I live next to a large Naval base (2 actually) and today I had to run out and deliver some stuff to the base. On the way over, I passed a large convoy of trucks, escorted by motercycle police who swept ahead and cleared the intersections. Since a lot of equipment is stored on the base, tanks, apc's, etc., I wasn't surprised to see the equipment, but it's there because we have a deep water port, so the material is stored for deployment overseas by ship. I've never seen a heavy police escort on a convoy like this before, counted 10 Bradleys with desert camo on the flatbeds in the column I passed.

Didn't notice anything unusual on the base itself, but when I got back in to Ventura, about 2 hours later, and drove by the overpass for Highway 126 which heads inland to the main north-south artery of California, I-5, I noticed a soldier in camo and helmet standing by the east bound on ramp. As I waited for my light, another jeep pulled off to the side of the ramp and joined him. They appeared to be there to make sure the drivers didn't miss the ramp, waving a couple of straggler trucks with transport containers on them onto the 126 on-ramp. They had FORSCOM patches (ex-army, recognized the patch). There are no Army bases in our area. FORSCOM is the logistics command of the ARMY and Joint Armed Forces, and ensure equipment and material are transported to where the troops need them, among other things.

Curious as to where they were going, as they should have gone north on 101 up above San Luis Obispo to the National Guard base and training ground up there. Also seems a bit early yet for Guard training, and besides, they have their own equipment and storage. The last time I saw a major breakout of tanks and vehicles, etc., from this base was during the Gulf war...

Anyone else seeing any unusual activity?

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2001

Answers

Well, taz posted this over at the new tb2k while GS was down again... some interesting feedback...

TB2K Discussion

Bothers me them moving equipment out, like afraid to keep all their eggs in a basket that's on the target list?

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

I haven't seen anything going on around here, but then again I don't get out much.

I'll ask my sis, who is in Easter NC, close to lots of bases, Cherry Point, Camp Lejuene, etc.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

fiver's comment I found interesting...

Today, a California email list I'm on mentioned that in the past 6 days someone saw much military equipment being moved. It was coming in eastbound from 126, catches the 5 freeway southbound (towards LA). There were many "Desert Storm" tan vechicals. Oshkosh LVS trucks. Camouflaged trucks. I haven't noticed any movement myself, just passing on this observation from someone else.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

I saw a report somewhere that said Israel was running out of money for its military due to the Intifada over the past eight months. Maybe the Knesset has appropriated some money to buy these items. I'll read the Israel news reports a little more carefully over the next few days.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

Couple of weekends ago my daughter reported seeing a jeep with "4 army guys" go past our house. This is a little back road in the Catskill Mountains. Never have seen any military in the neighborhood in the past 15 years, nearest bases are both an hour away. The road is one you generally would take coming down from farther up in the mountains. I chalked it up at the time to there being a forest fire burning a couple of mountains back in, but I've never heard of the army being sent in to help with forest fires before, and it wasn't a big one.

Remember all those reports of weird road signs going up in various places pre-rollover? I don't remember the subject coming up since then. Are they still there? Have they been explained? Wonder if any of those old reports can get follow-ups? (probably not)

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

Isn't it about time that there are some large scale military practice runs that go down?

I thought I heard of one somewhere in Texas.

From hubby's experience, I do believe it is the time that they have a simulation of his actual duties.

I'll ask him when I get the chance.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

man, i think they are taking this Memorial Day seatblet checkpoint thing just a little too far!

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

Dave, LOL!

Well, I've seen more Nat'l Guard units around lately, but they also begin moving equipment up to Camp Grayling (MI) in the late spring for their summer training sessions, so I can't be sure whether they are gearing up for anything or just doing the normal seasonal rotation. I have noticed a lot less "fly-bys" lately of helos and light aircraft -- I'm on a flight path between Don Scott and Rickenbacker. Traffic normally starts about dawn, and it's only been commercial aircraft of late. Make of that what you will.

Memorial Day traffic is hellish on I-71 and I-70. The police have already said they will be out in force, with many random checkpoints. Others have said that 45-minute delays at these checkpoints aren't uncommon, so I will avoid the interstates this weekend and probably not drive beyond a fast trip down to the Farmer's Market.

-- Anonymous, May 23, 2001

No sitings in Eastern NC by sis.

The seatbelt 'click-it or ticket' campaign is going full-tilt in Florida.

-- Anonymous, May 24, 2001