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P-38 Fighter Plane Discovery in the coastal sands of Wales
If
you hit this site while searching for more information on the American P-38
recently found in shallow British waters…alternately covered and uncovered
by the sand… you are not alone. Go Remote page hits have increased
reflecting the interest in this and related stories. The P-38 “Lightening”,
SN 41-7677, was actually discovered Last year in the sands of a beach in
Wales . The recovery is scheduled for the spring of 08.
If the aircraft is
the P-38 “F” from the 49th Squadron of the 14th
Fighter Group, 8th Air Force it was on a training mission flown
by 2nd Lt. R. Fredrick Elliott who was towing a “dart” (not the
term used then) as a practice/tow target on Sep. 27, 1942. Some detailed
sources report that accident investigation records reflect that Lt. Elliott
failed to switch from his aux fuel tanks to his main tanks… failed to
properly recognize the cause of one engine failure and, after turning for
home, suffered the failure of the second engine on his approach two miles
out. Unable to make the airfield – took the “next best” flat area… shallow
water or beach. It turned out to be shallow water. Lt Elliott survived the
crash landing and was faulted for the fuel error. The 49th moved
to combat missions in North Africa in October of 1942.
Lt. Elliott was
first shot down and made a forced landing with his wingman in Tunisia
following a mission with heavy flack damage ... and both apparently made
their way back to the unit to fly again. During a bomber escort mission,
from Atcham on December 5th 1942 in support of Operation Torch,
Lt Elliott was with 5 other P-38 pilots when they encountered “ten to
fifteen” German fighters, Me 109s. Two days prior to that Lt. Elliott had
tangled with German fighters and been credited with “damage” to an Me 109.
This time 5 of the 6 P-38’s failed to return to base – two survived crash
landings, two were later confirmed killed in action – and Lt. Elliott … was
never found – nor was his P-38. The somewhat lame explanation being it is
“possible” his plane crashed in one of the area lakes.
The rest of the
story – Lt Elliott is among the 78,000 BNR (bodies not recovered) from
WWII.
Our hope is that
Lt. Elliott and his fellow airmen are recognized at least as much as the
P-38 to be placed in a British museum. It saddens me that some Associated
Press accounts of the P-38 find have failed to mention Lt Elliott and his
history.
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Check this page
again for more details on Lt. Elliott and other American patriots.
If you want to be notified when this page is updated – send
an e-mail with “update” in the subject line. Your e-mail will not be
shared.
Above, Left to Right: Capt. Lewis Lockhart, Blue
2/wingman,
Steve, Josh Baxter, Producer/Director,
Col. Charles O'Sullivan, Blue 1, subject of the New Guinea survival
account.
Photo taken at Hot Springs Festival Reception at the Blue Moon Gallery.
Click poster below for larger view. (will open in a new window) |
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The
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and the Premier of Injury Slight.
(www.injuryslight.com)
Wow! October 20th
was the premier of “Injury Slight, Please Advise,” the incredible,
documentary film that re-enacted the account of the WWII P-38 fighter
pilot, Col O’Sullivan, that crash landed in the Remote wilds of New
Guinea during WWII. (The title is from the brief radio message sent
after escaping natives, and surviving a month in the jungle …with no
boots.)
Double WoW! The original
pilot, Col “Sully,” and his wingman Capt. Lewis Lockhart were the
primary sources of the accurate first person account for the film. They
were both present for the premier showing. It is easy to see why they
are from the Greatest Generation.
Triple WoW! Col Sully, Capt.
Lockhart, plus the rest of us minor role players involved with the
production by Josh Baxter were hosted by… the most gracious, most
southern, most friendly and most enthusiastic co-chairs Vicki Hinz and
Brad Hudgens and their group of volunteers. If you can find Any event
run by a more friendly and accommodating group… I want to see it.
Malinda Herr-Chambliss is the fulltime executive director of the Hot
Springs Documentary Film Institute. She does the year round coordination
of the nonprofit effort and is equally enthusiastic. This ain’t their
first rodeo. The 16th Festival is beginning to get the
industry recognition it likely deserves (I say “likely” only because I
know so little about film festivals—but I know enthusiasm.) This year
was said to be bigger and better since they screened and had received
documentary films from over 1,000 producers, including foreign
countries, anxious to be recognized. They only selected 100 of those
for the ten day festival. “Injury Slight” was fortunate to be among
them.
Festival or not, the entire Hot Springs community is fully in character
as a charming and friendly, completely southern place. It reminds me, as
a veteran, there are still patriotic supporters of this nation and it
includes those who support documenting prior military service.
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Passport
Requirements for U.S. Entry:
Go Remote Adventures outside the U.S. have always required a U.S.
passport or, if holding a foreign passport, a multiple entry visa.
