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top 200 commentsshow 500

[–]NittLion78 475 points476 points ago

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"Whatcha thinkin' about?"

"I dunno, airplane stuff, I guess."

[–]MrKrazybones 169 points170 points ago

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[–]NittLion78 8 points9 points ago

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That is tops.

[–]DastardDan 2 points3 points ago

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Makes more sense if the captions are switched with the thinking person looking off into the distance but this is hilarious anyways

[–]Polycystic 2 points3 points ago

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I have found the airplane stuff in question.

[–]Media_Offline 1 point2 points ago

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I was just thinking "oh this NEEDS to be a caption contest" but you, sir, have already won.

[–]johnofthedead 225 points226 points ago

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My view from a C-130 during earthquake relief operations in Japan. I'm in the Air Force.

[–]tomsaz 108 points109 points ago

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That's one of my helicopters! A6431 out of DM.

[–]johnofthedead 80 points81 points ago

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HAH! I just PCS'd from DM, but I worked with the 755th. Now I am with Special Operations.

[–]Anthaneezy 402 points403 points ago

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I don't know what you guys are saying, but it sounds awesome!

[–]furmat60 73 points74 points ago

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DM is Davis-Monthan is an Air Force Base in Arizona. 755th is the squadron that he was in. PCS means permanent change of station, which means he moved. A6431 is the type of helicopter.

I'm in the Air Force too. Out at the 729th in Utah.

I wish I could do some relief effort missions.

[–]UOP_Prof 6 points7 points ago

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you boys better get your asses back to work

[–]shadow1515 18 points19 points ago

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Is being in the Air Force interesting/fun work or is it just a pain in the ass? I am this close to joining the military due to lack of any decent jobs in the private sector, and from what I've read the Air Force seems like the best branch to work for.

[–]furmat60 36 points37 points ago

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It is the best branch. Once you get out of basic training and tech school, it's almost like a normal job (for most people). You deal with people you love to work with, and you deal with people you hate to work with. Some leadership is great, some are assholes. I love it, and I would definitely recommend it.

[–]shadow1515 9 points10 points ago

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One of my ex-AF buddies also told me that people with bachelor's degrees can get a direct commission as an officer. Is that true at all? Is it based on need/skillset?

[–]grindinghalt 8 points9 points ago

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talk to an AF recruiter about OTS (Officer Training School), and don't let them talk you into "going in enlisted and heading to OTS from there." It can work that way, but the selection rate is low.
If you have a technical degree (especially anything in engineering), it will make a huge difference. A degree is no guarantee of a commission as an officer, so you need to make sure you choose OTS...and nothing less. The pay and workload is VERY different between officer and enlisted.
Now, for a non technical degree. You can have a degree in most things and still get a commission if they have the slots available(job openings). you won't necessarily get a job based on your expertise, but a job is a job, am I right? for instance, when i worked in the Logistics field, loading cargo on aircraft, the officers above me had anything from math majors to English to underwater basket weaving (you get the idea).

You could be made any number of officer specialties(maintenance officer, logistics officer, contracting officer, intelligence officer, etc..) It really doesn't matter, as an officer, you'll start off managing people and will be taught the gist of what your workers will be doing. You might be a bit of a ppt monkey for a bit..but they pay, benefits, and locales more than make up for it.

[–]juaquin 6 points7 points ago*

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That's what defines an officer, so you would come in as an officer if they had need. I'm not sure what kind of position you'd get or anything, but by having a college degree you would come in as an officer (unless you specifically wanted to be enlisted).

[–]shadow1515 6 points7 points ago

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Sweet. I may have to make some recruiter's day and contact one to get some more info.

[–]PooDogShizzyShits 2 points3 points ago

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Is age a factor? Can you be too old, like 33yo? I have a BS in Engineering and have worked in Aerospace for several years but the thought of working in the AF has always appealed to me.

