Short Final

Overheard while listening to an area radar center in England during the early ’80s. Two United States Air Force Europe fast jets climbing out of a low flying area were trying to locate each other to join formation. “Ratch 13”:“Ratch 12, where are you?” “Ratch 12”:“Ratch 13, one mile south of Chester.” “Ratch 13”:“Ratch 12, say again.” “Ratch 12”:“Chester! Chester!” An undentified voice, in a strong Western Drawl:“I’m a-comin’, Marshall Dillon!” Readers of a certain age will remember “Gunsmoke”! Gary Brindlevia e-mail

Overheard while listening to an area radar center in England during the early '80s. Two United States Air Force Europe fast jets climbing out of a low flying area were trying to locate each other to join formation.

"Ratch 13":
"Ratch 12, where are you?"

"Ratch 12":
"Ratch 13, one mile south of Chester."

"Ratch 13":
"Ratch 12, say again."

"Ratch 12":
"Chester! Chester!"

An undentified voice, in a strong Western Drawl:
"I'm a-comin', Marshall Dillon!"

Readers of a certain age will remember "Gunsmoke"!


Gary Brindle
via e-mail