"Wings of Gold", a quarterly magazine for Naval and Marine aviators is also running the WTI story in their next issue. Again, thank you to all, including the US Military for all of their access and kindness that they have shown to me.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Vertical Magazine
My story on the US Marines and their WTI 1-14 training got more coverage as "Vertical" Magazine picked up the story for their website. "Vertical" is the #1 Magazine for any and everything Helicopters. I have been very fortunate in my short career as a freelance photojournalist, and I truly appreciate all of those people who have and are helping me along the way.
"Wings of Gold", a quarterly magazine for Naval and Marine aviators is also running the WTI story in their next issue. Again, thank you to all, including the US Military for all of their access and kindness that they have shown to me.
"Wings of Gold", a quarterly magazine for Naval and Marine aviators is also running the WTI story in their next issue. Again, thank you to all, including the US Military for all of their access and kindness that they have shown to me.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
WTI 1-14
Well, with the sequestration still in place for the US military, the Airshows have all been cancelled, if there was any military involved, and this has led to a really slow year for most of the aviation photographers this year.
As for myself, I've been fairly busy. I wrote an article about the 358th going to the gunnery range and it is being published by Combat Aircraft Monthly for November 2013. (The North American version may have a B-1 on the cover).
On October 2, 2013 I was very fortunate to attend the Fall Weapons and Tactics Instructors course for the U.S. Marines at MCAS Yuma, in Yuma, Arizona. I was assigned to fly in a Huey UH-1Y helicopter ( a gunship). We flew into the Chocolate Mountains of southern California. It was really exciting as we would be flying through the canyons and then pop up over a mountain and then descend quickly blasting the targets with rockets, and machine guns. What an experience! Now, I've flown in most of the Marine's Helicopter inventory. The CH-53 and 46 as a Marine and the MV-22 and now the UH-1W as a photojournalist.
As for myself, I've been fairly busy. I wrote an article about the 358th going to the gunnery range and it is being published by Combat Aircraft Monthly for November 2013. (The North American version may have a B-1 on the cover).
On October 2, 2013 I was very fortunate to attend the Fall Weapons and Tactics Instructors course for the U.S. Marines at MCAS Yuma, in Yuma, Arizona. I was assigned to fly in a Huey UH-1Y helicopter ( a gunship). We flew into the Chocolate Mountains of southern California. It was really exciting as we would be flying through the canyons and then pop up over a mountain and then descend quickly blasting the targets with rockets, and machine guns. What an experience! Now, I've flown in most of the Marine's Helicopter inventory. The CH-53 and 46 as a Marine and the MV-22 and now the UH-1W as a photojournalist.
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
The Invite
I receive an invite from the USAF's 358th Fighter Squadron to come out to the Barry Goldwater Aerial Gunnery/Bombing Ranges just south of Gila Bend, AZ. This is a desolate and unforgiving land right in the middle of the Sonoran Desert. The Squadron wanted me to come out and shoot their pilots during a bombing and gunnery practice.
I arrived at Gila Bend Aux. Air Force base and then drove 20 miles south to the range. They had a control tower available for me to shoot from. This gave me some elevation. I really can't write much here as I have sent the story to Combat Aircraft Magazine and I believe they are going to use it after I read their last e-mail.
It was exciting as the A-10 Warthogs flew very close to my location, when firing their 30 mm Gaitling guns. The temp were approx. 106-110 by the time I left around noon. I made several new friends and have already been invited to come back out for a larger exercise in a few months.
I arrived at Gila Bend Aux. Air Force base and then drove 20 miles south to the range. They had a control tower available for me to shoot from. This gave me some elevation. I really can't write much here as I have sent the story to Combat Aircraft Magazine and I believe they are going to use it after I read their last e-mail.
It was exciting as the A-10 Warthogs flew very close to my location, when firing their 30 mm Gaitling guns. The temp were approx. 106-110 by the time I left around noon. I made several new friends and have already been invited to come back out for a larger exercise in a few months.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
It;s been a long summer so far.
Hello everyone,
The month of June was so busy with the Marines and the navy during the Dawn Blitz Exercise, but then with sequestration really settling in, times have gotten a little rough. I just haven't felt like going to the few air shows still flying, due to a lack of military aircraft, and you only shoot the Warbirds from the ground so may times. I also don't want the label as so many aviation photographers are become to be know, you know "Air Show" Photographers.
