Story Autumn in the Cascades
- Thread starter Chapulin
- Start date
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thanks from me.
Post 9
We get in my Explorer and start the highway climb over the mountains. 2.5 hours later we are being seated by Flo at the 59er Diner in Clines Corner. We order coffees and discuss the late morning meeting. For some reason I grabbed my 357 kit this morning and Rick has his Remington Varmint 700 with a Glock 20 for his hip. He gave me some friendly advice as we start to Merritt. The construction fence was down and I stopped about where the BMW had a few afternoons ago. No other vehicles were visible and everything looked like it had the last time. We are several minutes early and I send Bosun Rick to my lookout and then we hear a distant helicopter on approach.
The UH-60 Army Blackhawk is an impressive bird and it swallowed most the space between the Quonsets. The side opened and 4 people got out. We notice there is an operator over the machine gun mounted inside. 2 civilians step forward and introduce themselves as the Company Senior Project Manager Jack and Company Legal Susan who introduce Ranger Ben from Joint Base Lewis McChord and Special Ops Major Saul. We go back to the hood of the Explorer and I safe my lever rifle near the front tires and pickup paperwork from inside the vehicle. The helicopter is idling and we can hold a decent conversational level discussion. Bosun Rick joins us and startles me when he said Hi Ben. It turns out these 2 are brothers.
I decided honesty was the best policy and told my story straight through. I get darting eyes by everyone in the group and finally Legal Susan tells me that Pete had been under suspicion and was recently involved in illegal arms deals. I picked my jaw off the floor and waited for Project Manager Jack to speak. He asked me what I had seen and I give him my site report. He said that Pete had been his local contact managing the daily site tasks. Project Manager Jack asked if I was doing anything for the next 3 months and I responded “no”. He says I will hire you as my local site manager if I want it. Nodding I start looking at the uniforms.
They ask for a tour and off we go. I started with the front Quonset and we ended at the middle Quonset. I noticed each shop had a propane tank for supplemental heat and cooking, on the side away from the diesel generator. It turns out the uniforms were focused on this project and told me to open what I had decided was a second small arms locker. The back was actually a small stairway down to a basement level which I had completely missed. It was an underground radio facility and compute center not as large as a Data Center but still good sized. So much for having to heat this building in the winter time. Project Manager Jack had been trailing us and updating his plan. We ended up at a well-equipped medical suite and start talking schedule. The military wanted it next week and the schedule showed it would take a little longer. I referred to my site report and mentioned some details I could understand and then I ask about site security and entrance plans. It would have a fenced perimeter but an unmanned gate with voice box outside. This makes the site similar to some of the other private spreads in the valley. They had decided early in the project this would be a minimum security facility and visitors would be managed at certain points in the associated missions. That would become part of my role if I wanted a longer contract. For the range of outcomes this was better than most. Legal Susan gives me a folder of hiring documents and her card to send it to. Project Manager Jack lives in Seattle and we decide he can ride on the ground with us and leave his whirlybird associates to their devices. The 2 brothers take a minute to themselves and we are ready to lock and go. Bosun Rick, Project Manager Jack and I go to the Nason Creek Rest Stop and bring the black Escape back to the site and take the time to put it into the back shop. I give Project Manager Jack the honor of driving the extra Ford. The extra vehicles are deemed to be a later effort, which makes me glad I hadn’t swapped license plates during my walk about.
As I drove back to Seattle Bosun Rick was crashed in the back seat and I asked Rick “What is my schedule on the site?”
“I’m expecting you to be on site during business hours say Monday Noon to Friday Noon.” I’ll give you access to the electronic project schedule and you should update the expected deliveries for me.” You can grab a bunk in the living quarters of the front Quonset.”
“How am I dealing with contractors”
“Distribute the Apple watches when they check in and collect the watches as they leave.” “They are allowed to be alone on site at this point”.
Jack led me to his UDistrict and Bosun Rick moved to the front seat and we went back to my house around Northgate.
We get in my Explorer and start the highway climb over the mountains. 2.5 hours later we are being seated by Flo at the 59er Diner in Clines Corner. We order coffees and discuss the late morning meeting. For some reason I grabbed my 357 kit this morning and Rick has his Remington Varmint 700 with a Glock 20 for his hip. He gave me some friendly advice as we start to Merritt. The construction fence was down and I stopped about where the BMW had a few afternoons ago. No other vehicles were visible and everything looked like it had the last time. We are several minutes early and I send Bosun Rick to my lookout and then we hear a distant helicopter on approach.
The UH-60 Army Blackhawk is an impressive bird and it swallowed most the space between the Quonsets. The side opened and 4 people got out. We notice there is an operator over the machine gun mounted inside. 2 civilians step forward and introduce themselves as the Company Senior Project Manager Jack and Company Legal Susan who introduce Ranger Ben from Joint Base Lewis McChord and Special Ops Major Saul. We go back to the hood of the Explorer and I safe my lever rifle near the front tires and pickup paperwork from inside the vehicle. The helicopter is idling and we can hold a decent conversational level discussion. Bosun Rick joins us and startles me when he said Hi Ben. It turns out these 2 are brothers.
I decided honesty was the best policy and told my story straight through. I get darting eyes by everyone in the group and finally Legal Susan tells me that Pete had been under suspicion and was recently involved in illegal arms deals. I picked my jaw off the floor and waited for Project Manager Jack to speak. He asked me what I had seen and I give him my site report. He said that Pete had been his local contact managing the daily site tasks. Project Manager Jack asked if I was doing anything for the next 3 months and I responded “no”. He says I will hire you as my local site manager if I want it. Nodding I start looking at the uniforms.
They ask for a tour and off we go. I started with the front Quonset and we ended at the middle Quonset. I noticed each shop had a propane tank for supplemental heat and cooking, on the side away from the diesel generator. It turns out the uniforms were focused on this project and told me to open what I had decided was a second small arms locker. The back was actually a small stairway down to a basement level which I had completely missed. It was an underground radio facility and compute center not as large as a Data Center but still good sized. So much for having to heat this building in the winter time. Project Manager Jack had been trailing us and updating his plan. We ended up at a well-equipped medical suite and start talking schedule. The military wanted it next week and the schedule showed it would take a little longer. I referred to my site report and mentioned some details I could understand and then I ask about site security and entrance plans. It would have a fenced perimeter but an unmanned gate with voice box outside. This makes the site similar to some of the other private spreads in the valley. They had decided early in the project this would be a minimum security facility and visitors would be managed at certain points in the associated missions. That would become part of my role if I wanted a longer contract. For the range of outcomes this was better than most. Legal Susan gives me a folder of hiring documents and her card to send it to. Project Manager Jack lives in Seattle and we decide he can ride on the ground with us and leave his whirlybird associates to their devices. The 2 brothers take a minute to themselves and we are ready to lock and go. Bosun Rick, Project Manager Jack and I go to the Nason Creek Rest Stop and bring the black Escape back to the site and take the time to put it into the back shop. I give Project Manager Jack the honor of driving the extra Ford. The extra vehicles are deemed to be a later effort, which makes me glad I hadn’t swapped license plates during my walk about.
