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Art & Inspiration Hangar B - A Christmas Story

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Spooky, Dec 22, 2019.

  1. Spooky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 2,239

    Spooky
    Member

    Happy Solstice to everyone! Well, as promised here is another Christmas short story I want to share with folks here and hopefully if you have little ones, you read it to them as well.

    This story is a fun little jaunt and not as car oriented as my stories I have posted before, but it does feature that wooden chapel known as Hangar B at the Oregon coast.

    So pull up a chair, relax and enjoy.

    HANGAR B


    Francis Irving glanced at his watch as he had for the past 60 years.

    9:45 p.m.

    As a night watch man working at hangar B on the Oregon coast he had grown to expect the unknown. Gail force winds, torrential downpours, snow storms that would close down the town of Tillamook. Nights where the sky was full of stars and meteors would streak across the skies. Then there times when fog would roll in and one could get lost just walking from the parking lot to the hangar. He took a hard drag on his cigarette and waited by his Dodge Aries station wagon for his replacement to arrive.

    In 1942 the U.S. Navy began construction of 17 wooden hangars to house K-class airships that would be used for anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort. Two of these hangars were built at Naval Air Station Tillamook, which was commissioned in December of that year, to serve the Oregon-Washington-California coastal areas.

    With WW II well under way, construction of the two hangars was rushed to completion. Hangar "B" was the first one built and was completed in August of 1943. Hangar "A" which was destroyed in a 1992 fire, was completed in only 27 working days! Amazingly, there were no serious injuries or deaths on the whole project.

    Stationed at NAS Tillamook was Squadron ZP-33 with a complement of eight K-Class airships. The K-ships were 252 feet long, 80 feet in diameter, and filled with 425,000 cubic feet of helium. These zeppelin had a range of 2,000 miles, an ability to stay aloft for three days, and were well suited for coastal patrol and convoy escort. With the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945 and the Japanese submarine threat eliminated, Naval Air Station Tillamook was reduced to functional status. In 1948, Naval Air Station Tillamook was decommissioned for good, ending a long and proud tradition.

    Hangar B is now an air museum but, to this day,it still has a very important part in global affairs.And this is where our story begins.

    From out of the mist, headlights carve a way for the young driver to arrive at his first day on the job. It was December 20th, and Francis knew he had only a handful of days to train the new hire and, even more importantly, someone to take the reins of the job Francis had been appointed to so many years ago.

    Francis watched as the young man parked and was impressed to see that, in this age of instant gratification, the young man was driving a ’64 Ford Falcon station wagon. The car had a new paint job, was slightly lowered, and besides the healthy exhaust note, appeared to be completely original. The young man got out of the Falcon, carefully closed the door, and walked over to meet Francis.

    “Evening sir, I’m Beau. Are you Francis?” He outstretched his hand to Francis, and they shook hands. Francis smiled, turned, and stretched his arms wide.

    “Well, there it is. Hangar B.” The skies hung low; a good portion of the upper third of the hangar was shrouded in fog and mist.

    What Beau saw rocked him back on his heels in awe. The pair started to walk toward the building,and with every step, it just seemed to grow larger. “It’s huge!” Beau exclaimed.

    “Oh, I know; wait ‘til we get inside,” Francis replied.

    The pair entered through a side door and went inside the timber cathedral. Each footstep resounded throughout the massive building. “The ceilings are over 192 feet high, and the floor space is about 7 acres.” Francis said.

    Painted on the massive roof were the words AIR MUSEUM. Beau noticed that, although there were some aircraft inside, it nowhere neared what could be housed inside this massive building. “Francis, I get it. The airplanes in here are pretty important to history, but, I mean…“Beau didn’t finish his sentence but opened his hands and raised them a touch.

    “Oh, I understand, Beau. Why is it required to have a night watchman here in a mostly cavernous building when a sophisticated alarm and camera system would suffice? Hell, with all of that, I could be at home in my boxers and my robe and watching my shows all night long if that was the case.” Francis licked his lips and continued, “You see, here at Hangar B we have a contract with NORAD, and for two nights a year, we have a very important job.” Francis paused, took a look around, then said in a low voice, “Even the townspeople don’t know.”

    Beau was intrigued to say the least. Francis nodded, and they began to walk the perimeter. Beau was shown the grounds, where the exits were, how to open the massive doors, and other informative items for his first night on the job.

    The next two nights were more of the same; more training. Beau met the local police chief; the fire chief too. At around 2 A.M. on the 22nd, Beau was required to sign a letter of secrecy that was delivered by a pair of MP’s from the nearby naval base.

    “What was that all about?” he asked. Francis had his hands folded together about chest level. He inhaled and pressed his lips together.

    “Well, we ran a background check on you, and everything came out positive. Past employers and even teachers from your past gave you a green light. This was the last test, and you passed. Tomorrow all will be revealed.” Francis winked and went back to his nightly walk of the property. Beau watched him walk away and looked toward the roof of the colossal hangar in wonder.

