On January 14th the Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, hosted  ”A Legacy of Honor, Valor and Pride: A Tribute to the Tuskegee Airman” . Several hundred people turned out to honor the service and sacrifice of the warriors known as the Tuskegee Airman. On hand were several Tuskegee airmen from the Archer-Ragsdale, Arizona Chapter of the TAI.

A presentation of colors was performed by re-enactors portraying Buffalo Soldiers. Mesa, Arizona Mayor Scott Smith gave opening remarks, followed by a moving memorial prayer by Chaplain Porter, to honor those brave warriors who have gone west.  Mr. Richar Toliver, of the Archer-Ragsdale chapter, spoke about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee program. The success of the Tuskegee airmen opened the doors for future generations of African Americans, who wanted to serve their country. The sacrifices made by the men of  the Tuskegee breaking down racial discrimination, helped to inspire both men and women to serve.

This was very evident by the evenings key note speaker and award presenter Major General Marcia Anderson (The highest-ranked woman of color in the U.S. Army).  During the award ceremony Mr. Mel Rohden spoke the words of  Martin Luther King. The event was very moving and a wonderful way to pay tribute to the legacy of these great men.

After a short meet and greet with the honorees, we took our seats and enjoyed a screening of the movie “Double Victory”  Tuskegee Airmen tell their story,  a George Lucas  documentary companion to the upcoming Red Tails film. Red Tails Directed and produced by George Lucas, will be in  theaters January 20th 2012. http://www.redtails2012.com/

Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/RedTails?sk=wall

Honorees:

Fred Archer  (1921-1988)

Natahiel Carr, Sr. (1921-2005)

Vernon Haywood  (1920-2003)

Lincoln Ragsdale,Sr. (1926-1995)

Luke Weathers (1920-2011)

Bob Ashby

George Campbell

Charles Cooper

Thurston Gaines

Ivie Giles

Asa Herring

Rudolph Silas

Howard Williams

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On November 17th 2011 Photorecon was an invited guest of APSOCAL http://www.apsocal.com/ to attend the  NAF El Centro Photocall.  The chance to attend this event is one we look forward to, as this has to be the closest access to live military flight operations anywhere in the world. The event was able to take place due to a wonderful working relationship between  APSOCAL http://www.apsocal.com/ , AZAP http://azaerophoto.com/ and  PAO Michelle Dee. This relationship has afforded great access to the active runways  at NAF El Centro for a few years now. Ms. Dee and the entire staff at NAF El Centro go out of their way to help the attendees capture some of the best photos of our Navy and allied nations training the pilots of the future, along with keeping senior aviators current. This time out we had our usual T-45 trainers, F-18′s both legacy and super bugs and C2 COD aircraft.  Our visit also coincided with the CAF conducting  training at NAF El Centro. The Canadians were sending up F-18s all day, along with a lone c-130 conducting touch and go landings. The day turned out great with safe flying, great people and good photo opportunities.

Photorecon would like to thank  all the guys at APSOCAL and AZAP, and especially the PAO staff at NAF El Centro. We cant wait  till the next photo call.

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While attending the  Holloman Air Force Base Open House and Air Show this weekend (October 8th), I had the opportunity to meet and chat with the staff of  BAE Systems HAWK AJTS National Road Show. The purpose of the road show is to demonstrate and showcase the capabilities and cost effectiveness of the Hawk aircraft and family of systems. The Hawk AJTS brings 5th generation sensor and information management skills needed by future U.S. Fighter Pilots. The Hawk AJTS National Road Show features a demonstration trailer that includes video, simulations and interactive exhibits, including a cockpit simulator, illustrating the unique features of the Hawk AJTS In addition, two Royal Air Force Hawk aircraft flew in to Holloman AFB on Wednesday October 5, 2011 and were on display alongside the trailer.

I was given a personal tour of the simulator by Flt.LT Luke Munton,as he described the systems of the HAWK cockpit and put me through several air to air and air to ground scenarios. The layout with the 3 MFD displays was very similar to many 4th and all 5th gen fighters. The layout and capabilities of this advanced trainer cockpit will afford future pilots a fast track into any 5th gen frontline fighter.  The tour continued with a detailed description of the HAWK’s power plant given by Mr. Don Armstrong of Rolls-Royce UK.  He explained the workings of the engine with a very detailed cutaway of the actual power plant. Both Flt. LT Munton and Mr. Armstrong served with the RAF, Munton as a Typhoon Pilot and Armstrong as an aircraft maintainer working on most RAF types including the Avro Vulcan bomber. I would like to thank BAE Systems Test Pilot Andy Blythe ,Mr.David Folts, Ms. Elaine Harvey and the entire staff of the  HAWK AJTS National Road Show for the personal tour. If you are at a show and the  HAWK AJTS National Road Show is there, stop by and say hellow. They are great people representing a great aircraft.

BAE Systems is offering the Hawk AJTS, the world’s most advanced, successful and proven advanced jet training system that is ready now to be the replacement for the aging T-38 trainer as part of the U.S. Air Force’s T-X program.  The Hawk AJTS state-of-the-art air training platform is low risk, in service and has demonstrated affordable life-cycle cost.

“The Hawk AJTS far surpasses other training offerings in technological sophistication and integrated capabilities,” said Robert Wood, Vice President and lead for the BAE Systems, Inc. Hawk Advanced Jet Training System Team. “This Road Show offers a unique opportunity for our team to highlight the exceptional capabilities of the Hawk AJTS’ in-flight and ground based training systems while showcasing how it can deliver off-the-shelf capabilities today.”