As I drove back to Seattle Bosun Rick was crashed in the back seat and I asked Rick “What is my schedule on the site?”
“I’m expecting you to be on site during business hours say Monday Noon to Friday Noon.” I’ll give you access to the electronic project schedule and you should update the expected deliveries for me.” You can grab a bunk in the living quarters of the front Quonset.”
“How am I dealing with contractors”
“Distribute the Apple watches when they check in and collect the watches as they leave.” “They are allowed to be alone on site at this point”.
Jack led me to his UDistrict and Bosun Rick moved to the front seat and we went back to my house around Northgate.
Last edited:
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
The DW and I have been to Clines Corners in NM, but apparently not the same Clines Corner.
CLINES CORNERS - Clines Corners Travel Center Welcome
www.clinescorners.com
Clines Corners, NM, 87070 Phone: 575-472-5488 Email: info@clinescorners.com New Mexico Interstate 40, Exit 218. RV Park
Texican....
CLINES CORNERS - Clines Corners Travel Center Welcome
Clines Corners, NM, 87070 Phone: 575-472-5488 Email: info@clinescorners.com New Mexico Interstate 40, Exit 218. RV Park
Texican....
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Welcome to Coles Corner
Coles Corner was established in 1986. As an art and craft business, we have participated in art shows from Maine to Florida for the past 28 years all year round. Coles Corner has received numerous and awards and ribbons from many fine art and craft shows.
Coles Corner
Julia Dressler
P.O. Box 854
Clarksville, VA 23927
434-374-5577
Griz3752
Retired, practising Curmudgeon
Pretty sure he meant this one: Coles Corner, WA = Coles Corner, Washington - Wikipedia
Definitely a 'wide spot in the road' kind of place .....
Definitely a 'wide spot in the road' kind of place .....
Post 10
After we drop Project Manager Rick in the UDistrict I headed north. As we drive up to the driveway I say, “Rick would you have time for a beer?”
“That sounds better than drinking alone”.
As we get in the house I say, “Take your pick of what we have in the fridge”.
I start with, “Tell me how Merritt compares with other Special Ops bases you are familiar with”?
“Full Special Ops bases are fully scheduled, this Merritt One Off will more likely cycle between boredom and busy”. “Merritt feels like some of the modern base designs for the new missions we are hearing about.” “The old guard will fight the summer camp in uniform concept”. ”The size of the base needs to determine the tightness of command.”
I am also curious, “Is your brother Ben in a place where he has time to talk with me?”
“Ben is in his final year in the Rangers and has been assigned to Special Ops Command.” “Ben and Saul have been conducting briefings and presentations.” “They haven’t been bound to stay on base when they are creating and organizing new content.” “They have been assessing the bases created in the 1950s and the recent merged base configurations.”
Bosun Rick departed and I cleaned up the kitchen. This was Thursday evening and I was reporting for work by next Monday noon. I reheated some left over pasta and updated some gardening information I keep handy. When I evaluated the Quonset site it had a lot of land around it. Those kitchens were meant for more than reheating a can of beans or a MRE.
I was well asleep when a front window shattered. I was hearing footsteps in the house as I brought my 357 automatic to belt height and crept around the bottom of the bed. There was just enough light to see a hulk round the corner of the door frame.
Too many reports of homeowners shooting friends in these scenarios so I was standing back trying to come up with something clever for a situation many of us won’t be in. “You ain’t Santa Claus”, made him just about jump of his skin, but he lunged at me instead.
2 rounds of 357 landed in his upper torso and he barely hit me. I went over the bed around him and stood in the door way. He was twitching but not making conscious movement. This time I call the police and a cruiser is at my door fairly quickly. Apparently the shots had raised some neighbors. I stay in the open and where I can watch the possible corpse. I am disarmed and the police check the body. They make a call for an ambulance for the “deceased” and we sit in the living room while they take my story. Once they put him on the gurney I can see I have seen this clown before. Meet the dead mystery man from the house break in. My package from last weekend is taped up and ready for a bow.
One of the officers was getting up and said “didn’t this house suffer a break-in last weekend?”
Okay how am I going to handle this one? “Yes it did, my wife and I were out of town.”
The policewoman asked “Were any Firearms taken?”
“4, but they dropped them in the backyard.” “Let me get something from my office”. “Here is a picture of the burglar from last week, it looks like he came back for seconds.”
I had saved this picture to disk, so she could have this one.
They recommended I put at least a sheet over the window. I will use a sheet of plywood and clean up the glass since the dawn was breaking as I thank the officers. They leave my firearm on the end table. Time to reload the handgun. Nancy had wanted to put in a slider window instead of the non-opening picture window, I’ll try to make that happen.
I learned a trick to put 2 holes in plywood and a 2x4 of the right length. Put 2 bolts with smooth heads through the holes and put the plywood on the outside of the frame. Slide the 2x4 onto the bolts across the inside of the frame. Insert 2 washers and screw on a couple of nuts and tighten. It makes a reasonably secure temporary cover.
Nancy would be proud. I got my running shorts and shoes and went for a jog. Since I was going to be out in public and representing a project I decided a couple of new shirts and pants were on the list. I put the Ford Explorer in the garage and hauled in a couple of bags. Time to call a window company and see who is available tomorrow. Not ideal but the window was in stock at Home Depot and a handyman friend said he could do it. While I was hungry I started planning meals for my first week. That generated a list of seasonings and condiments to take from this kitchen and a couple of kitchen implements to save looking in every drawer my first night and a shopping list of grocery items. It looked like 2 coolers would be enough for the trip. It was a tad early for supper but I was expecting to turn in early tonight with all the forced activity last night. Another meal of leftovers included some soup and a couple of slices of bread.
After we drop Project Manager Rick in the UDistrict I headed north. As we drive up to the driveway I say, “Rick would you have time for a beer?”
“That sounds better than drinking alone”.
As we get in the house I say, “Take your pick of what we have in the fridge”.
I start with, “Tell me how Merritt compares with other Special Ops bases you are familiar with”?
“Full Special Ops bases are fully scheduled, this Merritt One Off will more likely cycle between boredom and busy”. “Merritt feels like some of the modern base designs for the new missions we are hearing about.” “The old guard will fight the summer camp in uniform concept”. ”The size of the base needs to determine the tightness of command.”
I am also curious, “Is your brother Ben in a place where he has time to talk with me?”
“Ben is in his final year in the Rangers and has been assigned to Special Ops Command.” “Ben and Saul have been conducting briefings and presentations.” “They haven’t been bound to stay on base when they are creating and organizing new content.” “They have been assessing the bases created in the 1950s and the recent merged base configurations.”
