Double Play

Billy Bell, stationed at Lajes Air Force Base, Azore Islands, since June 5th, 1955,   was assigned to the 1605th Field Maintenance Squadron as an Aircraft Engine mechanic.

Most of the time he worked minor maintenance problems on transit aircraft passing through the Azores on their way to Europe and Africa. In about six weeks, he is scheduled to return to the USA for re-assignment. 

However, as a result of a new hot spot in the Mideast, on this 29th day of October, 1956, he’s standing guard duty on top of a large flat rock , near the edge of a high cliff, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Through his field glasses he scans the beach in both directions, then shifts his attention to the American warships off in the distance. Overhead, two Navy P2V aircraft, sub hunters ,fly towards the fleet. On this day of high alert status, Bell is working security attached to Military Intelligence. The very reason he was assigned this post as a spotter and lookout. Visibility was good, and he could see clearly in all directions. He was instructed to report any unusual activity on the beach.

Earlier that morning, Bell arrived at the 1605th Field Maintenance Hangar at 0700 and stood in line with other Air Force personel to be paid. Captain Spooner, the payroll officer, who payed the men in cash, was about to proceed, when Colonel Roberts, Commanding Officer of the 1605th FMS,drove into the hangar in his Jeep, and spoke briefly to Captain Spooner. Spooner stood and Colonel Roberts jumped on top of the desk. Holding his hands high in the air, Roberts addressed the group, “ Listen up, men. Early this morning, England and France launched an aerial attack against the Suez Canal, and Israel landed troops on Egyptian soil. Our alert status has been elevated to Alpha Two. All personel assigned to the special base security teams, report to Major Skinner at base operations. All others, go about your normal duties.”

Colonel Roberts returned to his Jeep, and left the hanger. Bell received his pay, and immediately left for base operations. As he exited the hangar, his buddy, Tom Burke, pulled along side and offered Bell a ride on his tug maintenance vehicle. Arriving at Base Operations, Bell was stopped by Air Force security, and required to show his Security Team I.D. Bell entered the Security room and saw several members already seated.

Three more came in, followed by Major Skinner, who began to speak.

“ This morning’s action, taken by France, England and Israel, was supported by the United nations to prevent Mr. Nasser, Egypt’s leader, from blocking passage through the Suez Canal. As a result of this action, we can expect a substantial number of troops and an increase in aircraft flights, in and out of Lajes Field.  American troops, along with other supporting nations, will be coming through on their way to the troubled area. No one knows how long this fracas will last, so all team members will remain on Alpha Two security level. Inside the envelopes on my desk are instructions for each of you. Be aware, we have suspected for sometime now that the Russians have an operative agent on the island. When I call your name, step forward and receive your instructions.”

The third name called was Bell’s. He took the envelope and left the room. Outside of  Base Ops, he noticed that Burke had parked his vehicle next to an Air Force C-118 airplane. He walked over and sat down in the driver’s seat, and opened his envelope. His instructions read: To Airman Bell-Proceed to the cliff area, east of the softball field. From this advantage point, you can observe the coastline in all directions. Be on post by 0900. Your code name is “First Base”. Base Ops is “ Dugout”. Any unusual activity, notify me on Channel C on your radio.-Major Skinner. Bell had forty five minutes to reach his post. He spotted an Air Force courtesy bus and rode up the hill to his barracks. He ran to his room on the second floor and grabbed his field jacket, then hustled down to the supply room and checked out all the equipment he would need. Double timing to the ball park, he arrived at his post with five minutes to spare. Bell tuned his two-way radio to Channel C, then inserted an ammo clip into his Carbine rifle. It had been awhile since he last fired his rifle on a firing range. Adjusting his binoculars, he was surprised how powerful they were. The clarity of the warships was impressive.

At exactly 0900, his radio squawked. “ First base, Dug out, over.”                 

Bell quickly answered, “ Roger dugout. First base reads you loud and clear. Over.”

“ We’ll check you on the hour. Stay on post untill your relieved. Dugout, over and out.”

A short conversation, Bell thought, but at least he could understand what was being said. The radio was new and he had an extra battery. The sun broke through the clouds as he continued on watch. The gusty wind began to subside and the ocean water calmed. Bell thought how peaceful and serene his surroundings were. It was difficult to imagine the conflict going on in the middle east.    

Hopefully, Russia