A long held ambition to see the airshow for San Francisco Fleet Week was finally fulfilled in October 2014. I had seen many images of the Blue Angels performing with the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island and I wanted to experience … Continue readingSan Francisco Fleet Week 2014
Atsugi NAS is close to Tokyo (about a 45 minute train ride) and offers excellent facilities for photography, although if sunny heat haze can be an issue. Home to squadrons of both the Lockheed P3 Orion and the indigenous Kawasaki P1, NAS Atsugi is also … Continue readingNAS Atsugi October 2014
Once again, the elements and tasking priorities caused a few issues for this nghtshoot. The French Securite Civile S-2FT Tracker in anniversary markings was re-directed to support firefighting activities in Corsica, whilst the Sea King HU5 from the Royal Navy at Culdrose was socked in … Continue readingRAF Northolt Nightshoot XVII
Having visited Iruma AB in 2012, I knew that I had to come back. Iruma AB has to be one of the most conducive locations for off base aviation photography. Located about 45 Minutes by train from Tokyo, there are a number of places around … Continue readingIruma AB October 2014
Following on from my highly enjoyable visit to Hyakuri AB in 2012, I decided to return in October 2014 for the Japan Defense Forces 60th Anniversary flypast. These annual reviews are held in front of the Prime Minister of Japan, along with many other dignitaries. … Continue readingHyakuri October 2014 Japanese Defense Forces 60th Anniversary
Once again, the Royal International Air Tattoo took place in mid July at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The weather was a significant plus on the Saturday, with much blue sky, although by the afternoon it had clouded over somewhat. Amongst the highlights of the show … Continue readingRIAT Fairford 2014
In September 2014 I was able to spend some time on NAS Fallon, home of the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC). More famously known as the “TOPGUN” school, the naval air station is home to variety of aircraft and is also able to … Continue readingNAS Fallon
In June 2013, after 40 years of service with the Luftwaffe, the McDonnell-Douglas F4 Phantom was formally retired. A special Spotters Day and Open Day were held at Wittmund Airbase by Jagdgeschwader 71 “Richthofen” squadron to celebrate the long and successful service by the “Rhino” in … Continue readingWittmund – Phantom Pharewell
In early September 2013, I was fortunate to be granted permission for a base visit to NAS North Island, the main helicopter base for the Pacific Fleet. One of the largest Naval Air Facilities in the United States, NAS North Island is located at the … Continue readingNAS North Island
Once again, Phil Dawe organised another great evening for Nightshoot XIV, with no less than 3 unique items. He managed a significant coup with the presence of the Swedish Air Force Tp86 Sabreliner and a rarely seen French Air Force Super Puma. Coupled with these … Continue readingRAF Northolt Nightshoot XIV