is probable.
All Clear
Alarm condition that means to resume normal wartime activities.
ASM
Air-to-Surface Missile. Smart ASMs launched from fighters are very effective in destroying their targets.
AWACS
Airborne Warning and Control System. Refers to the E3A Sentry aircraft and/or its associated airborne radar system used to detect enemy aircraft and direct friendly aircraft to intercept them.
Bandit
An enemy aircraft. Usually a fighter.
Bogie
An unidentified (possibly hostile) aircraft/fighter.
Buff
Refers to the B-52. A heavy bomber capable of delivering a substantial payload.
C3CM
Command Communications and Control Counter Measures. Tactics for denying enemy command and control communications through jamming and other electronic means.
CAP
Combat Air Patrol. Normally a group of one to four F-15C, which provide air support and are directed to intercept enemy aircraft by AWACS.
Control
The ground controller at the operations center.
Dogfight
Aerial combat with friendly fighters pitted against enemy fighters.
Eagle
Refers primarily to the F-15C, an air superiority fighter used for air support. Could also refer to the F-15E Strike Eagle which can be used for deep interdiction missions. The F-15C and F-15E are very similar and it is difficult to tell the two aircraft apart. However, the F-15E normally carries a payload along with its air-to-air missiles.
EC-130
Electronic Combat configured C-130, the Gray Lady. One of the most capable electronic warfare aircraft in the US inventory, it is primarily a communications jammer. The many different EC-130 configurations are denoted with a suffix. The experimental models flown in the Persian Gulf have since been decommissioned due to budget issues.
Egress
Exiting the sensitive/critical area where enemy activity can be expected.
Environment
The targeted area where most enemy activity can be expected to originate from.
EW
Electronic Warfare. Primarily the use of counter measures (like jamming) and other electronic means to detect and counter enemy communications and radar.
Falcon
F-16. A superior air-to-air/air-to-ground capable aircraft. Excellent for close-in dogfights.
Ingress
Entering the sensitive/critical area where enemy activity can be expected.
Jam
To deny/degrade enemy command and control communications through electronic means. Effective against AAA, SAM sites, and enemy aircraft by blocking communications and/or radar.
Jam window
Refers to times when the EC-130 aircraft must jam to support an inbound wave or package group.
JP-4
Jet fuel.
KC
Refers to the KC-130, KC-135 or KC-10 aerial refueler. US fighters such as the F-15 and F-16 use KC for aerial refueling. Aerial refueling is vital for fighters that provide air support and conduct long-range missions.
Life Support
Group responsible for maintaining aircrew gear, which includes helmets, oxygen masks, and air chemical protection gear.
MCC
Mission Crew Commander/Controller. An officer who controls the mission crew of an aircraft such as the EC-130 or AWACS.
MCS
Mission Crew Supervisor. A senior enlisted crewmember who often coordinates with other EW assets.
MiG Sweep
A forward CAP dedicated to intercept enemy aircraft.
MPC
Mission Planning Cell. Performs auxiliary duties such as planning, coordination and duty driving.
MRE
Meal Ready to Eat. Field or combat rations consisting of packaged and largely dehydrated foods. MREs contain a main item such as barbecued pork, hot dogs, or ham; a vegetable item; and a dessert such as a brownie. Also usually included is instant coffee or hot chocolate and crackers with peanut butter, jelly or cheese.
Nomex
The material flight suits, flight jackets, and flight gloves are made out of. It is designed to resist flames.
NVG
Night Vision Goggles. NVG are very similar to binoculars except they allow you to see in the dark. Small and distant lights can be reflected through the green of the viewer. Afterburners reflected in NVG are normally a very bright green.
Ops
The operations center. A center of control for missions and crews.
Package
A group of friendly aircraft, which usually includes fighters, bombers, and radar jammers projected to enter enemy territory. A package normally refers to more than one wave (or groups) projected inbound into enemy territory.
Pad
An aircraft’s hardstand or parking area.
Raven
Refers to the EF-111. A capable radar jamming aircraft.
RC
Refers to the RC-135. A reconnaissance aircraft.
SAM
Surface-to-Air Missile. Iraq’s SAMs ranged from handheld Stingers, to mobile SA-13 air defense units, to fixed sites such as SA-2 sites. SAMs are fired at enemy aircraft. SAM sites/units depend on radar and command and control communications for their effectiveness.
SCIF
Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a high security, restricted access facility.
SP
Security police. A security police officer.
Splash
Knocking an enemy fighter/aircraft out of the sky (destroying it).
Squawk
Refers to an aircraft’s channel or radio frequency.
Thunderbolt
Refers to the A-10, a ground attack aircraft.
Tower
The air traffic controller at base.
Wave
A group of friendly aircraft, which usually includes fighters, bombers, and radar jammers projected to enter enemy territory. Part of a package.
Weasel
Refers to F-4G fighter. A capable fighter that can locate and then destroy enemy electronic emissions. Also used for reconnaissance.
Window
(see Jam window)
Timeline
Start of the Persian Gulf War
Wed., 16 Jan Alert
Thursday, 17 Jan Fly to Turkey
First week deployed
Friday, 18 Jan 1st combat flight
Saturday, 19 Jan 2nd combat flight
Sunday, 20 Jan 3rd combat flight
Monday, 21 Jan 4th combat flight
Tuesday, 22 Jan 5th combat flight
Wed., 23 Jan 6th combat flight
Thursday, 24 Jan 7th combat flight
Second week deployed
Friday, 25 Jan 8th combat flight
Saturday, 26 Jan 9th combat flight
Sunday, 27 Jan 10th combat flight
Monday, 28 Jan 11th combat flight
Tuesday, 29 Jan 12th combat flight
Wed., 30 Jan 13th combat flight. First major ground offensive
Thursday, 31 Jan 14th combat flight
Third week deployed
Friday, 1 Feb No flight
Saturday, 2 Feb 15th combat flight
Sunday, 3 Feb 16th combat flight
Monday, 4 Feb 16th flight ends
Tuesday, 5 Feb 17th combat flight
Wed., 6 Feb 18th combat flight
Thursday, 7 Feb no flight
Fourth week deployed
Friday, 8 Feb 19th flight
Saturday, 9 Feb 20th combat flight
Sunday, 10 Feb 20th flight ends
Monday, 11 Feb 21st combat flight