After a quick lunch, we loaded up and set out to the base to see what
kind of action we could catch. After a few T-45s returned, we relocated
to the Imperial County Airport and caught an Osprey, a Super Cobra,
and a UH-1 Huey in action.
On the morning of the shoot, we sat out early to be in position for the
0800 Blue Angels departure. The tower built of hay bales is gone. I’m
guessing the Navy must have finally decided that people atop the hay
bale tower may have encroached a bit too far into the takeoff/arrival
path for runway 12/30. With the disappearance of the hay bales, many
people were prepared with pickup trucks and step ladders to elevate
their shooting position. We got into position at the departure end of
runway 12 with about 50 locals and other photographers. For the
next hour, we saw the Blue Angels fly a show with a few maneuvers
repeated for extra practice. From here, we headed to the base gate
where we were shuttled to the briefing room. We were welcomed to
the facility by Executive Officer, Commander Adam Schlismann and
received a safety briefing from Public Affairs Officer, Kristopher Haugh.
FOD is a major problem in the aviation industry and PAO Haugh made
it very clear that any loose, flying items would not be tolerated.
The Blue Angels performed a very good show and the small number
of photographers and unencumbered views made for a great shooting
environment. After the practice show was complete, we boarded the
buses again and were dropped off near the LSO shack at the approach
end of runway 26. We were reminded in the earlier safety brief to not
cross or even put a toe on the white chalk line for any reason. Thursday
February 22nd was a windy day in El Centro, CA. For much of the
afternoon, the winds were steady around 15 knots and were gusting to
25 knots at times. We saw a number of T-45s depart and later return and
a few Canadian CT-155s depart for Colorado Springs.Just when we thought the day’s flying was slowing down, a T-34 taxied
to the runway end and shut down. The occupants exited the aircraft
and went into the LSO shack. Soon, 4 F/A-18s from the Marine Fighter
Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) appeared and began
practicing carrier approaches with the assistance of the LSO and the
optical landing system. This activity continued until darkness took over,
when sadly it was time to load the buses and return to the gate.We adjourned to a local spot for dinner and a debrief. Unfortunately,
I had to leave early the next morning to catch my flight home, but I
understand the rest of the group returned to the fence line and was
awarded with another great Blue Angels practice show.Overall, this was an excellent experience. I met many interesting people
and came away with many great photos. I shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV
with a 300mm f/2.8 and a 5D Mark II with a 70-200mm f/2.8. I’d like to say
thanks again to Commanding Officer Captain Brent Alfonzo, Executive
Officer Commander Adam Schlismann, Command Master Chief Jeremy
Embree, Public Affairs Officer Kristopher Haugh, and all the enlisted
men and women volunteers for making this rare opportunity possible.