To the Editor:
There are a lot of veterans and retirees in New Jersey. I enjoy my talks with them from time to time. Army and Marine veterans/retirees are very interesting especially those who actually experienced combat. I am always in awe of their stories about their experiences, some of which are harrowing to say the least. Some I think are a bit embellished.
Navy veterans are indeed interesting, especially those that served in WWII. I have yet to find any “submariners.” Navy veterans tell me that submariners are a special breed and not everyone was suited for submarine duty. One sailor said that only the “nutty” ones became submariners, but he said he would not say that to their face. I intend to make a trip down to Cape May Coast Guard station and parts thereof in the near future to see if I can locate and talk with veterans of our excellent Coast Guard forces.
My talk with these brave veterans/retirees gives me the unique opportunity to share with them my service in the Air Force and my two distinct careers. I was a Jet Engine Technician and also an Air Force Historian. Talking about the workings of jet engines is boring to those not familiar with that skill, but history of our Air Force seems to always be a conversation starter and crowd pleaser. At least it is for me.
One of the highlights of my career was maintaining a very unique aircraft that was short-lived in the Strategic Air Command of the USAF. Later, as a historian I got to record not only my personal experience with this fantastic aircraft but its history from conception in 1956 to its retirement in 1969. I am talking about the Convair B-58 M2 “Hustler” supersonic bomber. It looked like a mosquito with engines. It was reported to be so fast that it could take off, travel 5000 miles and land before its shadow disappeared from the ramp. Now those Airmen would not make that up would they?
For those who might be interested, go online and type in Convair B-58 “Hustler” bomber and you should see some interesting data and information. For all you Navy, Marines, Army and Coast Guard guys and girls, yes you flew some aircraft as well, but the U.S. Air Force owned the skies.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
