One of the Most Awarded and Decorated Marine Corps Squadrons
This gorgeous high definition video, titled “The Man of Red Devils” features Marine Fighter Attack Squadron TWO THREE TWO (VMFA-232) Red Devils operating their McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F/A-18C Hornet strike fighters from Ibaraki Airport/Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo in Japan. It’s not often such visually striking footage is available to the general public, so don’t miss this one! 1-300 shot, edited, and uploaded the video to YouTube. You don’t have to be a “fighter attack guy” to appreciate this sweet eye candy jet footage. Enjoy!
VMFA-232’s storied history begins in 1925 at Naval Air Station (NAS) San Diego when the squadron first adorned their Vought VE-7SF biplanes with the Red Devil insignia. The squadron deployed for the first time in 1927. The Red Devils were designated Marine Bombing Squadron 2 for a few years before becoming Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 232 (VMSB-232) prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. While VMSB-232 flew Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bombers they were the first squadron to land at Henderson Field on Guadalcanal.
Official US Marine Corps photograph
In 1943 the squadron switched to flying Grumman TBF-1 Avenger torpedo bombers, becoming Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 232 (VMTB-232). The Red Devils earned two Presidential Unit Citations during World War II. In 1948 the squadron became VMF-232 flying Grumman F6F-5 Hellcats. They then transitioned to the Vought F4U-4 Corsair. VMF-232 then flew Grumman F9F Panthers, followed by North American FJ-4 Furies. When setting sortie and munitions delivered records flying Vought F-8D Crusaders they were designated VMF(AW)-232.
Official US Marine Corps photograph
In 1967 the Red Devils were redesignated VMFA-232 when they began flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II. They were the last Marine Corps squadron to rotate out of Southeast Asia in 1973. The Red Devils earned the first of four Robert M. Hanson awards as the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year in 1974. VMFA-232 transitioned from the F-4J Phantom II to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet in 1989. In the thick of Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and more, The Red Devils are obviously still going strong and proud of it.
It’s something that can make a world of difference in your flight. Too little of it and you’re in for, at the very least, a few hours of misery. Just the right amount or more and you could sit on that plane for hours on end, enjoying the entertainment, WiFi, and pretzels. We’re talking about economy legroom and it’s something that’s changed a bit over the years when it comes to American Airlines.
Previously, American Airlines had given passengers about 31 inches of seat pitch in the economy cabin, though that could sometimes be less on some aircraft. This is very similar to most of the major U.S. airlines, save for the budget carriers.
Photo: American Airlines
Then, last summer, AA announced a plan to reduce legroom in economy by two inches to 29 inches of seat pitch, putting AA more in line with some of the ultra-budget carriers. The plan was not to reduce room for the entire cabin, though; rather, this change would just occur to three rows. The rest of the seats would just be cut by one inch. The hope was, the extra room would allow for more seats on 737 Max aircraft and eventually the older 737s.
However, in spite of this, the more recent news is that American is switching up its economy-class cabins on many other planes, retrofitting aircraft with seats that allow for more legroom — the airline’s premium economy offering, Main Cabin Extra.
What Does Main Cabin Extra Mean?
Photo: American Airlines
Main Cabin Extra seats in the economy cabin are wider and have more legroom. They’re still in coach, but they cost a little bit extra and offer a somewhat higher level of service. Paying for more room throughout coach isn’t even that much more expensive, though; in fact, getting those extra few inches of legroom, which can make all the difference, can cost as little as $20, dependent on your route.
Currently, American’s entire fleet of 67 Boeing 777 aircraft are being refitted with Main Cabin Extra seats, with complete reconfiguration finished by December.
Little Extra Perks
The extra legroom is hardly the only thing to love about Main Cabin Extra. Starting in June of this year, American Airlines offered passengers in Main Cabin Extra an even posher perk, similar to what you’d find in business or first class — complimentary beer, wine and spirits.
Other new perks added to Main Cabin Extra this summer include priority access to overhead bin storage space and earlier boarding than regular economy ticket holders.
With these ultra-attractive benefits, obviously some are hoping to get in on the action without paying an up-charge. American Airlines reported that it’s been having to deal with passengers sneaking into empty Main Cabin Extra seats during the hectic boarding process, hoping to blow past potentially unaware flight attendants.
American Airlines 777. Image public domain via Wikipedia.
READING, PA – Hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, this year’s 28th World War II Weekend airshow proved a success even with the forecast of inclement weather.
Held at the Reading Regional Airport, the show is the premiere East Coast airshow to focus solely on the era of the Second World War. While unfortunately a few aircraft, such as the F4U Corsair and P-63 Kingcobra had to cancel on account of weather, participating warbirds made for a wonderful time.
At the top of the ticket were the world’s only two airworthy B-29s, Fifi and Doc. Fifi preformed for the crowd both days of the show, while Doc was on static display. There were a couple of B-17 Flying Fortresses and four B-25 Mitchells that took part in aerial demonstrations or were parked on the flight line. Fighters took to the air with formation flights by a P-51 Mustang and a P-40 Tomahawk, while Greg Shelton beat up the field with an impressive demonstration with his FM-2 Wildcat. U.S. Navy TBM Avenger and SBD Dauntless once again battled with replica Japanese Kate and Val bombers.
The show also offers the unique opportunity for everyone to purchase rides in these historic warbirds. Such rides last thirty to forty minutes or so, including taxing and waiting clearance for takeoff. Operating and maintaining these aircraft are not a cheap endeavor. Original parts are of course increasingly scarce, while many parts are newly made at a steep price. The proceeds, from selling these rides, go towards keeping these historic aircraft flying. This way the people and organizations who keep these planes flying can continue showcasing these wonderful warbirds for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations.
Less than perfect weather impacted the weekend’s flying. Flight operations were briefly stopped, as rain showers hit the field. The low cloud cover forced some acrobatics to be throttled back for safety reasons. While the parachute drop, by the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, had to be scrubbed, again because of the low ceiling. Still the weather did not overly affect the show’s program nor the overall enjoyment of the crowd.
In addition to the warbird activities, there was a large contingent of WWII reenactors representing: American, British, French, Chinese, Japanese and German soldiers and civilians. Besides educating the crowd about the life during the war, the reenactors also staged a mock battle between American and German forces. Once again the intrepid American G.I.s defeated the Germans. The Marines staged the planting of the American flag on Iwo Jima. This is the only airshow, which I know of, where one can see Sherman tanks drive down the apron amongst warbirds on static display.
Reenacting was not limited to martial displays, but also extended to what civilian life was like during the war. Live performances of music as well as acts by “Abbott and Costello” could be enjoyed live on stage. Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt also made an appearance to show allied strength and unity.
Next year’s airshow is already set for June 7, 8 and 9. So plan ahead and put it on your 2019 airshow schedule. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
ATHENS, Ga. — A Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress has launched on a new mission across the United States visiting airports and generating an interest in a warbird which helped the allies win a world war.
The B-17G is known as Aluminum Overcast, and is one of the last flight worthy B-17s still able to soar great distances. Owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this B-17 and her crew are busy today educating visitors both young and old on the importance of its missions during the Second World War.
The B-17 served as a heavy bomber during World War II, flying bombing runs over Europe against Germany and Italy and across the southern Pacific. Sporting four prop engines mounted on its 104-foot long wing span, Aluminum Overcast was delivered to the U.S. Army Air Corps in May 1945.
