Hi,
I was in Crete from 1968 – 1972 as a linguist.
Greg

Greg, that’s about the time we were there. I remember living offbase close to a bakery and a woodshop.

I was station on Crete for 6 years,1963 to 65 and 1966 to 70.Been back 3 times.Loved it back then and still do now.

Served as PMEL support outside the compound at IAS Crete. 1975 to 1976 only in the compound twice to work on electronic equipment. It was not until joining the cretestock group on Yahoo.com that I became aware of how much information was gleaned from our Silent Warriors. Great web site!

Daniel

My dad, the SSgt Jimmy A Coley was stationed at Irakilion from 1970-72 in the 6931st SS.. We lived off base for ayear and then moved into the “new” base housing. I attended the elementary school onbase (Kearns) for 3rd and 4th grades. My dad retired out of Keesler in 1982 to Georgia. I am just now finding out about what it was my dad REALLY did all those years in the USAFSS

Teri, sounds like you and I had similiar circumstances. My dad, MSgt Edward Kephart was stationed at Iraklion AS from 1970-1972 in the 6931st SS. We also lived off base in Iraklion for a few months prior to moving into the new base housing. We lived in quarters 812C. I attended Kearns for the 2nd & 3rd grades, seems like my teachers name was Ms. Forsythe. So we were classmates! The main things I remember was living close to the beach, eating coffee ice cream, the bowling alley, playing baseball, going to the movies, eating souvlaki’s in downtown Iraklion, and picking fresh grapes from the locals. I also remember visiting the ruins of Knossus palace. It was the best place to live, and I hope to go back someday and visit.

At the 6931st from Feb. of 1964 to Aug. of 1965. Anybody remember SSGT Edward G. Frankenstein? No joke, his real name! Or TSGT Thuot or TSGT Herridge?

I was a 292×1 stationed there from Feb 67 to Aug 68. I really enjoyed by time there. Especially the two summers. Went back in April 08 with my wife, son & daughter-inlaw. Was a thrill to be back again. Wow, have things ever changed. Most of the old buildings have been trashed since the closing in 93. Malia was almost recognizable. St. Nick’s has really grown, but the little beach we used to visit is virtually the same. I would love to hear from some old friends from those times. Would love reunion.

Hi! I just wanted you to know that I am on Crete at this very moment (Aug. 6, 2009). I arrived here on Aug. 2, 2009, and will be here until Oct. 31, 2009! Can you tell that I love Crete? I stayed here last year for 3 months as well – for all of May, June and July. I already have plans in the making to return here next year for another 3 months! I think I am addicted to Crete! Well, at least that isn’t against the law! Vist my blog at http://www.bobscretanadventure.blogspot.com to see what I am up to! Take care and stay well.

Your Friend,

Bob Armistead

Hello.

My father, Lou Hansen, was stationed there in 1964-1966ish. 6931st SG. He is still alive and well. Anyone work with him?

CPT Niels Hansen
US Army

Last comment was from my son Niels. I was at Iraklion from June 65 to Dec 66. Linguist. Anyone there around66 remember the phrase Allison Wonderland, (Base cmdr Herbert Allison)? Aerial photos of Crete sure make it seem like a changed place. Lou Hansen USAFSS

I was stationed on Crete from Aug 67 to April 69. I was a “ditty-bop” on Able Flt. Great place to be. I envy Bob Armistead’s 3 month visit and enjoy reading his blog posts. Check it out.

Was assigned to Crete beginning in 1971, played a whole of softball, volleyball,etc.. Compared to Clark AFB, Crete was a Country Club. Had a terrific time there, met a great deal of really good people that had a lot of fun after our work was done. Greece is a special place on this earth, and lately it’s been on my mind due to John Payne’s passing and all of the correspondence surrounding it, starting with Arthur Sharon.
Anyone reading this, hope you are well and enjoying life. Me, I’m in the Pacific NW, amidst weather that’s bordering on winter conditions, wet and windy, no snow yet.
Eric Gunderson

I was stationed on Crete from may 1967 until October 1968. I believe I do remember Butch Kuykendall. Does anyone remember james Prince from Louisana. He owned a new MGB convertible. I coached little league baseball and also played on the softball and basketball team. Colonel Kozina was our base commander and I remember playing basketball with Captain Gunkel and Mike Halterman. I would love to hear from anyone who was there at the same time.