Bosun Rick departed and I cleaned up the kitchen. This was Thursday evening and I was reporting for work by next Monday noon. I reheated some left over pasta and updated some gardening information I keep handy. When I evaluated the Quonset site it had a lot of land around it. Those kitchens were meant for more than reheating a can of beans or a MRE.
I was well asleep when a front window shattered. I was hearing footsteps in the house as I brought my 357 automatic to belt height and crept around the bottom of the bed. There was just enough light to see a hulk round the corner of the door frame.
Too many reports of homeowners shooting friends in these scenarios so I was standing back trying to come up with something clever for a situation many of us won’t be in. “You ain’t Santa Claus”, made him just about jump of his skin, but he lunged at me instead.
2 rounds of 357 landed in his upper torso and he barely hit me. I went over the bed around him and stood in the door way. He was twitching but not making conscious movement. This time I call the police and a cruiser is at my door fairly quickly. Apparently the shots had raised some neighbors. I stay in the open and where I can watch the possible corpse. I am disarmed and the police check the body. They make a call for an ambulance for the “deceased” and we sit in the living room while they take my story. Once they put him on the gurney I can see I have seen this clown before. Meet the dead mystery man from the house break in. My package from last weekend is taped up and ready for a bow.
One of the officers was getting up and said “didn’t this house suffer a break-in last weekend?”
Okay how am I going to handle this one? “Yes it did, my wife and I were out of town.”
The policewoman asked “Were any Firearms taken?”
“4, but they dropped them in the backyard.” “Let me get something from my office”. “Here is a picture of the burglar from last week, it looks like he came back for seconds.”
I had saved this picture to disk, so she could have this one.
They recommended I put at least a sheet over the window. I will use a sheet of plywood and clean up the glass since the dawn was breaking as I thank the officers. They leave my firearm on the end table. Time to reload the handgun. Nancy had wanted to put in a slider window instead of the non-opening picture window, I’ll try to make that happen.
I learned a trick to put 2 holes in plywood and a 2x4 of the right length. Put 2 bolts with smooth heads through the holes and put the plywood on the outside of the frame. Slide the 2x4 onto the bolts across the inside of the frame. Insert 2 washers and screw on a couple of nuts and tighten. It makes a reasonably secure temporary cover.
Nancy would be proud. I got my running shorts and shoes and went for a jog. Since I was going to be out in public and representing a project I decided a couple of new shirts and pants were on the list. I put the Ford Explorer in the garage and hauled in a couple of bags. Time to call a window company and see who is available tomorrow. Not ideal but the window was in stock at Home Depot and a handyman friend said he could do it. While I was hungry I started planning meals for my first week. That generated a list of seasonings and condiments to take from this kitchen and a couple of kitchen implements to save looking in every drawer my first night and a shopping list of grocery items. It looked like 2 coolers would be enough for the trip. It was a tad early for supper but I was expecting to turn in early tonight with all the forced activity last night. Another meal of leftovers included some soup and a couple of slices of bread.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you for the chapter.
Post 11
Project Manager Rick had agreed with me the 10mm gear in the small arms locker was premature and I expect a military truck to remove them early next week. That meant an assortment of my 7.62 collection will accompany me on the trip up along with my lever rifle. I start looking at the project schedule based on my site visits. I do see a front gate and surrounding fence on the list. The rain at the site wasn’t on the project schedule but wouldn’t affect the workflow today. A radio tower is one of the other functions and the military will provide their own list medical supplies once we clean their space. I need to make the systems complete and then we can get the permit of occupancy and then a final painting and tightening. As we sweep the place out the tanks will be filled with the appropriate liquids.
The window replacement at home was easy and for once didn’t blossom into 5 other things. Since I’m leaving tomorrow it is time to start packing the Ford Explorer. Out to the back drawers go the M1A, an FN SCAR 20 S and a Browning 20 Gauge semi-automatic. I take half of my ammunition to avoid having to throw one of the rifles at somebody in defense. We have some plastic bins to hold the kitchen items and supplies. Which reminds me to make a cleaning supplies list for the site since I didn’t see that type of thing during the walk around. Project Manager Rick may also be generating a supplies list. Given the intent of the site, blood cleaners will be more useful than wine cleaners especially without white carpets.
A quick phone call with Nancy tells me they have had a peaceful start to her week. She keeps working with the Pilots and they tend to stay up to date on their own. I actually forget to mention the Santa Claus episode last night, but did tell her I was raiding the first weapons cache.
Monday morning rolls around and I take out some office boxes and gear out to the Explorer. Another cool fall day with high clouds passing over. Then it is time to throw in some clothes, toiletries, foot ware and towels. I take out the plastic totes of basic kitchen and I throw some ice packs in the coolers with a few items from the kitchen which go on the top of the pile in the Ford Explorer. It is time to grab the rifle and lock up. Most of rush hour has passed and I make good time up the hill. I stop at one of the stores and pick up a basket load of stuff from my shopping list. In the parking lot I take time to fill up the coolers and consolidate the sacks like the rest of the tourists.
I get the construction fence out of the road way and make sure signage is still there. I park in front of the front Quonset entrance. With rifle in hand I go through the entry container. I want to make sure the key also works and I go in like I own the place. First is a right turn to make sure nobody is hanging from the hoist. Given the lack of victims I move over to the housing side. I bring in the M1A and the shotgun leaving the FN SCAR 20 S out in the drawer. I was bringing in grocery sacks when a semi-truck came down the approach. He appears to have the shop equipment meaning he heads for the middle Quonset garage. This looks like the rig that was here Friday and left with his load. He knows where to park and I catch up. I’ll have less running for exercise and more running for work. He walks toward the forklift and says he can unload this himself. There is a diagram on the wall to show what goes where and he’ll stop by my SUV for a signature in a few minutes. Before he finishes a sprinter van shows up from a machine shop and I’m guessing this is the installer. A few minutes after him was another small van from the plumbing company. She is here to check on rough ins and check with me on finish installs.
I get the rest of the Ford Explorer unloaded and put the kitchen stuff where it belongs and dump my clothing and office stuff in the quasi living room. I find a broom closet for my long guns and verify the cleaning supplies weren’t there. I start sweeping the entry way and the semi driver is there for a signature. He is pleasant enough but wants to get back on the road. I give the work van another hour and walk over to check on progress. I’m going to bring my bike up to make this a little more efficient next week. The installer is busy finishing the placement and getting the electrical or gas lines connected. He has sample material and plans to true up everything before he leaves. He estimates finishing about 3pm and will see me on the way out. I’m glad I grabbed a sandwich and chips at the grocery store for lunch. It’s a warm fall day and I open the windows to air out the front Quonset. There is an office in the kitchen where I can set up and see the field between buildings. I pick a bunk close to the windows and the bathroom about half way down from the door. I set up my laptop and organize my paperwork and the box of evidence in the kitchen office. I need to update the evidence for the mystery man. I made a cellphone picture of his driver’s license before the police showed up.