The cockpit of ‘Aluminum Overcast’ including a few modern displays of 21st century. (Charles Atkeison)
Overcast was not entered into military action, however today it is a stirring reminder of the nearly 4,730 which were lost during war time. During a ten year period beginning in 1936, approximately 12,735 B-17s were constructed.
“It’s extremely humbling to be sitting there knowing that 22 year-olds with a couple hundred hours were flying this thing into combat,” Aluminum Overcast pilot and docent Rex Gray discussed during a recent stop in Athens-Epps Airfield in Georgia. “There’s not a flight that goes by that I don’t think about that, and I’m still impressed by what those guys did.”
Each B-17 carried a nine or ten person crew, including a pilot and co-pilot, navigator, togglier, ball turret, radio, engineer, tail gunner, and two waist gunner. As visitors travel within the aircraft’s interior, you can view the crew’s positions, study their machine guns and radio equipment as you experience a living history exhibit that you can participate in.
The EAA Aluminum Overcast‘s paint displays the colors of the 398th Bomb Group — one of several bomb groups based in England. The B-17s of the 398th flew support and bombing missions from England between May 1944 until the wars end in April 1945.
The radio operations station aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress. (Charles Atkeison)
As the B-17 soars across the skies on her mission flight it burns about 200 gallons of fuel per hour. Each of its four engines holds 37 gallons of oil and 1700 gallons of fuel. During the war, many of the B-17s were fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks.
“We do a preflight on the airplane open it all up, and do all check outs to ensure its all functioning properly,” B-17 crew chief Jeff Martin for Aluminum Overcast explained as we stood beside the silver bomber. “All the flight controls are in good order, no leaks — its a radial engine and so they all leak — and walk around the aircraft to make sure there’s no damage.”
Martin is one of the team’s two crew chiefs, and he states one of them always flies with the aircraft. He noted he listens for “any hiccups in the motor”.
This B-17G served several years as an aerial mapping platform over southeast Asia during the 1950s. It was the veterans of the 398th who assisted with donations to help fund the bomber’s restoration in 1983.
“We hear people talk about ‘well I’m gonna fly on this some day’, and there’s no getting around it it is expensive — there’s no getting around it it is expensive,” Gray began. “I encourage people if they have any inclination at all to go to throw out the credit card, do what ever they have to do, and go.”
Guests can take a special flight into history as they travel aboard the B-17 Flying Fortress during its many airport visits. Advanced reservations are recommended including full details and availability, however walk-ups will be available based on limited seating.
“This airplane is 73 years-old and there’s not very many of them left, and one day EAA and other organizations will say this is too valuable to fly,” Gray added. “If you want to do it, do it now, as one day the only way you’re gonna see it is behind velvet ropes in a museum.”
‘Aluminum Overcast’ is one of five flight worthy B-17s in North America today. (Charles A Atkeison)
Martin summed up his feelings of the storied past of the B-17 program as we stood inside the cockpit region. “It’s a privilege being apart of this, and I still get goosebumps when I think of what the fellas went through overseas,” he said. “They had a rough time of it as the aircraft flew at 25 to 30,000-feet, 40 below zero outside, and just being in the aircraft was dangerous enough let alone people shooting at you and trying to take you out of the sky.”
The Aluminum Overcast 2018 Tour continues thru November:
June 22-24 – Knoxville, TN – McGhee Tyson Airport
June 29-July 1 – Greenwood, IN – Indy South Greenwood Airport
July 3 – Valparaiso, IN – Porter County Regional Airport
July 6-8 – Romeoville, IL – Lewis University Airport
July 20-22 – Madison, WI – Dane County Regional Airport-Truax Field
July 23-29 – AirVenture – Oshkosh, WI
August 24-26 – Waukegan, IL – Waukegan National Airport
August 28 – Richmond, IN – Richmond Municipal Airport
August 31-September 3 – Cincinnati, OH – Lunken Field
September 7-9 – State College, PA – University Park Airport
September 14-16 – Ithaca, NY – Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
September 21-23 – Rutland, VT – Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport
September 25 – Keene, NH – Dillant-Hopkins Airport
September 28-30, 2018 – Lawrence, MA – Lawrence Municipal Airport
October 5-7 – Westfield, MA – Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport
October 9 – Poughkeepsie, NY – Hudson Valley Regional Airport
October 12-14 – Lancaster, PA – Lancaster Airport
October 19-21 – Manassas, VA – Manassas Regional Airport
October 26-29 – Greenville, NC – Pitt-Greenville Airport
November 2-4 – Franklin, NC – Macon County Airport
November 6 – Rock Hill, SC – Rock Hill Airport-Bryant Field
November 9-11 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Myrtle Beach International Airport
November 16-18 – Morristown, TN – Morristown Regional Airport
(Charles Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
Boasting the Best of Budget Carriers, AirTran Used To Offer College Student Fares That Couldn’t Be Beat
AirTran was founded in the early 1990s as a low-budget airline. It would go on to absorb ValuJet Airlines and then was acquired by Southwest Airlines in 2011. At its heyday, AirTran operated around 700 daily flights across the East Coast and Midwest, with its primary hub in Atlanta (ATL).
It was the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 717-200 aircraft. Proving that despite its low prices and eventual merger, AirTran was a formidable competitor in the budget airfare arena. It became the first major airline to outfit 100 percent of its fleet with in-flight internet.
At the end of its life, it was considered the best, safest U.S. airline for number of minor incidents.
AirTran U: The Cheap Way Home… or elesewhere
Beyond the excellent safety record and in-flight WiFi, however, AirTran was also known for a quirky promotion that set it apart among young travelers. AirTran U allowed travelers 18-22 to fly at a very minimal cost, but not through traditional means.
All tickets were sold on standby, so you were required to be ready to travel at a moment’s notice. If the last-minute seat was available, you were required to be near the gate and ready to board (often leading to hopeful travelers waiting around a ticket counter for hours). No checked luggage was allowed but you could bring a carry-on.
What if you didn’t make the flight? The program was set up in such a way that young travelers applied for multiple dates, paid an overall cost for short- or long-haul segments, so that if their preferred date and time didn’t work out, they could easily come back for their next preferred date and time.
AirTran College Student Fares Were Popular
The program was a boon for cheap college students who either wanted to travel the world, or get a quick trip back to visit family and friends. Fares were generally under $100 to any destination and, if you booked a standby flight on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday, you were more likely to snag that coveted spot.
However, blackout dates for AirTran U included many major holidays and holiday weekends, eliminating the opportunity to use AirTran U for holiday travel.
While that might seem a little unfair when considering a program meant to benefit college students, it’s also fair to point out that the majority of the blackout dates are high travel days anyway, so the likelihood of a student claiming one of those standby slots was very slim.
Is Standby Travel Still Possible?
Flying standby for most people doesn’t quite still work the same way, unless you are an airline employee or eligible for limited ID90 programs. And it’s not exactly the budget-hunter’s friend as it once was for most people. This is partially due to the way we now book flights in general (typically online) as well as security matters.
Standby still exists for airline employees and for passengers who have been inconvenienced by cancelled flights.
You can fly standby if you’ve already bought a normal ticket and your original flight was canceled, you were bumped from a flight, or you’re hoping to get an earlier flight and bought the right class of ticket. However, it’s no longer a tool to keep in your budget travel arsenal that it once was. Here’s to you Air Tran.
On Sunday June 10th at 0636 local time (1936 Eastern Time in the United States) a United States Air Force (USAF) McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle fighter jet crashed into the Philippine Sea approximately 50 miles south of Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The pilot of the jet ejected successfully from the stricken aircraft and was rescued by Okinawa-based Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) rescue personnel. An investigation into the cause of the mishap has already started. Weather may have been a factor.