    Beau pulled up at 9 P.M. and, at first, saw nothing out of the ordinary. He parked his Falcon and walked up toward the hangar. Inside it was a mad rush of activity. Most of the airplanes had been eschewed to the sides of the hangar, and there was a work station on the floor being manned by men and women from the armed forces as well as a woman wearing credentials from NOAA.

    There were a few large screens activated, and a NASA DSN had been set up. A Samsung 292” flat screen was set up, and for now, a test pattern showing a map of the world was shown with a red blip glowing at the North Pole.

    On the floor of the hangar was a barista serving up fresh coffee and other hot tasty beverages. A table was set up with more snacks to keep the crews fed and performing.Beau grabbed an Americano then stopped in his tracks. He had sensed that the air in the old hangar had a new rather earthy and fresh smell,but it wasn’t until he left the barista that he saw the mounds of fresh hey with baskets of carrots, collard greens, and other fresh cuts thrown into the mix. He took a long pull from his drink, savoring the rich taste. The evidence was clear, but Beau shook his head.“Well, let’s see what happens tonight, shall we?” he thought.

    “There you are!” It was Francis. “We have much to do in the next 48 hours. And, yes, there will be some nap time but, overall, this is what we here at Hangar B train for every year.”

    Francis motioned for Beau to follow, introducing him to several different people as they walked about those who were rapidly clicking and typing away. Some spoke into their headsets; others consulted spreadsheets and diagrams. All worked with the same zealous drive. Beau noticed the title OPERATION SCMMXIX on some of the documents.

    “We have to make sure the hangar doors are opened, and that, as he comes in, just like a NASCAR pit stop,everyone’s on point.” Francis’s brow furrowed. “Ya see, some feel it’s fun to take pot shots at him.Sometimes he has a rough landing.Regardless, he has a journey that takes him worldwide in a short time, 24 hours, and here at Hangar B, we’re the last point on his journey and need to be on guard.”

    Francis coached his young apprentice and showed him how to set the landing lights in front of the hangar. They busily touched base with the crew, then Francis again went over the plans one more time with Beau.

    At 3:55 in the morning lights began to flash. A large row of clocks lit up, each from a different part of the globe. Francis walked to the center of the hangar and spoke.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, Operation SCMMXIX will begin in 5 minutes. As you all may have heard, this is my final year, and I thank each and every one of you whom has assisted in the success of every past year. I’ll be handing the torch off to Beau here. Be gentle.” Francis paused; stifled laughter echoed across the room. “Be sharp, everyone, and let’s make this journey…”

    Francis’s last words were drowned out as a bell clanged and the clocks struck 4 A.M. Beau watched as the wall-sized flat screen lit up, and the red dot that was located north began to move...fast

    With a level of fascination usually reserved for the unbelievable, Beau watched as the red dot started to move like a seismograph needle during an earthquake. The line launched across the map of Australia and steadily made its way across the continent. Then beyond.

    “Why did it start at 4 a.m.?” asked Beau.

    “Because, technically that is 11 p.m. in Australia and the beginning of Christmas eve,” said Francis.

    And so the night went. Shifts changed, and every now and then, Beau took a look at the progress of the magic red dot as it raced across the map of the globe. The wall of clocks swung their arms to the seconds laid down by the law of time.

    By the time Australia had wrapped up their Christmas dinner and most of Europe had unwrapped their presents, in the United States, things were just beginning. The flurry of activity on the home front escalated. First New England, then down the Eastern seaboard, across the Midwest, the Rocky Mountain areas, and then, before Beau knew it, Francis called for the hangar doors to open up.

    Constructed in six section, the massive doors of Hangar B are 120 feet high, each weighing 30 tons. Once the doors, slid to their sides on railroad tracks, are opened, the opening is 220 feet wide.

    “LIGHT IT UP!” Francis shouted.

    Two massive searchlights lit up the sky, and the landing lights that led to the front and rear of the hangar were ablaze. Beau stepped outside to watch what was going to happen. The December night was overcast, and a mist swirled as the onshore flow swept past the hangar. Beau shook his head. He swore he heard the jingling of bells fast approaching. He tilted his head skyward.Could it be? The old Christmas story came to his mind:

    More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

    And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:

    "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now Prancer and Vixen!

    On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!

    To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!

    Now dash away, dash away, dash away all!"

    As leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

    When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;

    So up to the housetop the coursers they flew,

    With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

    Santa came in fast and flew just over Beau’s head. He watched in awe as the reindeer and candy apple red sleigh arced 180 degrees and then landed just inside. The team sprang to action within the hangar. The reindeer were fed, and Santa was handed a glass of water and a tray of snacks. The sleigh shone under the lights. A gorgeous candy paint job that was miles deep, the sleigh had chrome plated rails and inside was a sack full of presents. The leather was worn like a trusty old saddle. Santa was talking with the grounds crew about how the sleigh looked and smiled when he saw Francis.

    “The man of the hour! Francis! It’s been quite a ride, my old friend.” Santa’s voice was like hearing magic. Deep and thoughtful, the voice of a man of the ages.