Capabilities on Display:

The Hawk Advanced Jet Training System Interactive Touchscreen Display which allows visitors to experience how the Hawk AJTS blends live and virtual training through a system-wide Enterprise Learning Architecture  to train the best 5th generation combat pilots in the world.  A Hawk AJTS Cockpit Simulator, which allows pilots to train effectively in a synthetic, real-world environment with all the sights, signals and sounds of actual flight. The Hawk AJTS’ ability to synthetically replicate  5th generation avionics will allow the download of training such as air intercept and weapons delivery to the appropriate pilot training experience level. A Desktop Trainer, which empowers student pilots to maximize their own training time as they continuously expand the limits of their abilities. By using desktop trainers and mobile devices, student pilots can monitor their syllabus and review their schedules in real time. A Debrief Station, demonstrating how Hawk AJTS instructors can provide detailed feedback to student pilots after each sortie. The Hawk AJTS’ debrief capabilities also allow student pilots to adapt the training scenario in real time to ensure maximum training value.

The Hawk AJTS National Road Show will make the following stops:

Date Event Location
Sept. 19-21, 2011 Air Force Association’s 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition National Harbor, MD
Oct. 1-2, 2011  Sheppard AFB Air Show Wichita Falls, TX
Oct. 8, 2011  Holloman AFB Air Show Alamogordo, NM
Oct. 22-23, 2011  Fort Worth Alliance Air Show Fort Worth, TX
Oct. 29-30, 2011 Randolph AFB Air Show San Antonio, TX
Nov. 5-6, 2011   MacDill AFB Air Show Tampa, FL
Nov. 12-13, 2011   Nellis AFB Air Show Las Vegas, NV
Nov. 28-30   I/ITSEC Trade Show Orlando, FL

Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems, Inc.
Mobile: +1 571 296 8237
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com

Visit them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/HawkforUSAF?sk=wall

on Twitter  #HAWk4USAF

BAE Systems, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Partner to Pursue U.S. Air Force T-X Contract

 ARLINGTON, Virginia — BAE Systems, Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) today announced an exclusive strategic partnership to compete in the U.S. Air Force’s “T-X” program for the replacement of the aging T-38 trainer with BAE Systems’ Hawk Advanced Jet Training System (AJTS).  BAE Systems, Inc. will prime this pursuit and Northrop Grumman will serve as the manufacturing partner for the new Hawk aircraft.

BAE Systems, Inc. and Northrop Grumman plan to offer the Hawk  AJTS, uniquely tailored to meet the needs of the U.S. Air Force, manufactured in the United States, with the involvement of a strong U.S. supply chain.“Northrop Grumman’s extensive background as the original equipment manufacturer of the T-38 Talon coupled with the company’s training expertise will make the Hawk AJTS – already a formidable offering – that much more competitive in this procurement,” said Larry Prior, Executive Vice President, Services Sector, BAE Systems, Inc.  “We are delighted to have Northrop Grumman as our partner.”“The BAE Systems-Northrop Grumman team will apply its expertise and lessons learned from decades of aircrew training and aerospace manufacturing to this project, enabling the U.S. Air Force to succeed in every possible way in their critical missions,” said Thomas E. Vice, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman Technical Services. He added: “We are in this competition to win.”The Hawk AJTS effectively integrates live and synthetic air and ground based elements to successfully train pilots for 5th generation fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor. It is the world’s only fully-integrated off-the-shelf system in service today, ready now to train U.S. Air Force combat pilots.

 More than just an aircraft, the Hawk AJTS teaches student pilots how to address the critical flow of information, learn to interpret it correctly and make the right decisions to maintain operational advantage. This proven, low-cost, low-risk 5^th generation training system consists of three critical components to provide cost-effective training to prepare fighter and bomber pilots:

 A flexible, adaptable Enterprise Learning Architecture (ELA);

• A Ground Based Training System (GBTS) that delivers the right skills through a blended live/virtual environment; and

• A proven aircraft that can adapt, evolve and deliver the live element of training to meet end-user requirements by cost-effectively emulating front line platforms with no new maintenance skills.

Over 900 Hawk aircraft have been sold or are on order to date, and the aircraft is currently helping produce highly trained pilots all around the world. The Hawk is the future lead-in trainer for the F-35 for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the UK, Canada, and Australia. With 18 customers worldwide, the Hawk aircraft has active production lines around the world.  USAF Hawks will be built in the United States.

 Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems, Inc.
Mobile: +1 571 296 8237

Twitter: Lisaht
lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com

Leah Smith, Northrop Grumman

Mobile: +1 571 296 8110

leah.smith@ngc.com

www.baesystems.com/HawkforUSAF

About BAE Systems:

BAE Systems is a global defense and security company with approximately 100,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and support services.

About Northrop Grumman:

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

UPDATED 10-23-11 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Alliance Air Show

The BAE Hawk national road show was out on the air show circuit again. This time contributing editor Brandon Farris was out with the team at the 2011 Alliance Air Show in Fort Worth,TX.  The Hawk Demo aircraft performed an impressive demo flight. The Flight Demo was flown by BAE systems test pilot Andy Blythe, the hawk aircraft was put through its paces and looked very agile and was a definite crowd pleaser. We hope to bring you more from the road as we meet up from time to time with BAE and its HAWK National Road Show. Here are some updated pictures from this weekend.

News Release  

 September 10, 2011

Stead Airport, Reno, NV. – Visitors to the Reno National Championship Air Races September 14-18 are invited to take a journey through aviation history to see beautifully restored testaments to our rich aviation legacy at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational. Rare planes dating back to the 1920’s along with the powerful warbirds are vying for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy. 

The National Aviation Hall of Fame’s ‘People’s Choice’ trophy is awarded to the owner of the aircraft which receives the most votes from the public reviewing the aircraft during the Invitational. Voting ends September 17 at 5:00 p.m.

