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.