[–]citrusvanilla 3 points4 points ago

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good luck. OCS pipeline is closed until next year, backlog is tens of thousands deep. better chances of getting into harvard postgrad.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Don't listen to this guy, he likely had an easy job. On average I worked 10 hour days, many 12s and many, many missed weekends. I know many people who sustained life long injuries on the job and were exposed to many carcinogenic materials.

[–]Aavagadrro 14 points15 points ago

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I fucking loved it. I was Air Transportation 2T271, meaning I loaded cargo on the C130, C141, C17, C5, KC10, KC135, and commercial planes. We drove $2million vehicles within inches of the planes to load them, and loaded everything from pallets to trucks, tanks, and aircraft. I deployed all over the world, had lots of fun, got to do fun things with airplanes, the people are usually pretty awesome, and after you been in a while and make it to E5 the pay is pretty decent.

I never wanted to get out, and I would go back right now if I could.

I was 435 APS, 437 APS, 731 AMOG, 721 AMS. The best time of my life even serving during two wars. I have buds at DM and Nellis, and a few around the world I am still in contact with from 20 years ago.

Whatever you do, get a flying job like Loadmaster, Boom operator, or something on the ramp, like maintenance, cargo (really easy to get this job), or armaments. Working on the flightline beats being an office weenie or a cop any day. Why not work with or on the planes if you are in the USAF?

[–]simonphoenix 5 points6 points ago

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Whatever you do, get a flying job like Loadmaster, Boom operator, or something on the ramp, like maintenance, cargo (really easy to get this job), or armaments. Working on the flightline beats being an office weenie or a cop any day. Why not work with or on the planes if you are in the USAF?

As a former 3C051 (computer guy), I have to agree with this sentiment. I only spent 4 years in but the work was boring as hell. The overall experience of the military and the ability to land a nice paying job because of my security clearance made it worth it but if I could go back through, I would have picked something technical with regards to aircraft. The training I was provided as a computer tech was pathetic but I imagine had I done something specialized with aircraft, it would have been superb.

I did meet a lot of cross-trainees who came from the flightline (best work ethic out of all the cross-trainees). They'd share flightline stories and I would be enamored about how much cooler their previous jobs sounded. However, they said they were much happier to be inside in a climate-controlled building doing office work. Two sides to every coin, I suppose.

[–]apathybot 1 point2 points ago

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DON'T WORK MAINTENANCE!! I like working with my hands, but unless you enjoy being shit on by aircrew and supervision on a semi-regular basis, get a flying job. Inexplicable 12hr shifts, working in the weather, more beatdowns from leadership than I can count, and that's when we manage to generate aircraft..... Those guys in the pic are loads, and they have it plush. Aircrew can break the plane all day and then leave it with Mx and go have a beer. That's why I have last minute weekend duty to fix their fuckups. /rant

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]SomeSmith 1 point2 points ago

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Oh god, this is so very true. Stay away from aircraft maintenance and intel if you decide to do this.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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A crew chief? Impressive, which aircraft?

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Sweet, how many years in the AF?

[–]skbharman 23 points24 points ago

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It's cool how you turn off the rotor when you're refueling in mid-air...

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago

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It's so they don't cut the fuel line.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Xombieshovel 1 point2 points ago

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You fly out of DM? PLEASE FOR THE FUCK OF GOD STOP GOING OVER MY HOUSE AT A 30 FT ELEVATION. Nothing like being smacked against the ground by the down draft from a squad of Blackhawks.

[–]tomsaz 4 points5 points ago

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...Did you buy a house near an Air Force Base?

And in the most respectful manner possible -seriously, not to be a dick- but they're Pave Hawks (the more you know).

[–]Cramd 9 points10 points ago

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that is a great photo. I have never thought about a chopper refueling in flight. In this case is the plane going close to as slow as it can whilst the chopper is going close to as fast as it can travel?

[–]johnofthedead 13 points14 points ago

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Yeah you pretty much fly the C-130 low and slow to cut down on wind, and the helicopter pilot tries to catch the pod. Pretty nerve-racking if you ever get to watch it up close. Picture was taken with my iphone 4.

