“Can’t see
anything skipper, not a thing!” The Second Officer’s voice was taught and
strained, like the eyes that were searching for any visual clues.
Darkness and blowing
snow, a nasty combination when you’re walking, but even worse when you’re
trying to land over 700,000 pounds of aircraft on a temporary runway made of
ice. The word ‘dangerous’ was invented for this highly secret mission, and
it would take all his skills, and then some, for the pilot to accomplish it.
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“THERE!” shouted
the S.O., and he pointed about ten degrees to starboard. Two lines of twinkling
lights stretched out toward the darkness, and a gentle turned lined the huge
aircraft up between them. Throttles were reduced, and flaps extended…
Very few people were
privy to what was transpiring, and the general public would never have believed
it. But here was a C-5 galaxy loaded with toys. Various logistical problems had
created a shortage at a secret location near the North Pole, and the Air Force
had stepped up with the amount needed. “Can’t disappoint all the
children”, the President had said, “They’re future voters!”
For this flight the
aircraft had been ceremoniously repainted in brown overall, with a large red
nose. The maintenance crews may have been sworn to secrecy, but there were no
orders saying that they couldn’t have fun.
The tires impacted
with a thud, instead of the normal screech, and four powerful thrust reversers
were brought to bear. Once stopped, many small and gaily dressed individuals
swarmed into the cargo deck, grabbing items and scurrying back out to the
waiting reindeer that were to carry them back to the distribution point a short
distance away.
Sipping a mug of
steaming hot chocolate as he watched, a smile crept across his face. The most
difficult part was over, and he would soon be taking his aircraft and crew back
home. 'Christmas dinner next week', he thought, 'and I can be proud to have made
the day a success.'
Colonel Rudolph
Deere was pleased.
Dave
Bailey
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