If you apply for a U.S. passport – or passport renewal -- be sure to pay
attention to the photo requirements … to withstand heat… which pretty
well eliminates printing your photo, even when properly sized, on a
local printer.
The link is
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_840.html.
And the fee ... does heavy damage to $100.
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Passenger Rights, (Feb 16, 07)
Thanks to the poor management of JetBlue, the issues of passenger rights
are again a hot, (hotter?) topic. In addition to the American Airlines
incident in Austin , TX , in December of 06, when AA diverted for a
thunderstorm and held on the ramp for hours – now JetBlue in New York
has joined the “hold them hostage” parade and the calls for government
legislation to save us all – are increasing.
I’m unsure how many of you think the government has the solution … but I
have my doubts. There are a number of reasons I doubt the likelihood of
a government solution. Here are some of them:
A. Currently, there is only a “voluntary code of conduct.” The
“standards,” and that word is really a stretch, are vague. If you are
wondering what those “voluntary standards” are … good luck … I couldn’t
find them on a Google search. I did locate a code of conduct for United
– they are going to abide by all applicable governmental laws, rules and
regulations. Perhaps I could hire on with United as an expert in
“standards” writing.
B. There are few existing, if any, regs on aircraft on the regulation
for airlines with passengers on the ground One Associated Press story
says, “Currently there are no government regulations limiting the time
an airline can keep passengers on grounded aircraft .“ Since I don’t
always believe what I read in Associated Press, I doubt that. However,
it is clear that airlines are not concerned with holding passengers for
extended periods of time, sometimes without toilets operating, without
comfortable temperatures, water or food. Sometimes, the “holding” times
exceed NINE hours during the time the “comforts” deteriorate. Could it
be airlines are confident their own lobby groups will support them and
no meaningful laws will be passed or no meaningful penalties will be
levied?
C. Some airlines don’t even “subscribe” to the voluntary guidelines. I
suspect they are the ones who have avoided the threat of adverse
actions…. And in settling a dispute they had to offer something, no
matter how meaningless. I also suspect they may be the ones who were
willing to offer a free “voucher” – good every year for a round trip on
July the 34th – if there is a full moon but subject to other
restrictions and availability. That said, they still get dim wits to
accept them. My compliments go the former AA passengers in the Austin
hostage delay that have not allowed the incident to die by accepting a
free voucher.
D. Airlines have lobby power and influence, passengers don’t.
That concludes the list of my basic reasons I doubt there will be a
government resolution.
Have you ever considered what you might do if you were stuck as an
airline hostage, without working toilets, for more then five hours and
within sight of the terminal? I have….
A couple of things come to mind immediately --- First: A seven million
dollar settlement that was paid by Northwest from their hostage incident
in Detroit in 1999 during a snow storm.
Second: The penalty of interfering with the duties of a flight crew
member—as I recall it is about $10,000 and five years in jail. Part of
the problem being that it is the crew who decides, at least initially,
that you “interfered.”
With both of those points in mind--- I would likely have an immediate
vision problem – I can’t see staying on the aircraft for hours …
especially without a working toilet. My health condition would DEMAND I
be evacuated… I might even get high blood pressure that could cause me
to think I was having a heart attack. Before things get this bad – I’d
do my best to collect names and lead a rebellion – perhaps getting
everybody to call the local 911 if it became an emergency.
My expectation is – The airlines will continue to placate both
passengers and lawmakers with a few token gestures, not an enforceable,
meaningful Passenger Bill of Rights. Time will tell.
My solution – is to vote with your selection of your airlines and –
don’t be so gullible. My friend says, “People will treat you how ever
you allow them to treat you.”
Go Remote – sometimes you can load your own bags and sit by the
pilot. |
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Nikon
service ... or the lack of it for Nikonos V
Most underwater photographers know that Nikonos V
cameras are no longer available from Nikon, although Nikonos V cameras were
"the" underwater camera for many years following its 1983 introduction,
Nikon has discontinued the camera as soon as they began to get a bit of much
needed UW camera competition. For those of us like Go Remote Adventures that
have invested about $1,000 or more in strobes, lens, cases, etc. it is not
good news since the availability of required replacement O Rings has
apparently (almost) gone too. Yeah, I know it ain't a digital camera.
These comments offer some information
on Nikonos V O-ring parts replacement and ... Nikon lack of service.
After being unable to locate
replacement O-rings at various national camera suppliers – searching the
internet and a search of the Nikon home page turned up …Nothing. I finally
phoned a major camera repair firm and begged for the Nikon parts office
phone number. They gave me a number- not the right number since Nikon had
changed it – but after only 5 or 6 more calls and about an hour I was
connected with the parts person. (Note I did not say parts “lady”, in
California.)