National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinees will assist in presenting the awards

Sunday, September 18, 2011 between 10 and 11 a.m.

***Great photo opportunities!***

*Aircraft participating at press time:

Military 1943 Fairchild PT-19 (M62)

Military 1944 North American Aviation SNJ-5C

Large Aircraft 1952 Douglas Skyraider AD-5(A-1E)

Military 1967 Cessna Dragonfly A37A

Military 1938 Grumman F3F-2

Classic 1945 Grumman Widgeon

Classic 1954 Cessna 170B

Antique 1936 Rearwin Speedster 6000C

Classic 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper

Military 1972 Douglas TA-4

Military 1944 North American AT6-D Texan

Military 1944 North American P-51

Military 1945 Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair

Antique 1937 Spartan Executive 7W

Military 1941 Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk

Military 1950 Fairey Firefly

Antique 1937 Taylor J-2 Cub

Antique 1929 Command Aire 5C-3

Classic 1958 Beechcraft D-50A Twin Bonanza

Antique 1934 Waco YMF-3

Classic 1946 Globe Swift GC-1B

Military 1965 Bell Helicopter UH-1H Huey

Large Aircraft 1947 Grumman Mallard  G-73

Military 1950 Cessna L19 Birddog

Military 1955 North American T-28B

Military 1970 North American OV-10A

Military 1970 Bell Helicopter Cobra

Antique 1933 Stinson Model O

Classic 1943 Howard DGA-15P

Antique 1911 Bleriot X-1

Military 1951 Cessna L-19

Military 1955 Beech-Nogle Mentor

Classic 1953 Cessna 195

Large 1951 Grumman Albatross HU-16B

Military 1951 North American P-51D

*Subject to change

We’re located at the east end of the grandstands next to military static.  Come See Us!

Note to Editors:

1. The National Aviation Heritage Invitational allows aircraft owners and restorers from across the U.S. to showcase their flying testaments to aviation history.  As in years past, owners of 45 years or older antique aircraft, fly their restored aircraft into Stead Field on the outskirts of Reno, to compete for the coveted Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy.

1. When not on display at the Invitational, the striking six-foot tall Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy resides at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center adjacent to Dulles International Airport in
2. Northern Virginia where the winning aircraft owner’s name and the name of the restoration facility are engraved on a plaque placed on the trophy. The overall winner is presented with a keeper trophy.

1. The first National Aviation Heritage Invitational took place in September 1999 at the Reno National Championship Air Races & Air Show.  NAHF enshrinee and former astronaut, Jim Lovell presented that year’s trophy to Bob Odegaard of Kindred, North Dakota for his beautifully restored Goodyear F2G-1 ‘Super Corsair’.

For more information on the National Aviation Heritage Invitational             

visit: www.heritagetrophy.org

*The National Aviation Heritage Invitational is a Limited Liability Company

Contact: Connie May

                                                                                                                                Media Coordinator

                                                                                                                                (775) 530-2297

                                                                                                                                cpardew@att.net                                                                                                                                                                                                     

###

 Some  Photorecon pictures of past NAHI events.

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Vacations are to unwind and relax; nothing can relax me more than being in the company of great people and historic aircraft. This is why I always perform an online search for any museums and airfields in the area I will be visiting. With a family vacation to Florida planned for the last week of June 2011. I started my search and soon found the Valiant Air Command in Titusville, FL. The Valiant Air Command Warbird museum has exhibits, displays, artifacts and vintage warbirds from WWI through the present. A visit to the VAC would work out great as Titusville is located near the Kennedy Space Center, and I would be heading to the space center as part of my travels. I contacted the museum and spoke to Colonel Terry Yon, USA (Ret) and current VAC Public Relations Officer. I explained the website and the topics we cover, Colonel Yon said he and his staff would be happy to show me around, along with a behind the scenes tour of the restoration shop. The museum is located on the Space Coast Regional Airport (TIX) in Titusville, FL. The airport is between I-95 and U.S. 1 off the 405 (Columbia Boulevard/NASA Causeway) just look for the BIG sign announcing Warbird Air Museum and follow Tico road to the Museum, located on the right as you drive in.

Once inside, I met my tour guides, Joe Hall and Sean Wilkin, the separation in age of the tour guides was interesting. Joe is a retired Air Force Veteran who maintained Century series aircraft including the F-106, and from what I understand he’s quite a good photographer to boot. He made reference to his massive slide collection, one can only dream of the rare photos he must have. Sean on the other hand is a young man in his early 20’s with plans for a career in the Air Force; he is currently performing a summer internship at the museum. We toured the over 30,000 sf  main hanger, with its collection of classic and rare  aircraft, Including an F-5E fighter jet with a modified fuselage. The Shaped Sonic Boom Demonstrator (SSBD), an aircraft designed to demonstrate the relationship between the shape of a supersonic aircraft and the strength of the sonic boom it creates. Another aircraft that caught my eye was an F-86 in the colors of the USAFE Sky Blazers acrobatic team. The team was organized in Europe In the spring of 1949. The first flights of the Skyblazers Air Demonstration team took place in the skies over Europe at the airbase in Furstenfeldbruk, Germany. By 1952 the team had flown some 260 demonstrations in 12 countries before an estimated 10 million spectators. The F-86F was used during the 1955-56 seasons. This F-86 takes in the annual VAC “TICO” warbird air show and is expertly flown by the legendary Dale “Snort” Snodgrass. Dale is the highest hour F-14 pilot in the world and also a member of the Heavy Metal Jet Demo team. With all the great aircraft located in the main hangar, it was hard to believe we had 2 more hangars to visit.