Official US Navy photograph
The F-15C was based at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa and belonged to the 44th Fighter Squadron (FS) Vampire Bats of the 18th Wing. The pilot, who was reported to have suffered a broken leg and other injuries, was flying a training mission when forced to eject from the aircraft. USAF officials thanked the JASDF for their quick save of the pilot, who is now recovering at the United States Naval Hospital at nearby Camp Perry on Okinawa.
Official US Air Force photograph
The USAF has been flying F-15s out of Kadena since 1979. Both the Vampire Bats and the 67th FS Fighting Cocks now operate the F-15C and F-15D with the 18th Wing. Recently Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptors with the 90th FS Dicemen and 525th FS Bulldogs of the 3rd Wing have periodically been operating from Kadena alongside the 18th Wing’s Eagles. Ironically the mishap occurred soon after the 18th Wing conducted their mandatory safety stand down resulting from several other recent mishaps including the crash of a Puerto Rico Air National Guard Lockheed WC-130 Hercules resulting in multiple fatalities..
Last year, we shared video and the details we knew about a WestJet Boeing 737-800 that appeared dangerously low over the bay of St. Maarten. We knew that the aircraft appeared off course and dipped well below glide path. Transportation Canada has now released the final report of the March 7, 2017 incident.
In it, they state that the formal reason for the incident was due to:
Misidentification of runway in reduced visibility contributed to the March 2017 risk of collision with terrain of a WestJet flight in Saint Maarten.
Flight 2652 from Toronto Pearson to Saint Maartin had 158 passengers and six crew members on board. According to the report, “[The airliner] entered a significant rain shower shortly after crossing the MAPON (missed approach point) waypoint. The crew initiated a missed approach 0.30 nautical miles from the runway threshold at an altitude of 40 feet above water. Once visibility improved, the crew conducted a second approach and landed without incident.
Video uploaded by atcpilot.com
The investigation determined that the runway lights and the visual guidance system (PAPI) had been set at a low intensity during the rain shower that had obscured the view of the airport environment. Both the shower and the low lighting limited the visual references available to the crew to identify the runway properly until the aircraft had exited the rain shower and visibility sharply improved.”
The report also states that the crew became distracted as the weather deteriorated quickly on approach citing that “the sudden and unexpected poor visibility during the final approach increased the flight crew’s visual workload and led to inadequate altitude monitoring. The crew did not notice that the aircraft had descended below the normal angle of descent to the runway threshold until the enhanced ground proximity warning system issued an alert.”
After the incident, WestJet added additional training for crews on the airfield. They specifically focused on the unique hazards that the field could present.
You can read the full press statement here and the full report here.
Del Rio Home To One Of The Most Isolated Air Force Bases in The US
Residents of Del Rio, Texas can finally rejoice. The home of Laughlin AFB, one of the four major Air Force undergraduate pilot training locations in the country, will finally get commercial air service again. With sunny weather and its isolated location, it’s an ideal place to train but oddly enough a terribly difficult place to get to via air service.
Until now, any person wishing to fly commercially had to travel at least two hours either east to San Antonio or two hour north to San Angelo (and even then the options were limited to American Eagle service to DFW).
Those wishing to travel had to brave the two-lane highway 90 that was notoriously laden with speed traps, desolate highway, wildlife dangers and the risks associated with passing drivers traveling 20 miles per hour or more under the speed limit. But student pilots, those permanently stationed at Laughlin (God bless them) and residents are about to get a major upgrade in travel options.
American Eagle will try again to Bring Commercial Jet Service to Del Rio
American Airlines announced that they will commence service from DFW to Del Rio International Airport twice daily starting on November 4th, 2018. The airline will service the route via American Eagles’ EMB-140 fleet seating 44 passengers.
This isn’t the first time that Del Rio has tried commercial service. Prior to its merger with United Airlines, Continental had commenced twice-daily service Del Rio Airport with Saab 340s operated by Colgan Air.
United briefly continued the service with ExpressJet EMB-140s but ended the service altogether in 2013. Texas Sky Airlines also operated half-hearted service for a period of about 7 months with little success last year but the service was plagued by delays and poor connection opportunities.
By Cory W. Watts from Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America (American Eagle EMB-145LR [N627AE]) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
In a statement, the city of Del Rio said, “The City of Del Rio is proud to offer this opportunity to the community, the Southwest Texas region, and the Northern region of Mexico, while partnering with the World’s largest airline American Airlines.
This new service will offer several connecting opportunities from American’s DFW hub, just in time for peak holiday travel.”
Del Rio’s Commercial Service Is Timed well for connections
Flights are timed to offer significant connection opportunities, departing at 6:30AM and 4:25PM. Late afternoon connections are also available for Del Rio residents as arrivals into DFW are at 3:59PM and 11:00PM.
Produced by the United States Air Force (USAF) during 1977, the film “A-10 Capabilities and Sortie Surge 1977” stars the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt IIand documents an exercise conducted during February of 1977 to investigate the capabilities of the new (at the time) aircraft and her crews and maintainers. The exercise, conducted at the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field near Gila Bend in Arizona, is both revealing and entertaining- especially to today’s Warthog fans. The film was uploaded to YouTube by PeriscopeFilm. Enjoy!
A-10 Thunderbolt taxiing. Photo Adrian Pingstone – (Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=234130)
Starring in the film are the crews and maintainers of the Davis-Monthan AFB-based 355th Tactical Fighter Training Wing (TFTW) consisting of the 354th Fighter Squadron (FS) Bulldogs, the 357th FS Dragons, and the 358th FS Lobos. In today’s 355th Fighter Wing (FW) the Lobos have been inactivated. Also starring in the film is the primary weapon employed by the Warthog– the General Electric GAU-8/A Avenger 30 millimeter Gatling gun. Also described in the film is the Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick imaging infrared (IIR) air-to-surface missile and its impressive capabilities.
US Air Force Photo
The sortie surge test was overseen by Tactical Air Command (TAC) who owned the A-10s, and by Air Force Test and Evaluation Center (AFTEC) who were doing the evaluation of the weapons system. Impressive turnaround times were achieved using procedures representing real-world surge conditions. Of course the Warthog still serves in the close air support (CAS) and forward air controller (FAC) roles. There has been plenty of talk about replacing the Hog, but they still haven’t found a suitable replacement for the aging but still-spry veteran yet. Who knows, maybe we will get to see an updated version of the aircraft in the future.
UPDATE 6:00pm EDT:Team officials have confirmed that the deceased pilot is Ken Johansen, the team’s Executive Officer and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a Naval aviator, and a professional airline pilot. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Our friends the GEICO Skytypers have suffered a great loss today, after one of the team’s historic Navy SNJ-2 aircraft, first used to train the pilots in WWII, went down in a small neighborhood on Long Island, NY.
Those Who Have Laid Down Their Lives For Our Country Deserve Your Respect on Memorial Day
Memorial Day first became an American tradition as Decoration Day during the 1860s to memorialize those who died in battle during the American Civil War and to place flowers at their graves. There is some debate about exactly when and where the observance was first proclaimed, but suffice it to say that Memorial Day was, and still is, meant to be a date set aside to render honors to those who have given their last full measure of devotion to this country. It’s not just a three-day weekend and it’s not just about barbecues and beer, parades and concerts, or the spectacle of the Indianapolis 500.