I was fortunate enough to cover the first US Marine F-35B landing at MCAS Miramar. I was also present earlier to cover the first F-35B to land and be given to the Marine Corps at MCAS Yuma, the year before.
So, mostly on weekends, I've been relying on the various Marine air units training on the weekends, and speaking with the pilots an shooting them as they fly their training missions. I also have been shooting the different US Naval vessels coming and going from San Diego Bay, and any Navy aircraft flying out of NAS North Island.
In July, I entered a photo contest in Vertical Magazine without realizing I had, and ended up winning the darn thing. YEAH!
In early August, I became a member of the White House Press Pool, when President Obama came to Camp Pendleton. I showed up so I could shoot the Marine One helicopter.
Last week, I had the great pleasure of interviewing the new Commanding Officer of VMFAT-101, Lt. Col Chris Hagen.
I am getting fairly excited about an opportunity coming up in early September with the US Air Force, but I can't say anything until after the event. Pcs will also be shown, afterwards
The month of June was so busy with the Marines and the navy during the Dawn Blitz Exercise, but then with sequestration really settling in, times have gotten a little rough. I just haven't felt like going to the few air shows still flying, due to a lack of military aircraft, and you only shoot the Warbirds from the ground so may times. I also don't want the label as so many aviation photographers are become to be know, you know "Air Show" Photographers.
I was fortunate enough to cover the first US Marine F-35B landing at MCAS Miramar. I was also present earlier to cover the first F-35B to land and be given to the Marine Corps at MCAS Yuma, the year before.
So, mostly on weekends, I've been relying on the various Marine air units training on the weekends, and speaking with the pilots an shooting them as they fly their training missions. I also have been shooting the different US Naval vessels coming and going from San Diego Bay, and any Navy aircraft flying out of NAS North Island.
In July, I entered a photo contest in Vertical Magazine without realizing I had, and ended up winning the darn thing. YEAH!
In early August, I became a member of the White House Press Pool, when President Obama came to Camp Pendleton. I showed up so I could shoot the Marine One helicopter.
Last week, I had the great pleasure of interviewing the new Commanding Officer of VMFAT-101, Lt. Col Chris Hagen.
I am getting fairly excited about an opportunity coming up in early September with the US Air Force, but I can't say anything until after the event. Pcs will also be shown, afterwards
Thursday, June 20, 2013
The Dawn Blitz Exercise 2013
This is a major multi-national military exercise taking place off of the San Diego/Camp Pendleton coastline for most of the month of June. Along with the US Marines and Navy, the Japanese Navy and Army, the New Zealand Army, and the Royal Canadian Navy and Army are also participating.
They are training on amphibious landings, raids, moving large bodies of troops by air, showing the allies that the MV-22 Osprey is safe, as Japan is looking at buying some. The units are also training together to learn how to work with each other if the need arises, and not just for a conflict but also for natural disasters and other emergencies that might arise.
On June 14th, I was invited along with other Media fro the US and Japan, onto the JS Hyuga, to witness the MV-22 Osprey land onboard the ship. We went out to the 9 mile bank off of the San Diego coastline and waited for the Osprey to arrive. In the mean time, we were able to watch the Japanese fly their SH-60 and CH-47 helicopters. After the Osprey arrived, and did it's show for the Japanese military, a second Osprey arrived and took those of us from the American media off of the ship and flew us to NAS North Island, a pretty cool trip.
They are training on amphibious landings, raids, moving large bodies of troops by air, showing the allies that the MV-22 Osprey is safe, as Japan is looking at buying some. The units are also training together to learn how to work with each other if the need arises, and not just for a conflict but also for natural disasters and other emergencies that might arise.
On June 14th, I was invited along with other Media fro the US and Japan, onto the JS Hyuga, to witness the MV-22 Osprey land onboard the ship. We went out to the 9 mile bank off of the San Diego coastline and waited for the Osprey to arrive. In the mean time, we were able to watch the Japanese fly their SH-60 and CH-47 helicopters. After the Osprey arrived, and did it's show for the Japanese military, a second Osprey arrived and took those of us from the American media off of the ship and flew us to NAS North Island, a pretty cool trip.