[–]Cramd 9 points10 points ago

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That is one hell of a shot for an iPhone. I would pay some big bucks to have a chance to sit back there for a flight.

[–]Stereo_Panic 27 points28 points ago

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You don't have to pay a dime. In fact... they will pay YOU to ride back there. Head on down to your local Air Force recruiter for more details!

[–]Cramd 12 points13 points ago

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I don't think they are looking for a 36 year old Canadian who sells software. Had I seen more photos like this when I was younger I am pretty sure I would have gone down that road.

I have much respect for those who have chosen to serve, and wish them all well!

[–]theresaviking 32 points33 points ago

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General O'Neil: Try and hack the terrorists local network!

Colonel Carter: I'm trying but the password questions are all references to obscure lower league hockey teams circa 1990!

General O'Neil: Daniel? (on video call), You know any of these?

Daniel: Sorry Jack, I can't quite hear you! If only my team-mates had reccomended a better video chat software package I'd be able to solve the issue entirely!

General O'Neil: If only we had a roughly middle aged Canadian with a better than average knowledge of computer software!

Everyone dies in a horrible explosion

[–]lunacraz 1 point2 points ago

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thank you for that. an upvote does not do this justice

[–]toomuchtodotoday 0 points1 point ago

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Can I keep my full time job? 28, make six figures, but need some god damn adventure outside of an IT gig. Air Force/Air National Guard reserves FTW?

[–]canadian_stig 4 points5 points ago

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How do you guys handle all the wake turbulence from the aircraft with the fuel?

[–]nbach 1 point2 points ago

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The wake comes mostly off of the tips of the wings and moves outward and down in a cone. So there is a fixed behind the aircraft where the is wake, and then clear area around it.

In fact, when you learn to fly gliders, you have to do an exercise called "Boxing the Wake".

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points ago

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[–]SAMDOT 11 points12 points ago

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Why did my computer freeze when the video ended?

[–]mungd 8 points9 points ago

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The chopper also hit the cables on your power supply. Stupid pilot.

[–]mr_blankend 4 points5 points ago

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you are not alone....

[–]TheRubyRhod 4 points5 points ago

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Ahh, I miss the C-130 shadows. We refueled MH-53 Pavelow helicopters in England until they were decommissioned. Being a civilian again is nice though.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]TheRubyRhod 1 point2 points ago

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Yep, 352 MXS. I worked hydraulics on the 53's till they left in 07, then switched to the C-130 side. Now that I think about it, the refuel system on these was a pain in the dick. Still fun to hang out on the back while flying though.

[–]JabbrWockey 2 points3 points ago

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Whoa - either you have a stellar shutter speed on that camera, or that helicopter is floating magically.

[–]BCMM 1 point2 points ago*

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Looks like really bright sunlight (therefore, short exposure). Under those circumstances; it's quite possible to take a photo in which the rotors of a helicopter appear frozen. The reason I'm surprised it came out so well is that the iPhone does not have a real shutter, causing interesting distortions to fast-moving objects.

Basically, each line of the photo is taken at a different time; in fact, the exposures of the top and bottom may not even overlap.

[–]whitefoot 21 points22 points ago*

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I'm in the Air Force.

Oh, I thought you were a seagull.

[–]PaperbackBuddha 2 points3 points ago

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I noticed the copyright text on OP's pic and got to wondering what the copyright status actually is for government employees for pictures created in the execution of official duties. I ran across that idea with some NASA stuff, and now am curious if the military covers any of that with you. On a related note, I lament that some of history's most iconic images are now owned by private entities like Getty Images and Bettman Archive.

[–]fiftyseven 2 points3 points ago

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I'm in the Air Force.

Read in the voice of Old Spice guy.

[–]ADavies 1 point2 points ago

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Nice work out there.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]epic_win 1 point2 points ago

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Do you fight in the Air Force? Or do only Marines and Army fight?

[–]thunderballer 3 points4 points ago

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This is actually a screenshot from Battlefield 3...