Official US Army photograph
One Day Set Aside For a Very Special Purpose
Memorial Day is a day to remember with respect and reverence those members of the military who laid down their lives for our freedom. Let that sink in. These days we are so distracted, so saturated by social media and fake news, so overwhelmingly desensitized to the true meaning of Memorial Day that a reminder seems called for. Summer in these United States of America actually starts in mid-June. On any given day over the next few months we’ll celebrate other days like International Hamburger Day, National Brisket Day, Whooping Crane Day, and even Slugs Return From Capistrano Day. But not on the last Monday in May.
Official US Army photograph
Not About Those Who Served or Serve.
What Memorial Day is not about are the men and women who served in the military or serve today; not about first responders, those who serve or have served the public in other ways, or other groups of people who richly deserve the nation’s respect and recognition. But, respectfully, that’s what Veterans Day is for. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are distinctly different in intent and scope, yet similar enough that some combine the two- and there’s really nothing wrong with that. Many of us recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, those who served, those who still serve, and others worthy of recognition much more frequently than one day a year. So celebrate, safely, but recognize what (and whom) you’re celebrating.
image via USMC/DVIDS
Costly Conflicts When America Was Young
During the Revolutionary War approximately 8,000 patriots died in battle. During the War of 1812, 2,260 members of the military were lost. The Mexican-American War cost 1,733 lives lost in combat. The Civil War was the second-costliest in our nation’s history- in large part because the majority of the 214,940 combatants killed were American. The Spanish-American War and the Philippine-American Wars sent 385 and 1,020 members of the military to their graves respectively.
Official US Navy photograph
World Wars, Costly Wars
World War I, the “war to end all wars”, cost the lives of 53,402 American service personnel with a new category of statistic- the missing, of which 3,350 were found to be. World War II was astronomically costly. 291,580 American armed service personnel died fighting the Axis powers. More than a million were wounded and 30,315 were listed as missing. Korea resulted in another 33,684 combat deaths with 92,315 wounded and 4,761 missing in action.
SMYRNA, Tenn. — A $1 million memorial designed to honor the legacy of a fallen Blue Angels pilot is poised for dedication as a community gives back to the flight squadron who has entertained and inspired its citizens for two decades.
A captain in the U.S. Marines, Jeffrey “Kooch” Kuss was a decorated pilot who had logged nearly 1500 flight hours and 175 aircraft carrier landings. Tragically, his life was cut short two years ago, only seconds after taking off on a Blue Angels practice flight from the Smyrna Airport.
The government and citizens of Smyrna, located south of Nashville, have dedicated their time and money to honor Capt. Kuss and recognize his distinguished military service. As of May 22, the memorial team had raised $1.27 million of the $1.3 million needed to complete and maintain the memorial site.
The Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial will be dedicated on June 9, 2018, in Smyrna, Tenn. (Kuss Memorial)
“The one thing we started hearing (after the crash) was what are we going to do as a comunity to celebrate Jeff Kuss’ life,” said Smyrna Mayor Mary Reed. “They wanted to see some type of memorial that they could physically go to… we want everybody to feel like this is there memorial.”
Located at the Lee Victory Recreation Park, the Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial dedication ceremony will be held on Saturday, June 9, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to the event and officials ask attendees to wear their blue and gold.
Topped with a real F/A-18C Hornet (S/N 163498) on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, the aerodynamic-styled memorial is located not far from the end of the runway he last departed. The jet is poised high above the ground perched a top a pedestal pointed skyward.
“Jeff was my inspiration and the outpouring of support from the people of Tennessee has been profoundly humbling,” Christina Kuss, wife of Capt. Kuss and mother of their two children, said recently. “You all have wrapped our family in so much love. We are inspired and we are grateful. This memorial is a wonderful tribute to Jeff’s life and distinguished service. I am hopeful it will inspire and encourage the children who see it to pursue their dreams as Jeff did.”
Capt. Jeff Kuss meets with Blue Angels fans following their performance at El Centro in 2016. (U.S. Navy)
Capt. Kuss’ 20 months as a member of the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron was a moment in his military career he had worked hard for to achieve. In 2009, he earned his wings of gold, and three years later, he graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapon School known as Top Gun.
Capt. Kuss first served as the Blue Angels narrator and advanced pilot during the 2015 season prior to being promoted to the opposing solo pilot — an advancement he took with pride. “Any position on here, whether you’re pushing a broom or flying a jet, it’s an honor,” Kuss told this aerospace journalist a few months before the accident. “I’m very excited and cannot wait.”
In the midst of the Blue Angels 70th anniversary season, the team arrived on June 2, 2016, to perform at the Great Tennessee Air show in Smyrna. The team’s 10 a.m. arrival was followed by their traditional circles flight an hour later, and later, a practice flight demonstration.
As several billowing clouds layered near the end of the runway, the Blue Angels four F/A-18 jets took off in finger tip formation to begin their practice demonstration. Minutes later, the Blues two solo pilots took off, first with lead solo pilot LT Ryan Chamberlin, followed by opposing solo Capt. Kuss on his ill-fated flight.
Donations are still being accepted to help maintain the Capt. Jeff Kuss Memorial. You can donate $1 or higher via Capt. Jeff Kuss Memorial web page; or with your cell phone, text Jeff to 71777. Then click on “Make a Donation” below.
You can also donate in person via cash or cheque at the Smyrna Town Hall on 315 S. Lowry Street or at Franklin Synergy Bank, 724 President Place, Smyrna.
(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. He flew as a VIP with the Blue Angels in 2012. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)
In 1970 the Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group produced the film “Seaview” for Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, located near San Diego in California, to portray the history and then-current utilization of the station. Now a Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Miramar was of course home to the Pacific Fleet fighter and Airborne Early Warning and Control squadrons for many years. The installation is also forever famous for its association with TOP GUN, the Naval Fighter Weapons School (NFWS) now located at NAS Fallon in Nevada. Uploaded to YouTube by sdasmarchives, the film includes some gorgeous footage of 1970s-vintage Navy jets.
First used by the Army during World War I as Camp Kearny to train infantrymen, the base occasionally saw aircraft activity on the large parade deck area though no airstrip was built there. Charles Lindbergh practiced there before his famous flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis. Used briefly for helium dirigibles during the 1930s, runways didn’t appear until 1940. Parts of the base were used by the Marine Corps for training and by the Navy to train crews slated to fly the Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer patrol bomber. Ironically the bases were combined into what became MCAS Miramar in 1946- but for only a few months.
Official US Navy photograph
The Marines moved to MCAS El Toro in 1947 and Miramar became Naval Auxiliary Air Station (NAAS) Miramar until it became a full-fledged NAS in 1952. NAS Miramar became a primary jet base during the 1960s in support of the Vietnam War. In 1969 the NFWS became part of VF-121 Pacemakers before first becoming a separate command and later world-famous. In 1996, NFWS was relocated and absorbed into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon in Nevada. On October 1st 1997 NAS Miramar once again became MCAS Miramar.
Official US Navy photograph
Appearing in the film are early-model mothballed Naval Reserve A-4s from NAS Jacksonville (6F), NAS South Weymouth (7Z), and either VA-303 Golden Hawks or VA-304 Firebirds of Reserve Carrier Air Wing THREE ZERO (CVWR-30). Later, Miramar-based VC-7 Tallyhoers/Red Tails A-4Cs pass some gas. A TA-4F was used for much of the air to air photography. F-4s appearing in the film are assigned to VF-111 Sundowners, VF-142 Ghostriders, VF-154 Black Knights, VMFA(AW)-531 Grey Ghosts, and Miramar’s own VF-121 Pacemakers and VF-124 Gunfighters. Also appearing in the film are RF-8G Crusaders from VFP-63 Eyes of the Fleet and F-8J Crusaders from VF-191 Satan’s Kittens.