After the tour of the main hangar we moved on to the 2nd hangar, the door was partially open and the very familiar nose of a C-47; named the “Tico Belle” was glistening in the Florida sun. This aircraft # 42-100591 is a World War II veteran that participated in some of the most important battles of the war. From the Normandy invasion to Cherbourg,  Arnhem,  Bastogne, to the Berlin Airlift, it was there. In August 1945  591  returned to Baer Field, Indiana and was placed in storage, as many other perfectly good aircraft were being sold off for scrap. With one of the first major international crises of the Cold War brewing  591  was called out of storage to carry supplies to the people in West Berlin, during the famous Berlin Airlift. With the help of this very aircraft  591  the largest humanitarian relief mission in USAF history was a success. The result was over 2.3 million tons of food, fuel and supplies being delivered to beleaguered West Berlin Residents. After serving in this historic event, 591 was once again, no longer needed in USAF service. In 1950, 591 was acquired by the Norwegian Air Force under a lend-lease program and served with honor. In 1956 the aircraft began service with the Royal Danish Air Force, with the prestigious role of transporting the Royal Family of Denmark. With a total of 13,500 hrs on the aircraft the Royal Danish Air Force retired 591 in 1982. In the mid 80’s the Valiant Air Command had the unique opportunity to acquire  591 . With the help of VAC members and a few Royal Danish Air Force Pilots, she was ferried to the United States. During the remaining years of the 80’s and all through the 90’s,  591  became an air show star, touring the nation as a flying museum. She soon acquired her WWII nose art and became known as the “Tico Belle”, named after her home base Titusville/ Cocoa Airport.

In 2001 while returning from an air show  591 was landing in very high wind conditions. The landing gear collapsed resulting in extensive damage to the engines and airframe. The volunteers at VAC contemplated the long and expensive repair process, debating whether it was worth undertaking such a task. That debate did not take long, considering the history of this aircraft the decision was made to proceed with repairs. After many years of dedicated volunteer work she thundered to life in July of 2008 and once again  591 took flight, and soon began to appear on the air show circuit once again.

The aircraft is now available for that once in a life time flight experience, YOU can experience all this history as a special and unique present for yourself, or someone you love. Call 321-268-1941 or email (vacwarbirds@bellsouth.net) for additional information, or to get on the reserve list and they will notify you of the flight schedule. Getting some time to see this great warbird first hand was the highlight of my visit to the VAC. located in the same hangar is the VAC’s very nicely equipped restoration shop. At the time of my visit the aircraft ranged from a Sopwith Camel nearing completion, to an F-4J Phantom II being readied for paint. All restorations are done in-house and are the result of many dedicated hours of work by the VAC volunteers.

After touring the first two hangars we were off to the New Vietnam Memorial hangar, the  28,000sf  hangar officially opened on June 16th 2011. The collection in this hangar honors Vietnam era aircraft from all branches of the United States Military along with a lone Mig-21. Aircraft from the F-8 Crusader, A-6 intruder to the OV-10 Bronco are displayed along with many others from that era. The Vietnam hangar has it’s own memorabilia room with artifacts, uniforms, prints, medals and a variety of other exhibits and displays. This is truly an awesome display honoring the brave individuals who served proudly along with honoring the more than 58,000 who gave all.

What would a visit to such a great museum be without a stop in the gift shop. Here you will find some very unique collectibles and t-shirts to commemorate your visit. While browsing the gift shop I had the great honor to meet Mr. Bob Frazier the VAC Procurement officer. Bob is responsible for arranging the procurement of most of the aircraft on display at VAC. Bob explained some of the more interesting stories of the effort that goes into becoming a caretaker of such national treasures. So if you ever find yourself on the Space Coast area of Florida and you love classic aircraft, a stop at the Valiant Air Command is a must. Please check the VAC website www.vacwarbirds.org for information about the Valiant Air Command annual TICO Warbird Airshow that takes place every March.

I would like to thank, Colonel Terry Yon USA (Ret) VAC Public Relations, Mr.Bob Frazier VAC Procurement Officer, and all the volunteer staff at the museum. To my tour guides, thank you for the personal stories and history behind all the aircraft. Joe Hall Thanks for your service to this great country. Sean Wilkin, best wishes as you start your career with the USAF.

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On Friday at 8am, 20 media personnel were given unprecedented access to MCAS Miramar flight line. We were escorted to Base Operations and there we were given a continental breakfast. Parked in front of Base Operations was a group of past and present fixed and rotary wing aircraft flown by the USMC and/or USN. These aircraft were a T-28 Trojan, TA-4 Skyhawk, Sikorsky HRS-2, MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 Hornet, E-2 Hawkeye, and a HH-60 Jayhawk. In addition, each of the active duty aircraft had their respective flight crew on hand to field questions.

I spoke with several crew members as I walked from aircraft to aircraft. First I spoke with the crew members of the E-2 Hawkeye – Lieutenant Rich “Alf” Westerfield and Lieutenant Olivia “Bobble” Degenkolb from VAW 112 (Golden Hawks). Lieutenant Westerfield has been a Naval Flight Officer for 4 years and serves as an airborne early warning operator. Lieutenant Degenkolb also an airborne early warning operator has been a Naval Flight Officer for 9 years. I asked both Lieutenants what their perspective on CoNA was. They said it was an honor to be part this truly once in a life time event. Both added that it is also an honor and privilege to be an officer in the United States Navy. After CoNA, Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb will start “work ups” in preparation for the Golden Hawks combat cruise. The Golden Hawks are stationed at Point Mugu (near Ventura, CA) and are the early warning component to Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the USS John C.Stennis.

Lieutenant Rich “Alf” Westerfield and Lieutenant Olivia “Bobble” Degenkolb pose in from of the CAG Bird from VAW 112.

