I took these from a navy helicopter that made a brief stop at the base. It was the CO's birthday, and he was conned into thinking some VIP's were going to visit. When the helicopter landed, a birthday cake popped out instead.

This entire scheme was the product of my buddy CTA1 Bruce Wolfe. He somehow convinced the folks at NAS Oceana to go along and supply a helicopter and crew. I was along for the ride as I delivered the cake to the chopper (The cook at our base couldn't finish frosting it by the time Bruce had to leave). As Station Photographer (great collateral duty BTW), I was officially along to take B&W photos for the base newspaper (mostly it was just Bruce saying: 'Hey, want to take a ride in a helicopter?'). I brought along color film in my other camera and snapped the photos below. Didn't have much time as the chopper circled the base quickly.

It was a complete surprise to the CO (everybody else watching were'all wise to the plan). Bruce ended up with colored speckles all over his white uniform as wash from the helicopter blades blew colored cake frosting everywhere.

Northwest was great duty for anyone who liked the outdoors. Fourty-five minutes south of Norfolk it was on the edge of the Great Dismal Swamp. A large base, 5000 acres straddling the VA/NC state lines. Lots of wildlife (especially deer), there were hunting trails all thru the back-woods area of the base. Service members frequented our base just to go hunting (with local guides). There was a nice campground on the base as well, and military families came from all over to spend weekends camping here. The swamp was likewise full of wildlife and provided opportunities for canoeing and other activities. The general area had lots to do. Cape Hatteras was only a 45 minute drive south; Virginia Beach 30 minutes to the east. The mountains of NC and West VA were all only a few hours away. Norfolk and Virginia Beach were great cities to be close to as well.

The color in the photos isn't that great. These are scans from snapshots. If I find the negatives I'll do higher-quality scans.