ANDERSON, SC — America’s Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt and Canada’s Air Force Snowbirds are a few of the top performers at the Bill and Jo Trent Anderson Regional Air show this weekend as they help bring the thrust and excitement to upper South Carolina.
The U.S. Army paratroopers known as the Black Daggers, the A-10 nicknamed the Warthog, and aerobatic pilots Scott Francis in his MXS aircraft and Clemens Kuhlig aboard his award winning Pitts S1S, will perform during the two-day show on May 19 and 20. On Saturday, the U.S. will observe Armed Forces Day.
The Air Force A-10C Warthog will demonstrate low and high speed maneuvers this weekend. (Atkeison)
“The Bill and Jo Trent Anderson Regional Airshow is unique in that it is a totally free airshow — free parking and free admission,” Butch Jones, Anderson Regional Air show director of operations said on Monday. “There will be plenty of food and drinks, a kids zone, vendors of all types, helicopter rides, Stearman rides all set in a family friendly environment.”
The pilots of the Canadian Snowbirds perform in Canadian-built C-114 Tutors jets which provide an individual thrust of 2,700 pounds. During a show, the guests will see the squadron perform with seven or nine jets in a close formation flight demonstration.
This weekend will mark the Snowbirds third appearance at Anderson. “This appearance is special in that they called us and asked us if they could come back,” Jones added. “Our reputation for a class airshow, family environment, and southern hospitality was not forgotten.”
The Anderson air show will mark the Snowbirds third show of their 47th anniversary season. These warriors of the air are a crowd favorite during each event they attend performing tight aerobatic maneuvers performed by Canada’s own Air Force.
“The Snowbirds’ show is the result of six months of intensive preparation and training and consists of over fifty different formations and maneuvers,” Snowbirds spokesperson LT Michèle Tremblay said. “Serving as Canadian ambassadors, the Snowbirds demonstrate the skill, professionalism, and teamwork inherent in the women and men of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces.”
Clemens Kuhlig is known across the growing air show community as ChefPitts. The name he describes as a combination of his two favorite hobbies — cooking and flying. As he spent three years building his Pitts S1S, he was working as a professional chef. His lightweight IO-360 engine provides about 200 hp, combined with specially designed wings featuring longer ailerons.
The ChefPitts S1S biplane will perform aerobatic maneuvers over Anderson Airshow. (ChefPitts)
“My parents took me to an air show when I was eight and the hook was set,” Clemens acknowledged as he stood near his popular red biplane. “It has taken about forty years, on a fairly circuitous path, to achieve my childhood goal of being an air show pilot.”
ChefPitts paused and then said with a firm tone, “If you never lose sight of a dream, it can be achieved.”
A growing air show crowd favorite, the Anderson show will be Clemens Kuhlig third of the season. He carries a fondness for the South Carolina community and the air show producers.
“This will be my second year flying in Anderson,” Clemens said with a big smile. “Gotta love a show that’s funded by the community for the community! Just goes to show what can be done when people get together to organize an Event that is not only fun for the family, but honors all those who serve the community and the country as policemen, firemen, and military.”
The air show entry and parking are free, however show organizers look to donations in support of aircraft fuel, food, and other costs of the performers and the airport itself. Donations of any size can be made by visiting this link or as you arrive at the air show each day. A free air show with several of North America’s top aviation performers is a true treat for everyone.
(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)
The Air Force Thunderbirds are back and will resume their air show schedule this week beginning with the AirPower Over Hampton Roads in Virginia, the squadron announced on Monday.
The long awaited announcement comes nearly six weeks following the loss of Thunderbird 4 slot pilot Major Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who crashed during a training exercise on April 4 near Las Vegas. Two weeks later, veteran Thunderbird slot pilot Major Nick “Khan” Krajicek, who had served with the team in 2016 and 2017, was announced as the new slot pilot.
“The Thunderbirds look forward to safely resuming public shows at Air Power over Hampton Roads,” Lt. Col. Kevin “Lowen” Walsh, Thunderbird commander and pilot said on Monday. “It’s been challenging to get us to this point, but the team is resilient, focused, and ready to get back to our mission of recruiting, retaining and inspiring.”
Each of the six pilots of the Thunderbirds perform a nearly 45 minute flight demonstration aboard the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The pilots, lead by Lt. Col. Walsh in Thunderbird 1, perform nearly 40 maneuvers demonstrating the diversity of the tactical fighter both in high speed and together in a diamond formation.
Following an intensive review of the entire Thunderbirds squadron last week, Gen. Mike Holmes, Commander of Air Combat Command, felt the Thunderbirds were ready to continue with their 65th anniversary season.
The Thunderbirds six F-16 jets will travel this week to perform above Hampton Roads, Virginia. (USAF)
“We are extremely grateful for the support, faith, and confidence of our senior Air Force leadership as we prepare to showcase our United States Air Force to the public once more,” Walsh added. “As we hit the road, we’ll carry on our wingman’s legacy with pride.”
Major Krajicek has logged over 3,410 flight hours as an Army and Air Force pilot, including over 650 hours of combat experience in the air. He has piloted the UH-60 Blackhawks in the Army, and currently serves as an F-16C/D Fighting Falcon instructor pilot.
The emotional two-day air show this weekend at Joint Base Langley-Eustis will not only feature the Thunderbirds each day, the F-22 Raptor, GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team, and top aerobatic performers will also perform. There will also be a special missing man formation flown in honor of Maj. Del Bagno.
There base will host several top performers beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, including the F-22 and several top warbirds. Gates will open on Friday at 5 p.m. for the evening show, and open on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. Admission is free to the public.
“We’re especially excited about the return of the Thunderbirds as this will be our first co-appearance this season,” GEICO Skytypers Flight Leader Larry Arken told AvGeekery.com moments following the official announcement. “As an integral part of the air show comunity, their return adds an element of excitement to the AirPower Over Hampton Roads.”
Three days following Hampton Roads, the Thunderbirds will perform a special fly over of the Air Force Acadmy’s graduation ceremony in Colorado.
The Thunderbirds’ 2018 schedule:
May 19-20: Langley AFB, Virginia – “AirPower Over Hampton Roads”
May 26-27: Cannon AFB, New Mexico – “Cannon AFB Air Show”
June 2-3: Mountain Home AFB, Idaho – “Gunfighter Skies 2018 Air Show”
June 9-10: Niagara Falls ARS, New York – “Thunder Over Niagara”
June 16-17: Ocean City, Maryland – “OC Air Show”
June 23-24: Hill AFB, Utah – “The Utah Air Show”
June 30-1 July: JB Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska – “Arctic Thunder Air Show”
July 7-8: Duluth, Minnesota – “Duluth Air and Aviation Expo”
July 14-15: Westover ARB, Massachusetts – “The Great New England Air Show”
July 21-22: Milwaukee, Wisconsin – “Milwaukee Air & Water Show”
July 25: Cheyenne, Wyoming – “Frontier Days Air Show”
July 28-29: Latrobe, Pennsylvania – “Westmoreland County Air Show”
August 4: Minot AFB, North Dakota – “Minot AFB Air Show”
August 18-19: Chicago, Illinois – “60th Chicago Air & Water Show”
August 22: Atlantic City, New Jersey – “Thunder over the Boardwalk”
August 25-26: Ypsilanti, Michigan – “Thunder Over Michigan Air Show”
September 1-3: Toronto, Canada – “Canadian International Air Show”
September 8-9: McConnell AFB, Kansas – “McConnell AFB Open House”
September 15-16: New Windsor, New York – “New York Air Show”
September 22-23: Mather, California – “California Capital Air Show”
September 29-30: Salinas, California – “California International Airshow”
October 6-7: Baltimore, Maryland – “Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show”
October 13-14: Fort Worth, Texas – “Fort Worth Alliance Air Show”
October 20-21: Huntington Beach, Calif. – “Breitling Huntington Beach Air Show”
October 27-28: Little Rock AFB, Arkansas – “Thunder Over the Rock”
November 3-4: Homestead ARB, Florida – “Wings Over Homestead”
(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — A group of maintainers dedicated in keeping the jets of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels operational for every air show are working long hours each day to ensure their aircraft perform in the highest standards.
