The White Falcon - 14.12.1984, Page 4

Blue noses earned on
Arctic Circle crossing
By J03 Gregory W. Belmore
The message was clear. This was not going to
be an ordinary flight. As a matter of fact, last
Wednesday's flight on the P-3 was one of a dif-
ferent color. The color blue to be exact; a Blue
Nose FIight.
The purpose of a Blue Nose Flight is to cross
the Arctic Circle; not many people can say they've
been over the Arctic Circle. Aviation Structural
Mechanic Third Class Steve Stump, a flight atten-
dant on the Naval Station P-3 being used for the
flight said, "Navy people on board a ship often
cross the equator, this is a chance for people in
an airplane to cross the Arctic Circle."
Since the 1940's, Blue Nose Flights have been
offered by Air Operations. This was the first
time, however, that a P-3 had made the flight.
Before its retirement the flights were made on the
C-118.
After earplugs were passed out, and a safety
brief was given, 35 people headed for the P-3. In
a light falling snow, the passengers climbed the
stainless steel steps.
Once the passengers were seated on the P-3,
laughter began to circulate throughout the air-
craft. After a short delay, the aircraft lifted
into the air.
Then Journalist Third Class Lois Fiore11i of
NBS turned on her camera and a bright light co-
vered the travelers. She was video taping the
trip for that evening's broadcast. "The shots I
looked for were people getting their blue noses
with the chalk anc the take off and landing from
the cockpit."
The inside of the plane reminded you of a cloudy
day. The lights were dim and the walls of the
plane were green with patchwork sprinkled through-
out. The floor was spotless, you could have eat-
en off it. The seats were worn, but comfortable.
After about an hour, the moment came and the
Photo by J03 Gregory Belmore
Don't let the Lt. bars on A.J. Derise's cap fool
you. He's really a captain. Seriously, the young
passenger had some fun with the pilot's radio.
P-3 and 35 people, crossed the Arctic Circle, 21°
45w, at approximately 2:30 p.m. But, what does
all that mean? Navigator Lt. Phil Lanier explained,
"We flew north over Whale Bay and the Western
Fjords into the Arctic Circle," said Lanier. "We
stayed around the Arctic Circle for about 10 minu-
tes, while everyone received their blue nose, then
headed for Akureyri. We then flew over two
glaciers, Hofsjoksull and Langjokull, then over
Rekjavik and into Keflavik."
The pilot, Commander Harold Freeman said the
P-3 went 18,000 feet high and flew at 300 knots.
If you' re wondering how cold it got over the Arctic
Circle, Fiorelli said, "It really wasn't what you
might expect. There was a slight temperature drop,
but nothing to make you stop and say, I must be
in the Arctic Circle."
The Blue Nose Flight will be offered as often
as possible. All active duty military and depen-
dents can fly. However, it's first-come, first-
serve. For information call 6139 or 2280.
After the P-3 landed, it was obvious this had
not been an ordinary flight. Thirty-five people
left the aircraft with blue noses. Although the
chalk would wear off in a short time, the memory
will live forever.__________________________________
Commander Mary Sattazahn, Senior Nurse at the Hos-
pital received her blue nose as YN3 Kalph A. Cas-
tillo captured the event on film. Her blue nose
was definitely distinguishable from her blushing
red cheeks. Sattazahn was one of 35 people to re-
ceive a blue nose.
4
December 14, 1984 The White Falcon