I requested an O-ring set for a Nikonos V and was promptly told they no
longer sold Nikonos V O-ring sets. In a state of disbelief, I asked where I
could get O-rings for a Nikonos V, now worthless without them. She then
asked what the parts numbers were… and gave me a clue that all was not lost.
After some unfriendly bickering – she troubled herself as the parts person
to … go the extra mile .. and to look up the O-ring numbers. I then began to
describe the locations of the O-rings while she again was troubled to note
my request of all five rings plus …three for the SB Strobe. Asking for the
total price … knowing only that I had previously paid vendors about $15 plus
shipping for a set – the parts person was really over taxed… and told me SHE
didn’t have a total price…some rings were different prices ring number such
and such was $1.87. Since I could tell I was already in to this person’s nap
time – I gave her my cc number and address for mailing and hoped for …some O
rings.
This wasn’t my first rodeo with Nikon service, if “service” is the word. My
two prior ones over the years were concerning replacement of their faulty
strobe synchronization cord and later – the mandated recall of the early
model UW strobe lights with the minor problem of EXPLODING due to gas
build-up and ignition. Say what you will about the U.S. bureaucracy – they
protected the consumer on that one. I was among the many that got a
replacement, improved, strobe for only the cost of shipping.
The secret Nikon parts number I used is 310 414 8107 - feel free to give
them a call – not during their nap time, to get Nikon customer support that
is as friendly as a rattlesnake.
PS - I’ve reconsidered getting that Nikon D-50 or D-70 digital SLR
PPS – I got the O-rings but no pricing or phone number on the packing slip –
I guess I’ll know how much when I get the bill from the cc company.
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Prior news and views, Mar 05
Airline
Gotcha's
Checked Bag Charges
During a recent dive adventure to Belize, I narrowly
avoided being charged an added $200 for an “overweight” dive bag. ($100 each
way). Fortunately, I made some specific
inquiries, before departure, after being unable to find weight/size limits on the
Continental web site. My advance questions were a result of some “alerts” e-mailed to travel agents
concerning passenger complaints. The point is Check
With Your Airline concerning Checked Bag Limits before departure – the rules are
changing daily and differ among airlines.
In the hope of helping you avoid potential added
charges---here are some points on airlines’ recent added revenue techniques
(Gotcha’s) of the poorly managed and cash focused airlines:
[These descriptions are My Views … with the
exception of Southwest Airlines. ] In
addition, there are factual points concerning the government procedures for
“security” of checked bags.
Baggage rules involve both weight and size ( i.e. 70
lbs and 62 inches total width/height/length.) Airlines differ in their weight allowances
for checked bags and even in the number of bags allowed to be checked. Some airlines allow
two bags to be checked but will still charge up to $100 per destination – depart and
return - if one checked bag is over the single bag limit.
Again, know your specific airline’s
– current - rules before you go. Some
checked bag allowances are less than my example. (
See the footnote below for some airline rules or former rules ) *
SECURITY … or the LACK OF IT ( Checked Bag Locks )
Recently I’ve paid careful attention to the
wording and source of government/TSA checked bag “rules” about Not locking
checked bags. I’m aware of some industry legal issue debates about who may be held
liable (airlines or government) in the event of lost bags and/OR lost bag contents. Please note the two are Not the same. Some personal
travel or homeowners insurance policies may not cover “just” contents… only
the loss of the entire bag.
The U.S. Government hasn’t yet gone so far as
to claim authority to “legally” tell you Not to lock your checked bags. TSA
“SUGGESTS” you leave them unlocked. There is however, one big “however.”
Here’s the “However” – They may break the locks
and damage your bag IF they have reason/cause
to need to inspect it. Adm Loy, Director of TSA, has been quoted as saying they are not
liable for damages caused. (Keep in mind the expensive “detection” equipment,
where available .. is “working” with ~33% “false positives” that “require” hand search… and allow
“justification” for breaking the lock…even if damage is caused.) Please see
the wording that follows and …
The following is quoted from the TSA government web
page (http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/display?theme=53 as of
Jan. 15, 03:
TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break
your locks by keeping your bags unlocked. In
some cases, screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.
If your bag is unlocked, then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag.
However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag, then locks may have to
be broken. You may keep your bag locked if you choose, but TSA is not liable for
damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. oses.
In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use
to secure your bags as an alternative to locks. Until that time, you may want to
consider purchasing standard “cable ties,”
which can be found at your local hardware store. The 4 to 5 inch variety cable ties
generally work best since they are the easiest to remove at your destination and can be
used to close almost every bag with zippers. If TSA needs to inspect your bag, the
screeners will cut off the seal and replace
it with another seal.
