文章基本信息

标题：Desert Storm
作者：Duncan, John
期刊名称：Wings of Gold
印刷版ISSN：0274-7405
出版年度：1998
卷号：Winter 1998
出版社：Wings of Gold, Inc.

Desert Storm

Duncan, John

Desert Storm. CAPT John Duncan, former Desert Storm CO and currently ANA Regional VP, submitted this report

In September, 45 members took an overnight bus trip to the Lockheed "Skunk Works" at Palmdale for a briefing on the X-33. We also visited the most unique airport in the world, the Mojave Airport. We saw the civilian test pilot school, some of Burt Rutan's aircraft creations, and viewed the largest collection of old and new commercial airliners in the world. We culminated the trip with a visit to the Edwards AFB Flight Test Center and NASA's Dryden Test Facility.

For October's event we returned to Ken Irwin's fabulous La Mancha Spa for our 3rd Annual Hawaiian Luau. No one off the islands does it better than our fellow member, Ken.

November was our opportunity to provide a day of golf and fun to the sailors of USS Boxer, NAF El Centro, USS John C. Stennis and the Marines of the USMC Air/Ground Combat Center. It was our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament. Over 75 sailors, 20 Marines, the CO of Boxer ( CAPT Robert Massey), CO of NAF El Centro, (CAPT Sam Badger), a few of their officers, the XO of Stennis (CDR Wade Tallman), plus some Desert Storm members played golf at a championship course and at special low price as part of the Veterans Day celebrations. We were delighted to have national ANA President, VADM Dick Allen, golfing with our active duty visitors.

That evening, VADM Allen and his wife Peggy were honored guests at a squadron dinner. Other guests included CAPT and Mrs. Massey, CAPT and Mrs. Badger, CDR Tallman, Command Master Chief and Mrs. Phil Russell, and HMI Brendan McCarthy, Stennis Sailor of the Quarter, and Palm Springs Mayor William G. Kleindienst. Mrs. Sally Bowman and COMNAVAIRPAC's Aide, LT Bob Cady, also attended with VADM Bowman arriving later from Washington D.C.

We were happy that the following also attended: Chief Master Sergeant Dean Scott, USAF, senior enlisted advisor for Edwards AFB; SGT/MAJ Al Santiago, USA, Command SGT/MAJ Fort Irwin National Training Center; SGT/MAJ Richard Eff, USMC, Command SGT/MAJ MCAGCC 29 Palms; former Lockheed SR-71 pilot, Bob Gilliland; and USAF MAJs Izzo and Gauert and T/SGT Hurley of the B-2 Wing at Whitman AFB.

ANA was very much in the forefront in staging the 2nd Annual Veterans Day parade and Celebration in Palm Springs. VADM Allen and wife Peggy were featured in the parade and VADM Bowman was the Senior Reviewing Officer. CAPT John Duncan was Parade Co-chairman with Mayor Kleindienst, Desert Storm member, Desert Storm CO George Stettler was parade decorations chairman and golf tournament chairman. Many ANA members helped in staging the parade.

The citizen of Palm Springs know well the activities of ANA. Having VADM Allen there was a big plus. As his convertible passed the reviewing platform, VADM Bowman shouted, "A-7s Forever!" Pointing to Bowman VADM Allen responded with "A-6s Forever!" and issued a snappy salute.

In late November, 92 members and guests traveled via tour bus to San Diego for a day at sea during the USS Boxer's Dependent's Day Cruise.

In the photos: (1) Jim Dowler, Sailor of the Quarter Program Coordinator and Marcia Dowler, squadron treasurer for the past five years, enjoy La Mancha Spa Luau. (2) Also at the Luau were CO Stettler, CAPT Duncan, Louise Vort, Misti Duncan, and Ken Marts. (3) Stettler, VADM Allen, and Duncan. (4) Mayor Kleindienst receives photo of Boxer from LHD-4's CO, CAPT Massey.