CG Duty station information

[Falconjet]

You know what they say, they can send us out but they can't make us look!

FJ

 

[sardaddy]

Falconjet, there is only one think worse than a falcon pilot and that is a C-130 pilot. I don't pay them much attention as they whine for a while then peter out.

I would shoot myself, and my dog before I flew C-130s.

"you're in the CG you get your fixed wing transition and fly hercs like everyone really wants to... "

hercster you misunderstood what people were saying. They didn't say they wanted to fly hercs, they said you go through the transition and become flying jerks. :smash: :laugh: I'm sorry you misunderstood.

 

[sardaddy]

So don't leave us hangin', have you heard where you are going yet?

 

[mudkow60]

I have not heard yet... have been told to hold tight while the assignment officer "works his magic".

My top choices (as sent to the detailor):

San Diego
San Fransisco
Port Angles
Humbolt Bay
Clearwater

San Diego is full... anyone have gouge on any of the other spots? I really feel it is a win-win situation. Wherever I end up and whatever I get the chance to fly, I am going to be excited.

Anyone else get word yet?

Thanks,

Kow

 

[CGHercster]

You're right

Kow, you're right about the situation (win-win). If you think you'll ever want to fly fixed-wing, start looking into the transition paperwork as soon as possible, you won't regret it.

 

[sardaddy]

Don't know about all but I do know that North Bend and Port Angeles are CP heavy and they are trying to get some more Aircraft commanders to level it off a bit but you never know. Don't know about the others.

 

[psysicx]

I can't believe you didn't put Astoria. Its such an awesome town.

 

[mudkow60]

It is actually my #7 pic...

 

[nosartoofar]

Astoria is nice...it's a lot like Alaska, without the COLA, BAH, hunting, fishing, low crime....

No matter what you choose to fly, you'll have the best crews in the world right behind you all the way. Best of luck in your new career!

The Plastic Fantastic folks are correct, the Charlie model is going to give Igor a run for his money (although being deployed aboard ship is a lot like being in prison, with a chance of drowning). Go to Traverse City if you have the chance.

Falcon, no word yet from the folks at SWA, and last time I checked, the phones and the mail are still working.

Have a great CG day!

 

[psysicx]

High crime in Astoria?

 

[80drvr]

It is actually my #7 pic...

Has anyone pointed out the difference between a Sector and Air Station to you in regards to quality of life?

 

[mudkow60]

Nope...

What is the difference, if I may ask?

By the way, how is the CJ-6 to fly? I was looking into getting a Yak 52. Lots of both here in Deer Valley, AZ.

 

[cw4chuck]

Port Angeles

I'm not a Coasty, but I am an active duty Army guy who was born and raised in Port Angeles. I was taught to fly by a fantastic LtCdr stationed at the base. Lots of rough weather flying at Port Angeles, and also a beautiful place to work and live. It is definately a small town environment, but the real estate prices are rising. A trip to the big city (Seattle) takes a couple of hours, a floating bridge, and a ferry, so if you like being near a major city, keep that in mind. Weather is typical Pacific Northwest. I doesn't actually rain all that much, but it is cloudy a lot. People that live there get to enjoy the perfect summer months though, and that helps to make up for the winter. As a career military guy, I look back on the base at Port Angeles and I figure that it must be one of the most laid back flying stations anywhere. There are many retired USCG foks who stayed in Port Angeles although the same could be said for other bases too.

As a career move, I would say fixed wing is much better than R/W. I flew both in the Army, and I'm glad that I will be retiring with jet time. There are so many more jobs out there.

PM me if you have questions about anything in Port Angeles. Lots of relatives there.

 

[CGPILOT]

Kowman, I just flew through all the west coast units on my way to meet the boat on my"good deal" deployment way south of San Diego. If you like cities, San Fran and San Diego are nice. If you like the country Humbay and PA are good with PA getting my vote as it is not California. We have a small(15 pilots) wardroom and lots of challenging flying. Not a lot of SAR but a good place to learn the Coast Guard at your first unit. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Falconjet]

NoSAR: Keeping the fingers crossed for you.

Kow: Did you move to AZ? Any word yet from the detailer? When do you start the knife and fork school?

Saw CDR J here last week, they flew the new CG Challenger down to meet with the corporate flight dept at FedEx. Sweet jet and of course we were both pleased that you got the call!

Take care.

FJ

 

[mudkow60]

Falcon...

Thanks for all the info and help you have provided. I spoke with the assignment officer, and he said he would have location info for those of us waiting in a few weeks. I am still in AZ having a great time. I forgot how nice it is to have loads of free time.

Does anyone have info about the Airstation in LA? I just added them to my wish-list.

 

[sardaddy]

I was just there in December. Great station located right in the middle of LAX. Getting in and out of there is interesting. The crews at the station are great and the command is great as well. Small stand alone station. The station does a lot of training with Baywatch (didn't see Pam Anderson anywhere) and they have a good working relationship with them. When you aren't at work there is a lot to do. Everyone I spoke to loved being there.

 

[mudkow60]

Sorry... I know this might be getting old, but does anyone have info on Hawaii? For some reason, it just popped onto my radar screen.

Thanks.

 

[Falconjet]

Go for geographic preference first

Kow: I would recommend going for the geopgraphic preference first, then small unit over large. I think you will get more of the quintessential CG experience at a small unit. It is easy to get lost as a JO at some of the bigger units, and they just don't seem to be quite as close knit as the smaller units. They are all good, but the small ones are pretty cool. I'd go for the big unit for the second tour.

LA is a good small unit, but it is smack dab in the middle of LAX. I've visited it and everybody there loved it, I don't know if I could live in the middle of all that hustle and bustle.

My old man was the CO of BP for 3 years in the 70s. I graduated from Campbell HS in Ewa Beach. I had a great time out there. It has changed a lot, and there are of course some issues with the local and haole thing, but I made some great friends out there that I still keep in touch with. My dad warned me before we went that we would be playing in someone else's back yard and to act like the guest that we were, and that is what I tried to do. I didn't have too many problems out there and I think the experience of being a minority and outsider for a few years was good for me.

Hawaii is a beautiful place, and the flying is even better. To get a chance to live out there for a few years would be an awesome opportunity that you may never get again. I would put BP up there pretty high, and keep trying for San Diego as well. After that I would go for the small units on the west coast.

Choices, choices. I hope that the detailer is kind to you.

FJ

 

[mudkow60]

The assignment officer has been very helpful. I have changed my list about five times, and he has always responded very quickly and has been friendly. I guess proof will be where I get stationed.

Thanks for the info. Hawaii just moved up in my list (San Dog / San Fran / LA / Humbolt / HI)...

Kow