The pilots of the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron are the first to say that the F/A-18 Hornet jets they fly really belong to the mechanics and technicians who keep them operational each day. These unsung heroes place their job dedication and professionalism on the line prior to the departure of each aircraft.
They maintain the oldest aircraft with new parts at their home at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, while testing new aircraft systems prior to and during an air show to keep the high performance aircraft reliable. The maintenance and supply teams are made up of nearly a hundred enlisted men and women of the Navy and Marines who bring special job qualities to maintain the aircraft.
It is the Blue Angels’ pilots who will say these aircraft belong to the maintainers. (Atkeison)
Seven F/A-18 Hornets, each painted with a high gloss blue and gold paint job, and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, affectionately known as “Fat Albert”, traditionally take to the skies for each air show during the season. It is the Blue Angels maintainers who each spend three years on the squadron to keep these aircraft operational.
For every Blue Angel pilot who serves with the squadron, they credit their trust of the men and women who fix and prepare these aircraft everyday.
“We don’t look at the (jet’s) tires, we don’t look at the engines, we don’t look at anything,” Blue Angel pilot and lead solo LT Tyler Davies explained from the gusty flight line during April’s Wings Over Myrtle Beach. “We just hop in the jet, close the canopy, and put our stuff on, and the first thing we do as Blue Angels 5 and 6 is we max perform the aircraft right out of the gate.”
LT Davies, himself a former aircraft maintainer, takes pride in recognizing the work the maintenance team devotes to the jets. “Knowing how much work goes into maintaining these aircraft day-in and day-out, sun up and sun down, that’s a part of this team that means a lot to me.”
As the Atlantic breeze blew across on the flight line during the inaugural Myrtle Beach show, this aerospace reporter discussed with a few of the Navy’s most experienced engineers about the demands of their jobs — both at home and away.
His second year with Blue Angels, Aldriick Kittles is the crew chief for Blue Angels 6 jet. (Atkeison)
“I am a crew chief for the number 6 jet, the opposing solo,” Petty Officer Second Class Aldriick Kittles began with a tone of excitement in his voice. “My job is to ensure all of the functional checks with the jet is good before the pilot actually flies, and to strap him in, motivate him, and pump him up.”
The Blues assign two crew chiefs per aircraft who then rotate air show visits. These crew chiefs have trained extensively to know the F/A-18 inside and out. The maintenance team are veterans who served aboard aircraft carriers or worked at Naval Air Stations for several years before volunteering to serve with the Blues.
Nearly 40 support personnel travel two days prior to the start of the air show to get everything set up. From their support equipment to learning what hanger the squadron will work, this group of highly qualified individuals are at the show site as the Blue Angels Delta formation arrives overhead from Pensacola.
When asked if he considers this his aircraft, PO2 Kittles stepped in to say, “Yes sir, most definitely, this is my aircraft. We keep it clean — we make sure the jets look good for the show, we turn them (around), and make sure there are no issues such as leaks or cracks.”
The Blue Angels pilots, logistics, and maintainers are on the road 300 days a year. (Atkeison)
Petty Officer Roderick Stevenson is the crew chief for Blue Angel 2, and he appreciates his relationship with the jet and its pilot. “It’s a time where I understand and feel like the pilot is trusting in who I am and what I do, and what exactly his aircraft can do and what I’ve looked over to see what his aircraft can do.”
No Blue Angels flight demonstration has been cancelled due to a maintenance issue since the Blue Angels began flying in 1946. That’s a huge bragging right these maintainers have as they keep the aircraft in the air.
In 2018, the squadron will travel to show sites in Florida, California, the Carolinas, and British Columbia to name a few. The team will also perform a traditional fly over during the Naval Academy graduation ceremony on May 23.
Stevenson adds that he tries to stay relaxed the morning of a show, but to also stay alert as his team prepares the jets. “Things are different every morning and so you have to expect change. You can leave one night and everything is good, and then you awake the next morning and you have a list of things that you’re going to have to fix that morning.”
As the Hornets are put through the routines high above, on the ground, the maintenance crews observe with binoculars and later record post-flight analysis to ensure the jets are performing as expected.
Maintainer Michael Hartwell, his first year as a Blue Angel, is a member of the life support crew. (Atkeison)
PO1 Michael Hartwell, his first year on the team, works as a member of the life support crew. “It’s an honor to work on these blue and gold aircraft and to represent the men and women deployed overseas. This is a true honor.”
Hartwell explained his job duties with the Hornet includes the oxygen system and the canopy systems. “We maintain and repair the systems that support the life of the pilot. We also work on the environmental control systems,” Hartwell added.
Each 56-foot long Hornet carries 11,000 pounds of fuel to stay aloft to not only complete the 42-minute performance, but to stay aloft in the event the jets cannot land right away.
The aircraft also endures untold stress during parts of the aerobatic performance as they pull up to 7G’s (seven times one gravity). One demonstration has the jets soar upside down at over 400 m.p.h while only eighteen inches apart. Although the jets can soar past the speed of sound, the pilots of the Blue Angels keep their aircraft from going super sonic over land as not to crack windows of homes or businesses, or set off alarms on the ground.
As you listen to Stevenson, Kittles, and Hartwell discuss their jobs, you can hear the pride in their voice as they discuss how they contribute to the success of the squadron each day.
Kittle summed up his his relationship with his pilot, “The pilot walks up, salutes us and gets in, and we strap him in and he flies. And, when he comes back, handshake, check the jet and make sure it’s good again.”
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media@Military_Flight.)
On Wednesday May 2nd 2018 at approximately 1130 local time, a Puerto Rico Air National Guard (ANG) Lockheed C-130H Hercules airlifter crashed near Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) in Georgia. The stricken aircraft came to rest on Highway 21 at Crossgate Road but no injuries to those on the ground or property damage were reported at the scene. No survivors were reported by authorities at the scene either. The normal crew for the C-130H is five but it is believed additional personnel may have been aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. An investigation into the cause of the crash is now underway.
Official US Air Force photograph
The Lockheed C-130H, Air Force serial number 65-0968 (CN 4110), was assigned to the 198th Airlift Squadron (AS) Bucaneros (Buccaneers) of the 156th Airlift Wing (AW) and based at Muniz Air National Guard Base (ANGB) near San Juan in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The aircraft was manufactured by Lockheed as an HC-130H model and later converted to the WC-130H specification for weather reconnaissance work, serving with the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (WRS) Hurricane Hunters out of Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) in Mississippi.