At about 830am, the Marine Corps newest versions of the combat proven Cobra and Huey – the AH-1Z Cobra and the UH-1Y Huey arrived. After their arrival, I was informed that I would be riding on the Huey during a media flight. When Public Affairs informed me of my Huey flight, I was actually speechless. Frankly, I was stoked that we were at MCAS Miramar covering the CoNA events and have been very happy with continental breakfast and talks with the crews! Within a few minutes of the Huey’s arrival, a video crew and I were shuttled over to the Huey. There, we were given a safety brief by the crew chief, Corporal Creeser. After the safety briefing, I asked Corporal Creeser if I could request an outboard seat. I consider each ride along I am able to participate in a once in a life time opportunity, so I always make to make the most of it. Translated – I wanted to get what I considered the best seat that would allow for the best photos during the flight. This outboard seat would allow me to get photos of the cockpit, the crew chief  in action, and outside terrain. No windows to shoot through because we would be flying with the doors off. Technically speaking very “badass.”

Captain Eric Lum donning his flight gear before our flight.

First Lieutenant James Gianelloni conducting a pre-flight check.

Captain Eric Lum checking his map before engine start.

Our flight crew for our “Yankee Huey” flight was Captain Eric Lum, First Lieutenant James Gianelloni, and Corporal Creeser. After engine start, we boarded the Huey and strapped in to an outboard seat on the right side of the helo. We took off and flew eastbound towards El Centro. Once we crested the mountain range of the El Capitan reservoir, Captain Lum and 1^st Lieutenant Gianelloni took us on a nap of the earth (NOE) flight profile, demonstrating the maneuverability of the Yankee model! It was very much an “e ticket ride” without the hint of being airsick!

I was flying in the Marine Corps latest Huey version, doors opened, and “yanking and banking” through the hills in eastern San Diego County. What else could I ask for?  Well in our rapid departure mode, I forgot one critical piece of gear. My jacket! Prior to being assigned the flight, I was walking around the flightline in 75 degree weather wearing a polo shirt and BDU pants. Had it not been for the excitement and adrenaline rush of the flight, I would have frozen to death over the El Capitan Reservoir!

Crew Chief Corporal Creeser looks out over the hills of eastern San Diego County.

UH-1Y Low Level Profile

Captain Eric Lum and First Lieutenant James Gianelloni at the controls.

Once through the mountains, the pilots shot 3 approaches to the landing strip at Agua Caliente and then it was time for the return trip home. Our total flight time was approximately 75 minutes. I walked away from the flight having a new found appreciation and respect for the 50+ year old Huey. Other than the surprising maneuverability, I noticed that the Yankee model, which has a 4 bladed main rotor, is much quieter than its 2 bladed cousin. Like other aircraft with a distinct sound (such as the C-130 or the C-5) and losing that sound signature during re-engine retro fits and upgrades, gone is the distinctive “whop whop” sound that was once synonymous with the Huey.

The Marine Corps expects to replace its aging fleet of UH-1Ns with 120+ Yankee model Hueys by 2016. The Yankee model will provide Marine Corps aircrews with advanced avionics, improved power plant, and increased battlefield survivability.

Captain Eric Lum, First Lieutenant James Gianelloni, and Corporal Creeser pose in front of their “Yankee model Huey!”

Local media weren’t the only “ride alongs” in Marine Corps aircraft during today’s media event. San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders had the opportunity to fly with VMFAT-101 (The Sharpshooters). After the flight, the delta model Hornet taxied up to the front of Base Operations where various USMC and other VIPs welcomed and congratulated Mayor Sanders on his flight.

San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders pulls up to MCAS Miramar Base Operations.

Mayor Sanders prior de-planing VMAT-101 Hornet.

After returning from my UH-1Y flight, I spoke with Hornet driver – Marine Corps Captain Taj Sareen who was the fixed wing aircraft representative for the USMC during today’s media event. Captain Sareen just returned from his first combat tour with VMFA 232 (Red Devils) in December 2010. During their combat tour, the Red Devils dropped 40,000 pounds of ordnance. Captain Sareen participated in 24 combat strikes and dropped live ordnance on enemy combatants.

Captain Taj Sareen standing in front of one of VMFA 232 (Red Devils) Hornets.

While waiting for fellow Photorecon photographers Joe Kates and Dave Budd to return from their MV-22 Osprey ride, I saw Major General Tom Conant talking with the crew of the AH-1Z Super Cobra and the Golden Hawks Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb. Once he was done with the Cobra crew and the Navy Lieutenants, he walked over to me.  The general was dressed in a flightsuit with only a leather name tag and drinking a soda. No entourage and no fan fair. The general introduced himself to me and asked if I had everything I needed…Hmm let me think general – a Huey ride, flight crew interviews, and a continental breakfast! What more does an aviation photographer need?  The general and I were only able to speak for a few minutes, but what I was able to learn from him in our brief conversation was that he began flying Cobras in the Marine Corps in 1976, he is both fixed and rotary wing qualified, and is the Commanding General for the 3^rd Marine Air Wing. As Major General walked away, I was beyond impressed. Here was the man in charge of Marine Corps aircraft not only at MCAS Miramar, but at MCAS Yuma, USMC Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, and Camp Pendleton, taking time to speak with the media, making sure USMC was accommodating our needs. Some might envision a general as something “Patton-esque.” Major General Conant was definitely not that!  He was well spoken, no air of ego or arrogance, and very easy to talk with. My conversation with Major General Conant was a great way to end the day.

Commanding General for the 3rd Marine Air Wing Major General Tom Conant (far left) speaks with one of his AH-1Z crews as they show off their new aircraft to Navy Lieutenants Westerfield and Degenkolb (seated in the aircraft).