[–]ahoyhoy 79 points80 points ago

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Judging by their proximity to Star Fleet Headquarters, they probably just dropped off a Whale or two.

[–]xixoxixa 2 points3 points ago

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This being Reddit and all, I can't believe you've not gotten more upvotes than this.

[–]chilehead 41 points42 points ago

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It's all fun and games until James Bond shows up and drives a car in the back at about this point.

[–]slupo 22 points23 points ago

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"Did you ever find Bugs Bunny attractive when he put on a dress and played girl bunny?"

[–]kloober 14 points15 points ago

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Had the good fortune of taking a C130 ride when I was a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. After all us kids got done puking, they double-checked our straps and opened the back while doing turns over the Rockies. One of the most amazing sights I've ever seen with my own eyes.

[–]mdinstuhl 3 points4 points ago

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Sempers Vigilance! Former TN wing here.

We never got to ride along on a herc (even though our host unit was the 164th TAG) but we DID get to spend time at Ft. Campbell, KY. The 101st was nice enough to let us ride in their UH-60's and CH-47's.

My dad was a loadmaster on a 130 for about 20 years. He said there are two types of people that fly hercs - those who have puked and those who have not YET puked.

[–]defenestratingdoors 53 points54 points ago

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sorry if sounding dumb but is that the golden gate bridge?

[–]doitlive 44 points45 points ago

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It is, and they are heading out to sea.

[–]MvrnShkr 57 points58 points ago

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Are you sure? I think they're flying in from the Pacific- that's China in the distance.

[–]smokecat20 31 points32 points ago

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They can see Russia from that view too!

[–]myfajahas400children 9 points10 points ago

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So, I can see Russia from my house.

[–]iMissMacandCheese 1 point2 points ago

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You could totally be an ambassador.

[–]Article48 -1 points0 points ago

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TIL Sarah Palin is a redditor

[–]uppitynegro 16 points17 points ago

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wow you got the joke!

[–]F-Stop 2 points3 points ago

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Wait...you're joking.

[–]bvanman 3 points4 points ago

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So San Fran would be to the upper right, correct?

[–]justonecomment 11 points12 points ago

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The island in the middle is Alcatraz.

[–]bvanman 1 point2 points ago

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Ok, that puts things in perspective, because I went on a tour of Alcatraz when I was young and I remember looking back at the city from the island

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points ago

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More to the right side, actually, where the bridge lands. The far side of the bay is Oakland, from this perspective.

[–]Flufflebuns 9 points10 points ago

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OAK-LAND!

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago*

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Yes. The photograph is looking east from around here. Alcatraz Island (think The Rock and a bunch of other crappy movies if you're from elsewhere, which I gather you are) is in the aircraft's dust trail, as well. Further beyond is Treasure Island. San Francisco would be to the right, out of frame.

Not a dumb question, really, since a lot of Redditors aren't from the States.

[–]Beefourthree 23 points24 points ago

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The Rock was not a crappy movie.

[–]jarjarbinx 4 points5 points ago

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translation. The Rocksh warsh notsh a crappy movie.

[–]jb2lk 1 point2 points ago

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The best action movie of all time, actually.

[–]defenestratingdoors 1 point2 points ago

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ah, i knew it, just wasnt used to that point of view. thanks!

[–]Benjyman 23 points24 points ago

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Can someone explain to me why they don't just slide out of the back?

I'm sure its quite simple, but I've never asked anyone before!

[–]rocketpants85 63 points64 points ago

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The plane isn't currently accelerating. It's moving at a relatively constant speed, thus they stay in motion with the plane. They're not in the air stream, so the friction with the floor should be sufficient to hold them in place. And that whole tethering thing.

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago

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Oops - didn't see this

[–]unussapiens 10 points11 points ago

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Don't worry, the tether doesn't come into play until they fall. They're not falling mostly due to friction between their clothes and the ramp (which I presume has a texture designed to give good grip). They're sheltered enough that there isn't much turbulence to push them around.