I was stationed at the 6931st from December 1968 through March of 1973 as a 292 on Baker Flt.We had several flt commanders during that time. I remember Lt. Leveque, Lt. Jeffrey Blair and Lt. Charlie Jordan.It was a great assignment!

My wife, daughter, and I were there from 1963-1964 (our son was born while we were there, but they shipped his mamma down to Tripoli to giver birth). I was a 702×0 on Baker Flight (an eternal E4).

I’m very interested in contacting other people we might know from there – particularly a Stanley Gilliett or family.

I was stationed at the 6931st from July 4,1963 until Sept 30,1964. I was a 29252 on Baker flt living in Barracks 304. I have placed many pix on various sites in the hopes that someone will see some people they know and contact me. Any ifo you have would be appreciated. I will never forget the work, the people, and the beauty of Crete.

Was on Crete (the rock) 1966 – 68
Worked on D and E flights as a ditty chaser – have alot of fond memories of Crete – hard to believe it is no longer there – I remember riding around in a 1961 rambler with a rag for a gas cap. OYZO and apples went well together.

MY father was Tech-sgt Jesse Miller. We lived on Crete from March 1967 to July 1969. I admit I was the cause for our transferring back to Ft. Meade, MD. I was going into 9th grade and my parents didn’t think I would have survived Ankara. We all loved that place. I still have a copy of the little black and white getting to know Iraklion AFB booklet. Very cool to look through.

Stumbling on this site brought back a lot of fond memories. I was an X1 on baker flight 1971-74. Married my lovely wife 39 years ago there (can honestly say my marriage license is all Greek to me)and my first born (a son) arrived a few months before my discharge. Still use the high speed rack skills I acquired for ham radio cw contests. Our closest friends are still those we developed during our 3+ year stay. Haven’t been back but I sure would like to some day.

Butch and I were room mates. I was the one with the White Triumph TR4A that I purchased from an officer on the base. Served Feb 67 to Aug 68 same as Butch. Went back last week. Sad condition of the base. Have some great pictures of 42 years ago and now of the base. Will see if I can add them to the Wikipedia site for Iraklion Air Station.

I was a 202 on Able flight from March 1978 until March 1980. Wanting to hear from anyone that remembers me or was just stationed there at the same time I was. Things about me that might jog your memory: Blond, Blue eyes, Glasses. Had 650 Yamaha motorcyle, traded for VW Bug. Crashed Bug into olive tree about 100 yards from front gate. Fell off 40 foot cliff while holding Conan King. Roy King’s son. Spent about nine days in the clinic. Worked in the S&W center with George Larson, Karan Hamel, Dave Hussey, Rayfo Smith, and others that I can’t remember the names of but I do remember them and their faces.

We were in Crete from 1970-72. My dad was SMSGT Floyd DeLashmit on the base. We lived in base housing, it was fairly new at that time. And Iraklion had no high school, they made the kids go over to Istanbul, Turkey. What a great time, and what a great place!!! I will go back someday!!

My family was on Crete from 1972 to 1976. My father, TSGT Ronald S. Gooch was in the 6931st Security Squadron (SS). Loved my time there. The ocean, the history, the whole package was so big and awesome as a child.

My father passed away a few years back and i am wondering if anyone knew him.

I was a 29251 stationed on Crete from October 1965 to August 1967. I can still copy code and recently googled the R390 and SP600 radios. They are being restored by many people around the country. If I were a “ham operator” I would love to have one. Married a girl from Crete, have been many times, and would have loved to have retired there.

I was a SSgt 292×1 on Crete, Charlie Flt. in 71-72. Some names I remember Art Sharon, John & Kathy Payne, “Hair” Simmons, “Johnny Jeep”, Ken Paling, and other faces I can picture but can’t remember the names. Greece was and is a wonderful place and I have very fond memories of being there.

I would like to hear from any of you that I worked with at that time.

I was stationed on crete 1976-1979
I was the star basketball player
for the security police as well as
the base team. If any one can
remmemeber me please send me a
e-mail. I am particulary trying to
hook up with my recking crew members fluff, dirty harry, uncle
birney, reverened leroy and last
but not least brother love.

This is robert bb black jr please
send me a e-mail or call me at
212 281-7807.chow.