(NASNI). In addition to miscellaneous retro paint aircraft and static displays, was a “Parade of Flight” consisting of 190+ aircraft. These 190+ aircraft included past and present aircraft flown by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard and would end with a mass aircraft fly over (35+ aircraft) from Carrier Air Wing 9. Current military aircraft flown by the Navy and Marine Corps that were participating in On Saturday, the CoNA event was open to the public at Naval Air Station North Island CoNA were staged at MCAS Miramar.

Photorecon returned to MCAS Miramar the next day, with about 15 other members of the media. Today, we would be escorted to what some aviation photographers would consider the “holiest of holys” in terms of runway access – shooting in between the 2 active runways at MCAS Miramar! The general consensus from our group and our USMC escorts was that it had been many years since photographers had been allowed to shoot from this spot.

Starting at 1240pm, the participating aircraft began departing. For the next 80 minutes, 50+ fixed and rotary wing aircraft departed. I have been fortunate enough to attend Red Flag where I have seen mass launches. With that said, this launch of CoNA aircraft was nothing short of unbelievable! How incredible is it to have a branch of service (in our case The United States Marine Corp) that allows you see Hornets departing in full burner, hear the deafening Harrier take off or an E-2 Hawkeye launch at full power, and smell jet fuel and burnt rubber before and after the launch.

The CoNA launch included the following:

4 KC-130s, 8 F-5s, 2 E-2s, 2 F/A-18Gs, 5 EA-6Bs, 8 CH-53s, 2 MV-22s,             6 AV-8Bs, 2 F-16s, 2 T-45s, 1 C-2, and so many F/A-18 Hornets (both legacy and E/F models) that I lost count.

The launch was so lengthy, that some of the Parade of Flight participating aircraft (such as the CH-53s and MV-22s) had already started returning to Miramar while other CoNA aircraft were still departing. During a momentary lull after the launch, I looked towards NASNI and saw CAW 9s massive aircraft formation over North Island headed back eastbound. Although the photos don’t do it justice, the sight of the air wing flyover was awe inspiring!

An F-5 departs as the first flight of CH-53Es return from their participation in the Parade of Flight.

Carrier Air Wing 9 inbound from NASNI.

Soon, the recover cycle started. Those of us at Miramar had hoped for a CAW 9 fly over, but those hopes were soon gone when the air wing continued flying eastbound from NASNI, and then broke into groups of 5 – 6 aircraft.

High tempo recovery post-Parade of Flight.

Legacy and Super Hornets stay tight over MCAS Miramar.

The recovery cycle was as incredible as the launch. The recovery cycle also included an EA-6B that declared an in flight emergency. After dumping excess fuel, the Prowler made safe landing using field arresting gear. By 430pm, all aircraft had recovered and we were back in our vehicles heading off base.

EA-6B Prowler dumps fuel after declaring an in-flight emergency with Hornet flying as chase plane.

Hook down!

Prowler catches field arresting gear cable.

MCAS Miramar Rescue crew secure and render safe stricken EA-6B.

Once again, the Public Affairs staff at MCAS Miramar did an incredible job that was above and beyond the call of duty! MCAS Miramar Public Affairs is commanded by Major Manuel Delarosa. His staff includes, Lieutenant Tyler Balzer, Sergeant William Griffith, Sergeant Justin Martinez, Sergeant Regina Cruz, and Sergeant Sean McGinty.  It was an honor and privilege to be able to photograph CoNA, let alone from such an incredible location. A genuine and heartfelt thanks to the entire Public Affairs staff at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar for allowing us the opportunity to document this historic event in aviation history.

Whether flying with the crew of the UH-1Y, talking with airborne early warning operators about their mission, hearing a pilot tell about his first combat deployment, speaking with the 3^rd Marine Air Wing Commanding General, or watching, as few people get to do, the aircraft of the United States Marine Corps and United States Navy fly, I feel proud to have met these incredible individuals who serve our country.

We have been following our friend Mike “MAJ” McDougall of  Fighting Classics, as he and the crew have been working to build/fly  the TA-4J  N518TA. The aircraft is done and looking great. We had arranged to come out and take some night photos of the aircraft as a tribute to all of Maj and the crew’s hard work.  Maj and his talented staff at Pacific Aero Ventures LLC have completed one of the finest aircraft we have ever had the privilege to photograph.  We at photorecon would like to say congratulations on a job well done. I would like to personally thank Maj and family,Seth Chandler and Ashley Baker, for helping make this night shoot happen.  We look forward to the many projects Maj and crew  have in the works at  “McDougall Douglas”   Thanks again Buddy. 

 Please contact us at photorecon with any questions or photo requests @ aircraftinc@yahoo.com

Congratulations to Pacific Aero Ventures  and the entire crew at Fighting Classics Aircraft Restoration of Marana, AZ . We have been following our friend Mike “MAJ” McDougall for several years, as he and the crew have been working to build/fly  the TA-4J. The last time we caught up with Maj was at Chino 2010. That was a sweet homecoming for Maj who grew up working around the Chino airport. The aircraft was still in bare metal finish at the Chino show,so seeing it touch down at Reno in a fresh coat of paint was great. The aircraft was brought out to Reno for display at the National Aviation Heritage Invitational NAHI and entered in the event competing for the prestigious Rolls-Royce Aviation Heritage Trophy. Reno was a great venue for the TA-4J to be featured at ,Great Job on the cross country flight.