[–]Knowltey 3 points4 points ago

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And added to that they are travelling just as fast as the plane.

[–][deleted] 24 points25 points ago

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The plane is not accelerating - they're going at the same speed as one. Folks flying out of planes in movies are simulating sudden decompression - and not realistically either :)

[–]Jox2236 5 points6 points ago

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Aside from friction, they are attached to the plane with a rope hooked onto one of those steel bars I believe. Edit: Tethered. Thats the word. Thank you posters above me.

[–]MrShow 12 points13 points ago

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They're tethered.

[–]TheClassic 57 points58 points ago

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Don't tell their wireless provider

[–]Liquid_Fire 3 points4 points ago

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Unless the plane is accelerating, they will be moving with the same velocity as the plane. The same reason you won't move towards the back of a moving plane if you just stand in the aisle (unless it's accelerating or decelerating, which is why you are expected to be in your seat at those times). It's just like a car or bus - if you're moving at more or less constant speed, you don't experience any backward or forward force.

There's also friction with the floor, which will counteract a small amount of acceleration.

Finally, they're tethered for safety.

[–]MikeOfAllPeople 1 point2 points ago

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There is probably much less wind than you would think (if that's what you're getting at). Think about sitting in the back of a pickup.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]modus 1 point2 points ago

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...Cruising a mile in the air.

[–]bazzage 4 points5 points ago

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On a smooth paved road. They would not look so casual in bumpy air.

[–]mathmat 1 point2 points ago

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Like what Rocketpants85 said. The only way to slide out is if the plane is moving relative to you (or vice versa). Since they aren't getting much air-resistance inside the plane (anything from the sides probably is countered by the static friction with the floor) they will stay put as long as the plane either maintains speed or slows down. Given that there's a military airfield just inside the bay, they're probably at risk of sliding back into the plane as the plane slows down. Just an fyi :p

[–]afrofuturist 3 points4 points ago

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They are tethered to the plane.

[–]jizzcicle 41 points42 points ago

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Does anyone know what the white circular things located on the top are?

[–]C0git0 5 points6 points ago

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Votive candles, to set the mood. Same ones I have over my patio.

[–]EPS_conduit 28 points29 points ago

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They are rollers. When loading large cargo, and particularly when air dropping, cargo can contact the upper door, either through buffeting or the doors hydraulics drooping (common problem on older hercs after a little while on the ramp without the compressor running). The rollers prevent damage to the door and help guide things in and out. Not all hercs have them installed.

They're never in the air stream, so they are aero freebies, though they do look funny. Sort of the aviation equivalent of genital warts.

[–]flood6 80 points81 points ago

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They aren't rollers. They are flare tubes. This is a search and rescue HC-130. The tubes are used to launch flares to mark positions on the ground or on the surface of the water.

If cargo is being loaded and anything firmer than a cotton ball impacts the rear door, the loadmaster(s) screwed up and there is a shitstorm. A shitstorm.

The rear door doesn't pop out of the lock. It is raised hydraulically then locks in up top. To release the rear door, you turn on the aux pump, raise the door off the lock, pull the release lever and let go of the switch that raises the door. Gravity slowly pulls the door closed. If it doesn't completely settle, you can use the same aux pump to push it closed.

I've never seen nor even heard of the rear door just popping out of the lock.

[–]Aavagadrro 6 points7 points ago

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Being the guy driving the forklift or K-loader, or pushing/spotting, I can attest to YOU DO NOT HIT THE PLANE WITH THE LOAD. Had some reserves put holes in planes, thankfully never on my load team. I had enough work to do as safety NCO with those idiots around.

Talk about a huge fucking mess and retraining for everyone involved, just dont hit the damn plane.

I have never seen rollers on the outside the plane. Air drop loads are configured so as not to hit the upper door when they slide out the back and rotate picking up the forward end of the pallet. Its a shame we dont do LAPES anymore, that was fun to watch and set up.

