USO Canteen FReeper Style....Aviation Ordnancemen Thank You.......July 3,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

Aviation Ordnancemen (AOs) are aircraft armament (weapons) specialists. They are in charge of storing, servicing, inspecting, and handling all types of weapons and ammunition carried on Naval and Marine aircraft.

Ordnance Attitude Adjustment Tools

What Aviation Ordnancemen do...

Inspect, maintain and repair aircraft mechanical and electrical armament/ordnance systems.

Service aircraft guns and accessories.

Stow, assemble, and load aviation ammunition including aerial mines and torpedoes.

Service releasing and launching devices.

Load supplementary munitions.

Assemble, test, and maintain air-launched guided missiles.

Supervise operation of aviation ordnance shops, armories and stowage facilities.

Possibly function as air crewmen in various types of aircraft.

When training is completed, aviation ordnancemen may be assigned to Navy ships carrying aircraft, air stations, squadrons deployed to aircraft carriers or other aviation facilities in the U.S. or overseas.

The Arabian Gulf, Aug. 12, 2000 — Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Alejandro Montalvo of Mocha, Puerto Rico, and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Chris Tucker of Ocala, Fla., prepare a 2000 pound, MK-84 JDAM GPS Guided Weapon for loading on an F/A-18 Hornet on the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington and her air wing are operating in the Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class J. Scott Campbell. [000812-N-1407C-004] Aug. 12, 2000.

At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis, Mar. 5, 2002 — An Aviation Ordnanceman supervises the "bomb farm" on the flight deck of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). From the "bomb farm," ordnance is moved out onto the flight deck and onto the aircraft. Since World War II, the U.S. Navy's carriers have been the national force of choice. In over 80% of the times when the World was faced with international violence, the U.S. has responded with one or more carrier task forces. John C. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Alta I. Cutler.

At sea aboard USS John C. Stennis, Mar. 5, 2002 — An Aviation Ordnanceman aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) installs an FMU-139BB "electric tail fuse" on a 500-pound BLU-111 penetrating bomb while working in one of the carrier's weapon magazines. Since World War II, the U.S. Navy's carriers have been the national force of choice. In over 80% of the times when the World was faced with international violence, the U.S. has responded with one or more carrier task forces. John C. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class James A. Farrally II

Aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Marine Corps ordnance handlers move 500-pound GBU-12 MK 83 laser guided bombs towards an F/A-18 Hornet in preparation for loading. The Hornet strike fighter is assigned to the "Black Knights" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Three One Four (VMFA-314). Marine aviation, flying from Navy carriers and amphibious ships, demonstrates the close integration of the Navy-Marine Corps team. John C. Stennis and her embarked Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) conducting combat missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Joshua Word.

Aboard USS Carl Vinson- an Aviation Ordnanceman directs forklift operator while moving bombs in the ships hanger bay.

Steam from the catapult surrounds an aviation ordnanceman as he gives a thumbs up after checking a Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) attached to an F/A-18C Hornet before launching from the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on Aug. 22, 1999. The Hornet will be releasing the JDAM at the Okinawa, Japan Range Area in the first fleet squadron drop of the newly developed weapon. JDAM uses a global positioning system aided inertial navigation system to guide its 2,000 or 1,000 pound warhead to the target with a high degree of accuracy.

The Legend of Saint Barbara

"The Patron Saint of Cannoneers and Ordnancemen"

Saint Barbara was born in the year 218 A.D., in Nicomedia, a city of northern Asia Minor. Her father, Dioscorus, was a tyrannical Roman. During his absence from home, the girl embraced the teaching of Origen, the great Christian doctor. Dioscorus on his return ordered a new house built for Barbara, who was very beautiful, where she might entertain her suitors.

To symbolize her faith, the maiden induced the builder to put three windows in her bedroom to typify the Trinity, instead of the two windows her father had ordered.

When Dioscorus discovered the third, most significant window and questioned her, Barbara admitted she had become a Christian. Not only did she insist upon clinging to the new religion, but she rejected the suitor whom her father had selected as her husband. She was tried on her father's indictment, found guilty and sentenced to death. Dioscorus called the prefect, "Give me the sword; she shall die at my own hands."

And so did Barbara die at the hands of her own father. Even as the sword fell, lightening fell upon this cruel father and consumed him as he stood.

Because lightening appeared to revenge the death of Barbara, she became the protectress against lightening and thunder. Ordnancemen, regardless of the flags under which they served through the centuries, have claimed Barbara as their patron saint.

[Snow Bunny]

Hi Blackie, have a wonderful July 4th. God bless you and your family.

[MistyCA]

Oregon is so different from one side to the other....but you are going to look near the beach, right? Do you have any idea at all where you are going? Are you driving? You are going to love it there! It really is a beautiful state! :))

[MistyCA]

Yeah, me too......mellow yellow ta da da....:)

[Snow Bunny]

Hi Julie, thank you. Have a very special July 4th.

[SAMWolf]

Thank you Misty! the coast and Willamette Valley are gorgeous.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Hehehehe (eeeeevil laugh) you know...

[Victoria Delsoul]

That's pretty good, AC. :-)

[MistyCA]

We went through the a day or two before Father's Day....it was really gorgeous with all the wild flowers and wild animals and the rugged coastal areas. I really loved it. :)

[WVNan]

Well, if you are REALLY interested, I could freepmaiil one to you. That way no one else would be subjected. I may have one that fits your particular need. Ah yes......

[Snow Bunny]

We are driving first to Fresno , the Rally , then heading up to Oregon from there.Dirving instead of flying so we can see as much as possible.

We want to see Tonkin in Bandon ( Coos Bay ) look there then head up to Eugene where Blackie lives and see him and look there then drive up the coast.Head up to Portland area and see Sam in Oregon city. Look around the Portland area and beach side as much as possible.

Each night I will use the lap top in our room so I can post the next days thread and say Hi. I won't be able to answer all the pings and that is killing me alredy. LOL....I have a thing about trying to do that and am so grateful that FReepers come to the Canteen.

If we can find a place we like this first trip, we can always get a realtor up there to keep a look out for something for us.

[Snow Bunny]

LOL.....great laugh....heh heh

[Snow Bunny]

Hi Mud, thank you so much. Have a wonderful July 4th.

[SAMWolf]

<=== Mash this

[Snow Bunny]

Hi Poohbah, thank you sooo much.Have a fabulous July 4th.

[SAMWolf]

OH OH. Do you know something I don't???

Sure, I'd be glad to see one, feel free.

[Snow Bunny]

Hi, wishing you a VERY special wonderful July 4th.

[WVNan]

Here you go SAM. Connect the dots.

[SAMWolf]

LOL! Let me guess it's Hobbes. Right?

[WVNan]

Oh Bunny, I'm so envious that you are going to see Blackie and Tonkin and SAM. I never get to meet any of my FRamily. Take pictures....lots of pictures.

[SAMWolf]

No wait give me anothe guess!!!