Whether u were a wrecking crew
member or not any one who could
remmember me Robert Black please
send me an e-mail or call me at
212 281-7807

HJ, I remember you, I was a X1 down the asile from DF (Brantley “you tired a@@”) Later on I married Kathi Tirrapelli.

I was stationed on Crete from May 1976 Until May 1977 on Able Flight
Just had a really fine conversation with Robert Black and
reminised on good time

I was a Charlie flight Arab linguist from 1987 to 1990

I was an X-2 on Baker Flight from Sept. 71 to Dec.74. Looking back it was the best times of my life, met a lot of great people. I saw Ray Linke and Eric Gunderson listed above. Ray was on my flight and Eric was a cather for Charlie flight. I played short for Baker.

Looking for Sgt. James who taught a martial arts class called Motobu Ryu in 1976-77

I was also stationed on the rock in 1976 – 78, supply. Lived on and off base, roomed with Robert Blackwell and Fred Gatto. Lived off base in Chersonosis. Hung with George Kapros and partied like a mug at Elicos.

Black I think we worked together in Supply, you may have been my sup.

Security Police from 1974-1976.

I was a 202 on Baker and Charlie Flight 1969-1971. Went to Elmendorf AFB AK in fall of 1971–100 the day I left Crete and a month later it was 15 and blizzard–and me in my summer tans.

I was at Iraklion 1979-1981. Lived in the dorm and had a place off base for awhile.

Hi, I was on IAS from 71-74 as an Arabic Linguist on Baker Flt. My nickname was Moodus, and most of my friends and aquaintances called me that. Would love to hear from anyone. Jim Bell sounder familiar.

I was on Crete 1963 – 1967 as NCOIC of Det 3, 2140 comm sq. Provided communications for the base. Was a 292×1 and cross trained to 307×0 tech controller. Worked in the pound as well as the office on the hill. Started the NCOA in 1963 or 4 and was the first commander. “Lefty” the greek bartender was a great friend of mine. He also had a bar in Herrsonnissis before u got to Malia. Went to visit him about 6 years ago and he was in the hospital in Athens. Talked to him on the phone and stayed with his sister and nephew. That was Oct and at xmas I rec’d a call that he passed away. I remember Steve who owned the butcher shop in Iraklion and where we bought our steaks and lamb chops. Want to make another trip soon./doc

I remember Eric. We played softball and football together. Also, remember John who was a cool lifer. Hated to hear about the passing of John Payne. Other friends were Hawk, Rosie, Steve Gregory, Rosie, and lots more. Also, remember Ray Linke had an oldies radio show we would listen to on one of the receivers while coping dits/dahs on the other.

I was on Crete from 1961 to 1963. I was a ditty bopper on Charlie Trick, played on the trick and base basketball teams. Would like to hear from anyone who was there from that era.

Jace Maher

was station with 6931st transportation from 1973-1975. Bowled and played softball for the base teams. was back to greece in 2006. Looking to retire o crete in the next year.

My husband, Michael E. Brown, and I were stationed on Crete from 1972 to 1975. I remember friends by the name of Earl and Paulette Biddy from North or South Carolina and a gal named Sherry that loved cats as i did. I worked in the ceramic shop for a year or so. I lived in a new apt in Chersonosis. Does anyone remember the names of the English bands that played at the NCO club? I was good friends with them but lost touch with them over the years. I remember one lead singer was Kenny and his wife was Greek and named Rula. Another bands lead singer was Shawn. I think one of the bands was named Pandoras Box. IF anyone remembers me or my husband please write back!! Kris

This is for Ron Gooch, Jr. I was stationed with your dad at the 6910th in Darmstadt in the mid-60′s and I remember him well. I was there from Sept ’63 until Aug ’65 as the Block 5 NCOIC on D flight. I was a SSgt at the time and I think your dad was an A1C. As I remember it, our times there pretty much overlapped. He and his best friend, Ciraco (sp?), had a great time in Germany and were always up to something.

Ron Gooch, Jr.
I have a picture of your dad with his graduating class at Keesler. If you would like it, please contact me at garylgriggs@hotmail.com.

I was married to Bill Harkins, X-1 on Baker Flt 69-72. I was the youth center director on the base. I am still best friends with Maureen (Bosa) Orr. Her husband was Gordon (Buffalo) Bosa.