[–]KanedaMGM 8 points9 points ago

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It happened to me once. We were pressurizing on the way out of Amman and the bracket that holds the arm that rotates the spiderlock in the ramp broke so the door couldn't lock. I guess that is quite what you were saying but close. Funny thing is we had VIPs on board and they got pissed that they had to wait.

[–]flood6 3 points4 points ago

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lol. I used to LOVE breaking with VIPs on board. First, it meant that you would usually get fixed pretty fast and second, they get to see how shit actually works. :)

[–]KanedaMGM 7 points8 points ago

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No quick fix on that one. We "had" to stay in Amman instead of flying back to Kuwait. Poor us in the 5 star hotel :D

[–]Aavagadrro 3 points4 points ago

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The Kuwait Ramada or the Hilton? I spent two months in the Hilton and a month and a half in the Ramada on my last trip to the sandbox. What torture to stay there... and the per diem too!

[–]KanedaMGM 1 point2 points ago

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can't remember it was back in 05. It was the one with the Benihana in it. Which was quite a treat after the mess hall in Kuwait.

edit: Le Méridien

[–]Aavagadrro 1 point2 points ago

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Yeah the Camp Doha mess hall kinda sucked, the lobster and steak on Wed were a joke. Cooked by people who think burn it is perfect fucking TCNs. I didnt eat at Arifjan, hit the PX a couple times since they had better shit than Doha did. Had to prove we werent Army to get off that fucker.. lol. I was on the team that ran KCIA fall/winter of 04, had a great time. The last time I was in other countries than Kuwait was back in the first one 90-91. The Hilton in Kuwait is tits man.

[–]Ihasn 18 points19 points ago

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Tl;dr EPS_conduit is full of shit

[–]krookish 11 points12 points ago

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Nevermind your tl;dr, I honestly don't know why I read both with such interest and curiosity and attempt at deciphering for myself what they were actually saying, eventhough i have no business in this shit.

[–]djdes 5 points6 points ago

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TL;DR: barnacles.

[–]jizzcicle 1 point2 points ago

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Thanks for the explanation. I completely overlooked the possibility of something basic and practical and figured it was sensors or tech equipment.

[–]KinkyTimes 37 points38 points ago

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This is all it takes to make front page?! This is my job haha

[–]KanedaMGM 11 points12 points ago

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ex 41AS loadmaster here

[–]mungd 21 points22 points ago

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"Loadmaster" huh? Is that like a fluffer?

[–]KanedaMGM 10 points11 points ago

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yes, exactly

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]KinkyTimes 7 points8 points ago

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  1. Enlist in any Branch as Aircrew.
  2. ???
  3. Profit

[–]whubbard 7 points8 points ago

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[–]The_Drunk_IT_Guy 9 points10 points ago

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So is there a reason for having the back door open? Or do the just allow that for shits?

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points ago

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This looks more interesting.

[–]Staticbird 11 points12 points ago

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SHOPPED! The sun doesn't shine in the bay area.

[–]korravai 2 points3 points ago

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Waking up today was so depressing. 2011 in the Bay, the winter that NEVER ENDS.

[–]move_character_long 4 points5 points ago

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Shouldn't there be a shark jumping out of the water and grabbing their legs?

[–]EldarCorsair 8 points9 points ago

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Beautiful!

"Is that Alcatraz?" I see a few redditors ask....yes. The plane's flying westward, the Marin headlands are off to the left, Alcatraz island is on the far right, Treasure Island is just behind that, (a tiny bit of) Angel Island is off to the far left, Oakland's in the far background.

God, I really miss the Bay area...

[–]aixelsdi[!] 1 point2 points ago

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If I might ask, where did you move to?

[–]EldarCorsair 1 point2 points ago

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I've never lived in SF, only visited a handful of times. The only 2 places/vacations I've been/taken that regularly make me nostalgic and "homesick", for a place I've never lived (the other being Route 66).

If my wife and I weren't expecting our first child this fall and could find jobs, we'd move there in a heartbeat, though.

[–]Paulkoz 30 points31 points ago

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Men - Check.

