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Peter, I don't know him. I'd have to check to see who's name goes on those abandoment markers. I'm fairly sure the information on them is a legal requirement by the various state's petroleum regulations. It could be a simple tradition of the welder adding his name to it, or more likely it's the name of an authorised person attesting to the closure of the well. That possibly could be someone from the drilling company OD&E which was based in Toowoomba, or someone from Innamincka Petroleum, or if they used a contractor to seal the well, someone from that company. Schlumberger and Halliburton were the main well services contractors out there.

Willie you don’t know who M Bell was on that name plate do you? I had a schoolmate of that name who worked out that way.

....run by a consistent string of socialist Govts, who support unions and fair wages! Horror! I've even heard those Labor Govts called "Commy Govts" by Americans!

I once applied for a tech job @ Exmouth. The US had handed over ops to Aust ADF, whe handed it over to Contractors. The work was with VLF submarine comms, HF radio, and Sat. I guarantee that no Aust personnel were privy to any comms content. Back when US set up Pine Gap, everything came in on big unmarked grey jets, usually at night. As far as US is concerned, Australia is an untrusted foreign country.

Er.. ahhh.. ahem... yes... yes... i suppose it was

Jerry, I'm assuming that's an intentional pun and not a typo.

When the Americans built the US Naval Communication Station, North West Cape, at Exmouth, W.A. between 1963 and 1967, everything to build the base, was shipped in from the U.S. When I say everything, I mean everything. The Americans shipped in their own prefab housing, their own power generation, and they even built their own baseball fields and a bowling alley, so the troops would feel right at home, and not in a hostile and foreign environment, like Australia. 😄 Even every fitting in the buildings, right down to hinges and fasteners, was imported from the U.S. In addition, even though LHD cars were banned on Australian roads, the Americans were allowed to import as many LHD vehicles as they wanted, so they wouldn't feel like they were in a foreign land, where the natives drove on the wrong side of the road. Unfortunately, the Americans couldn't change the local road rules, or the side of the road they drove on, so they had to put up with driving their LHD vehicles on the wrong side of the road, at all times. Fortunately, Australia insisted the town had to be on 240V AC power, which must have caused a lot of angst amongst the Americans used to 110V AC power. When the land for the base was leased to the Americans by a Liberal right-wing Govt ("all the way with LBJ!"), it was for peppercorn rental. Only when a Labor Govt was elected in Australia in 1972, was the base operation and rental costs put under scrutiny. Slowly but surely, Australian Naval personnel were allowed to operate in conjunction with the Americans at Exmouth. But all the Australian Navy personnel, including their leaders, were banned from access to the U.S. Naval Communications Cipher Room for many years. Ever so slowly, the Americans gradually relented and handed more and more operational power over to the Australian military, for the base operations. It was eventually turned into an Australian Naval Communication station by 1999, with an Australian Naval Commander initially taking control of the base in 1991. The Americans finally withdrew in 1993, and they sold off the base housing - fairly cheaply, it seemed to many keen buyers. Then those house buyers found that the American houses built there, couldn't be repaired using standard Australian building materials. Doorways were a U.S. standard, 3' 0" wide, to accommodate big Americans (as compared to the Australian standard of 2' 8" or 815mm). Fittings and plumbing all had to be changed if repairs were needed. Those houses ended up not being such a bargain after all. Numbers of the LHD cars from the base stayed here after the local authorities relented, and allowed LHD vehicles to be imported and driven on Australian roads. I would guess the Americans got good money for their used Yank Tanks, due to high local demand. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Communication_Station_Harold_E._Holt

In my working life I drove just about every road in Qld. Numerous times. My territory was from Grafton, west to Birdsville, up to Threeways, across to Torres Strait. As you know, working doesn't really let one see the country properly. So since retirement I've been visiting places that I promised myself to come back to, to see properly. Thanks for the tip.

Have a good trip Pete, a good time of year to be heading out there. It's been over 14 years since I retired from working in the back country and haven't been there since. If I got my vehicle up to scratch I'd like to do another trip out there as I've never been there on a tourist basis, always working. From the east coast of S.E. Queensland it's bitumen all the way to Innamincka now. Last time I was out there the bitumen had extended from Jackson to past Ballera, but fell short of the border. It had been a good season with a good body of Mitchell grass as far as the eye could see. In that same batch of photos, I fund this one of an abandoned well name plate at that field where we worked for a short time. Top line is Willowie No.1, the well name - ie: first well in the Willowie field. Second line, the well owner, Innamincka Petroleum. Third line the drilling contractor - Oil Drilling and Exploration Rig 30. Fourth line, the date drilling commenced. Spud is short for spudded, the term for when the bit first bites into the ground. Fifth line, the date it was plugged and abandoned. Last line, the total depth reached.

