Thoughts of Jeff Allen Fortin, MAC Air Terminal Rep.

A Galaxy for Soda: A Lighthearted Memory from Enewetak Atoll

During my time on Enewetak Atoll in 1978, we had an experience that none of us will ever forget. Life on the island was often routine, with everyone focused on their duties, but one day, something unexpected happened that brought a sense of excitement and surprise to our remote outpost.

It all started with the unmistakable sound of roaring engines overhead. As we looked up, we were astonished to see the massive C5 Galaxy, the largest aircraft in the USAF inventory, descending toward our small, isolated runway. The sight of this colossal plane was enough to capture everyone's attention and set off a wave of curiosity throughout the camp.

Rumors quickly spread about why such a huge aircraft had been sent to our remote location. Some speculated about a special mission or the arrival of a high-ranking official. But when the truth emerged, it was something no one could have anticipated: the C5 Galaxy had come all the way to deliver a single pallet of soda.

As the aircraft touched down and came to a stop, we watched in awe as the cargo bay doors opened to reveal the solitary pallet of refreshments. However, there was a catch—due to its weight, the pallet couldn't be moved off the runway without potentially damaging the tarmac and taxiways.

Despite this unexpected twist, the soda delivery became the talk of the island. It was a humorous reminder of the military's commitment to morale, even in the most isolated and challenging locations. The arrival of that soda, delivered by such an enormous aircraft, brought a moment of levity and camaraderie to our small community.

Whenever I look back on my time at Enewetak Atoll, I can't help but smile at the memory of that day. The sight of the C5 Galaxy arriving for a seemingly trivial purpose left a lasting impression, showing us that even in the midst of serious work, there was always room for a bit of humor and a shared laugh among comrades.