The plumbing truck comes by the front Quonset and we discuss her schedule and delivery plans. It is almost 3pm when she leaves so I head over to the shop. The installer shows me a few things and explains he is taking back a part for a replacement which he’ll bring on Wednesday. I sign off on his work and make a note of the part.
I tour the site and lock up whatever is open. After 4pm we aren’t likely to get new workers. I am taking notes on outside water spigots as I walk around. Luckily somebody has specified 2 spigots per side and 1 on each end. Given the 1 inch connections there must have been a wild fire threat to mitigate. I declare dinner time and go back to the front Quonset. I call Project Manager Rick and brief him on the day’s activities. He’s planning to drive up later in the week and he asks me to update his project plan. The Internet presence has already been installed and streaming selections are the choice of the night.
Project Manager Rick had agreed with me the 10mm gear in the small arms locker was premature and I expect a military truck to remove them early next week. That meant an assortment of my 7.62 collection will accompany me on the trip up along with my lever rifle. I start looking at the project schedule based on my site visits. I do see a front gate and surrounding fence on the list. The rain at the site wasn’t on the project schedule but wouldn’t affect the workflow today. A radio tower is one of the other functions and the military will provide their own list medical supplies once we clean their space. I need to make the systems complete and then we can get the permit of occupancy and then a final painting and tightening. As we sweep the place out the tanks will be filled with the appropriate liquids.
The window replacement at home was easy and for once didn’t blossom into 5 other things. Since I’m leaving tomorrow it is time to start packing the Ford Explorer. Out to the back drawers go the M1A, an FN SCAR 20 S and a Browning 20 Gauge semi-automatic. I take half of my ammunition to avoid having to throw one of the rifles at somebody in defense. We have some plastic bins to hold the kitchen items and supplies. Which reminds me to make a cleaning supplies list for the site since I didn’t see that type of thing during the walk around. Project Manager Rick may also be generating a supplies list. Given the intent of the site, blood cleaners will be more useful than wine cleaners especially without white carpets.
A quick phone call with Nancy tells me they have had a peaceful start to her week. She keeps working with the Pilots and they tend to stay up to date on their own. I actually forget to mention the Santa Claus episode last night, but did tell her I was raiding the first weapons cache.
Monday morning rolls around and I take out some office boxes and gear out to the Explorer. Another cool fall day with high clouds passing over. Then it is time to throw in some clothes, toiletries, foot ware and towels. I take out the plastic totes of basic kitchen and I throw some ice packs in the coolers with a few items from the kitchen which go on the top of the pile in the Ford Explorer. It is time to grab the rifle and lock up. Most of rush hour has passed and I make good time up the hill. I stop at one of the stores and pick up a basket load of stuff from my shopping list. In the parking lot I take time to fill up the coolers and consolidate the sacks like the rest of the tourists.
I get the construction fence out of the road way and make sure signage is still there. I park in front of the front Quonset entrance. With rifle in hand I go through the entry container. I want to make sure the key also works and I go in like I own the place. First is a right turn to make sure nobody is hanging from the hoist. Given the lack of victims I move over to the housing side. I bring in the M1A and the shotgun leaving the FN SCAR 20 S out in the drawer. I was bringing in grocery sacks when a semi-truck came down the approach. He appears to have the shop equipment meaning he heads for the middle Quonset garage. This looks like the rig that was here Friday and left with his load. He knows where to park and I catch up. I’ll have less running for exercise and more running for work. He walks toward the forklift and says he can unload this himself. There is a diagram on the wall to show what goes where and he’ll stop by my SUV for a signature in a few minutes. Before he finishes a sprinter van shows up from a machine shop and I’m guessing this is the installer. A few minutes after him was another small van from the plumbing company. She is here to check on rough ins and check with me on finish installs.
I get the rest of the Ford Explorer unloaded and put the kitchen stuff where it belongs and dump my clothing and office stuff in the quasi living room. I find a broom closet for my long guns and verify the cleaning supplies weren’t there. I start sweeping the entry way and the semi driver is there for a signature. He is pleasant enough but wants to get back on the road. I give the work van another hour and walk over to check on progress. I’m going to bring my bike up to make this a little more efficient next week. The installer is busy finishing the placement and getting the electrical or gas lines connected. He has sample material and plans to true up everything before he leaves. He estimates finishing about 3pm and will see me on the way out. I’m glad I grabbed a sandwich and chips at the grocery store for lunch. It’s a warm fall day and I open the windows to air out the front Quonset. There is an office in the kitchen where I can set up and see the field between buildings. I pick a bunk close to the windows and the bathroom about half way down from the door. I set up my laptop and organize my paperwork and the box of evidence in the kitchen office. I need to update the evidence for the mystery man. I made a cellphone picture of his driver’s license before the police showed up.
The plumbing truck comes by the front Quonset and we discuss her schedule and delivery plans. It is almost 3pm when she leaves so I head over to the shop. The installer shows me a few things and explains he is taking back a part for a replacement which he’ll bring on Wednesday. I sign off on his work and make a note of the part.
I tour the site and lock up whatever is open. After 4pm we aren’t likely to get new workers. I am taking notes on outside water spigots as I walk around. Luckily somebody has specified 2 spigots per side and 1 on each end. Given the 1 inch connections there must have been a wild fire threat to mitigate. I declare dinner time and go back to the front Quonset. I call Project Manager Rick and brief him on the day’s activities. He’s planning to drive up later in the week and he asks me to update his project plan. The Internet presence has already been installed and streaming selections are the choice of the night.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Right on, yep aged myself lol.
Post 12
Tuesday a truck dropped off most of the antenna pieces near the location on the backside of the middle Quonset. Project Wednesday started with the shop installer showing up with the replacement part which he installed and left. Manager Rick was on site the middle of Wednesday. Part of the fencing was delivered before he arrived, and I was finishing a sandwich and my second coffee as he pulled up. It looked like an unmarked company truck, a recent F350 crew cab 4WD white with a yellow stripe and roof top strobe light. Luckily he has missed the rain shower that went through earlier.
He was on site to meet the expected military sending a squad to pick up the 10mm and take it back. Just after Rick’s lunch he received a phone call from Ops Saul. It turns out the 10mm didn’t come from the Ranger inventory but Saul had found some unassigned boxes. While he agreed they needed better security he didn’t know of a better place. We moved them to a new secondary cache while nobody was looking. One should not look a gift horse in their mouth. To not waste Project Manager Rick’s trip to the site we call a local garage and ask for a car carrier to Yakima. An hour later a rollback wrecker picks up the BMW and the Escape. With no title we can’t really keep them here.
The afternoon gave Project Manager Rick and myself to have our first sit down meeting and we selected the kitchen office. It was good to pull back the curtain and for me to get a bigger picture.