A few weeks ago my brother Steve Kates (drsky) got a call from his good friend Brigadier General Richard Stephen “Steve” Ritchie Ret. The General was in town for a speaking engagement  and invited us to join him for lunch. I was real excited to join them and speak to a legend of modern air combat. Form the moment I first met Gen Ritchie I found out what a great down to earth guy he is. We discussed the 5 Mig kills to his credit, hearing them first hand was a true honor.   General  Ritchie was the lead pilot for the Collings foundation F-4 D Program http://www.collingsfoundation.org/Houston/tx_f-4dphantom.htm  and assisted in locating a low time F-4 D from ‘The Boneyard‘, AMARC aerospace storage in Tucson ,AZ. He also consulted on the F4D restoration project, followed up with a few years flying the F-4 to shows around the country. We actually got to witness Gen. Ritchie in the F-4D a few years ago at an air show in Scottsdale, AZ. He performed one of the best high speed passes I have ever witnessed of any F-4.

The local non aviation folk in Scottsdale were none too thrilled, as he put it.

Most recently Steve was flying his all time favorite aircraft the F-104 Starfighter, with the only civilian supersonic demo team, The Starfighters  http://www.starfighters.net/Steve piloted  the #2 aircraft of the 3 ship demo team. We also had the opportunity to witness the Starfighters performing at the Reno air Races back in  2002 . Steve  will now be working with the starfighter fleet as they take on a new mission working with a new commercial space flight training program at NASA’s John F Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Operating under a formal Space Act Agreement allowing them full utilization of KSC’s Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF).

General Ritchie also spoke proudly  about his son Matt, who is an  Air Force Special Forces PJ and still serving with the USAF.

One highlight of the lunch was showing Steve some of my F-4 photos from over the years. I was really honored when he requested a few to keep and wanted me to sign a few to him from Photorecon. Wow I am usually getting autographs from legends like him. I was extremely honored . So until Gen Ritchie returns to town and we can meet again, I want to say thanks to Gen Ritchie for meeting with us. And on a personal note to Steve did you really ride that Elephant. (Inside Joke).

Alittle more on Gen Ritchie.

Professionally, Ritchie was a gifted and dedicated flyerwho constantly maintained his skills by flying every two or three days. With consistently high performance evaluations, high scores in pilot training courses, and achieving a thorough understanding of the weapons systems he used, he earned opportunities to place himself in the forefront of USAF fighter pilots, where he became known for his “intelligent aggression”.

Ritchie entered pilot training at Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, and finished first in his class. His first operational assignment was with Flight Test Operations at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he flew the F-104 Starfighter. Two years later he transitioned into the F-4 Phantom II at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, in preparation for his first tour in Southeast Asia.

Assigned to the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam in 1968, Ritchie flew the first “Fast FAC” mission in the F-4 forward air controller program and was instrumental in the spread and success of the program. He completed 195 combat missions.

In 1969, he was selected to attend the Fighter Weapons Course at NellisAir Force Base, Nevada, becoming, up to that point, the Air Force Fighter Weapons School’s youngest-ever instructor at age 26. He taught air-to-air tactics from 1970 to 1972 to the best USAF pilots, including Major Robert Lodge, who later became his flight leader in Thailand and himself shot down three MiGs.

Ritchie volunteered for a second combat tour in 1972 and was assigned to the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at UdornRoyal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Flying F-4 Phantom IIs with the famed 555th (“Triple Nickel”) Tactical Fighter Squadron he shot down his first Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-21 on 10 May 1972, scored a second victory on May 31, a third and fourth on July 8, anda fifth on August 28. All of the aircraft he shot down were Mig-21s, and all were shot down by the much-maligned AIM-7 Sparrow radar-guided air-to-air missile. Ritchie became the United States Air Force’s first and only pilot ace of the Vietnam War.

An advantage that the Triple Nickel pilots had over other US aircrews was that eight of their F-4D Phantoms had the top secret APX-80 electronic set installed, known by its code-name Combat Tree. Combat Tree could read the IFF signals of the transponders built into the MiGs so that North Vietnamese GCI radar could discriminate its aircraft from that of the Americans. Displayed on a scope in the WSO’s cockpit, Combat Tree gave the Phantoms the ability to identify and locate MiGswhen they were still beyond visual range.

Ritchie’s assignment on May 10, the first major day of air combat in Operation Linebacker, was as element leader (Oyster 3) of one of two flights of the F-4D MiGCap for the morning strike force. Oyster flight had three of its Phantoms equipped with Combat Tree IFF interrogators, and two days previously its flight lead, Major Robert Lodge, and his WSO Capt. Roger Locher had scored their third MiG kill to lead all USAF crews then flying in Southeast Asia.

At 0942, forewarned 19 minutes earlier by the EC-121 “Disco” over Laos and then by “Red Crown”, the US Navy radar picket ship USS Chicago, Oyster flight engaged an equal number of MiG-21s headon, scattering them. Oyster flight shot down three and nearly got the fourth, but fell victim to a MiG tactic dubbed “Kuban tactics” after those of the Soviet WWII ace Pokryshkin,[5] in which a GCI-controlled flight of MiG-19s trailed so that they could be steered behind the American fighters maneuvering to attack the MiG-21s. Maj. Lodge was shot down and killed, despite clumsy flying by the MiG-19′s. (He might have been able to eject, but had previously told his flightmates that he would not be captured because of his extensive knowledge of classified and sensitive information.) Almost simultaneously Ritchie and DeBellevue, his WSO, rolled into a firing position behind the remaining MiG-21 of the original 4 with a radar lock, launched two Sparrows and scored a kill withthe second.

