By Japan’s Mount Asama blew its top early Monday morning Japan time
Base residents awoke Monday to a layer of fine grayish ash from a nearby volcano covering streets, buildings and vehicles.
The talcum-like powder was spewed from Mount Asama, about 65 miles northwest of the base, according to base officials.
“Due to prevailing winds at the time, the base received a light coating of ash from the eruption,” said Col. Jeff Newell, the 374th Airlift Wing commander, in an e-mail sent the community Monday morning.
Residents were told the ash was not toxic and posed no health risk, but people with chronic bronchitis, emphysema and asthma were advised to stay inside and avoid unnecessary exposure.-Stars and Stripes
I missed the Mt. Pinatubo and being stationed at Subic Bay by less than two years. Did you know a typhoon struck at the same time? Talk about double whammy.
That’s what Subic looked like afterwards. Clark was supposed to be even worse.
Dependents weren’t evacuated till after the erruption. In the case of one couple we knew, the husband sent his wife and young daughter to his in-laws in the Visayas a week previous.
Where I lived in the Philippines, I got to experience a coup attempt, multiple typhoons, an earthquake, and riding around Manila in jeepnys. I don’t feel deprived not getting the chance to experience a volcano errupting.
12:28 pm on February 3rd, 2009 1
Yep GI, I knew a typhoon hit shortly after. Interesting you should mention it. I will be arriving in Angeles on the 6th of march.
I was on leave from the "Hump" in Angeles when Pinatubo awoke. An interesting vacation to say the least. Pitch black at 10am and noon and 1300, and ya get the idea. Rocks hitting the pool and flooting. Germans and Aussies with flashlights watching while drinking their San Miguel. Everything 2–6 inches covered in gray. Rocks falling without warning and bouncing off my honey Ko's head. (no damage).
Then the typhoon hit, I didn't evac with the rest. I helped the hotel staff to dig the ash off the roof. No power or running water. Had to live off hot San Miguel and chips. Honey Ko collected rain water for us while I dug ash. She was kind enough to help me with the sponge and rain water. Best damn vacation ever!
I've been too long away! 1995 was last trip. Stuff got in the way—Bosnia, Ft Hood, Iraq.
Four weeks and two days to go. Maganda Filipina contest on march 12 at the abc hotel;) Do ya want a report?
Oh! forgot to tell ya about the bar that collapsed around me while we were trying to evacuate his whiskey, two shots at a time. Ash SUCKS up typhoon water! Center beem split. A ran right over this rather large Aussie on the way out.(he made it ok, but after me). Ahh, good times for our little band.
Negotiations for Clark and Subic were not going well. This was the last straw. "you want it—you clean it up". Took our docks at subic back too
Sorry for the long comment GI—
12:52 pm on February 3rd, 2009 2
One Voice,
That post was written by me but thanks for the memories.
Bill
2:08 pm on February 3rd, 2009 3
Your welcome Bill
Would you like a report on Maganda Filipina contest @ ABC hotel on the 12 of March?
I promise to take pics!