I was on travel in Japan and stopped in Tokyo for 3 days. I checked into my room and then went with a friend in search of some dinner. As I walked towards the food court, I saw 3 different people carrying a case of VB. I asked one of them where they bought the VB and found out that the Navy Exchange just received 1 pallet and it was going fast. I told my friend about Australian Pete and how VB is his favorite. He said that I should buy a case since we are using the same aircraft for the entire trip. The next 3 stops I could just leave the VB on the plane until we eventually arrived in San Diego. I thought that was a great idea and quickly ran to the exchange to buy a case. I took the case with us to dinner since we were walking.
Chinese was the vote and I propped the VB up on a stool next to me while we ate. The next thing I know, a very significant earthquake hit and almost shook my food off the table. As I reached for my plate, the VB went for a ride! I collected the cans and taped the box back together. The 30-minute walk back to the room awakened me to how heavy a case of VB really is!!! The next morning the weather was nuts….. Then I find out that there is a level 3 TYPHOON barreling down on us. The aircraft cancelled because of the weather and we had to take a bus to our next destination. So, the VB experienced some moisture and a really long bus ride to Atsugi Japan. I checked into my room again with a distant walk (Heavy as VB again).
Finally time to go to Korea and me and the VB board yet another bus ride to the airport. Once at the terminal, one of the aircraft crew informed us that the port engine had an oil leak and that we would have to wait for them to check it out. You guessed it; the aircraft is down hard for at least a week. We boarded the bus again back to the room while the base tried to find another aircraft. After two days of waiting, the Navy decided to terminate the trip and fly us all home on commercial aircraft. The fist thing that ran through my head was “ What about this fucking VB??” I had nurtured this damn VB way too long to give up now. We boarded another 5-6 hour bus to Tokyo Narita airport and flew to Honolulu HI. I hand carried the VB on the plane.
When I arrived in Hawaii, Julie and her mother were just happened to be visiting and picked me and the VB up at the airport. We all stayed at their hotel in Waikiki that night, Julie and her mom were leaving the next morning and I passed the VB to her for the final leg of the journey. Julie also hand carried the VB on the plane and even treated the VB to a cab ride home. The VB was rested here at the house since it’s arrival in July.
Now today, Christmas Day, the VB will finally go home to Australian Pete’s house….

Story by Johnny on the Spot