A Grumman C-1A Trader

Today has been one of those days for remembrance. While working I had to attend some training with the local flight crew. They held it at the regional airport and used the promise of an abundance supply of fat pills to entice us to appear. The first part of the lecture was a video and then a short break while the crew brung the helicopter around for part two. It was during this short break that I decided to practice my transmediation zen and to even allow a picture taken during this performance so as to be able use it for illustration to help instruct others on this soothing art. Well, seems that anytime someone pulls out a camera there is bound to be a goofball wanting to get into the act and this time was no exception; except I attracted two goofballs and one even did an excellent imitation of a dork fish.

Alas! Before the picture could be retaken the crew had arrived with the helicopter.

To get to where the flight crew staged the bird required us to transverse a hanger. It was while I was crossing this hanger and giving the customary curious glance around that my eyes beheld a treasure. For a moment I stood in disbelief awaiting the mirage to dissipate. This was no mirage.

A Grumman C-1A Trader.

The C-1A was used as a work horse back in my day. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the C-1 Trader carried mail and supplies to aircraft carriers on station in the Pacific Ocean during the Vietnam War and also served as a trainer for all-weather carrier operations. The C-1A was outfitted to carry nine passengers or 3,500 pounds of cargo and had a range of 1300 miles. They were retired from service in 1988.

Here was one of those retired ones. It had USS Lexington (CV-16) markings on her and looks like it was being kept in good shape. I need to find out who owns it. It's is now on my bucket list to fly in one just one more time.

My barber in Newnan served on the Lexington back around the same time I served on the Enterprise. When Don talks to people while in his shop, he seems to have this non committal monotone going on, as if he is making a noise for conversation, but start talking to him about the Lexington and he becomes animated. He just glows while he talks about his old command. Knowing that the C-1A from the Lexington is so near ought to make his day.

I made some pictures of the plane and then went out to the helicopter for the rest of the training but it was hard to concentrate when that gem set in the hanger. Also, nothing new that wasn't drilled into me from my Navy days was being presented. As the copter departed I again walked around the C-1A. The fuselage door was open and I poked my head in for a look. My old training took over and with hands in my pockets I made sure I left no fingerprints on that bird. The one that was assigned to the Enterprise had sling chairs, as I remember, but this one had some nice leather one. Like I said, I'm going to have to connect with the owner.

After leaving the airport my occupation required me to make the acquaintance of an elderly Naval vet who served on the USS Yorktown (CV- 10) and the USS Oriskany (CV-34). We were able to converse about our shared heritage but not to the depth a couple of old squids usually are known to do.

And finally, I learned that Pork Chop is ready for me to take possession again. Hopefully it will be tomorrow or Friday at the latest.