Good view - Check

Cool plane - Check

See you guys on front page.

[–]canaznguitar 35 points36 points ago

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Why would pictures of men make it to the front page?

[–]Paulkoz 12 points13 points ago

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Well, I for one enjoy looking at men in uniform

[–]nekonyan 4 points5 points ago

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Some people like men.

[–]samsf90 9 points10 points ago

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more like.... PROOOOFFFIIIILLLLEEEEE PPIIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCCC

[–]myfajahas400children 4 points5 points ago

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Oprah is a Redditor?

[–]whitefoot 3 points4 points ago

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God I hate it when people say that about every semi decent photo of themselves they take.

[–]MikeBruski 1 point2 points ago

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just imagine if the men were holding cats

[–]simjanes2k 2 points3 points ago

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Real men don't put their locklines on while getting fresh air.

[–]deerein15 2 points3 points ago

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The coolest part about this plane: There is a flap/tuibe directly connected to the outside on the right/aft, that when the big doors are closed a man or very skilled lady can take a piss at about 20,000 Ft. Very liberating!

[–]Roxxorsmash 10 points11 points ago

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Yeahhh... Go Coast Guard! (I think? We're not the only ones who fly C-130's)

[–]whubbard 10 points11 points ago

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There's no better location to view the Golden Gate Bridge than from a Coast Guard C-130...Note the trail of dust left behind from our engines.

http://origin-www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Coast/Lockheed-HC-130H-Hercules/1282579/&sid=01cb432f139bbcbea2efd1a45e68f455

[–]DeLoreanMotorCars 17 points18 points ago

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Everyone uses the C-130. My second deployment out of Iraq was in a C-130 flown by a marine.

[–]WiseGuy1020 8 points9 points ago

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Literally, almost everyone.

[–]specialkake 2 points3 points ago

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Ex coastie here, too.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points ago

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sandbaggers

[–][deleted] ago*

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[deleted]

[–]SonicSam 1 point2 points ago

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Actually Two Llamas and NSFWFullStop. Well played. ಠ_ಠ

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Stevvo 15 points16 points ago

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You would be wearing a tether if the back is open like that.

[–]unussapiens 2 points3 points ago

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You can see a tether leading from each man to somewhere further back in the hold. Long enough to let them hang out by a meter or two, I'd say, but should still keep them high enough not to die.

[–]punchingtrees 5 points6 points ago

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Just high enough not to die, welcome to my life.

[–]pdb01 1 point2 points ago

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You would spend the rest of the flight hanging from a tether then...

it would give you something to think about I suppose...

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]mistaleak 1 point2 points ago

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Why am I sitting, working at a desk right now?

[–]melba_dm 1 point2 points ago

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Wow I love this pic!!

[–]cryogenisis 1 point2 points ago

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That's Angel Island (Other side of the bridge,L hand side,almost out of frame) I was there last week and took these pix.

I live in the Bay Area and I had no idea there were even buildings on that island, never mind olden-days troop hospitals.

[–]FBIorange 1 point2 points ago

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Tethered, yes, but I don't understand how you would be able to reel one of the guys back in if he fell

[–]jayknow05 2 points3 points ago

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I have a friend who is in a National Guard Chinook unit. When they were doing training flights they'd hang guys out the windows just for fun.

[–]pukesickle 1 point2 points ago

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I've heard being a loadmaster is pretty much the best job ever

[–]ricehq 1 point2 points ago

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Miller Time!

[–]DeaconMcFly 1 point2 points ago

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This is the job I just started doing. Those guys are (more than likely) loadmasters, and they are responsible for keeping the plane within CG limitations in flight, among other things. Getting to sit on the edge of the ramp while doing airdrop/scanning is one of the many perks.

Also, they could get in some serious shit for not having helmets on that close to the door.

[–]jordan314 1 point2 points ago

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And I always thought it was unrealistic when they did that in Halo.

[–]ElephantSnout 1 point2 points ago

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This picture is actually my job. I am a c-130 Loadmaster in the USAF. Let me know if anyone has any questions.