Rick started the meeting asking “How are you adapting to your new job?” Are you willing to stay until the end of the project?”
I quickly answered, “I feel I am being useful in this role and intend to stay beyond the end of the project.”
Rick went on, “This is a copy of the As Built and is complete except for some pipe and conduit runs under the courtyard/landing area.” “We recently updated it for the fuel and septic tanks and the septic field.”
I point out “The Power House has a dotted line behind it at this point in the project, is that still not known?”
Rick answered, “The non Quonset Power House has the well for the site, the power connection to the grid and a diesel fired boiler for domestic heat and hot water.” “The dotted line reflects the rest of it won’t be built by us, but there are plans for a garden shed and possible greenhouse at some future time.”
Rick introduced a new wrinkle, “You have observed the additional Quonsets and we were intending to settle with you after the project was finished.” “We still have that intent if you would like to bill us.”
My response was, “Thank you, I’ll send you an invoice.”
Rick added, “There are already plans to remodel the brand new space in the future.” “I would keep your ears peeled for the current forecasts of activity.”
Rick said “We just stored the 10mm weapons, it is important that you have adequate protection while you are up here.”
I showed him the broom closet about 15 feet away and he rubbed his chin. I said “We also need to consider filling this closet with more appropriate cleaning supplies and I have noticed we don’t have hoses on the outside spigots.”
Rick piped up and asked, “Are these weapons useful for collecting dust?”
My reply, “Ouch”
Rick got serious again, “We have just asked for an advance payment for costs that are incurred soon, but most of benefit would benefit the next owners.”
It was time for my question, “Are Ranger Ben and Ops Saul going to continue their involvement long term in the site?
Rick answered, “Their current focus has been the timely transfer of the asset with a look at the change of purpose/remodel on the horizon.” “They will be onsite in 2 weeks and would have time to meet with you.” You should start changing your building design for a site in the Upper Michigan area as Company work.”
Tuesday a truck dropped off most of the antenna pieces near the location on the backside of the middle Quonset. Project Wednesday started with the shop installer showing up with the replacement part which he installed and left. Manager Rick was on site the middle of Wednesday. Part of the fencing was delivered before he arrived, and I was finishing a sandwich and my second coffee as he pulled up. It looked like an unmarked company truck, a recent F350 crew cab 4WD white with a yellow stripe and roof top strobe light. Luckily he has missed the rain shower that went through earlier.
He was on site to meet the expected military sending a squad to pick up the 10mm and take it back. Just after Rick’s lunch he received a phone call from Ops Saul. It turns out the 10mm didn’t come from the Ranger inventory but Saul had found some unassigned boxes. While he agreed they needed better security he didn’t know of a better place. We moved them to a new secondary cache while nobody was looking. One should not look a gift horse in their mouth. To not waste Project Manager Rick’s trip to the site we call a local garage and ask for a car carrier to Yakima. An hour later a rollback wrecker picks up the BMW and the Escape. With no title we can’t really keep them here.
The afternoon gave Project Manager Rick and myself to have our first sit down meeting and we selected the kitchen office. It was good to pull back the curtain and for me to get a bigger picture.
Rick started the meeting asking “How are you adapting to your new job?” Are you willing to stay until the end of the project?”
I quickly answered, “I feel I am being useful in this role and intend to stay beyond the end of the project.”
Rick went on, “This is a copy of the As Built and is complete except for some pipe and conduit runs under the courtyard/landing area.” “We recently updated it for the fuel and septic tanks and the septic field.”
I point out “The Power House has a dotted line behind it at this point in the project, is that still not known?”
Rick answered, “The non Quonset Power House has the well for the site, the power connection to the grid and a diesel fired boiler for domestic heat and hot water.” “The dotted line reflects the rest of it won’t be built by us, but there are plans for a garden shed and possible greenhouse at some future time.”
Rick introduced a new wrinkle, “You have observed the additional Quonsets and we were intending to settle with you after the project was finished.” “We still have that intent if you would like to bill us.”
My response was, “Thank you, I’ll send you an invoice.”
Rick added, “There are already plans to remodel the brand new space in the future.” “I would keep your ears peeled for the current forecasts of activity.”
Rick said “We just stored the 10mm weapons, it is important that you have adequate protection while you are up here.”
I showed him the broom closet about 15 feet away and he rubbed his chin. I said “We also need to consider filling this closet with more appropriate cleaning supplies and I have noticed we don’t have hoses on the outside spigots.”
Rick piped up and asked, “Are these weapons useful for collecting dust?”
My reply, “Ouch”
Rick got serious again, “We have just asked for an advance payment for costs that are incurred soon, but most of benefit would benefit the next owners.”
It was time for my question, “Are Ranger Ben and Ops Saul going to continue their involvement long term in the site?
Rick answered, “Their current focus has been the timely transfer of the asset with a look at the change of purpose/remodel on the horizon.” “They will be onsite in 2 weeks and would have time to meet with you.” You should start changing your building design for a site in the Upper Michigan area as Company work.”
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Upper MI. very cold in winter, better plan accordingly. lol Summer black flies, deer flies, ticks, mosquitoes galore. Don't forget pine rattlers, bears, wolverines, wolves and so on.
Post 13
I haven’t written anything in a week. I had the weekend at home and replenished my work kitchen as I came up the Mountain Monday. It took less than 3 days to get the antenna mast up on the east side of the middle Quonset and the electrical and fuel vendors have posted updates on their schedule. The fencing crew had the site 30 percent contained and that much construction fence rolled up for re use somewhere else. I checked in with their foreperson when I arrived Monday. They were delivering a third of the fence each trip and the crew would install that in less than a week. This crew was pouring deep footings for metal 4 inch square posts 10 feet tall with metal bars attached to 2 cross members.
Today is Wednesday and I have another visit from Project Manager Rick and his truck. This time he brings me a case, probably a gun case by the size. He had found a FN MK17 standard barrel that he could bring up that would add to my site security. Talking about the legal counter spinning. We took it out of its case and added it to my broom closet. Now our real meeting started and we were through enough of our project plan that we estimated turning over the keys would happen on October 1st. Next week was my meeting with Ranger Ben and Ops Saul and a caravan of military vehicles would be parked on site for a few days while some gear heads brought the radios on line. I should expect an email with a budget for cleaning supplies and a contact that will deliver. Rick also mentioned a truckload of composted manure the future owners wanted spread over a 16x40 sized square toward the front of the site that I was to locate inside the fence. We spread crimson clover across the whole plot for the winter. I wonder if there is a garden tiller in one of the garages or the barb wire spools for some sort of crawl practice. I get word to design a camera system for the site which will watch key areas including possible observers.