Today, on June 19th, I was back at Camp Pendleton at the 25 Area Combat Town, with both Active Duty and Reserve Marines training with the Canadian and New Zealand infantry, and one of the few occasions when the Marines bring their M1A1 Abrams tanks to Pendleton for training.
The Marines showed the visitors their tactics on how to approach a small town and clear it to make sure that the town was safe, and then it was up to the Canuks and Kiwis to decide if they wanted to do it the Marine way for their way. Both visiting country accompanied Marine tanks into the town and clear the town within 20-30 minutes.
On the 20th, a mass movement of troops by air will be attempted as 500 Marines will fly in over 30 MV-22's and CH-53's. More to come tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Wings Over Gillepsie 2013 Airshow
Was at this airshow on Saturday and you could not have asked for better weather. I was able to get in a little early due to my media credentials and went to find an area where I could get some decent images. Well I may have messed up and will probably head for the other end of the runway this time.
I also may use the west end of the airport away from the crowds next year, as I have made friends with several people who have hangers at that end, and have given me the gate codes to get onto the flight line.
The show was much smaller this year as were Saturday's crowd. There was no military present to add to the show, and most of the planes came from private owners like Michael Slattery, who owns an amazing collection of planes.
This airshow isn't big on stunt planes, but this year, they had a wing walker which was very entertaining. The other acts, just did some formation flying. The WWII planes did what they do best. Flying fast and buzzing the crowds.
Two things that bothered me. As with most airshows, this is a family event with a lot of veterans showing up with their families including grandchildren. The girl who sang the National Anthem, had a great voice, but looked like a hooker. Tight white shirt with breast popping out, short black shorts, and a huge tattoo going down her right leg. She also decided to add several words to the "Star Spangled Banner". The second thing is the constant practice of having a parachutist jumping out a plane with a giant American Flag flying with the. It's a beautiful site until the jumper and the flag hit the ground. The AMERICAN FLAG IS NEVER TO HIT THE GROUND. It's out of respect and these airshows just keep doing it.
I also may use the west end of the airport away from the crowds next year, as I have made friends with several people who have hangers at that end, and have given me the gate codes to get onto the flight line.
The show was much smaller this year as were Saturday's crowd. There was no military present to add to the show, and most of the planes came from private owners like Michael Slattery, who owns an amazing collection of planes.
This airshow isn't big on stunt planes, but this year, they had a wing walker which was very entertaining. The other acts, just did some formation flying. The WWII planes did what they do best. Flying fast and buzzing the crowds.
Two things that bothered me. As with most airshows, this is a family event with a lot of veterans showing up with their families including grandchildren. The girl who sang the National Anthem, had a great voice, but looked like a hooker. Tight white shirt with breast popping out, short black shorts, and a huge tattoo going down her right leg. She also decided to add several words to the "Star Spangled Banner". The second thing is the constant practice of having a parachutist jumping out a plane with a giant American Flag flying with the. It's a beautiful site until the jumper and the flag hit the ground. The AMERICAN FLAG IS NEVER TO HIT THE GROUND. It's out of respect and these airshows just keep doing it.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
What a week!
I'm officially tired...
Last week, one busy week. On Wednesday, I spent most of the day with the Collings Foundation, before they left the Ramona Airport. On Thursday, I met with my boss from Photorecon.net and we were invited to MCAS Yuma to shoot some planes, where we had the F-35B Lightning II, The F-5 Tiger II, and AV-8B's Harrier flying around. Friday and Saturday were spent with a group of Boeing/Sterman pilots and the Allen Airways Annual fly in. I first shot them on the Polo Grounds near Del mar and then on Saturday over Mt. Soledad and finally on Saturday night at Gillespie Field.
On Sunday, I was doing my Motorcycle photo business in 100 plus degree temps. On Monday, I headed back out to the desert near Brawley, where I was invited again by the Marine Corps to come and witness their training of the Maritime Strike Force making a raid to secure a high value target. man was it hot!. Tuesday, it was back to the coast, where I was able to get the USS Peleliu, Green Bay, and the Mt. Rushmore came home from a 8 month deployment. Now it's time for a rest.
