An Interpreter’s Story
Erik Nakonechnyj, Flotilla 11–7, D7, Hudson, Florida

Erik and USCG Cutter Shrike crew

An Auxiliary interpreter had an opportunity to put his skills to work when he was asked to translate during the visit of a Russian delegation and several officers of their Federal Border Guard and Border Guard Navy (the equivalent of our Coast Guard.)  Erik Nakonechnyj traveled from his home near Tampa, FL to Anchorage, AK to meet the delegation.

Erik was assigned to provide linguistic assistance to the aircrew during the time when the official delegation was in Alaska.  The first function was a reception for the air crew and others not in the official party.  They were joined by a number of Coast Guard officers and flight crew members who made the visitors welcome and tried to communicate with them.  This gave the two interpreters assigned to the group a busy evening.  At this point, Erik’s day was over 24 hours long, factoring in the time difference.  It was at this gathering that he learned the activities planned for the aircrew.  Since their only duty was to fly the General and the official party to Alaska and back to Russia afterward, their activities were designed to entertain.  They were invited to take part in an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) ride, to do some skeet shooting and sightseeing and, most of all, to shop.

The day started at 0845 and the group was fitted with overalls for a muddy ride on the ATV’s.  It was April in Alaska so the ride was a muddy one.  Everyone was provided with the necessary equipment and set to ride.  The first member of the group, nicknamed Wild Max by the others went off like a pro, -- riding up and down mountain trails, in and out of the water and jumping over small gullies.  All this, while telling the others this was the first time he’d ridden an ATV. 

Erik and Russian Naval Officer.jpg

The next rider encountered some difficulty.  He offered to take the other interpreter with him for a ride.  They disappeared up a mountain trail and, when they did not reappear, the rest of the group began to worry.  As it happened, that was a wise move as the engine on the ATV had died. They were able to do down a trail, but going uphill again was “challenging.”  The Russian, nicknamed, “the Bear,” tried pushing the ATV up the hill while the interpreter guided it.  At a steep point, the ATV started to slip backward.  They both jumped clear and were able to avoid a rollover.  After a good bit of teasing and joking, they got the ATV back to the transport vehicle. 

After the adventure with the off road riding, the group went to the Coast Guard rifle range.  Here the interpreters came into play again to translate the instructions by the Coast Guard members.  They were provided with an assortment of shotguns and ample ammunition and all did well. 

Breakfast the next morning was at a popular diner in the area.  Servings of eggs, ham, reindeer sausage and such were all large portions.  The Russians were amazed by the amount of food served.  They were also surprised to see that ice was served with soft drinks and juices, -- and requested theirs without it.  After breakfast came the highlight of the trip, a shopping expedition to Wal-Mart.  The two interpreters and the drivers stayed clear as the air crew stormed Wal-Mart.  The first hour was spent in reconnaissance, the second hour was spent comparing notes and the third hour was used to buy.  A sampling of their purchases included, bicycles, pots and pans, tools, portable tents and stuffed animals.  They purchased motor oil too, a total of fifteen cases, as well as forty sets of flashlights, coffee, candy, toothpaste, etc.  Erik reported that the van was busy shuttling the purchases back to the base where their plane was parked.  Every item was stowed away so that nothing was visible except for the three bicycles. 

The following day the crew toured the CG cutter, Alex Haley.  The group visited all the levels from the bridge to the engine room all connected by very steep ladders.  The Alex Haley is an interesting vessel built for special jobs, such as towing aircraft carrier and as a result has four huge diesel engines with a complicated transmission system.  Erik reported that by the time the tour ended, all the visitors were ready for a rest.  They got that while watching a search-and-rescue demonstration by a CG helicopter at Woman’s Bay.  The fact that it was cold and windy by that time probably did not bother the Russians.

The demonstration was followed by a ride to Pyramid Mountain and fantastic views of Kodiak Town and surrounding mountain ranges.  The trip back down with snow and icy conditions offered an opportunity for translation and diplomatic skills.  They were “attacked” on the way and a side window was shattered, showering them with glass.  The assailants turned out to be kids who were randomly throwing rocks at passing vehicles, -- not terrorists or protesters.  The police found and arrested the kids later but it was an unfortunate experience.

Erik and Ukrainian Crew

The next day provided an opportunity to show the aircrew a CG aircraft in action and the interpreters helped them compare notes.  A flight was planned from Anchorage to Cordova and was a combination of patrol and a qualification flight for a Coast Guard pilot.  During the flight an “aborted take off,” was carried out and later the engine was shut off and re-started.  Erik and the Russian flight commander were in the cockpit throughout.  He found it to be an amazing number of activities simultaneously with the co-pilot and flight engineer in constant contact with control towers.  The group had lunch with CG personnel at Coast Guard outpost Cordova before taking off again.  On the return flight, the Russian Commander and the pilot actually flew the HC-130, with the CG pilot instructing.  Another time for challenging  interpretation by Erik.

On their final day in Alaska, the crew did some final shopping.  Once again, this involved several trips to Wal-Mart.  Again the purchases were transported back and stowed aboard the plane.  Erik was amazed at the speed with which the crew secured all their purchased items.  The main problem was concealing the bicycles, now four in all.  The plane had to be clear of anything that could work loose and they managed it.  That day ended with a dinner for all, and exchange of gifts and toasts.

Erik’s duties did not end there, however.  His presence was requested for the flight from Kodiak to Anchorage to facilitate communications with the Air Force control tower there.  A Coast Guard pilot came along in the Russian plane, the AN72P and at one point, acted as co-pilot.  As soon as they took off, the CG pilot was allowed to take the controls, until they landed.  After a two hour wait for the official party, and many good-byes, Erik’s duties ended and he began the long trip back to his home in Florida, -- with memories to last a lifetime.