23/12/2004: "HU-16 Grumman Albatross seaplane ........C-130 to the rescue."

After hitting a submerged bommie, pre take-off, our US Navy seaplane #274 had to be beached, and fast!

A USAF C-130 flew repair equipment in from Guam later that day. It would take days for proper repairs to both sides of the hull. A new seaplane #250 from Agana, Guam arrived to collect our team, including much heavy equipment.

JATO (Jet Assist Take Off) rockets were needed to get our seaplane airborne. A memorable experience when you are standing near the tail, alongside the rockets as they ignite. Twin rockets burn for 12-15 seconds generating 1000 pounds of thrust each. That's 4000 horsepower!

At the co-pilot's command we-three moved our body weight toward the nose of the aircraft (to adjust trim) as the plane struggled to reach required take-off speed of 60 knots. Once ignited the rockets can't be turned off. Later they were jetisoned over the sea.

Ahead were numerous submerged coral heads or 'bommies' and eventually, a rim of exposed solid reef - which we fortunately and narrowly missed. - Team mate Ken DaVico returned from the co-pilot's seat (where he'd been stationed to spot markers we'd placed on bommies) 'white as a ghost'. Ken said "the pilot was shaking much more than himself".

Another reef contact would be far more serious now with twin rocket propulsion devices fixed to the rear doors. When ignited JATO's can't be extinguished. It would have been a spectacular finale.

23/12/2004: "HU-16 Grumman Albatross seaplane ........C-130 to the rescue."

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