Last week, one busy week. On Wednesday, I spent most of the day with the Collings Foundation, before they left the Ramona Airport. On Thursday, I met with my boss from Photorecon.net and we were invited to MCAS Yuma to shoot some planes, where we had the F-35B Lightning II, The F-5 Tiger II, and AV-8B's Harrier flying around. Friday and Saturday were spent with a group of Boeing/Sterman pilots and the Allen Airways Annual fly in. I first shot them on the Polo Grounds near Del mar and then on Saturday over Mt. Soledad and finally on Saturday night at Gillespie Field.
On Sunday, I was doing my Motorcycle photo business in 100 plus degree temps. On Monday, I headed back out to the desert near Brawley, where I was invited again by the Marine Corps to come and witness their training of the Maritime Strike Force making a raid to secure a high value target. man was it hot!. Tuesday, it was back to the coast, where I was able to get the USS Peleliu, Green Bay, and the Mt. Rushmore came home from a 8 month deployment. Now it's time for a rest.
Monday, April 29, 2013
The Planes of Fame Media Day
On Wednesday, the 24th of April, the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA opened their doors to the Media for an Air2Air event to help promote their annual air show, which will be held May 4-5, this year.
We were promised up to 4 P-38 Lightning fighters to fly in formation for our Air2Air photo session, but it was not to be, so we were fortunate to get a P-51 Mustang and one P-38 Lightning. Anytime you get to fly and shoot any Warbird, it's a great day.
It was partly cloudy and just a little wind, at least on the ground. Three of us got into a Cessna and went up to meet up with the fighters who were already airborne. After about 15 minutes of very bumpy flying conditions, we met up with the P-51 first and then was joined by the P-38. They flew with us singularly and then in formation. After about 10 minutes of shooting, we separated and landed back at the Chino Airport.
This is a wonderful airshow, and truly appreciate the time that the pilots and staff of the Plane of Fame gave tom us to share in this event.
We were promised up to 4 P-38 Lightning fighters to fly in formation for our Air2Air photo session, but it was not to be, so we were fortunate to get a P-51 Mustang and one P-38 Lightning. Anytime you get to fly and shoot any Warbird, it's a great day.
It was partly cloudy and just a little wind, at least on the ground. Three of us got into a Cessna and went up to meet up with the fighters who were already airborne. After about 15 minutes of very bumpy flying conditions, we met up with the P-51 first and then was joined by the P-38. They flew with us singularly and then in formation. After about 10 minutes of shooting, we separated and landed back at the Chino Airport.
This is a wonderful airshow, and truly appreciate the time that the pilots and staff of the Plane of Fame gave tom us to share in this event.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Busy Day on San Diego Bay
Today, US Navy ships seemed to passing each other as some were deploying and some were coming home from deployment.
The USS Decatur DDG-73 came home from a 8 month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean and the Persian Gulf. As she arrived, the USS Preble DDG-88 left shortly thereafter on her way to the western Pacific.
While waiting for the Preble to depart, the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 arrived at NAS North Island, where the USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76 and the USS Nimitz CVN-68 were anchored. The USS Nimitz had her flight deck completely covered with aircraft, as she departed in the early afternoon, on her way, also to the western Pacific, maybe even later to be seen sitting off the coast of the Korean Peninsular.
After the Nimitz left San Diego Bay, the USNS Henry J. Kaiser, a fleet oiler (fuel ship) arrived with an unknown Los Angeles Class Attack submarine following behind the large tanker.
The USS Decatur DDG-73 came home from a 8 month deployment to the western Pacific Ocean and the Persian Gulf. As she arrived, the USS Preble DDG-88 left shortly thereafter on her way to the western Pacific.
While waiting for the Preble to depart, the USS Carl Vinson CVN-70 arrived at NAS North Island, where the USS Ronald Reagan CVN-76 and the USS Nimitz CVN-68 were anchored. The USS Nimitz had her flight deck completely covered with aircraft, as she departed in the early afternoon, on her way, also to the western Pacific, maybe even later to be seen sitting off the coast of the Korean Peninsular.
After the Nimitz left San Diego Bay, the USNS Henry J. Kaiser, a fleet oiler (fuel ship) arrived with an unknown Los Angeles Class Attack submarine following behind the large tanker.
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