Hanscom JFC Airmen haul up a live catch

  • Published
  • By Justin Oakes
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  With clear skies above, a calm sea on the horizon and a hunger for fresh seafood, 14 Hanscom Airmen embarked on a trip up to Portland, Maine, to take part in the Junior Force Council's Lobstering Excursion Sept. 28.

The social event not only brought members from varying offices across base together, but also provided a unique opportunity to explore the New England area while taking a hands-on approach to the state's most recognizable export -- lobsters.

"Military members move frequently, and it's important to go explore your new area and immerse yourself in what the local community has to offer," said Capt. Julie Anderson, a dentist and one of Hanscom's newest arrivals. "Also, it can be intimidating and expensive to try to plan solo excursions; being with a group often saves money and allows Airmen to enjoy time with friends and new acquaintances while experiencing the local color."

The Airmen loaded up on a small fishing vessel and began their cruise around the bay learning about the history of Maine's commercial fishing industry before receiving a thorough biology lesson on the crustaceans.

"This trip was not only something different, but very informative," said 1st Lt. Rett Rayhill, a Hanscom program manager. "Did you know it takes seven years before a lobster reaches a size that can be harvested?"

It wasn't long before the entire group was sporting full-length rubber aprons and industrial strength rubber gloves. Items that were much needed for the next stage of the tour.

Before hauling up the traps - and the group's future lunch - the Airmen needed to grab handfuls of very "ripe" fish, stuff them into bags and prepare to bait the traps once emptied. This got the immediate attention of a flock of seagulls that were not shy about competing for the fish.

"I believe the odor alone brought the birds straight to us," said Jeff Price, JFC board member and recent transplant from Wright-Patterson AFB.

One by one, each Airman helped the captain haul up traps.

The contents of each trap were different. More than 10 lobsters were caught that day along with a variety of crabs and even a starfish (however, no one wanted to eat the starfish).

Before the group could enjoy the fruits of their labor, one last step remained - applying the bands to the claws. While this task might seem daunting to some, it came with great ease to the majority of the Airmen.

"I am starving," said Airman 1st Class Brittany Carrillo, as she slapped a bright yellow constraint on her catch. "I knew the faster we got them on, the sooner we'd be going back to eat them."

When the boat returned to the dock, the group carried their catch, by hand, down the streets of Portland to a local restaurant that was more than happy to cook their lunch.

As the Hanscom team reaped their rewards, they had time to reflect on the day's activities and the newly formed memories.

"My favorite memory of the trip was having the opportunity to be fully involved with every step of lobster catching -- the baiting, pulling the crates in, measuring the lobster and also learning how to tell the difference between males and females," said Airman Bryan Thomas, a Lancaster, Penn., native and nine-month resident of Hanscom. "This was a great first impression of a JFC function and I will most certainly sign up for another event."

The Hanscom Junior Force Council is comprised of officers, enlisted and civilian Airmen. The organization's purpose is to provide professional development, mentoring and networking opportunities for members who have less than 10 years of service.

"This event was a great opportunity to take advantage of a perfect day weather-wise, meet some people on base I would never have had a chance to interact with otherwise and learn more about an industry that has played a significant role in the history of this part of the country," Rayhill said. 

The JFC is already planning their next event, which is scheduled to take place in October.