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the Degree Confluence Project
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Afghanistan : Zābol

8.0 km (5.0 miles) ESE of Ramazān Kalay, Zābol, Afghanistan
Approx. altitude: 1772 m (5813 ft)
([?] maps: Google MapQuest OpenStreetMap ConfluenceNavigator)
Antipode: 32°S 113°W

Accuracy: 13 m (42 ft)
Quality: good

Click on any of the images for the full-sized picture.

#2: Picture facing north.  #3: Sheep herder passing by. Picture facing east. #4: GPS Screen. #5: Group photo. #6: Taking off from the confluence. #7: Looks so peaceful.

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  32°N 67°E  

#1: Dust landing. Picture facing west.

(visited by Rick Ginn, Kenny Brewer, Suzannah Morrison and Michael Schantz)

01-Jul-2012 -- While deployed to Afghanistan, another pilot was discussing the confluence project and how he completed one in South Korea in 2006. Excited we looked at the map of Afghanistan and noticed we have a point that we could complete. Due to the latest threat, landing at these points can become a bit of a challenge, but to stay with the rules we ensured it was safe for us to land.

We deployed from Hawaii as an Air Evacuation company (MEDEVAC) in support of operation Enduring Freedom with UH-60A Blackhawks. We evacuate everything from US soldiers, local nations, and even military working dogs that need a higher medical care from the byproduct of war. The conditions in this country can be extremely exhausting to fly in with the hot weather, very dark nights with no moon, sand storms, snow, and of course the threat of the Taliban.

This particular spot 32N 67E appeared to be farm land that was not currently growing crops. Not a tree in sight. Off in a distance was a sheep herder passing by which can be seen in one of the pictures. Our sister ship aircraft was kind enough to take these photos of us while we landed to the point and provided aerial security. During our landing, you can see some of the dust that had started to form showing the difficulties of landing in this country.

The photos of the GPS screen didn’t come out perfect and the other pictures had glares, but you can see that accordingly to our GPS we landed at point 32N 67E.

After landing we went back home and took the group photo of all of us on safer grounds. Special thanks to our chase aircraft for taking these photos of us while we made history.

Coordinator's Note: While this visit does not strictly follow the photo requirements, a special exception was made due to the unusual nature of the visit and the quality of the photos.


 All pictures
#1: Dust landing. Picture facing west.
#2: Picture facing north.
#3: Sheep herder passing by. Picture facing east.
#4: GPS Screen.
#5: Group photo.
#6: Taking off from the confluence.
#7: Looks so peaceful.
ALL: All pictures on one page