Hookers will have to find new clients 😉 In the same vain, Chump has probably cost the US arms manufacturers and other military suppliers many more billions. Most of the big spending ex property leases will be on US companies.. Even construction of their bases, etc, will likely be US suppliers vetted by the military (I am guessing). I know someone who worked at RAF Lakenheath, and and I think it was RAAF Tindal (can't remember). He worked for an American company, ironically at the time, supplying the ADF and MoD, and not the USDF. At Lakenheath, there is a permanent USAF facility separated and at I think it was Tindal, there was a temporary command centre set up of the USAF. On both occasions, as a friendly American he went to introduce himself to the yanks at each base (probably trying to sell them something) and he was met with a very terse response equivalent to eff off. When he spoke to the UK/Aus personnel, on both occasions he was told they operate entirely separately and barely a word is spoken between them; a lot lived on the base and they had US supplies of their favourite home treats shipped in. Certainly, his antics will have his allies relying less on US manufacturers and after sales provisions as a result. For example, Spain and Portugal have cancelled or stop going ahead with procurement of the F35s, Europe is looking at shifting much of their military supply from US to their own suppliers; the UK is accelerating its Tempest fighter development; I don't think anyone in Europe is even looking at US drone manufacturers at the moment. If Chump unilaterally withdraws troops because of his childish antics, you can bet the long term damage to the US will be much more than a few landlords, supermarkets, and hookers. Yeah, there would be stuff that won't make sense to buy anything other than locally - normal food, civvie clothes, etc. And yeah, the sudden withdrawal of a large number of troops from the country will make a dent, but they rarely have a vast number at a single location, so the loss is probably minimal in the grand scheme of things, except where business are set up solely or mainly to service a local posting.

That's what makes a walloper's job less Mundane (and more stressful) Eh?. Dealing with humans is complex and requires skills training, time and self control. Be nice if there were less guns, drugs and knives out there.?

I don't think any of the western world mistook Chump for anything other than what he is, except in one way. They though that pandering to him would soften the economic blows he is capable of inflicting and attract favourable treatment. I have always maintained that is not the way to deal with transactional narcissistic bullies; and that they have to be stared down right from the get go. As I have mentioned on this forum, the pandering Starmer - a technocrat who was an unedifying capability of political self-alienation - was sickening to watch; at home though, many were initially claiming he played Chump skilfully, but quickly ate humble pie. The "allies" that did the best - Trudeau/Carney (the latter an ex head of the Bank of England), Albo, and the like - none of whom caved - seemed to get the better outcomes relative to their situations. For the rest, the horse has well and truly bolted; the only thing they can do is what Meloni has done - stare down Chump and correct him. However, I have to be honest, European (inc. British) leaders are generally spineless these days; and beholden to what they think may cost them an election, which, from my very small conversations with Europeans (mainly Germans), does not correlate to what at least some people think will cost them an election. Any move to push back will now be seen as fodder to carry out threats and treated as if the Europeans are withdrawing their hand of friendship. The new and improved "Art of the Deal".

He was their DC-6 Type specialist when I met him about 1967. OTA. Nev

I have given some thought to the effect of the USA withdrawing its military from foreign bases. I'm ignoring the military aspects of such a withdrawal. Ever since 1945 American military personnel have been in Germany. Remember the Elvis movie G.I.Blues ? Can you imagine the economic impact on communities around US bases if those military personnel suddenly were taken away? Those military personnel would have spent billions over the years, and would spend millions annually on food, entertainment, recreational activities (vertical and horizontal). Oh what a tangled web are military alliances!

I was giving DT some slack to see what outcomes he achieved, but I have to concede that he is completely deranged.

I'm wondering where he's going to find the $300b he's promised to give or invest in Iran. He's said the US is not going to chip in and I doubt that the Gulf states will be keen to put up money to benefit a belligerent regime that has just attacked them. The Saudis in particular will be telling Trump what he can do with his begging bowl.