Official US Air Force photograph
After being converted to the C-130H specification, 65-0968 served with the 53rd AS Blackjack of the 19th AW out of Little Rock AFB in Arkansas and with the 105th AS of the 118th AW, Tennessee ANG out of Berry Field ANGB at Nashville in Tennessee. The airlifter began serving with the Puerto Rico ANG in 2007. The 198th AS flies a mixture of C-130H and WC-130H model Hercules. Though the aircraft was on a local training mission when it crashed its ultimate destination was the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) boneyard Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona for storage.
Official US Air Force photograph
UPDATE 5/2/2018: A surveillance camera video of the crash has surfaced on the web. We will not, out of respect for those who perished and the ongoing investigation, provide it as part of our coverage. Avgeeks who want to view it can find it easily enough.
UPDATE 5/3/2018: A Puerto Rico Air National Guard spokesman has confirmed that there were nine souls on board the aircraft when it crashed after takeoff from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (KSAV) in Georgia. All on board the aircraft perished in the crash.
Official US Air Force photograph
UPDATE 5/3/2018: The Associated Press has released the names of those who died in the crash:
Major Jose R. Roman Rosado, (pilot) of Manati in Puerto Rico.
First Lieutenant David Albandoz (co-pilot) of Madison in Alabama.
Major Carlos Perez Serra (navigator) of Canovanas in Puerto Rico.
Senior Master Sergeant Jan Paravisini of Canovanas in Puerto Rico.
Master Sergeant Jean Audriffred of Carolina in Puerto Rico.
Master Sergeant Mario Brana (flight engineer) of Bayamon in Puerto Rico.
Master Sergeant Eric Circuns (loadmaster) of Rio Grande in Puerto Rico.
Master Sergeant Victor Colon of Santa Isabel in Puerto Rico.
Senior Airman Roberto Espada of Salinas in Puerto Rico.
MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Military aircraft and the nation’s top aerobatic performers took to the clear skies over Myrtle Beach for the coastal communities first air show in two decades.
The area known as the Grand Strand enjoyed the inaugural event under blue skies and seasonable temperatures on Saturday and Sunday. An estimated record crowd of 120,000 guests, not to mention another 20,000 air show fans located outside the airport’s perimeter and on the beach, viewed in awe the dizzying array of aerobatic performances, live music, and a top notch aviation themed kids zone.
USSOCOM Para-Commandos Team descends into Wings Over Myrtle Beach. (Charles Atkeison)
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Air Force F-16 Viper demonstration team headlined the military performers attending. The GEICO Skytypers and aerobatic pilots Michael Wiskus, Patty Wagstaff, and Rob Holland were a few of the civilian performers.
The high speed maneuvers and low passes of the Blue Angels and the Viper jet had guests standing and appauding during the final two hours. The audience in attendance let out huge awes as the Blues and the Skytypers performed their own bomb burst maneuvers each day.
Air Force KC-135 Tanker, built in 1958 and still in use, was popular with attendees. (Charles Atkeison)
“Are you kidding me, this is the coolest show,” Lucas Oil biplane pilot Mike Wiskus said on Sunday. “In my performances I do one of the lowest ribbon cuts — a 15-foot inverted ribbon cut — and I always like doing that one. I also do a forward summersult where I get the airplane to stop a thousand feet in the air and do a summersault.”
Pilot Jim Record of the GEICO Skytypers stepped in on Sunday to express with AvGeekery his interest in the Myrtle Beach show. “This is a terriffic show, and we are really proud to be here.”
Massive Boeing C-17 Globemaster III sits poised during a Myrtle Beach sunrise. (Charles Atkeison)
Air show organizers already have one eye on the future as they have begun preparing for the second annual Wings Over Myrtle Beach set for May 2019. Officially, the Air Force Thunderbirds is currently scheduled to headline the event.
(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and science. Follow his updates on social media via @Military_Flight.)
Earlier this year the aviation and spotting community on YouTube lost a very special person. His name was Steve Bezman also known as 99carnot.
Steve was an aviation lover, planespotter and passionate Youtuber from Alexandria, Virginia, located along the western bank of the Potomac River, just south of downtown Washington, D.C.
SInce 2012, he posted a lot of awesome videos from his home airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, also known as DCA. He also enjoyed posting videos of the local Fire Station. He had a great influence on many YouTubers who share his passion of filming planes in action at airports and airshows around the world. He supported many people on Youtube by commenting, complimenting and motivating them till the last weeks of his life. His death shocked the aviation community on Youtube.
So who was this special man who influenced and impacted many Youtubers with his continuous support and positivity?
Steve Bezman, back in the 70s
Steven P. Bezman was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on September 23, 1948.
He had an older brother Richard and a younger sister Liz, with whom he was very close.
Steve spent much time as a highschooler hanging out at the local Fire Station becoming close friends with several of the Fire Captains.
Steve loved to work with his hands. He became friends with a neighbor who had a workshop in his garage and Steve often spent time with him. He also used this workshop to do some glass blowing.
He was awarded a full scholarship to The University of Maryland in Fire Protection Engineering, but college life was not for him. He moved back to Pittsburgh where he became an inspector for an insurance company to rate them for fire insurance. When his travels took him near State College, PA he loved to spend time with his younger sister Liz by taking her out to dinner, while she was a student at Penn State.
Around 50 years ago, In the late sixties, Steve moved to Virginia at the request of his employer. When the request was made for him to move to Philadelphia, he chose to stay in Virginia and began to work for TWA. When he started as a baggage handler, he became aware of safety issues and often shared his concerns and suggestions to his supervisors. He was recognized for this and received an award in a major ceremony in London. Steve had a lifelong interest in safety with a special passion for aviation safety. Later in his life he would have numerous letters printed in the FAA journal.
Steve Bezman receiving an award for what he did for aviation security
Later he started a new career by working for the Federal Reserve Board. He started as a driver in the transportation department to eventually retire from being supervisor of that department.
He was known for his efficiency and went in up to 3 hours earlier than was necessary to make sure things were in place for the upcoming day.
One of the most dark days of his life was when Steve was working at the Federal Reserve Board on 9/11, when he witnessed the airplane striking into the Pentagon, a Boeing 757 from American Airlines Flight 77. He was driving alongside the airliner. From that day on this horrible experience had a very profound impact on Steve’s life. It was something that he dealt with daily.
In 1988 he moved to a new house in Alexandria, Virginia and took great pride in it. Steve loved to spend time in his garden and he especially loved the spring as bulbs began to pop up.
He also began to do stained glass pieces and gifted so many of his loved ones with his beautiful creations.
Although Steve never married and never had children himself, he enjoyed his role as Uncle Steve very much. His sister’s Liz sons, Michael and Matt were very special to him. Uncle Steve was also very special to the two nephews who always enjoyed their phone conversations with him.
Besides being a protective and caring brother and Uncle, he was also an incredible neighbor and friend to so many others.
He retired about 3 years ago and began to work part time for a local landscape company where he worked on equipment and did preventive maintenance. Steve loved this job very much.
Steve becomes an avgeek Youtube staple
Since October 24, 2011 Steve started to post videos on YouTube as ’99carnot’. He named his channel after Sadi Carnot, a French physicist from the 19th century,
in relation to what he published about how engines work.
What fascinated Steve very much was how different types of engines all operate with four distinct events; intake – compression – power or combustion – exhaust.
The most interesting to Steve was the fact that in piston engines, those 4 events take place at different times in the same engine component, inside the cylinder.
In a jet engine or a gas turbine engine those events take place at the same time in different components, resulting in a smooth running engine compared to piston engines.
It was not surprising that his first videos were about him working on small engines. He had a great passion for engines and he loved to work on small engines very much.
