Trips to American Countries
Visit 1: Tucson, Arizona
This is my first trip to American continent. It was an official trip to fly back VVIP GExpress jet after having 2 month upgrade and refurbishment at its maintenance facility in Tucson, Arizona, USA. Our group consist of Brig Jen Dato Bakar (AKS P&), Encik Fakharuddin (Pero-3), Mej Dzulkarnain @ Dzul (P&P), Mej Salleh Tahir (2 Sqn Engineer) and Maj Shafiq Khee (from Materiel). I was representing Treasury at that time (2002) because the procurement contract for the that aircraft was signed by Treasury.
We took a flight via LA before proceed to Tucson airport. Tucson is surrounded by rocky Arizona Desert. Arizona means "HOT'. Arizona is located at South Western of USA and rich with xeropphyte plants such cactus, giant cactus (see picture).
One week in Tucson gave me a lot of new experience. I can't remember the name of the hotel in Tucson. The city is clean and well-planned. Most of the road are straight and wide. The night life? The city will be quiet after 7pm. Dzul was very expert with the road driving (day and night). He brought us to the strip tease club. USD7 per song!.
In Tucson we met Dato Ali Rustam (CM Melaka) in one of the Chinese Restaurants. He was there with Rafidah Aziz (MITI) delegations for investment promotions.
Arizona is very famous with 'Grand Canyon' but we did not have the opportunity to go there. The furthest out we went to Casa Granda for outlet shopping.
The date for coming back to Malaysia was delayed because the aircraft is required to extend its flight test. We came back with Global Express via Barcelona (night stop) and Maldive Island (for refuelling). First experience flying with VVIP jet!
Visit 3: AFB Hikam, Hawaii
Hawaii is something unique to everybody. I am sure all you have the dream to go to Hawaii. It is state of 137 islands located in the middle of Pacific Ocean between Asia and North America. Bedsides its 'Aloha', Hawaii famous with 'Attack of Pearl Harbour' by the Japanese Air Force on 7 Dec 1941 which resulting the militarily ilvolvement of USA in the World War II.
I attended one week Pacific International Logistics Seminar (PILS) at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii in 2006 with Major Ahmad Zaini (from MLU). My name was initially listed as reserve candidate. Zaini was the first candidate. However, at last minutes, one of the participants (from other country) withdrew and the seat offered to Malaysia. Zaini and I flown to Honolulu airport via Singapore, and Taipei. We were welcomed by the Mary (the program official). The other participants were from Australia, N.Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, the Phillipines, Singapore, Thailand and Nepal.
Brig Gen Polly
Near to Hikam AFBVisit 2: Barrington, Chicago
The last overseas trip before i get posted to Markas Logistik Udara was in Dec 2006. I was selected to attend the PDI for F5 Camera at Recon Optical Inc, Barrington, Chicago. ROI. (Mej Mohd Noorashid & Mej Rahim (12 Sqn), Mej Hisham (Materiel), Fauzi (ASB) and Ahmad Sulaiman (IGTech). One more gentleman from ASB, i cant recall his name.
On our way to Chicago, we stop for 2 nights at Los Angeles for sight seeing, without excluding the most prestigious place for movie stars 'Hollywood'. Untold story.. the crowd of the biggest cinema town in the world.... Not much that poor Malaysian can do here, other than watching the crowd!!!
Visit Canada
So far, this was my first visit to Canada (i am not sure either I will get the opportunuty to come again in future). In July 2001 (about 6 months after my trip to Tucson), once again I had been given a chance to go to North America. This trip was also related to Global Express jet. This time we went to the Bombardier Manufacturing facilities in Toronto, Canada for Progress Review Meeting.
The first Global Express (9007) the prototype aircraft procured in 1998 created so many problems. The aircraft sent once to Tucson (early 2001) for modifications to fulfill the Service Bulletins or Technical Instructions. Since so many mods still outstanding, the Bombardier offered to the Government of Malaysia for replacement with new (proven) aircraft without any additional cost.
Our group consist of Brig Jen Dato Bakar Md Said & Mej Dzulkarnain from P&P and Mej Muhd Shafiq Khee) with the mission of accepting of green aircraft Global Express 9096 (to replace the 9007).
In this trip, I got the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls. One of the most interesting attraction in the world.
Niagara Falls is divided into the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls. The Horseshoe Falls drop about 173 feet (53 m), the height of the American Falls varies between 70–100 feet (21–30 m) because of the presence of giant boulders at its base. The larger Horseshoe Falls are about 2,600 feet (790 m) wide, while the American Falls are 1,060 feet (320 m) wide.
The volume of water approaching the falls during peak flow season may sometimes be as much as 202,000 cubic feet (5,700 m3) per second. Since the flow is a direct function of the Lake Eire water elevation, it typically peaks in late spring or early summer. During the summer months, 100,000 cubic feet (2,800 m3) per second of water actually traverses the Falls, some 90% of which goes over the Horseshoe Falls, while the balance is diverted to hydroelectric facilities. This is accomplished by employing a weir with movable gates upstream from the Horseshoe Falls. The Falls flow is further halved at night, and during the low tourist season in the winter, remains a flat 50,000 cubic feet (1,400 m3) per second. Water diversion is regulated by the 1950 Niagara Treaty and is administered by the International Niagara Board of Control (IJC).
Viewpoints on the American shore generally are astride or behind the falls. The falls face directly toward the Canadian shore.
Niagara Falls. Really amazing views. The great creations of Allah
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