MOUNTING TERROR Early Flight Quarters - USS Intrepid - 1957 There was a 30 mph gale howling over the bow of the USS Intrepid. I was 22 years old and this was my 2nd cruise. On a routine morning operation, the crew I flew with and I were beginning preparation for a launch of our AJ-1 Savage. My job was 3rd crewman and I was given the odd jobs no one else wanted. This included walking the wing to go out to the wing tips to check the fuel level in the wing tip tanks. I crawled out of the top window and onto the wing. The wind was strong, as I said, and I had to watch myself so that I would not fall over the side of the ship. The water was 60 feet below and I was not really too keen on going swimming. I made it out to the port wingtip and found the fuel level was okay. I replaced the cap and made my way back to the fuselage. As I did, the pilot started the port engine. I hopped the fuselage and made my way to starboard tank and it checked out okay. On my way back, I was looking down to make sure of my footing and as I came to the starboard engine, I saw a black hole where it was mounted to the wing,, with wires and tubing. You can imagine my expletive. I frantically gestured to the pilot, who was looking out the window at me, wondering why I wasn't already back inside. He just didn't understand my gestures to shut down. I looked around at the crew on the deck and pointed with a lot of enthusiasm at the broken engine mount. They recoiled in horror and waved to the pilot to shut down. You already know everything worked out for the best, because, I am still alive to tell this story. The next day, maintenance removed the engines, the electronic and ASB gear, as well as anything else of value, and pushed the hulk into the sea. There was not enough equipment onboard to make the needed repairs and the plane was expendable. If the pilot had started the starboard engine, it would have torn loose. The blades would have penetrated the cockpit, the deck, and possibly started a fire with all the fuel in the wing. I don't think that I would have survived. That day, my guardian angel was working overtime. Phil Sienia AD3, VC-8, VAH-11 - Pjandjet@cs.com (Ed. Note: In September 1957 VAH-11 was on the USS Intrepid, which had just been outfitted with a reinforced angled/canted flight deck and new mirror landing system. The USS Intrepid was a part of NATOs "Operation Strikeback" in the Arctic Circle off the coast of Norway - the largest peacetime Naval exercise up to that time in history.) ================================== THE SAGA OF THE GOLDEN GODDESS - GIGI Donald Baumer writes: Although I was a member of VC-5 From 1949 to 1953 I returned to VAH-6 at Whidbey in 1958. Did the Ranger cruise with them in whales. We started a sort of game with a statue borrowed from (stolen) from a bar in Alameda. The object was to keep the Golden Goddess at sea, with each Heavy Attack squadron trying to acquire it through stealth and cunning, and to prevent its return to the states. The owner of the bar offered to throw a party as a reward to the squadron that would return the Goddess. I am trying to compile the different stories into one book and would share the book, upon completion with all participants. The last I heard of the Goddess was she had fallen into some Pirates' hands in Australia. Donald Baumer - pops2726@msn.com ED NOTE: For those unfamiliar with the Golden Goddess go to http://www.a3skywarrior.com/newsletters/newsletter3/GIGI.htm Those with memories of Gigi, please contact Donald.