BLACKOUT IN SAIGON - by Captain Joe Goeller
After staying for years at the Caravelle Hotel, an historic landmark in downtown Saigon, newer hotels were being constructed and this "memorable moment" is but one of the many we 'crew members' experienced through the years of service during the Vietnam War. On arrival at Saigon-TanSonNhut, the date long-lost in our memory, we were advised that we would be billeted in a new hotel just recently completed and more convenient to our operation. Although it lacked the splendor of the Caravelle, it was spotless and we were impressed with the courteous staff that greeted us. Ron Winiker and I lingered a bit making certain that all 'contact' bases were established while the remainder of the crew departed for their rooms to seek a much-needed rest after the flight. Entering the elevator - selecting the floor assigned to us, we were making small talk when the elevator stopped moving and the interior light extinguished. The phone in the lift was inoperative as were the other 'electric-related' conveniences. Next on the agenda was the 'manual opening' of the doors by members of the hotel staff. To our dismay, we discovered that the lift had stopped just about halfway between floors. The staff beckoned us to crawl through the opening, a suggestion that was met with a profound "NO WAY". They assured us that the power was indeed "OFF" and that it would be safe to exit. I envisioned the power returning at the same time one of us was partially through the opening. After not much conferring with Ron, we concluded we would stay in the elevator until 'normal operation' was restored. With that declaration, I requested 'room service at the lift' and ordered a few Martini's to wile away the time necessary to exit normally. Can not recall how many Martini's were involved but do remember that this little experience contributed to the wealth of "memories" associated during my tenure with WORLD
" The Kidnapping of Captain Goeller"
In late December, 1977 we were commencing our backhaul of the HADJ. It was my custom to proceed to the lobby of the Intercontinental Hotel well in advance of the scheduled crew pick-up. On this particular day, I was approached by a gentlemen meticulously dressed in a tan Palm Beach suit. Introducing himself, he asked if I would like to meet one of the Crown Princes of the royal family of Saudi Arabia. Consulting my watch, I ascertained that I had more than enough time before scheduled departure. I accompanied the 'friendly' gentleman to the 4th floor of the Intercontinental. Entering the suite, actually the entire 4 floor had been reserved, I was promptly introduced to the Prince. He invited me to sit next to him and we engaged in casual conversation about World and our involvement in the HADJ movement. His entourage5, in the suite, consisted of approximately 20 Saudi's in traditional 'Aba' covering the 'Dishdasha'. The Saudi attire was complete, of course, with "Ghutra' secured by the 'Agal'. I would be remiss in this description if I neglected to mention the impressive 'Jambiya', the traditional dagger worn by the men of Saudi Arabia. It was time to proceed to the lobby for departure so I stood and graciously excused myself stating that I had to join my crew. The Prince, also being very gracious, firmly asked me to sit down and again stated that he would advise me when it was time to depart. I insisted that my presence was necessary at the aircraft to prepare it for the departure to Jeddah. The Prince, again being very polite, authoritatively advised me that my crew had readied the 747 in the past, they could do it once more and that I would not be late for the departure. Respecting the urgency in his voice, I reluctantly sensed the seriousness of the situation and complied with his request. What seemed like ages with the menacing appearance of his group increasing both my adrenaline' level and my sense of insecurity, the Prince stood and mentioned o all that we would be departing for the Algerian airdrome. There were 8 Mercedes limousines at the entrance to the hotel and the Prince invited me to join him in the second car. On the way to the airport, he explained that he had detained me while his associates were in telephonic contact with WORLD/OAK negotiating for the charter of our 747 to fly his entourage' to Saudi. He further explained that he had been 'hunting with falcons' in southern Algeria and that since we were flying to Jeddah, it was more convenient for him to 'charter' us than to call for one of the Royal fleet to make the round trip. On arrival at DAAG, Jim Turner, our Flight Engineer ran to greet us, shouting " Joe, you can't believe what they have done to your 747". The entire front end of the 74' was draped in plastic and boards had been placed across the seats. The configuration of 'A' zone had been transferred into a temporary home of the falcons who were occupying the area accompanied by their handlers. The falcons were 'hooded' and the handlers, two to each falcon, were conspicuously placed to insure the security of the birds. The Prince, his staff and their bodyguards occupied the upper deck lounge with the remainder of the supportive hunting group being assigned seats in the rear of the plane. After an almost on-time departure, I proceeded to the lounge and the Prince advised me of his flying experience and I invited him to join us later in the cockpit for the landing at Jeddah. I asked the Prince why his falcons were so delicately placed in the front of the aircraft. His response was classic and oft-repeated to this day. He advised that "his falcons" always rode in the First Class compartment. Inquiring how the birds knew the difference - the Prince, with a wide grin replied, "Oh! they know". Who is to further question a Prince of the Saudi royal family, an Oxford graduate, a fellow pilot, and the gentleman who has just 'kidnapped' a B-747 Captain