Hey Sandy, Pants here. Enjoyed Crete and times at the club. Hope things have been good for you.

Hi Pants! good to hear from you. Things are good, just getting old…wasn’t crete a blast????

Sandy, Crete was a blast. Seems like there was always a ballgame or a party to attend. Hey remember when you had Artie dance with my date (Cathy’s sister) because I was being an ass. lol

Hello,

I was stationed at the 6931st from Sept 68-Jan72. Worked in the “POUND” as well as HQ and finished as NCOIC of PUBS/Dist. Been back several times 1985,1992 and 2003 on my my to Iraq.”Souda Bay” I sure miss the life style and all good times to be had. I have been blessed to have spent my tour there.

Wayne Miller

R702X0A

My first AF assignment was to Crete in 1964-1966. Best times of my life. Was on Charlie flight as a 202 in search, working for TSGT W. W. “Old Watashi” Johnson. Bought a surplus 4WD field ambulance from the NCO club and went everywhere on the island. Hung out with Al “Runt” Everette, Steve “Fearless” Leader, Rick “RO” Ott, “Beep” Bruce, and lots of other great guys. Now retired in Southern California, fooling around with old cars. Best wishes to all my old friends, hope you are doing well.

My first overseas assignment was in Crete during the 1964-66 timeframe. 29252 was my AFSC. I was selected for the 2-T Program and later assigned to Brindisi. On Crete, I was privileged to serve with Calvin Joslin, Richard ViVarito, Chuck Colley, Fred Rendon, Phillip Ramos, Chuck Varney, Fred Dinar, Foy Yocum, Wayne Dominowski and many more wonderful people. I believe Sergeant Braun was our NCOIC.

Just found this site. Was at IAS from 1962-1964 on Baker Flight as a morse intercept op. Bob Meade and Jim Lynch were two of my best buds. Bob and I both married Greek girls. I have been married now for 48 years and go back to Crete every year. Still love it after all this time. After Crete, went to SAC Hq, then to CINCPAC, Hawaii. Anyone remember them or me? tks,

looking for security service (logo) shield to transfer to a baseball hat. Statiuoned on Crete 60 to 61. We were intercept operators. My jacket says 6930 R G M. My buddy was ED MASHMAN,making the hats up for a roast at my 70th birthday party

PLEASE E MAIL SECURITY LOGO (COLOR) TO B MYERS petpeddler@yahoo.com,

i was stationed at IAS from 1966-1968….i was in supply…..surely somebody there in that timeframe should remember barry beamer.he was in construction

i thought i knew almost everybody when i was there. guess i didnt. i played flag football for supply. remember they had a floorshow at the club….the woman selected me to go onstage….she took my shirt off and the management quickly stopped the show….man only place i ever went that i despised but fell in love with in short order..how time flys…i remember seeing the old army ambulance jim siegmund had. usta wish we had it…..if anyony thinks they remember me email me at phloridaphill@aol.com

ahhhh…memories…the 2 in house bands…1 country and a pop/rock.. 1 guy in the rock band we called him cooch…wish i could remember names. there was always a war tween the airman’s, nco and officers clubs to book them. both of them was really good. they would really rock singing…help me rhonda.i said in prior post i was in supply…..but it was really commercial transportation an arm of supply…i worked for msgt roberson great guy …made srmsgt before i left.

I was in the 6930th Dec 1960 – Nov 1962. I worked in the Com-center, I was in Able Flt. Names I remeber are: Bill Scheller, Sgt Harrison, Jim Gardner, There are more they just come to mind at this time.

I remember going in to town at nite and the base boat we had to use on diving trips,,,

Just found this site. Was at the 6931 from aug. 71 thru nov 72 as a 292×1 on Able Flight.To Kris Gutsall – Shawn was the lead singer for Pandora’s Box. Also Cathy was the female lead. The other English band was called Art Neavou I belive. don’t remember any of the bandmembers names.

I was stationed on Crete from 75-77. Ets’d there and returned to the states with a dog and girlfriend followed a few months later. Through Bobby Armistead I reconnected with John Cocuzzi who was a brief roommate of mine. If anybody remembers Maj Norman Notdurft, his wife just past away in a town a few miles from me in Oregon. I tried contacting him through the funeral home but I think he is quite caught up in grief.
Carlos we must have known each other from Elico, I still have a mug from new years ’76 party there.