[–]URAPNIS 1 point2 points ago

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Key West

I'm on the left

[–]YUNoDie 1 point2 points ago

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My friend and I did this once, only it was on my garage roof...

[–]colobound 1 point2 points ago

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Cue Full House theme song

[–]pstdenis 1 point2 points ago

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This shit is being upvoted as part of a cheap ass recruiting campaign and because it works it will ruin the integrity of reddit (downvote away).

[–]ShouldaHadaV8 2 points3 points ago

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they're for flares mostly used by the Coast Guard for search and rescue at sea, and to divert missles on the millitary c-130"s, c-130j super hercules, and c-130 gun ships. Im on the computer at taking a break from working on a c-130 right now. I remember the first day i worked on one THAT was my first question.

[–]bastion72 1 point2 points ago

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Smoke floats specifically. They're salt water activated smoke flares.

[–]superanth 1 point2 points ago

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My favorite part? The guy on the right with his legs crossed.

Now THAT'S chillin'

[–]blacklab 1 point2 points ago

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I got a bit nervous just looking at the picture.

[–]EvalJow 1 point2 points ago

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Question: Could someone bungee jump from a plane?

I'm sure they wouldn't go straight down, but there would have to be some kind of elasticity, right?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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As a non-san franciscan, I love that city! I've been there couple times, taken boatloads of pictures, rode a bike from p39 to Tiburon and all other touristy things. I've walked through downtown and union square a all sorts of weird hours, have seen hobos taking shits and puking on the streets, all the yuppies, all the hot girls in leggins, the insane pro-environment measures, in short, I've seen the best and the worst of SF and I've to say that it is the awesomest city I've ever been to -- and I say this as a east-coaster who generally thinks the west coast is boring.

[–]SirCampalot 1 point2 points ago

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[–]tomsaz 1 point2 points ago

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I absolutely love how this has turned into an Air Force recruiting thread. Seriously, AF kicks ass.

[–]sarukuku 1 point2 points ago

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Nice view.

[–]SirBonk 0 points1 point ago

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Is it bad if I thought all those little colors on the water were Diablo potions?

[–]Jewdoll_Fiddler 0 points1 point ago

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Is that Alcatraz we see just over the bridge?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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I never knew that the Golden Gate area was a popular leisure spot for sailors.

[–]fire_starter 0 points1 point ago

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MGS3

[–]viksi 0 points1 point ago

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That is bad ass

[–]pengor 0 points1 point ago

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What are those things on top in the net ?

[–]smartalecc5 0 points1 point ago

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Make's me want to jump out of it! (I'm a skydiver ofc)

[–]RastaFarva 0 points1 point ago

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Im glad to know im not the only one that looks at plane pictures all day :)

[–]T0mServo 0 points1 point ago

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pfffft...strapped in.

[–]BaqAttaq 0 points1 point ago

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Please don't give Michael Bay and ideas...

"Then they were relaxing in a C-130 and "KWAARGH"

[–]Layze 0 points1 point ago

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Battle of San Francisco

[–]readyready 0 points1 point ago

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Reminds me of hearing 10 MINUTES!!!!

[–]davidthesurfer 0 points1 point ago

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sneezesthen slips, falls and crashes

[–]WarpedNote 0 points1 point ago

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Like a villain

[–]TenlbMoustache 0 points1 point ago

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welcome to oakland bitch!

[–]Trashcanman33 0 points1 point ago

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Thats gotta be freaking cold flying over the Bay like that.

[–]Tsujigiri 0 points1 point ago

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I'm not familiar with C-130s much, but I spent 6 years of my life in the ass-end of a CH-47 and it pretty much looks the same. Little slower though.

PS, Do you guys ever fly out of Stockton? I see a Coast Guard C-130 occasionally low over Stockton.

[–]Zuken 0 points1 point ago

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What game is this?

[–]Mindpha5er 0 points1 point ago

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We used to do this on our Combat Spears.

A quick Google will tell you why we don't anymore.