Every
year Camp Mabry
Because
I’d spoken to most of the vendors near the parade grounds the previous year, I
didn’t stop and talk to them (other than the booth for the Austin Fire
Department). Also, there weren’t too many people present, so I knew this
was the best time to go over and see the helicopters. Once the crowds got
too thick, and it got to the hottest part of the day, we could go inside the Texas Military
Forces Museum
There
were a few ground vehicles (like a Humvee and mobile rocket launcher) we went
by to reach the helicopters. The Blackhawk had its side doors open, and
visitors were allowed to climb inside the back (not the pilot section), sit
down, and strap in. The safety harness had five buckles which slid in
easily to a central lock, but the amusement was to see how easily you could get
out of it. I knew it already, but my friend had a little
difficulty. I jokingly asked the officer if we could go for a ride, and
he said if it was up to him he would provide them.
We then
headed over to the Apache sitting next down the path. Once again the
cockpit of this attack helicopter was secured so we couldn’t go inside.
Since I’d seen someone sitting on the edge of the cockpit, I decided to climb
up to do the same. There were foot and hand-holds for pilot to get in,
and I used those. I also figured out that once I’d get to the desired
position, it’d be difficult to get down. I decided to hang off the edge
instead.
My friend
figured out a better way to climb up so she could sit the edge, like I tried to
do. She also then had some difficulty in figuring out how to get
down. It took a few extra moments of “Now put your foot there” before she
was back on the ground. She then commented she knew why I didn’t go all
the way up.
The
dual-bladed transport C-40 was the next piece of flying hardware there.
We entered in the rear of the vehicle, and walked up to the cockpit area.
One of the pilots had his tablet with him, so he could show video of this
helicopter in action.
On the
side of the parade field closest to Mopac is where there’s decommissioned items
permanently on display, like a Sabre jet or a Huey. This was also where
the Memorial Wall had been set up. This was divided up by each conflict
(World War I, Gulf War, etc.) showing the names of National Guard members who
perished in the line of duty.
What I
liked was the “battlefield grave marker” made up of the helmet sitting on the
rifle embedded into the ground, flanked by the boots.
After we
rounded back to the side of the parade grounds we started at, we checked out
some of the light arms which were available to be inspected. While
visitors got to hold unloaded rifles (without an ammo clip in sight), we
allowed to dry-fire some of the .50 caliber weapons. It was enough to get
an idea of what the recoil would be like had it fired a real round.
There
were also some Jeeps and small vehicles near there too. While my friend
laughed at the desert-colored military bicycle…
…I
laughed at the “survival kit” for the WWII-era troops going into France , which
included a bottle of wine. I took a picture of that for my Mum.
We
briefly looked at the tanks and APC’s (Armored Personnel Carriers) located at
Artillery Row, and then went over to partake in some of the Earth Day celebrations
which were going on.
We raced
solar cars, tossed bean bags for a chance to win a water bottle, and then
painted a fish to make a take-home print. Since the paint was wet, these
were hung up to dry, and we’d come back for them later. I took a picture
of mine, and texted it to Henry, to let him know his daughter would be getting
this. (As a side note, when we did come back at the end of the day,
someone had taken my fish picture, thinking it was theirs. Bummer, no
real loss, but it would’ve been nice to follow through on the promise to
Caitlin.)
Next we
quickly ducked into the actual Military
Forces Museum Oklahoma Territory
and State of Texas
individuals during World War I, and used the Indian tribes to communicate with
each other to confuse the Germans. This was the forerunner of the Code
Talker program used during WWII. It was only after the conclusion of WWI,
when Oklahoma
gained statehood, that the unit then became completely comprised of Texans.
We didn’t
stay in the Museum proper for much longer, only because that’s something which
could be visited at any time. There were events scheduled to happen
outside, and we wanted to watch those. After grabbing something to drink
from one of the vendors, we went back to the parade grounds, where we were able
to watch some parachuters descend in. And a few moments later, the C-40
lifted off.
A
Blackhawk was part of two additional demonstrations. One was it being
used in a rescue operation, which a person being lowered down by winch to
target, secure them, and reel them back into the helicopter. This is the
technique used to retrieve people suck out on the water, flood zones, or remote
areas.
A second
demonstration had a couple police cars chasing a truck to a stand-off. As
the Blackhawk hovered nearby, a small tactical unit repelled down a rope to
move in, and secure the target.
Since the
next outdoor event was due to start over an hour later, and was over at the
“small pond area,” we stopped by my car to grab the umbrella. Because I
knew what to expect, I recommended we head down early, so we could get a spot
on the limited bleacher space available. We were able to get a nice
centered area on the highest bench, so we’d have the best view of the action.
A
gentleman who was part of the reenactment group explained how this would be a
representation of a battle between the advancing US forces and the defending Germans
during the Italian campaign. It was going to be “time compressed” for the
demonstration, as the real thing would take over a few hours (and cover a wider
area). Still, even with the blank rounds going to be used, the audience
was told how loud it would be. Earplugs were handed out to everyone.
The
demonstration had been choreographed and practiced, but that was done so the
majority of the action took place on the side of the hill facing the
audience. The German troops were dug-in, and we got to watch American
tanks shell provide cover fire as US G.I.’s rushed the positions. The
battle climaxed with the disabling of the enemy tanks and capture of a German
officer. The whole demo lasted about thirty minutes or so, and it was
enough to give an idea of how an actual battle would unfold.
The open
house would last for another or two, but we decided this was the time to leave,
before the traffic got too heavy. We’d seen the major events which were
only being done that day, and knew we could return on a weekend in order to
finish exploring the actual museum. Even though it ended up being sunny
and hot today, it turned out to be a great day to enjoy the experience.
For more information on the places visited or mentioned:
### 30 ###
No comments:
Post a Comment