    Francis walked up to the jolly ol’ elf, and they hugged. Out of earshot, Beau watched as the two immersed themselves in conversation. Santa talked with his hands, making motions describing his trip and how the journey had been. Francis nodded and chuckled a few times, then motioned over to Beau. Santa, too, motioned for him to come forward. He was a towering figure of a man. His eyes were the clearest blue and danced with joy and youthful energy. He removed his hat and a lock of his white hair fell across his forehead.

    “It’s good to see you again, Beau. I remember you from years ago when you were just a boy!” Santa reached out and shook Beau’s hand. “Your pop still painting cars?” Beau nodded still trying to wrap his brain around what was happening.

    “Well, Francis and the gang have informed me that you’ll be my new contact here at Hangar B in the years to come. I look forward to it.”

    Several feet away, the crew stepped away from the sleigh.A woman walked by and gave Santa a thumbs up sign. “30 seconds, Sir,” was all she said.

    The red-suited man nodded. “Beau, I’ll be in touch!”

    With that he placed his cap back on and climbed into the sleigh. He winked, grabbed the reigns, and then gave a whistle. As quick as Santa had landed, the team of reindeer and that magical sleigh were again off to finish the journey. The sleigh double backed,flew low past the hangar, and Santa shouted,

    “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!”

    Then, like some beautiful dream, he was gone ‘til next year.

    Francis stepped over to his replacement. “He likes you. Let’s grab a cup of cocoa. I’ve got many things to wrap up before I leave.” The pair walked inside the small office, and outside, snow began to fall.

    It was Beau’s first Christmas at Hangar B. To this very day, he’s still there. During the off season, he walks the hangar basically as a night watchman, but for 48 hours in late December, he is one of the most important people in the world.

    Santa will tell you so.

    -Written by Mark “Spooky” Karol-Chik
    December 22, 2019
     

    Attached Files:

  2. e1956v
    Joined: Sep 29, 2009
    Posts: 2,376

    e1956v
    Alliance Vendor

    Always enjoy your stories, you have the ability to paint pictures in my mind while reading.
    Thanks

    Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G890A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
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  3. Great story. And,merry Christmas.


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
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  4. Stogy
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 26,345

    Stogy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thanks for sharing this history lesson and the tale of Ole Santa...a much more peaceful use of the Hanger indeed...

    All the best to You and Your Family @Spooky in this Season of Peaceful Celebration
     

  5. 2935ford
    Joined: Jan 6, 2006
    Posts: 3,843

    2935ford
    Member

    Thanks for the story.....and each day now going forward stays lighter a little longer. Summer is just around the corner!
     
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  6. Deuces
    Joined: Nov 3, 2009
    Posts: 23,751

    Deuces

    Anyone got a box of Kleenex????......
     
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  7. rudestude
    Joined: Mar 23, 2016
    Posts: 3,048

    rudestude
    Member

    I have been to them hangers in Tillamook, apparently the wrong time of year as I missed out on the event that you tell of, and will say them buildings are huge...as a comparison in size this picture is of my old 1950 Chevrolet shorty "Hippy" bus with 3 of my friends standing on top of it in front of the hanger.
    Was a fun trip, one of many that were made in that old bus. 20191222_194018.jpeg

    Sent from my SM-T387V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
     
  8. Shutter Speed
    Joined: Feb 2, 2017
    Posts: 941

    Shutter Speed
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thank you. You’re making Christmas merrier!
     
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  9. Made this old codger smile! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL.

    Ben
     
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  10. mopar57
    Joined: Apr 24, 2012
    Posts: 93

    mopar57
    Member

    Awesome story. Thank You
     
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  11. Flathead Youngin'
    Joined: Jan 10, 2005
    Posts: 3,662

    Flathead Youngin'
    Member

    You kept me hooked.....thanks for sharing!
     
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  12. Spooky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 2,239

    Spooky
    Member

    Thanks everyone!
    Yes, it is huge. Here is a vintage shot of a fly through and a view from the cat walks which are 130 feet above the floor.
     

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  13. Too bad that Hangar A burned down years ago...
     
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  14. That was a great read Spookman! I look forward to your Christmas stories every year. Merry Christmas to you and the family! E
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2019
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  15. vtx1800
    Joined: Oct 4, 2009
    Posts: 1,709

    vtx1800
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thanks for a great story. A little over 10 years ago I was on a motorcycle trip and saw the hanger in the distance and we rode over to it thinking we could do a quick tour. After a quick "look see" we decided to stay and tour the next day, it was worth the time.
     
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  16. Spooky
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 2,239

    Spooky
    Member

    Thanks everyone!
    Merry Christmas Eve!
    I WILL be posting FINAL STORY TOMORROW-
     
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  17. 41rodderz
    Joined: Sep 27, 2010
    Posts: 6,540

    41rodderz
    Member
    from Oregon

    Great story . Really special when you have been there a time or two.:cool: Merry Christmas to all you hambers and yours. :)
     
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