A funny story... Whilst in the RAAF in the 70's, I did an interview for TAA and one of the questions was, "was I related to Arthur Lovell?" Very naively and innocently I answered, No! Wrong. I should have answered "Uncle Arthur, how the hell is he?" I never met him but aware of his fame for bringing Ansett's first B727 to Oz.

Hi Rod, thanks for your input, and much additional information. No, I haven't read your book, but I do sympathise with you, as I stated. I too, have had similar dealings with powerful people who destroyed my life and all my hard-won assets - they're called a Bank, and they are run by despicable people who are prepared to crush customers in favour of intransigent and ruthless bank decision-making. So I do understand how you feel about people with virtually unaccountable power, and little recourse against blatant injustice, unless you want to spend decades in the courts, and spending millions you haven't got. Yes, you have had dealings with me many years ago, via a historical truck forum. I sold you some large diameter studs to suit your Chamberlain tractor. I trust you're keeing well in your advanced years. I find it better as I age, not to dwell on past injustices that one can do little about. Hold your head up high, that you know in your own mind, that you have no regrets about what you did.

Are you related to Arthur Lovell who was in Ansett? Nev

This group of British newshounds have a brilliant takedown of Trumps peace agreement with Iran. In essence, he's spent multiple billions to achieve SFA. As the bloke says, in the peace agreement, there is absolutely NOTHING, as regards the following "requirements", originally set by Trump. 1. Regime Change 2. Human Rights and the protection of Iran's regime protesters 3. Free transit of the Straits of Hormuz to all shipping 4. The Iranian Ballistic Missile program being stopped 5. Nuclear weapon manufacturing being stopped However, Trump has now effectively PAID to restore the status quo, as regards America's greatest enemy, with the lifting of sanctions, and the return of Irans frozen assets, which amount to well over US$100B. Iran can now trade its oil freely on world markets, bringing in vast amounts of money, that will enable the regime to repair all the American damage, and build more armaments. Trump savages Obama for his "bad deal" with Iran over nuclear weapon manufacturing. This exercise of Trumps makes Obama's deal look like a winner, in comparison to Trumps latest balls-up. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1477523247022527

Hi onetrack. Your handle does ring a bell from decades ago, but I can't remember. Perhaps you may wish to pm me. On reading your appriasal, I get the distinct impression that you have not read my book and therefore have only the (wrong) "official" side which is complete disinformation. I have never seen myself as another Chesley Sullenberger. Why would I? I have referred to his accident once or twice. That is all. "Rod has to accept a degree of resposibility for the crash". Yes, I accept full responsibilty for converting a potentially tragic accident potentially killing all 25 people onboard into a highly successful ditching with all lives saved. "taking off overweight". By law, aircraft must be re-weighed at regular intervals (3 yearly) and at that time had to be weighed twice to confirm accuracy. Unbeknown to me, when the aeroplane was last weighed in October 1992, it was weighed on Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) truck scales, not approved by the CAA. The aeroplane was weighed in the open, in the tail down position instead of the level flying position as required by the CAA. This process should have been conducted in a hangar. The aeroplane was weighed in a non-approved environment, in a non-standard position and on non-approved scales. The empty weight and centre of gravity for the aeroplane were unknown. It was certified by an authorised Weight Control Authority officer of the CAA. It is quite probable that this re-weigh was highly inaccurate. It is highly plausible that the basic weight of the aeroplane would have been in error, therefore the BASI calculated final MTOW would also be in error. They accused me of being an amount overweight to the exact kilogram. How can that be when there were so many dubious statements concerning the weight? Another interesting fact of this weighing in 1992 was that the resulting figures from both weight records were identical—8158 kg. Each of the three jack-point figures showed identical weight readings as well—what are the chances of this? I personally witnessed BASI weighing the passengers’ baggage while it was dripping wet, on a set of analogue bathroom scales on a hangar floor and then they ‘factored’ it. The fundamental mandate of an ICAO Annex 13 investigation and its subsequent reports is strictly to prevent future accidents and incidents. On 25th September 1996, (two years after my accident) the Dutch Dakota Association, lost their DC-3 (PH-DDA) which crashed into the Wadden Sea about 35 miles north of the Dutch capital, sadly killing all 32 people on board. The crew had reported engine problems five minutes after take-off from Texel Island on return to Amsterdam, 89 km away. They too shut down the left engine and its propeller also mechanically failed to feather correctly, flying at an altitude of around 500 ft they tried to position the aircraft for an emergency landing but lost control and crashed onto a flooded sandbank covered by just chest-deep water, around nine minutes after take-off. Sadly, 32 people died. Why? For those who want to know, the left engine failed after takeoff and the right engine was not producuing rated power. I proved in the simulator it was only producing about 70% of rated power. No wonder it was not going to stay in the air. "As you age, you either get bitter, or you get better." Well, I'm nowhere near as ANGRY as I was 32 years ago. BUT I will not let these pathetic public servant bureaucracy get away with their deceit. I will fight for the truth until the day I die. I'm more than happy to answer any questions, however, before you criticise me or my actions, I suggest you read my book. Thank you.