On May 31, Ritchie’s second kill involved a tactical ruse in which the MiGCAP flights used the radio call signs of another wing’s chaff-deploying flights on a mission northeast of Hanoi. The fighters crossed into North Vietnam from over the Gulf of Tonkin north of Haiphong, and were warned by Red Crown of MiG-21s 40 miles southwest of their position and headed towards them. Red Crown continued to call warnings, and when the MiGs were within 15 miles and to their rear, Ritchie began a descending turn towards them. He observed them above him to his left front and continued his left turn until he was behind and below the trailing MiG. His WSO, Capt. Lawrence Pettit, acquired a “full-system lock-on” and Ritchie ripple-fired all 4 AIM-7s he was carrying. The first went out of control to the right, the next two detonated early, but the last one struck the MiG in the cockpit and split its fuselage in two.

USAF strike and chaff forces suffered a severe series of losses to MiGs between June 24 and July 5 (7 F-4s) without killing a MiG in return. As a counter-measure, SeventhAir Force added a second Disco EC-121 to its airborne radar coverage, positioning it over the Gulf of Tonkin.

On July 8 Ritchie and DeBellevue were leading Paula flight, in gun-equipped F-4Es instead of the Combat Tree F-4Ds they usually flew, on a MiGCAP to cover the exit of the strike force. While they were west of Phu Tho and south of Yen Bai, the EC-121 vectored them to intercept MiG-21s returning to base after damaging one of the US chaff escorts. The MiGs were still aprproximately 4 miles away and Ritchie turned the flight south to cross the Black River. As they closed, Disco gave them warning that the MiG return had “merged” with the Paula flight’s return on his screen. Ritchie reversed course, observed the first MiG at his 10 o’clock position and turned left to meet it headon.

When Ritchie passed the first MiG-21, he recalled the engagement of May 10 andwaited to see if there was a trailing MiG. When he observed the second MiG, which he also passed headon, he reversed hard left to engage. The Mig turned to its right to evade the attack, an unusual maneuver, and Ritchie used a vertical separation move to gain position on its rear quarter. DeBellevue obtained a solid boresight (dogfighting) radar lock on it while at the MiG’s5 o’clock; although fired from the edge of their flight envelopes, both AIM-7s struck home.

The first MiG had also turned back and was attacking the last F-4 in Ritchie’s flight from behind, an often fatal consequence to US aircraft employing the then-standard “fluid four” tactical formation. Ritchie made a hard turn across the curving intercept of the MiG, again coming out at its 5 o’clock, and the MiG, apparently perceiving the threat, broke hard right and dove away. Ritchie fired an AIM-7 from inside its minimum range and at the limit of its capability to turn. Expecting the Sparrow to miss, he was trying to switch to a gun attack in the relatively unfamiliar F-4E he was flying that day when the missile exploded the MiG, 1 minute and 29 seconds after the first kill.

A competition to become the Air Force’s first Vietnam ace developed between Ritchie and Capt. Jeffrey S. Feinstein of another of the 432nd’s squadrons, the 13th TFS, who scored his 3rd and 4th kills on July 18 and July 29. Each had a claim denied by Seventh Air Force’s Enemy Aircraft Claims Evaluation Board, Ritchie and Debellevue for a claim of a MiG-21 on June 13, and Feinstein for a claim June 9.

Ritchie’s final victory came August 28, 1972, while leading Buick flight, a MiGCAP for a strike northof Hanoi. During the preceding month Seventh Air Force had instituted daily centralized mission debriefings of leaders andplanners from all fighter wings called “Linebacker Conferences.” Ritchie had just started his flight of Combat Tree Phantoms on its return to base (Ritchie was flying F-4D 66-7463, in which he had scored his first kill). Red Crown, now the USS Long Beach, alerted the strike force to “Blue Bandits” (MiG-21s) 30 miles southwest of Hanoi, along the route back to Thailand. Approaching the area of the reported contact at 15,000 feet, Ritchie recalled recent Linebacker Conference information that MiGs had returned to using high altitude tactics and suspected the MiGs were high. Buick andVega flights, both of the MiGCAP, flew toward the reported location.

DeBellevue picked up the MiGs on the Phantom’s onboard radar and using Combat Tree, discovered that the MiGswere ten miles behind Olds flight, another flight of MiGCAP fighters returning to base. Ritchie called in the contact to warn Olds flight. Ritchie, concerned that MiGsmight be at an altitude above them, made continuous requests for altitude readings to both Disco and Red Crown. He received location, heading, and speed data on the MiGs (now determined to be returning north at high speed to their base) but not altitude as Buick flight closed to within 15 miles of the MiGs. DeBellevue’s radar then painted the MiGs dead ahead at 25,000 feet, and Ritchie ordered the flight to light afterburners. DeBellevue warned Ritchie they were closing fast and were in range. About the same time Ritchie saw the MiGs himself headed in the opposite direction.

Attacking in a climbing curve behind the MiG-21′s with his AIM-7 guidance radar locked on, Ritchie was given continuous range updates by DeBellevue. With his Phantom barely making enough speed to overtake the targets, Ritchie launched two Sparrows from over four miles away. The firing parameters of the two shots were out of the missiles’ performance envelope, an attempt to influence the MiGs to turn and thus shorten the range. Both shots not only missed but failed to influence the opponents. Moments later, tracking one MiG visually by the contrail it was making, Ritchie fired his remaining two Sparrows, also at long range. The first missed, but the MiG made a hard turn and actually shortened the range, and was destroyed by the second. Short on fuel, Ritchie elected not to try to pursue the second MiG-21.

“My fifth MiG kill was an exact duplicate of a syllabus mission (at Fighter Weapons School), so I had not only flown that as a student, but had taught it probably a dozen times prior to actually doing it in combat.”

http://www.generalsteveritchie.com/

Congratulations to Joe Kates. He called the other day to inform me that the webmaster of the Planes of Fame website had contacted him with a request for use of his Spam Can shot taken at the Valle Air Show last year. Little did we know it would be used in a slider on the front page. Way to go Joe!!!