The navy crew called on the Hoquiam frequency reporting their location, heading and intentions just about the same time we would be making a similar transmission. Pilot Mark Hansen made contact with the C-9 letting them know we were in the area and would be watching for them. We decided to record their maneuver on tape and share it with you.

The military C-9 dubbed "The Nightingale or Navy "Skytrain" is the same aircraft as the Douglas DC-9 civilian passenger jet currently made by the Boeing Company. It can carry between 55 to 100 passengers, depending on the model and the configuration. They cost approximately $35 million each, are 119 feet long, 27 feet high with a wingspan of 93 feet. It can lift off the ground with 110,000 pounds and travel at 565 mph for nearly 2500 miles at a top altitude of 37,000 feet with the two 14,500 pound each, Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines.

Unlike their civilian counterparts, Navy C9's have global capability thanks to self contained navigational equipment. The aircraft can be configured as a hollow tube carrying nothing but cargo and mail. The NASA version C-9 is used for microgravity research, a platform to perform research in a reduced gravity environment. The aircraft is also utilized for Heavy Aircraft Training for astronaut pilots. It supports the movement of the shuttle from landing sites in California and New Mexico back to Kennedy Space Center.

The DC-9 family is one of the most rugged, longest-lasting aircraft currently in operation. First produced in 1965 the design marks its 41st year in 2006 which I've read is probably the final year of production of what is now called the Boeing DC-9.

Had enough factoids, just one more, unfortunately the 5000 foot runway at Hoquiam's Bowerman field is not long enough for the Navy C-9 to make a full stop. If they had I'm sure they would have enjoyed the blackberry cobbler, coffee and friendly company at Lanas Hangar Cafe which makes stopping at Bowerman Field an extra good time, (so I hear).