Hi,
I was on Crete from Jan 1963 til Jul 1966. Worked days and was a linguist-French. Wife is Sally and we lived on base and off base. Our sons were with us-Dick and Larry. Crete was one of our favorite bases in 20 yrs career. Served with many good people.

Old USAFSS sent me on many assignments; Japan, Darmstadt, Turkey and finally Berlin, but my wife, Bobbie, and I always consider our time at Iraklion AS (1962-1965)as our ‘best’. I use to go to the beach from the ‘Pound’ to meet Bobbie for lunch. One of those huge Cretan oranges was a meal.

X-1 on Able Flight(1971-1972). Played football and softball. Lived off base across the street from PB and May. Great tour of duty as well as PI.

I was stationed on Crete as a 203 from June 77 to December 78. Worked on Charlie Flight with Cal Dexter, Reggie Weems, Jim Bannigan, and others. Cal, Mike Mathis, Tom and Kris O’Dea and I studied at DLI together. Baron Brock was in our class; he was airborne and assigned to Athens. Lt. Koziol was our flight commander. Really liked the assignment to Crete, and am dismayed at its current condition.
alames2@verizon.net

In the pound, Dog Flight, 6931ss, morse systems operator. from jan 76 to jun 77. had good time for days like a mug. rotating shifts every three days and drinking on the beach. exploring the island. except for the crazy woman I was married to at the time….it was pretty cool times.

Like others, just found site. At IAS 72-74 in 6931 Transportation Squandron. On 2/20/11 Larry Estep posted his comment. I believe I remember him. I think Larry worked with a guy nicknamed Minos. I worked with Warick Abrams, Norm Strickland, who married a Greek girl and planned to retire to Crete after his 20. Also worked with Ed Kelley, Russ Amat. Fond memories. Lived off base all two years in Iraklion not far from that souvlaki joint. Enjoyed beaches east of base and going to St Nicks.

This is for Tom Dickson(TD) I think i remember you. I was an x1 on Able flight also. I think your first tour was in the Phillipines? You can email me at rffeldberg@hotmail.com

I was stationed on Iraklion from July 1978 to July 1980. I was assigned to CE with SSgt Anderson working for LtCol Adams. I worked part time at the gym and played alot of racquetball. Those were the days of Jeff Cullars, Abdul (the cop), Clarence Pughsley, Yvonne Bedford and others. Please drop me a line or two.

Still looking for someone who was assigned to the 6931st from Jul 78 to Jul 80. Col Luse was the Base Commander at the time.

Crete was my 1st assignment in USAFSS. I worked in the Radio Maintenance shop. Can still see those R390, R390A,and PT-6′s when I close my eyes.Discovered the Libary and spent many hours there. The day I arrived and the first quarter I put into a slot machine hit the 37.50 jackpot. Sept. 1960 to Feb 1963. Retired from Goodfellow AFB 1980. USAFSS was my home.

would love to hear from folks we knew back then. (married at that time to Donna)..surely some of you guys knew her..she loved to dance….

I didn’t serve in Crete, but flew over the area in July 1967 and then again in September 1968 on a Lockheed C-141 Starlifter enroute to the 6937th Comm Group in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Stationed on Crete from 62-63 as a 292 on Able Flt. I remember in 63 we had Bob Hope and his entire Christmas show with Anita Bryant and Tuesday Weld. Some of the guys I remember: Stan Colson, Charlie Rienisch, Jerry Schaaf, Phillip Thomas, Dave Birchill, Ralph Canastero. Departed IAS in early 64 for Det#3 Orlando AFB. Great times at both bases.

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I hope the remainder of your holidays are filled with love, peace, and joy. Still trying to find someone who were on Crete from Jul 78 to Jul 80.

Served on Crete from July 2, 1963 until December 27, 1964. Worked days at the Pound, first for SSgt Roberts and then TSgt Burt Kahn. Great tour, lots of fun and exciting work. Best friend was and still is Ron Valasek, he worked days also.

Stationed at 6930th from November 61 to November 62. Worked as a 202 in techsum prep and married a Greek girl on 14-10-62. We will celebrate our 50th next October. She was Mando and worked for a short time as a waitress in the airman’s club. Loved Crete and we have been back many times since then.

