Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
Fighter Pilot University
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The Eagle Pub

Borg, Rowdy & McGrawRecently Borg and I had an opportunity to visit a pub in Cambridge, England that has a unique bit of fighter pilot history. The Eagle, haled as The RAF Pub, at 8 Benet Street is a World War II era establishment that was frequented by RAF and US Army Air Corps fighter pilots. It became a custom of fighter pilots to burn their names into the ceiling and walls of the pub. Those names are still visible having been varnished over.
Like most English pubs the beer is great, the pub food is quite tasty, the atmosphere outstanding and the clientele, locals and foreign, very enjoyable. The fighter pilot ambiance inside the pub and a great beer garden outside make it a kickass stop anytime of day.
World War II Ceiling InscriptionsThe pub is owned by Corpus Christi College which we think is kickass. Every college/university should own a bar.  We have a bar here at Fighter Pilot University but right now you can't get a beer there. 
An interesting side to the Eagle Pub history is that it’s a place that was frequented by molecular biologists Francis Crick and James Watson.  It was here, in the Eagle Pub, in February 1958, that the two men interrupted the noon lunch service to announce to patrons that they had “discovered the secret of life.” Crick and Watson had indeed determined the structure of DNA and later would be awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine. That’s pretty kickass, two brainiacs enjoying the confines of a fighter pilot bar.

Overall the Eagle Pub was a kickass experience and a highly recommended destination for anyone that enjoys a good beer and the little fighter pilot history to boot.

Mile High Club

 

Homer recently returned from two weeks of fighting MIG-29s and Grippens at Kechemet AB, Hungary.  It was the first large scale deployment of U.S. fighters since they joined NATO.  It was surrounded by a wine festival within walking distance of the hotel.  They had a roll call in the MIG-29 bar and sang the AMRAAM Song and posted a "F--K Communism" sign on the wall.  Good clean fun.

Homer sent us two pictures from crossing the pond on the deployment rote.  They were taken over Nova Scotia right before he went feet wet. Looks like Homer got a little tired of flying single seat for the 10 hour trip over. Who says fighter guys can't join the Mile High club!

 

Fred's Lounge

Recently, Borg and I traveled to one of the most unique bars anywhere in the world. We took our wives and some friends to Mamou, Louisiana, a three hour drive northwest of New Orleans, an hour north of Lafayette. There in this small Cajun town is Fred’s Lounge. What makes Fred’s Lounge so special? It’s only open one day a week, Saturday, from 7:30AM to 2PM. Yes, pretty much just Saturday morning.   Beyond that, they have live really kickass Cajun/Zydeco bands that make the bar really jump.
 
Fred’s Lounge is not big, maybe 1200 square feet. If you get there early, before nine, you can take in some of the atmosphere and watch the band set up. At nine the band kicks in, a local radio station begins live coverage and the people begin to pour in. Eventually there’ll be 150-200 people with most of them dancing a cajun jig or two-step.

 
The place is run by quite a character, Tante Sue, Fred’s widow (he moved on in 1992). She’ll sing a few songs herself and maybe even offer you a swig of her “Hot Damn” cinnamon schnapps that she carries on her hip in a leather holster.


Borg, Tante Sue, Bent and Rowdy

 
Fred’s Lounge is world renowned. The day we were there we talked to folks from California, Florida and Maine, in addition to a German couple. Apparently it’s mentioned on a French travel brochure as an “American must see.” Celebrities of all sorts have visited the place. Each of the major US television networks have done a stories about Fred’s.
 
Mamou is a bit out of the way but it’s well worth the trip. The music is awesome. The people, locals and tourists, great. It’s a unique, exciting, fun experience. Fighter Pilot University gives Fred’s Lounge its highest recommendation.

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