Typhoons in Southern California

[charliegolf]

'The' Royal Air Force

Once, when holding on 30 Sqn, I blagged a Nellis trip, shepherding Jags, ISTR.

On the way into somewhere USA side, the pilot did the usual calls, Ascot this that and the other etc etc.

The ATC guy then asked:

Which service are you Sir?
Pilot: Royal Air Force
ATCO: Which Royal Air Force?
Pilot: THE Royal Air Force.
ATCO: Er, Roger that.

It was priceless, even though you probably needed to be there!

CG

[Jumping_Jack]

Reminds me of the 1990 trip to Marietta to celebrate 25 years of the C130 in RAF service. Aircraft was painted up with all the Sqn badges and a HUGE 25 up the tail. We arrived, taxied in with large Union Flag being held aloft the cockpit to greet the Lockheed workers who had been positioned with US and UK flags to wave. We trooped out to say hello and do some glad handing, first chap I meet looks at me (Royal Air Force on the old badge) and says 'So, where are you guys from?' - Doh!

[Randulatingar]

Jimjams sighted Saturday

The chaps were spotted in their finest jimjams Saturday afternoon, but no sign of them (and no signs at all) on Sunday. Aside from the RCAF / Snowbirds they were the only international visitor at the entire show (where USMC and USN only begrudgingly admit USAF as they have some bigger iron to fill up the flight line). Not a mention of them in the show program or by the announcers - although the Reds got a quick compliment - I guess they just don't grunt the right kind of 'Hooo-raaah' for a USMC show. Real shame, two abandoned Typhoons presented with all the prestige of the neighboring hot dog stand - locals swore they were Tornadoes, Belgian ones perhaps. Good show though, by local standards.