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Huge Trooper Launch
June 25th and 26th
Mission Control has scheduled a massive Trooper Launch
for the weekend of June 25th and 26th, 2005. Over 180 well-trained Balloon Troopers are anxious for what will be a
spectacular 2-day launching. Mission Control will be monitoring weather conditions closely and are looking for winds
blowing to the north and a favorable jet stream. There is always the possibility of an abort call, but we
are keeping our fingers crossed. Everyone realizes that a jet stream blowing south would push the Troopers
into the Gulf of Mexico which would greatly reduce the possibility of recoveries.
This will be the second mission for 6 of the troopers involved
in this launch. Trooper Ron B. Grotts, Capt. Rex Trent, Trooper Randy Oaks, Pvt. Ronald D. Comfort, Pvt. Billy
T. Transom, and Pvt. Ronald Regis were active in operations in early 2004 and were recovered by Ground Allies and returned
to Mission Control via the U.S. Postal Service. We wish them luck in a safe and speedy recovery!
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| A squadron of 40 troopers shortly after launch |
242 TROOPERS LAUNCHED OVER JUNE 25TH AND 26TH
WEEKEND
The original count of 180 troopers scheduled for the launch was increased as
over 60 more troopers volunteered for the weekend launchings. The final count was 242 troopers released over the two days.
As of June 28th, there have been 5 trooper recoveries reported by Ground Allies. We are keeping our fingers crossed for more.
Only a handful of Troopers remain at Mission Control, the halls are empty, a
most unusual change from the normal activities of Troopers being equipped and trained for the grueling tests that would
confront them. The helium tank is almost empty. Only a few balloons remain in their packages. Rumors
and speculation of the next trooper launch abound.
Of the 242 launches, only 1 required a BaTSAR rescue. This trooper was part
of a night launch operation. He became entangled in a tree and was rescued the next day. Check the BaTSAR page for a report
and pictures of the daring rescue.
PHOTOS FROM THE WEEKEND
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