I do recommend a strip of traffic spikes/tire teeth for the front gate. When our site is closed we elevate the spikes and when guests and vendors are expected we detract the spikes leaving the gate for traffic control. I remember the gate needs to be inset to the site because semi-trucks could be stuck between the road and our gate. Security is all about layering the onion. We tour the buildings on site and Project Manager Rick takes a few notes but is happy with the project progress. Time for him to head down the mountain and I get a late lunch. I actually have a calm cycle of a weekend at home and a couple of days on site including an email from Ranger Ben for an appointment request for the following Wednesday. I bring my bike up the mountain to make my walk arounds more efficient. Ranger Ben and Ops Saul actually find a white Escape to drive through the entrance this time. First item is planning the arrival of the radio team and the secure network engineers. They will be bunking with me in the front Quonset for 4 days starting Friday. A small kitchen team will join them. Once the Department of Defense takes over the site there will be rotating guard duty managing the vehicle on site process. My role shifts to briefing the guards on expected visitors and guiding the personnel through the buildings and managing the infrastructure around the site. I will be training an assistant, but have the option to shift to Nancy’s schedule and be home middle of the work week once the handover occurs. We talked a little about the remodel plans and got far enough to know it would be sequenced and not put up a closed for service as soon as we open. Ranger Rick and Ops Saul appreciate our progress and it is time for them to leave for Seattle.
One evening I was marking fence lines around the “garden” having checked the 2/3 progress of the site fence crew. A guy stopped his truck on the other side of Highway 2 and came through the gate. The older man stopped an appropriate distance away and hailed a greeting. I returned it and motioned him forward. It turns out he is a local who spent his childhood in Merritt. We introduce ourselves as Paul and Clint and I give him a business card. He isn’t sure about the new role for his old community, but admitted the old community had literally fallen down over the years. His family buried his grandparents back about where the middle Quonset is now. That comment has my neck hairs at attention. We talked about the dry summer and the forecast for snow this winter. It turns out he lives on the Nason Creek cutoff and has stayed in the area. Neighbor Clint suggests we would be better neighbors if we hold some sort of open house after the construction ends. I tuck that thought in my head, but a higher pay grade is going to have to chew on that one. Neighbor Clint said he had a lot to do today still, but wanted to hello.
Back in the Quonset, I call Project Manager Rick and ask if we had found any town resources digging the basement of the middle Quonset. It got quiet on the other end and he finally said they had found some caskets which had been reburied back on the site perimeter out of the way of construction. Apparently my rogue hole with the backhoe had just missed the relocated caskets. I hope nobody notices a missing corner on one of the caskets or the other objects about a foot away. So much for this being a big site.
About 7pm well after dark has settled I hear a load muffler coming into the site. It is one of those up-scaled Suburus with the music blaring. They are probably trying to find a pad to drift around. I have my semi on my hip and grab the FN SCAR 20 S and put a couple of highway flares in my belt for visual effect. I stand outside the entry container at the front door and stay in the light. The sound system is loud enough I won’t get their attention by yelling. If I shoot a tire they’ll be here for more than an hour changing the tire, if they have a spare. Shooting a darkened window could injure someone and would be counted as aggressive. I knock an emergency flare and throw it 30 feet in front of me. If they roll down their window I’ll tell them they aren’t authorized to be here. Of the range of possibilities driving away in a flurry of gravel suits me as acceptable. Chances are they had weapons in their car, but they aren’t known for shooting strangers. I knock the flare and it sputters out. I decide to walk around the Quonsets which takes 20 minutes and the flare is really out on my return. I submit an activity report and send it to my distribution list.
I haven’t written anything in a week. I had the weekend at home and replenished my work kitchen as I came up the Mountain Monday. It took less than 3 days to get the antenna mast up on the east side of the middle Quonset and the electrical and fuel vendors have posted updates on their schedule. The fencing crew had the site 30 percent contained and that much construction fence rolled up for re use somewhere else. I checked in with their foreperson when I arrived Monday. They were delivering a third of the fence each trip and the crew would install that in less than a week. This crew was pouring deep footings for metal 4 inch square posts 10 feet tall with metal bars attached to 2 cross members.
Today is Wednesday and I have another visit from Project Manager Rick and his truck. This time he brings me a case, probably a gun case by the size. He had found a FN MK17 standard barrel that he could bring up that would add to my site security. Talking about the legal counter spinning. We took it out of its case and added it to my broom closet. Now our real meeting started and we were through enough of our project plan that we estimated turning over the keys would happen on October 1st. Next week was my meeting with Ranger Ben and Ops Saul and a caravan of military vehicles would be parked on site for a few days while some gear heads brought the radios on line. I should expect an email with a budget for cleaning supplies and a contact that will deliver. Rick also mentioned a truckload of composted manure the future owners wanted spread over a 16x40 sized square toward the front of the site that I was to locate inside the fence. We spread crimson clover across the whole plot for the winter. I wonder if there is a garden tiller in one of the garages or the barb wire spools for some sort of crawl practice. I get word to design a camera system for the site which will watch key areas including possible observers.
I do recommend a strip of traffic spikes/tire teeth for the front gate. When our site is closed we elevate the spikes and when guests and vendors are expected we detract the spikes leaving the gate for traffic control. I remember the gate needs to be inset to the site because semi-trucks could be stuck between the road and our gate. Security is all about layering the onion. We tour the buildings on site and Project Manager Rick takes a few notes but is happy with the project progress. Time for him to head down the mountain and I get a late lunch. I actually have a calm cycle of a weekend at home and a couple of days on site including an email from Ranger Ben for an appointment request for the following Wednesday. I bring my bike up the mountain to make my walk arounds more efficient. Ranger Ben and Ops Saul actually find a white Escape to drive through the entrance this time. First item is planning the arrival of the radio team and the secure network engineers. They will be bunking with me in the front Quonset for 4 days starting Friday. A small kitchen team will join them. Once the Department of Defense takes over the site there will be rotating guard duty managing the vehicle on site process. My role shifts to briefing the guards on expected visitors and guiding the personnel through the buildings and managing the infrastructure around the site. I will be training an assistant, but have the option to shift to Nancy’s schedule and be home middle of the work week once the handover occurs. We talked a little about the remodel plans and got far enough to know it would be sequenced and not put up a closed for service as soon as we open. Ranger Rick and Ops Saul appreciate our progress and it is time for them to leave for Seattle.
One evening I was marking fence lines around the “garden” having checked the 2/3 progress of the site fence crew. A guy stopped his truck on the other side of Highway 2 and came through the gate. The older man stopped an appropriate distance away and hailed a greeting. I returned it and motioned him forward. It turns out he is a local who spent his childhood in Merritt. We introduce ourselves as Paul and Clint and I give him a business card. He isn’t sure about the new role for his old community, but admitted the old community had literally fallen down over the years. His family buried his grandparents back about where the middle Quonset is now. That comment has my neck hairs at attention. We talked about the dry summer and the forecast for snow this winter. It turns out he lives on the Nason Creek cutoff and has stayed in the area. Neighbor Clint suggests we would be better neighbors if we hold some sort of open house after the construction ends. I tuck that thought in my head, but a higher pay grade is going to have to chew on that one. Neighbor Clint said he had a lot to do today still, but wanted to hello.