I beginning to wonder if only old-timers visit this site. That is also a good thing to know so many are still around. Congrats on your 50th wedding anniversary Tim.

Hi, I just discovered this site and was surprised to find out the many changes that took place since I left Iraklion, Crete. I was a 29251 from June/60 – Dec/61. Prior to that, I was in Trabzon, Turkey (Det 3-1). I remember going to town, and after a few drinks in the square, making acquaintance with the “girls”. I also remember “The Glass House” restaurant and singing there a few times… I can say that I had the same good experience that I see many of you had in Iraklion, Crete. I was with the 6930th.
Hope you all had a happy Christmas Season.

Hi again, It seems that the system incorrectly listed my time in Crete.It should read 1960 to 1961.

Looking for Ralph L. Bennett. He was at the 31st from 67-69. Can anyone help?

Now I am really beginning to believe that this site is for oldies back in the 50′s and 60′s at Crete. Somebody has to see this was at Iraklion from 1978-1980.

Stationed o0n Crete from July 62 until July 64. Worked on Baker in the high speed numbers section next to the deep 6(29251) Married in April 64. Ran around with Bob Stenzel, Danny Sims and Bob Neubert.Take care all you Createns.

Dear Friends, It has been a little while since I was here last. I have enjoyed catching up by reading the many entries that have been posted since the last time I was here. I am in the process of planning my 5th trip back to Crete in as many years. I hope that all of you will continue re-connecting with each other, and searching for old friends whom you have mis-placed. And, if any of you should happen to venture back to Crete during the months of July, August or September in 2012, please look me up in the little seaside village of Amoudara. Your Friend and Fellow “Silent Warrior”, Bob Armistead

I was part of the 6931st from Jan 75 to Jun 76 as part of Charlie Flt working in the compound. Had the best time of my life there and worked and played with some of the best friends I’ve ever had – Les Hager, Deb Monin, Rick Johnston, Dan Sellers, Garry Gilliam.

Hope all is well. One day I will be surprised to see a comment from someone during my tenure on Crete. It was indeed a great two years for me. I know the 78-80 crew is out there some where. Colonel Charles Luse was the Base Commander while I was there.

Still looking for Ralph L. Bennett. He was on Crete from 67 to 69.

I was a 202 assigned to Dog flight 1975-1977. I saw Richard Munson’s post above, you were an X2 right? I was thinking of some of some the people we were stationed with, Diane Jorgensen, Bob Lowrey, Don Matta, Jim Houle, Randy Endsley and Ken Colchin.

I lived on base 66-68.Looking for Ernest Lehmann ,science teacher.

I had a lingering feeling back then… that I would remember my experience on ‘the Rock’ the rest of my life. It turned out to be true. I even tried writing a book about it, but gave up in frustration. (It would have been a great movie.) A number of great people, two of whom I still write.
Those were different times, and I’ll bet many of us wish we could return to them.
Best wishes to all

I was stationed in Crete with Det 3, 2140 Comm SQ. Our commanders were Captain Patrick Ryan and after him was Captain Luther Shields one of the poorest excuses for an Air Force officer I ever met in my 20 year career in the USAF!

Crete was defintely one of the finest assignment I had during my Air Force career. Sadly I have not been able to locate anyone who was there with me. Work in C.E. for Lt Col Adams from Jul 78 – Jul 80. Clarence Pughsley, Abdul the cop, George Anthenos, Yvonne Bedford, Michael Ellis, Earnie Lee, were a few folks during my tenure. If anyone know of these people please let me know.

stationed on crete from aug 15 1968 till Dec 15 1969, comm center..grew up there, lived in hersonnisis, not been back but want to go back, its in my blood..

Has anyone heard of or know where Ernie Lee is? Who remembers the AFN scandal?

Magical place! I was with AFRTS from 1974 to 1976, returned with the Med Clinic in 1983-85. Spent many an hour (& paycheck) at Ellicos Disco (remember Zach?) in Chersonnissous as a bachelor, met my wife on the beach in 1975 and married her in the base chapel in 1976. We’ve been back several times over the years, and sadly, time & politics have not treated the area too well. Worked with fellow DJs Jack Lott & Bob Garcia.

I too, spent many nights at Ellicos, drinking wine and having plenty of fun. I was saddened when they close Iraklion. Probably two of the best years of my glorious Air Force Career.