Invade North Carolina
In the 1970s, I went on an interesting and fun mission. A huge military exercise, a mock invasion of North Carolina, included the Army, \Navy, Marines, and Air Force. My job was to be deposited in a remote area of North Carolina and act like a downed crew member. I flew with an H-1 crew, and we picked different areas. Then they landed and dropped me off. I waited and called on the survival radio like a downed pilot. The rescue was a full rescue operation. I had fighters flying high and low cover, and then a Jolly Green CH-54 would come in and pick me up. It was very realistic. Using the survival radio and directing the rescue helicopter towards me was a fun experience. I used a specific technique to provide instructions for them to find me.
At the height of the mock invasion, we flew along the coast, and it seemed as if the entire Atlantic fleet was off the coast. There must have been a hundred ships, and it was impressive.
I worked out of a Marine base during the exercise and never had to buy a drink at the Officer’s Club.
