The COD 60, I also flew C-1A out of VR-24, 1977-1981 
I flew in and out of NAF Sigonella in '77, '78 and 1979. We had to replace a nose strut on the C-1A and did so in VR-24's hanger. One of your CPOs offered to do the required drop check, and we were glad to get the help. Unfortunately, a VR-24 bubble chaser mis-connected the hydraulic cart and blew up the reservoir, flooding the cabin with hydraulic fluid. That reservoir is built into the wing structure. It took three days to get it out and a replacement installed. Captain Martin was not amused, but we didn't mind a few extra days ashore, staying at the world famous Total motel.....
One of your C-1s came aboard Saratoga late one afternoon in early 1979, bringing out some personnel and some mail. Upon start-up to launch it off, #2 engine would not start. Since I was the resident C-1A/R1820 engine mechanic, I was summoned to the flight deck to troubleshoot the problem. It took about 5 minutes to isolate the ignition exciter as the problem. It was dead, and that meant insufficient spark to light off the engine. Your pilot was having a stroke, envisioning spending the night on the ship (poor lad). So, I asked him how bad he wanted to leave. He replied, "do whatever you have to." I removed the defective exciter from #2 engine. Then, I had the pilot start #1. I pulled off the right side accessory panel and removed the good exciter, which I installed on #2 engine. I had him start #2. With both engines running, I reinstalled the exciter box back on #1 (in case they had to shut down #1 to unload or load people before they got back to Sigonella). I taped up the lugs from #2's exciter harness and reinstalled the accessory section panels. I climbed aboard and stuck my head into the cockpit. "Whatever you do", I told the pilots, "do not shut down #2 until you are where you plan to spend the night." They nodded their acceptance. "When you get back to Sigonella, give the old unit to the OMD engine shop and have them install a replacement." With that, I climbed out and handed them over to a taxi director. They put the COD on a waist cat and shot them off.
Those were recip days... When men were men and the sheep were light sleepers.
