Golf Cart vs. Police Car
In the previous post, I had mentioned the “High-Speed” chase with local Officials and this sparked a few emails and desires for elaboration. Therefore, please bear with me as I set the stage:
In my early years of learning military aviation, my squadron held a regular Pacific Oceanic mission. Part of this mission included the frequent supply, re-supply, and equipping of Kwajalein Atoll. The mission was usually an operational stop where the crew would offload any passengers or cargo, then refuel the aircraft for the next flight and load any passengers or cargo prior to departing. Only two reasons the aircraft and crew would remain over night: 1) Aircraft malfunctions requiring heavy maintenance or parts; and, 2) Weather. The Island was right out of a dream, picture in your mind the perfect tropical island with only a mild populace- this is Kwajalein!
Known for their mischievously fun loving nature, military aircrews remain under close observation with many “Prior” warnings heeded and Kwajalein Atoll was no exception to the rule- even on this night. You see, Island life is basic and simple with no wild casinos, no bright night clubs, nor other late night industries. Landing the aircraft with a questionable maintenance problem; this story begins with the following question, “Would the crew take off with the problem, or remain over night until the appropriate materials and craftsmen arrive the next day?”
Following the decision to remain over night, the aircrew removed their luggage from their craft and checked into Billeting (Military Hotel). Requiring no automobiles, due to the size of the island, the crew was issued a fully charged golf cart. The crew decided to proceed to chow (food) followed immediately with a dip in the Salt Water Pool and more than a few alcoholic beverages from the local store. After the swim, one crew member, Paul, turned up drunk, and missing; but, he did leave behind one shoe (flip-flop) .
Leaving the pool, the group decided to meet back at the bar, so off to the rooms to for dry clothes. Driving the Electric Cart back to Billeting, the Security Police pulled everybody over and gave notification “The Carts are not permitted to be driven during dark hours”. The crew acknowledged and headed away to change. Nobody gave a second thought in returning with the Golf Cart to the bar, and again the crew was pulled over with the same warning. During the conversation, one patrolman mentioned the reason was due to the lack of headlights and the second returning escort began. Back at the rooms, the crew noticed Paul’s absence and decided to search the island for him. Two creative individuals brought out their Mag Lights and duct tape- the head light dilemma is now resolved. The search brought the crew further away from their rooms than previously planned and once again, the Security Police pulled the cart over. This time, the warning was clear- “Do Not Drive The Cart During Dark Hours.” And, everybody was escorted back to the rooms. Remembering Paul’s desire to see another location on the Island, the crew decided this is where the search should be conducted. Understanding this location as not regularly patrolled, again the Golf Cart was used to expedite the search for Paul- with no luck.
While driving the Cart around the base, the headlights of the Security Police cars gave notice of their location and direction. The game has now begun. Can the crew effectively find Paul, prior the Security Police discovering us, our cart, and the Mag light “fix”? For quite some time; yes, as the cart would enter an intersection, or turn, the area ahead was thoroughly scanned. Then, full throttle to the next check point.
Paul was discovered at the bar singing karaoke- without a karaoke machine, music, or microphone. The bartender requested his removal as they require shoes (plural). Paul’s argument maintained in replacing the single flip-flop onto the other foot; thereby, you guessed it, a set of shoes. After some discussion, Paul agreed in returning to Billeting and we departed. At the first corner, the Security Police were waiting for the cart and its operators. Let the races begin. At approximately five miles per hour, the Golf Cart was attempting to reach the Billeting before the Security Police Cruisers.
The Golf Cart was confiscated at the Billeting office, with the Officer’s admiration in our creativity, and the crew instructed of the night’s conclusion.
Be Safe,
Reach
In my early years of learning military aviation, my squadron held a regular Pacific Oceanic mission. Part of this mission included the frequent supply, re-supply, and equipping of Kwajalein Atoll. The mission was usually an operational stop where the crew would offload any passengers or cargo, then refuel the aircraft for the next flight and load any passengers or cargo prior to departing. Only two reasons the aircraft and crew would remain over night: 1) Aircraft malfunctions requiring heavy maintenance or parts; and, 2) Weather. The Island was right out of a dream, picture in your mind the perfect tropical island with only a mild populace- this is Kwajalein!
Known for their mischievously fun loving nature, military aircrews remain under close observation with many “Prior” warnings heeded and Kwajalein Atoll was no exception to the rule- even on this night. You see, Island life is basic and simple with no wild casinos, no bright night clubs, nor other late night industries. Landing the aircraft with a questionable maintenance problem; this story begins with the following question, “Would the crew take off with the problem, or remain over night until the appropriate materials and craftsmen arrive the next day?”
Following the decision to remain over night, the aircrew removed their luggage from their craft and checked into Billeting (Military Hotel). Requiring no automobiles, due to the size of the island, the crew was issued a fully charged golf cart. The crew decided to proceed to chow (food) followed immediately with a dip in the Salt Water Pool and more than a few alcoholic beverages from the local store. After the swim, one crew member, Paul, turned up drunk, and missing; but, he did leave behind one shoe (flip-flop) .
Leaving the pool, the group decided to meet back at the bar, so off to the rooms to for dry clothes. Driving the Electric Cart back to Billeting, the Security Police pulled everybody over and gave notification “The Carts are not permitted to be driven during dark hours”. The crew acknowledged and headed away to change. Nobody gave a second thought in returning with the Golf Cart to the bar, and again the crew was pulled over with the same warning. During the conversation, one patrolman mentioned the reason was due to the lack of headlights and the second returning escort began. Back at the rooms, the crew noticed Paul’s absence and decided to search the island for him. Two creative individuals brought out their Mag Lights and duct tape- the head light dilemma is now resolved. The search brought the crew further away from their rooms than previously planned and once again, the Security Police pulled the cart over. This time, the warning was clear- “Do Not Drive The Cart During Dark Hours.” And, everybody was escorted back to the rooms. Remembering Paul’s desire to see another location on the Island, the crew decided this is where the search should be conducted. Understanding this location as not regularly patrolled, again the Golf Cart was used to expedite the search for Paul- with no luck.
While driving the Cart around the base, the headlights of the Security Police cars gave notice of their location and direction. The game has now begun. Can the crew effectively find Paul, prior the Security Police discovering us, our cart, and the Mag light “fix”? For quite some time; yes, as the cart would enter an intersection, or turn, the area ahead was thoroughly scanned. Then, full throttle to the next check point.
Paul was discovered at the bar singing karaoke- without a karaoke machine, music, or microphone. The bartender requested his removal as they require shoes (plural). Paul’s argument maintained in replacing the single flip-flop onto the other foot; thereby, you guessed it, a set of shoes. After some discussion, Paul agreed in returning to Billeting and we departed. At the first corner, the Security Police were waiting for the cart and its operators. Let the races begin. At approximately five miles per hour, the Golf Cart was attempting to reach the Billeting before the Security Police Cruisers.
The Golf Cart was confiscated at the Billeting office, with the Officer’s admiration in our creativity, and the crew instructed of the night’s conclusion.
Be Safe,
Reach
posted by Reach | 12:13 PM
2 Comments:
That's a pretty cool story. I like the idea of a golf cart sneaking around past a patrol car. I can imagine a police officer saying, hey, did you hear that? It sounded like a little electronic whirr.
OMG...you are law enforcements double nightmare...smart and determined.
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