Back in the Quonset, I call Project Manager Rick and ask if we had found any town resources digging the basement of the middle Quonset. It got quiet on the other end and he finally said they had found some caskets which had been reburied back on the site perimeter out of the way of construction. Apparently my rogue hole with the backhoe had just missed the relocated caskets. I hope nobody notices a missing corner on one of the caskets or the other objects about a foot away. So much for this being a big site.
About 7pm well after dark has settled I hear a load muffler coming into the site. It is one of those up-scaled Suburus with the music blaring. They are probably trying to find a pad to drift around. I have my semi on my hip and grab the FN SCAR 20 S and put a couple of highway flares in my belt for visual effect. I stand outside the entry container at the front door and stay in the light. The sound system is loud enough I won’t get their attention by yelling. If I shoot a tire they’ll be here for more than an hour changing the tire, if they have a spare. Shooting a darkened window could injure someone and would be counted as aggressive. I knock an emergency flare and throw it 30 feet in front of me. If they roll down their window I’ll tell them they aren’t authorized to be here. Of the range of possibilities driving away in a flurry of gravel suits me as acceptable. Chances are they had weapons in their car, but they aren’t known for shooting strangers. I knock the flare and it sputters out. I decide to walk around the Quonsets which takes 20 minutes and the flare is really out on my return. I submit an activity report and send it to my distribution list.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
UM wonder who the late night visitors were?
Post 14
I was reviewing my notes from the meeting with Ranger Ben and Ops Saul. The military is changing with fewer missions overseas and more cyber work in the US. With fewer troop movements via C130 we had to find a different meaning of defense. The public had already heard about drone pilots, but this was an increased software campaign to increase the security of our infrastructure and actively defend cyber hackers. Actively meant returning bytes to harm them when someone directs bytes at us. I guess it was a logical progression from the neutron bomb of the eighties that killed people and left their buildings intact.
Apparently the new plan was smaller operational centers outside of the current bases where weekend warriors could report closer to home. We had recently proven that people could work from home and this helped spread out and shorten the trips while maintaining the connected nature of the mission. Emergency planning was sharing this kind of facility for care providers to have a more permanent base of operation that could dynamically ramp up deliveries of food, water and masks. All of a sudden the better equipped kitchens started to make sense.
The site is nearly ready for its occupancy inspection and hopeful sign off. It is now scheduled for the first Tuesday in September. That gives me time for a quick check on things not quite done and then Project Manager Rick and I will take a critical pass Friday. The occupancy permit is for the buildings. The fence work and gate efforts will be on a separate parallel track. By late September Ops Saul and Ranger Ben will start sending requests for TDY personnel restricted to light duty. It appears to be a good fit with what our ramp up requirements are. They will staff the radio room as soon as we have permission to occupy. With increasing staff up to nearly 30 for radio, guard and kitchen. Ops Saul and Ranger Rick will put out the call from recommendations for temporary staff needing light duty assignments. I stay on the mountain this weekend and we are ready for our Final Building Inspection before Tuesday.
Project Manager Rick is up Tuesday morning and the County Inspector shows up on time. He spends his longest time in the Power House and shops of each building. Doing one more check of electrical and plumbing and new checks of stairways and external finishes. As he leaves he says we have passed and he would update the records in the office. We hang his paperwork in the front entry container of the front Quonset. Rick heads back to Seattle tonight and will have 2 more visits later in the month. An AV company shows up with my new external Wi-Fi cameras.
The next day a JLTV showed up with the first shift of radio operators and a guard. It dropped off the soldiers and went back to base. I showed the crew to their quarters and then took them to their work assignments. Merritt has its ears on! Time to break out our onsite communications with more people here. Later 2 more vehicles showed up with a second shift radio and 3 for the kitchen crew. More introductions for me. I vacate the kitchen office and find a space with a door in the shop area. The next day a government van showed up with a radio shift and 6 guards. The van will stay on site for local transportation requirements. With guards on site I move the 10mm gear back to the small arms locker. This was a request from a new guard and apparently suggested by Ops Saul. Even so, we were getting short on weapons to distribute.
After introductions I ask for volunteers to help me place the new cameras. A controllable camera is mounted toward the top of the antenna structure and a fixed camera pointed at my overlook area hangs from the same platform. A third camera sights down the front of the front Quonset. A fourth camera is mounted under the eve of the Power House pointing back at the courtyard and can shift for the front of the back Quonset or the back of the front Quonset. The fifth camera is above the front entry of the front Quonset looking at the gate or looking down at a blind spot on the road side of the entry container. That leaves a controllable cameras on the backside of the middle Quonset and the backside of the back Quonset. The wind has been picking up and now it is time to go inside to configure the storage box and controller. With the crew beginning to form I can start running more frequently around here.
I was reviewing my notes from the meeting with Ranger Ben and Ops Saul. The military is changing with fewer missions overseas and more cyber work in the US. With fewer troop movements via C130 we had to find a different meaning of defense. The public had already heard about drone pilots, but this was an increased software campaign to increase the security of our infrastructure and actively defend cyber hackers. Actively meant returning bytes to harm them when someone directs bytes at us. I guess it was a logical progression from the neutron bomb of the eighties that killed people and left their buildings intact.
Apparently the new plan was smaller operational centers outside of the current bases where weekend warriors could report closer to home. We had recently proven that people could work from home and this helped spread out and shorten the trips while maintaining the connected nature of the mission. Emergency planning was sharing this kind of facility for care providers to have a more permanent base of operation that could dynamically ramp up deliveries of food, water and masks. All of a sudden the better equipped kitchens started to make sense.
The site is nearly ready for its occupancy inspection and hopeful sign off. It is now scheduled for the first Tuesday in September. That gives me time for a quick check on things not quite done and then Project Manager Rick and I will take a critical pass Friday. The occupancy permit is for the buildings. The fence work and gate efforts will be on a separate parallel track. By late September Ops Saul and Ranger Ben will start sending requests for TDY personnel restricted to light duty. It appears to be a good fit with what our ramp up requirements are. They will staff the radio room as soon as we have permission to occupy. With increasing staff up to nearly 30 for radio, guard and kitchen. Ops Saul and Ranger Rick will put out the call from recommendations for temporary staff needing light duty assignments. I stay on the mountain this weekend and we are ready for our Final Building Inspection before Tuesday.
Project Manager Rick is up Tuesday morning and the County Inspector shows up on time. He spends his longest time in the Power House and shops of each building. Doing one more check of electrical and plumbing and new checks of stairways and external finishes. As he leaves he says we have passed and he would update the records in the office. We hang his paperwork in the front entry container of the front Quonset. Rick heads back to Seattle tonight and will have 2 more visits later in the month. An AV company shows up with my new external Wi-Fi cameras.
