TRANSPORTATION AT WHEELUS

Base Transportation

Wheelus had various forms of base transportation including the base shuttle bus, which allowed crew and staff to travel from one area of the base to another, this was a free service. which was sometimes graced by ‘Bruno’ the dog. Bruno who some thought of as a ‘base mascot’ would travel from chow hall to chow hall in anticipation of his next meal, which was more often than not, forthcoming. Apparently Bruno was a very friendly dog, who always sat on the seat behind the driver and was welcomed by the other passengers. He was also a regular visitor to the Sahara Theatre, where he was often treated to popcorn.

The base also had a taxi service which could be used for journeys inside the base and also for trips in the surrounding areas and downtown Tripoli, where there were well liked Italian restaurants, bars and casinos.

The base had its own MATS passenger flight terminal, which was used by crew and staff for work and personal travel. Flight destinations included The United States, Europe and Africa¹.

A Libyan owned bus service also ran from the base into Tripoli, with schedules stops at Giorgimpopli, Castle Square and the MATS Passenger Terminal.

Another form of transport was called a ‘Gharry’ this was a small horse drawn carriage, which was used as a taxi service in and around Tripoli².

The Wheelus School buses ran throughout Tripoli, collecting base dependents and the children of American oil company employees. After many pick ups the school bus would deliver them safely to the base's elementary and high schools, then return them home at the end of the school day.

Some crew and staff purchased cars, motorbikes and scooters whilst serving at Wheelus, these were often bought from Italian or Libyan residents or direct from distributors. Having the use of their own transport enabled them to travel freely and enjoy the historical and archeological sites of Tripoli. During the 60’s servicemen were allowed to ship their own vehicles to Libya, free of customs charges. However the return of the vehicle to the U.S or another base, was solely the responsibility of the owner, who was expected to meet all charges³.