Drop Night

Last night was one of the memorable nights we have on Laughlin AFB, because it was Drop Night, a key  milestone in UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). Basically Americans who want to become a pilot in the US Air Force undergo the UPT program. It consists of 6-month training in the T-6 aircraft, after which is Track (another key milestone in UPT) whereby they get assigned to continue pilot training on the helicopter track, the heavys track (i.e. transport) in the T1 aircraft or the fighter track in the T38 aircraft. However, even training in the T38 doesn't guarantee you a fighter at the end of the program.

So Drop Night occurs after training in the T6  for 6 months, and T1/T38 for another 6 months, and its the day when our American counterparts are assigned the aircraft that they will be flying on their next phase of their Air Force career. For us Singaporeans, we won't know until we are back in Singapore, which means another good 3-6 months.

I must say, it was an Awesome drop, and we are really very happy for these guys and their spouses, who have become good friends. Most of the guys in the T-38s got there first choice - one F16, one F15, one F22, two A10s and one B52. That means for 5 fighters and 1 bomber out of 8 people. And that is an AWESOME drop, probably one of the best I have heard of. Even for the other other two, one turned out to be a FAIP (First Assignment Instructor Pilot) meaning he will be an instructor training new students right after he becomes a pilot, which is a great honour, and the other will be flying the MC12, which is used for special operations, and both I think is a great honour. It wasn't really their first few choices, but that is the life in Air Force, you don't always get what you want. But i think that whatever you get, you are doing something great.  
Anyway, Jonathan, one of our best friends here, got the F15! And we are very thrilled for him and his wife Anna!!! This also means a possibility that Tay C gets the F15 too and we might have a chance to be posted to the same base as them again (Mountain Home AFB in Idaho)!






In two weeks, we will be having our graduation. I can't believe our life in Laughlin is coming to an end soon. Some beautiful memories we have here, some great friends we have met. I am thankful for this 9 months here.

On Monday, my S Club girls (from st nicks) were on whatsapp talking about where to have high tea on their labour day meet up (of cos I can't be there) so i recommended them to try Fosters' (at Holland V) english high tea set. This reminded myself of their yummy scones and homemade fruit preserve. The next day I went online to search for some recipes and found out that both fruit preserve and scones are really easy to make and require only a few ingredients. Fruit preserve - fresh fruits (i used strawberries), sugar and lemon juice. Scones - flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, egg, milk/cream, some dried fruits (i used dried cranberries). I had everything in my house so there is nothing really stopping me from making some.

Mixing strawberries (washed, hulled and cut) with sugar and some lemon juice. Then boil it, mash it and simmer it until it thickens.

 Here's what you get.. then refrigerate it.

Freshly baked cranberry scones.
They could look nicer if I had a circular cookie cutter. But I don't, so I used my hand to shape it. The spouses from our class came over for dinner so I served these as desserts after the meal. It was great to see them enjoying the goodies. These are definitely going onto the menu when we have high tea at my house next time!