The next day a JLTV showed up with the first shift of radio operators and a guard. It dropped off the soldiers and went back to base. I showed the crew to their quarters and then took them to their work assignments. Merritt has its ears on! Time to break out our onsite communications with more people here. Later 2 more vehicles showed up with a second shift radio and 3 for the kitchen crew. More introductions for me. I vacate the kitchen office and find a space with a door in the shop area. The next day a government van showed up with a radio shift and 6 guards. The van will stay on site for local transportation requirements. With guards on site I move the 10mm gear back to the small arms locker. This was a request from a new guard and apparently suggested by Ops Saul. Even so, we were getting short on weapons to distribute.
After introductions I ask for volunteers to help me place the new cameras. A controllable camera is mounted toward the top of the antenna structure and a fixed camera pointed at my overlook area hangs from the same platform. A third camera sights down the front of the front Quonset. A fourth camera is mounted under the eve of the Power House pointing back at the courtyard and can shift for the front of the back Quonset or the back of the front Quonset. The fifth camera is above the front entry of the front Quonset looking at the gate or looking down at a blind spot on the road side of the entry container. That leaves a controllable cameras on the backside of the middle Quonset and the backside of the back Quonset. The wind has been picking up and now it is time to go inside to configure the storage box and controller. With the crew beginning to form I can start running more frequently around here.
Texican
Live Free & Die Free.... God Freedom Country....
Was the vehicle license plate recorded and number of occuptants, race and age?
Texican....
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Thank you.
Post 15
It is 3 weeks before the final transfer of ownership, but Camp Merritt is already in minimal operation. I get the tanks filled. It was easier to fill the potable water tanks from a tank truck and not waste the pump filling it from ground water. The guards have been running drills with the 10mm and the targets are looking good. The radio teams are beginning to add local service providers and running our social media presence. The perimeter fence is finished before the site transfer. Most of the gate functionality is also in place. Thanks to a missed specification a vehicle has to drive to the gate and manually lift the gate. It will be easier to close it at dark and lift it at dawn for the short term. Luckily we have an encrypted WI-FI solution getting installed soon. I have noticed that part of leaving the construction world and joining the military is a complete loss of firm dates for the daily stuff.
Normally a facility coming up to full strength and transferring from a builder would have a certain level of pomp and circumstance. High level officers and government officials explaining the new power from the new base. What happened was closer to an infield promotion. Just a handshake. My wife Nancy had come up the hill and we will have dinner in Leavenworth before she heads back to Seattle. The next pay period I’ll be shifting from employee of the Company back to contractor, in this case for the Federal Government.
The week after cut over a stryker and JLTV pulled in with the remaining staff, some duffle bags for current residents and a slew of boxes of ammo and several long cases. The guards had those items out of view faster than I could identify them. It is good to have some older personnel with a can do attitude. I ran the new soldiers through orientation and the vehicles took off for points east. I am impressed with the new baker/cook that came in today. He had a cake for each shift baked and iced within a couple of hours of getting on site. He will fit in well.
Each team on site has identified a leader and the radio, guard and cook leaders will have regular meetings that I will attend. Any actual command is coming from off site. In true management form Ops Saul and Ranger Ben will be visiting with local and county leaders. I’ll be working with the civilian District officials as needed.
The site leadership briefing included local radio traffic about disabled cars and contraband arrests and would include road closures due to snow as fall shifts into real winter. The new weapons added when the site opened are 3 M240B machine guns. They are a natural extension of my personal 7.62 rifles which don’t officially matter. We are going to add camera feeds to the radio room for the radio operators to monitor and the guards are going to start plotting responses to likely threats. Getting these scenarios into organized drills/practices will get our team more prepared. The fences and front gate should mean dismounted and airborne adversaries are the 2 most likely scenarios. The Quonsets with the extra shell of rebar and shotcrete stop most bullets. The small arms lockers in each building needs to be equipped similarly. There will be a designed machine gunner, sniper and someone with a shotgun in each shift. The military appears to be assigning sleeping shifts to each building. The front Quonset is designated for daytime operation. I request the military to restrict the number of people outside at any given point and time. Not a total ban, but reducing the information available to any onlooker.
It is 3 weeks before the final transfer of ownership, but Camp Merritt is already in minimal operation. I get the tanks filled. It was easier to fill the potable water tanks from a tank truck and not waste the pump filling it from ground water. The guards have been running drills with the 10mm and the targets are looking good. The radio teams are beginning to add local service providers and running our social media presence. The perimeter fence is finished before the site transfer. Most of the gate functionality is also in place. Thanks to a missed specification a vehicle has to drive to the gate and manually lift the gate. It will be easier to close it at dark and lift it at dawn for the short term. Luckily we have an encrypted WI-FI solution getting installed soon. I have noticed that part of leaving the construction world and joining the military is a complete loss of firm dates for the daily stuff.
Normally a facility coming up to full strength and transferring from a builder would have a certain level of pomp and circumstance. High level officers and government officials explaining the new power from the new base. What happened was closer to an infield promotion. Just a handshake. My wife Nancy had come up the hill and we will have dinner in Leavenworth before she heads back to Seattle. The next pay period I’ll be shifting from employee of the Company back to contractor, in this case for the Federal Government.
The week after cut over a stryker and JLTV pulled in with the remaining staff, some duffle bags for current residents and a slew of boxes of ammo and several long cases. The guards had those items out of view faster than I could identify them. It is good to have some older personnel with a can do attitude. I ran the new soldiers through orientation and the vehicles took off for points east. I am impressed with the new baker/cook that came in today. He had a cake for each shift baked and iced within a couple of hours of getting on site. He will fit in well.
Each team on site has identified a leader and the radio, guard and cook leaders will have regular meetings that I will attend. Any actual command is coming from off site. In true management form Ops Saul and Ranger Ben will be visiting with local and county leaders. I’ll be working with the civilian District officials as needed.
The site leadership briefing included local radio traffic about disabled cars and contraband arrests and would include road closures due to snow as fall shifts into real winter. The new weapons added when the site opened are 3 M240B machine guns. They are a natural extension of my personal 7.62 rifles which don’t officially matter. We are going to add camera feeds to the radio room for the radio operators to monitor and the guards are going to start plotting responses to likely threats. Getting these scenarios into organized drills/practices will get our team more prepared. The fences and front gate should mean dismounted and airborne adversaries are the 2 most likely scenarios. The Quonsets with the extra shell of rebar and shotcrete stop most bullets. The small arms lockers in each building needs to be equipped similarly. There will be a designed machine gunner, sniper and someone with a shotgun in each shift. The military appears to be assigning sleeping shifts to each building. The front Quonset is designated for daytime operation. I request the military to restrict the number of people outside at any given point and time. Not a total ban, but reducing the information available to any onlooker.