In his first video from October 24, 2011 Steve showed parts from a Pratt & Whitney nine cylinder radial aircraft engine.
Steve also posted videos of trains, the Virginia Fire Station in Alexandria, even music videos. But he was best known for his many aviation videos he filmed at his home airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, also known as DCA. He loved planes very much. He posted his first aviation video on August 31, 2012.
Although he loved to work with his hands, Steve’s favorite activity was taking pictures of airplanes. He spent much time uploading photos and videos to his YouTube channel.
This was another source of great satisfaction to him. He loved to share his videos with the world and interact with his YouTube friends from every corner of the planet.
Steve had a good sense of humor and was also known on Youtube for his legendary ‘Friday Fails’ videos.
One of Steve’s many ‘Friday Fail’ videos
Steve was very loved by all his YouTube friends around the world. Steve would never hesitate to leave a kind comment on everyone’s video, if it was bad or good. From an experienced Youtuber to someone who just started posting videos, from a teenage kid to a man who has teenage kids himself, to Steve it all didn’t matter. What mattered to him was to be positive by spreading love to everyone on Youtube and for everyone to continue with doing the thing they love, shooting planes and creating aviation videos for everyone in the world to enjoy. Just like Steve was doing for years. This passion he had for aviation was something that would always be a great part of his life.
Steve telling us about him being away from Youtube for a while and for us to keep up the great spotting
On January 14, 2018 Steve posted a video telling us: “I will be away from Youtube for a while, but will try to watch your videos. Thanks and keep up the great spotting!” Only two weeks later, on January 31 he posted his last video with the title “Channel Update – Cancer.”
In the description he said: “Something I never expected.” His message in the video to all of his Youtube friends and the world was very impressive and touching: “On January 16, 2018 I was diagnosed with plasma cell leukemia. I started chemotherapy on January 29, 2018. I intend to beat this cancer, and get back to my normal daily activities as soon as possible, including being more active on Youtube. Always be grateful for the good days you are blessed with.”
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhtvBV6si0U
Steve’s last important message to the world in his last video of January 31, 2018. Two weeks before he passed away.
Unfortunately, Steve lost his fight to this awful disease, cancer. He passed away on February 14, 2018 at the age of 69. Like this was meant to be, he passed away on Valentine’s Day, a special day when we celebrate and share our love with our loved ones. Steve definitely shared his love, not only with his family, friends and neighbors, but also with his many friends around the world.
He will be dearly missed on Youtube. These were many emotional comments, left by his fellow YouTubers in one of his last videos:
* Rest In Peace Steve. You were loved by all. You were the “Grandpa Spotter”, always supported everyone no matter what. You truly were a spotting legend. Rest In Peace – YYC Plane Productions
* RIP Steve, really an awesome guy who always without fail leave kind comments on my videos. You will dearly be missed mate – Triple7Lover
* We miss you Steve. You were always so friendly. I liked your encouraging and enthusiastic comments. I am deeply sorry to hear that you are no longer with us – Matthias Aviation Channel
* One of the nicest and kindest souls in our tight knit community, and a truly amazing spotter for sure. I’m sure I can speak for all of us, that Steve was one of our first viewers and supporters on our channels and continued to support us from there on – CathayA340 Aviation
* Man, I was not expecting to hear something like this…I always enjoyed watching his videos, from the regular spotting videos, to the Friday Fails. Rest in peace Steve! – NickFlightX
* Rest in peace, man. You were and still are a great human being. You supported a lot of channels from the beginning and always had something positive to say. It was a pleasure to communicate with you. Thank you for all your support and motivation you gave to almost everyone in our community. We miss you Steve… and will never forget you and your positive attitude.- Aileron Aviation Films
* He was an absolutely kind person and he gave a last message to us:”Enjoy all the good days you’re blessed with!”
I think we all should think about him a moment and take that message with us! Steve, we will never forget you! – Spottertech
* Fly high my friend…and may your dreams fly as high as the airplanes you once filmed. R.I.P Steve – Avgeek Productions
* You will be missed Steve! I really wish I didn’t put off meeting you last summer. Hopefully I’ll meet you on the other side one day. ❤- Erik’s Fire And Aviation Videos
* Dear Steve…I was always very happy to receive your very nice comments on my videos. You were always a very nice person. Always very kind to me and many others here on Youtube!
You were one of a kind. Very special and I feel honored to have known you through Youtube. Thank you for all the support and all the nice words.
I will miss you and I will never forget you! I really hope to meet you one fine day! – JERRY TAHA AVIATION
Steve left this world leaving us with his strong message and life lesson, that I will always remember and treasure: “Always be grateful for the good days you are blessed with.”
I will never forget you, Steve.The world really needs more kind people like you. Rest In Peace in Heaven, my friend. Fly high, dear Steve!
Steve’s family and friends will be honoring him today, Saturday April 28, 2018 during a special Celebration of Life service in Phoenix, Arizona.
America’s “Ambassadors in Blue”, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, now have a new slot pilot, the #4 position with the team, and he is a former Thunderbird himself. Maj. Nick “Khan” Krajicek, former Slot Pilot during the 2016 and 2017 show seasons, is returning to replace Major Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno, who was lost in a tragic accident during a routine training mission over Nevada on the morning of April 4.
The team has understandably been absent from air shows ever since, grieving and conducting an investigation into what exactly went wrong, while also planning their path forward. But as they say, the show must go on, and while the team has not yet announced when they will return to air shows, they are back in the sky training as of the third week of April.
Krajicek is an experienced Thunderbird alumnus who performed as the Slot Pilot during the 2016 and 2017 show seasons. Photo Credit: USAF
“You have helped us through some incredibly difficult days and aided us in our first steps on the long road to recovery,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Walsh, Thunderbird 1, Commander/Leader. “Hard days lie ahead, but we press on a little stronger thanks to you.”
Prior to becoming a Thunderbird, Maj. Del Bagno was a F-35A pilot at the 58th Fighter Squadron, based at Eglin AFB. 2018 was his first year on the team, and while his loss marked the first fatality for the Thunderbirds in 36 years, it was the third accident they’ve experienced in less than 2 years.
Major Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno describes the hi-tech layout of his then F-35 Lightning II helmet in 2017. Photo Credit: Charles Atkeison)
No official details have been released yet by the U.S. Air Force about what happened over the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) on the day he was lost, as the investigation is ongoing. The team is based out of Nellis AFB on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
“We’re grateful to have Khan coming back to the team,” says Walsh. “His experience and familiarity with our team’s mission and the demonstration profile make him the right choice as we safely make our way back on the road to recruit, retain and inspire once more.”
As of now, the team has cancelled two more upcoming scheduled appearances at the Charleston and Fort Lauderdale Air Shows, in order to facilitate Krajicek’s requalification training with the team.
Krajicek has logged more than 3,400 flight hours as a military pilot, with more than 650 hours of combat experience. He flew UH-60 Blackhawks in the Army, is an F-16C/D Fighting Falcon instructor pilot and commissioned into the Air Force in 2004. Photo Credit: USAF
However, both the Laughlin AFB Air Show in Texas and the Air Power over Hampton Roads Air Show in Virginia are being evaluated, “and are dependent on the team’s readiness to perform a safe 6-ship aerial demonstration”, says the team.
Major Krajicek commissioned into the Air Force in 2004, and has logged more than 3,400 flight hours as a military pilot, with more than 650 hours of combat experience. He flew UH-60 Blackhawks in the Army, and is an F-16C/D Fighting Falcon instructor pilot.
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