Missing Contents
TSA
screeners exercise great care during the screening process to ensure that your contents
are returned to your bag every time a bag needs to be opened. TSA will assess, on an
individual basis, any loss or damage claims made to TSA. You may call the
TSA
Consumer
Response
Center
toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions.
END
QUOTE
The
number is valid, gets a person or a voice mail recorder for a return call, I checked.
WHAT YOU CAN DO…
Learn the current bag weight limits … record your information
source if you are told on the phone. Record
and document any charges for excess weight or size. Be
sure to note the names and times, receipts for the charges as well as the actual weight at
the counter upon check-in. These documents will support your claims or appeals later to
airline management…or to government.
Security
of checked bags…. Use tamper seals
Purchase plastic “locking” tie wraps
and attach them to “seal” your bags – that will provide an immediate
indication, if the plastic tie missing or broken, that your bag has been opened. It may
have items missing. ( If you are lacking
carry-on nail clippers, if they are not allowed that week, be prepared to chew through the
tie wrap upon arrival in your room.)
Note any claim before departing the airport
baggage claim with your airline rep. – or as soon as a loss is discovered
…including a police theft report … some insurance claims will require them.
You could also notify the police to be sure the
airline loss rate comes to the attention of police. Be
sure to record the names of persons to whom the loss is reported.
The Dont's …of checked bags
Don’t stack packed books inside; don’t
include food, bottled or canned liquids; don’t include wrapped packages; don’t
include film, exposed, non exposed or loaded cameras. Don’t overpack. Also, do not include loaded guns, unloaded
guns or ammo – without a note from your mother, the airlines and other required
documents.
As recently demonstrated by some arrested
passengers….don’t write any notes and place them in your bag expressing any
views about the intelligence of the government policy, the TSA, the security process, TSA
bag checkers, or their questionable parents… It is against the law…the
expressed view … not the questionable parents. The
part about arrested note writing passengers with the note enclosed in checked bags is
true… The rest is my view.
In the event your checked bags are hand searched
while you are present – before you check them – my advice is do not say anything
… unless your attorney is present … if you are allowed an attorney.
Enjoy your travels in the world’s freest
country. The price of freedom is not free.
About the writer…
Steve Cushman is the principal for Go Remote, Inc. Adventures, an adventure company
in its 13th year of active, serious, tropical adventures. His travel, outdoor training and combat experience
include over 20 years of worldwide adventure locations with the U.S. Army. Steve’s
bio is listed on the www.GoRemote.net web web site in greater detail. Steve may be
contacted via e-mail at Adventure@GoRemote.net.
Next article… Comments on the airline
“stand-by” and flat tire rule … your tire, not theirs.
* Footnote
…
Some
recent rules – that may no longer be current:
“The best has to be Southwest. It still
allows three pieces of checked luggage per passenger with a maximum weight each of 70
pounds. Some other major airlines, led by Northwest, now restrict passengers to two pieces
and just lowered the maximum weight to 50 pounds each. Northwest charges $25 bags up to 70
pounds and $50 for bags up to 100 pounds.”
Source: USA Today travel writer C. Woodyard dtd Dec 27.02
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TSA has cancelled this program - "security concerns" Feb. 06
The TSA Registered Traveler Program - Do you really need to?
Although it has
taken three years to develop, the TSA now has a program that allows you to
register, get a background check, pay $80 to $100 and go through the SAME
security checks at select airports. My view is this is strictly a vanity
program. The “advantage” is you don’t get in the Same security line but you
go through the SAME security screening process, plus one more check, at
“select” airports where the program is available.
It seems to me this
time “savings” is of limited or no value given the usual requirement for
advance boarding times, traffic and other time factors associated with
“normal” Unregistered traveler processing. Recent articles on the
Registered Traveler Program report that you may save as much as 4, Count’em,
FOUR minutes on the “expedited” security processing according to documented
studies. The other “benefit” is that after your fee and your background
check, you will be issued an ID card that has “computerized fingerprint
images embedded in biometric cards.” The theory is it will be used to
validate your ID electronically. My question is – Why would anyone pay
extra to go through the same security check – plus an added electronic
“verification”? (Perhaps it would be good if you are aware your name or
similar name is on the “watch list” confused with someone else who is a
“real” suspect.)
The background check
is really no big deal since anyone who has a gun permit, a loan request, a
job related to IT or related to anything government or government
contracting and countless other day to day things in today’s world ….has
already undergone a “background check” …even if you don’t know it. The ACLU
does not agree.
On the positive side
– perhaps TSA or private industry will use the fee on registered travelers
to begin some background checks on all those airport employees, from
construction to catering, who have access to the airplanes. Duhhhhh
Feel
free to send your view or experience on the topic -- Adventure@GoRemote.net
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