They're still up to it. When we were there this year I often saw scooters with 2 blokes, the back one holding on to a trailer loaded with bricks.

She wouldn't be happy about his spat with the Pope either. I don't think she ever mistook Trump for who he was, but she was willing to play the game. Not any more, it seems.

The love affair between Geogia Meloni and Trump appears to have fallen on rocky times - thanks to the scales apparently falling off Georgia's eyes. Once, once of Trumps greatest arse-lickers, she stopped at supporting him when it came to the Iran War. She stopped the U.S. from using Italian air bases to carry out attacks on Iran. Trump, speaking in a phone interview with Italian broadcaster La7, claimed that Meloni had “begged” to take a photograph with him. “She begged me to take a photo with her. She wanted a photo with me so badly. I might not even have done it, but I felt sorry for her,” Trump said. Referring to their interaction at the G7 summit, he added that Meloni was “probably happy that I spoke to her” and that he “was not obliged to speak to her.” Prior to the post-summit interviews, Trump's behavior at the G7 drew notable attention. Footage circulated online of Trump complaining about having "the lowest chair in the room," with cameras capturing Meloni's visible exasperation and eye-rolling reaction. It's good to see that Meloni has finally woken up to Trumps buffoonery and lies and outright fabricated BS at the highest levels. The Italian politicians are especially scathing of Trumps perfomance at the G7. Meloni has come back fighting, saying, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg!" She posted a video answering Trump’s statement, saying that "certain things deserve an immediate response". "Donald Trump’s statements are completely fabricated. I am frankly stunned," she said. "I don’t know why the president of the United States behaves this way toward his own allies. After all, this isn’t the first time this has happened." She went on, "I can only say that it's a pity he doesn't show the same determination with enemies of the West, with enemies of the United States, with leaders with whom, instead, he is far more accommodating". Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Italys top diplomat, called Trumps words "grave and offensive", and cancelled a scheduled trip to the United States, thus creating a political freeze. How you could place "diplomacy" and Trump in the one sentence has me beat, though. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio suggested Trump’s remarks besmirched the legacy of the US soldiers who died during World War II. “The thousands of crosses marking the graves of American soldiers who died to free us from Nazi-Fascist dictatorship did not deserve such a painful blow to our fraternal ties,” Nordio posted on X. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said he did not believe Meloni would ever beg for a photo, "not even under threat". "Jokes of this kind do no good to anyone: neither to the USA, nor to Italy, nor to the alliance", he said. Trump has come back, complaining that Meloni "lacks courage", has failed to support NATO, and he's threatening to remove U.S. forces from Italian soil. It's amazing that this moron is now abusing Meloni for failing to support NATO, when Trump has done everything in his power to dismantle NATO.

Asia is eye-opening when it comes to vehicle misuse. As Army engineers working on road construction in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, we were constantly amazed at what the Vietnamese considered a normal load for any vehicle or motorcycle. The Lambro 3 wheelers ("Tuk-tuks", or "xe lam" as the Vietnamese called them) were universal transport, and they were used to regularly transport workers to and from the rice paddies. As we often had construction road works they would have to traverse, they would often have to unload passengers to get through the road works. One day, a Lambro full of rice paddy workers (all girls and women, I might add), unloaded its passengers so it could get past us at the road works. We counted THIRTY SEVEN women and girls getting out of that Lambro! Admittedly, the Vietnamese women and girls are only tiny, but even at that, thirty seven people in a Lambro would have to be some kind of record.