Short Timers

All Air Force intelligence unit designations began with the numerals "69" (e.g., 6931st, 6933rd, 6901st, etc.). Consequently, you became a "short timer" when you had 69 days remaining in your tour. As you approached that number, you were expected to buy a bottle of Seagram's VO to share with your friends in celebration of becoming "short." It was important to save the black and yellow ribbon from the bottle. When you had exactly 69 days left on the island, you were entitled to begin wearing that ribbon to let everyone know you were "short." Initially the ribbons were worn in buttonholes on uniforms or tied to name tags. However, that custom was stopped by the powers-that-be who said that VO ribbons were not authorized wear for a uniform. Consequently, short timer ribbons then most commonly were tied to ball point pens (which were clipped to the uniform shirt so that the ribbon was prominently displayed) or on watches.

Able Flight also had the distinction of having a "short timer's" cane. Each possessor of this cane was the "shortest" on flight. Upon being given temporary custody, one would write his name on a piece of paper and then tape it somewhere on the cane. The cane, in turn, was carried proudly everywhere until it was passed on to the next person, usually during the last day at work of the current possessor. A 2T X2 on Able Flight acquired this cane from an elderly Greek gentleman. The details surrounding the acquisition are best left to history but it can now be said that the original owner was unable to give chase without his cane.

Dia

It was said in the mid '60's that the only inhabitants on Dia were goats owned by the mother of King Constantine. Today, you may take an excursion to Dia for a barbeque.

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Road going east from Florida Beach to base

Rich Smythe in Iraklion