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Meet Jessica Ambats, The Air to Air Aviation Photographer

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Meet Jessica Ambats, The Air to Air Aviation Photographer

There is nothing more beautiful than an air to air photo of an airplane. A high quality image of heavier than air machine in its native environment gets every avgeek excited. Have you ever wondered what it takes to get the perfect shot?

It is a complex endeavor to conduct an air to air photo shoot. The perfect photo requires planning, patience, and precision. Jessica Ambats is a renowned aviation photographer, pilot who possesses all three of those qualities in spades. She’s releasing a new book on her air to air photography adventures called Jet Dreams. The book is filled with with dramatic, high-quality air-to-air photos of owner-flown jets.

If you’ve been around aviation for any length of time, you are bound to have seen some of her amazing work in magazines, executive offices, and FBO lobbies. We sat down with Jessica to learn more about her amazing career and forthcoming book.

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Meet Jessica Ambats, The Air to Air Aviation Photographer 6

Our interview with air to air photographer Jessica Ambats

You are also a pilot yourself, when did you realize that flying and photography were the perfect mix for a career?

I always viewed flying and photography as two separate interests, and it took some time to realize I could combine them to create a career.  Years after college, I attended a symposium hosted by the International Society for Aviation Photography.  I was in awe of all of the speakers.  I met accomplished aviation photographers and it was a huge inspiration to me.  That event was my lightbulb moment. 

Did you grow up around airplanes?

I grew up interested in aviation, but not around airplanes.  As a kid, I loved to watch my dad go hang-gliding.  But it wasn’t until much later that I realized flying was an attainable goal.  I earned my private pilot license at Santa Monica Airport, and later seaplane, instrument and multi-engine ratings.

Let’s talk a bit more about air to air photography.  Can you tell us more about the preparation necessary to do an air to air photo flight?

Quite a bit of planning takes place before each shoot.  It starts with having a clear vision of what I want to accomplish.   I research backdrops by studying sectional charts, satellite maps, and other photos, until I find the perfect location.  If it’s in a busy airspace, my formation pilot will coordinate in advance with ATC.  I then schedule a date that works for everyone – this is often the hardest part of the entire process!   I plan our prep/brief/launch times around sunrise or sunset.  I also use an app to calculate where the sun angle will be – this helps me determine in advance exactly where we will orbit for photos.  My team of excellent pilots is what really makes the difference in having a safe and successful shoot. 

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Meet Jessica Ambats, The Air to Air Aviation Photographer 7

What type of modifications have you made to your plane to be able to get the perfect shot?

For Bonanza photoships, we remove the rear doors and the last row of seats.  I sit in the middle row facing backwards.  This gives a large, clear area for me to shoot from.  I wear a harness that is attached to multiple points inside the Bonanza. 

What’s your favorite photo shoot thus far?

There have been many amazing shoots, but one that comes to mind was over New York City, of four Citation Mustangs and a P-51 Mustang. We captured many New York landmarks, including One World Trade Center, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.  Our large formation of aircraft, next to busy airspace, was an awesome undertaking.  But, New York being my hometown is what made this shoot most special. As we flew overhead and I looked down at the city, I remembered myself standing down there as a young child, looking up and dreaming.  It felt like I had come full circle.

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A dissimilar four ship formation over New York City. Photo: Jessica Ambats

There have been many amazing shoots, but one that comes to mind was over New York City, of four Citation Mustangs and a P-51 Mustang.

– Jessica Ambats

You are already an accomplished pilot, magazine editor, and photography.  Now you are going to add author to that list too. What inspired you to put out a book?

I’ve wanted to create a book for a long time. Being grounded during the pandemic has allowed time to finally focus on it. Through my work shooting owner-flown airplanes, I’ve gotten to know a very interesting group of individuals.  Many of them dreamed of flying as kids and have fascinating, self-made success stories. I want to share their inspirational stories along with my collection of air-to-air work.   

At Avgeekery, we’re always trying to inspire the next generation to explore a career in aviation. To be honest, things are looking a little tough these past couple of months, especially for people who are pursuing a traditional airline career.  What advice do you have for them?

An airline career takes persistence and resilience.  The aviation industry is affected by ups and downs in the economy more than many other industries.  Anyone interested in aviation has to really love it and be creative about ways to build time.  That said, there are many other ways to have a career within aviation: engineering, design, sales, marketing… and even photography!

Sean D. Tucker writes the forward for Jessica Ambats book Jet Dreams.
Air to air Photography with Sean D. Tucker. Sean wrote the forward for JEssica Ambats’ book Jet Dreams.

We’re pretty sure that her book will be a hit in the aviation community and beyond. Jet Dreams features 160 pages of photography plus a forward by world-famous aerobatic pilot Sean D. Tucker. If you are interested in supporting her work and/or purchasing her book, check out her Kickstarter here.

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Jessica Ambats’ new book titled Jet Dreams will feature over 100 of her best air to air photos.

X-37B Space Shuttle Launches on an Extended Research Mission

Charles Atkeison
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X-37B Space Shuttle Launches on an Extended Research Mission

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The U.S. Space Force’s uncrewed X-37B space shuttle lifted off into the skies over America’s Space Coast on Sunday to begin military science research in space.

This sixth flight of the X-37B program is the first under the management of the Space Force. As the previous five flights under the Air Force were top secret, several payloads have been announced for this mission.

Based at the Kennedy Space Center, there are two Orbital Test Vehicles in service. They are serviced in a building once used to prepare NASA’s space shuttle fleet for flight. The X-37-B is 25:100 scale compared to NASA’s orbiters.

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The encapsulated Space Force X-37B a few weeks prior to the sixth launch in the program’s history. (ULA)

The last X-37B broke the program’s space duration record in October 2019 after spending 780 day in low Earth orbit. Combined, the two spacecraft have logged seven years and 10 months in space, and nearly one billion miles traveled.

Launch and the Mission Ahead

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 501 thundered away from Cape Canaveral AFS at 9:14:00 a.m. EDT, on Sunday. The rocket’s 860,200 pounds of thrust pushed the second X-37B craft toward space beginning its third flight.
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The Atlas V began its trek northwest out over the Atlantic waters. Five minutes into the flight, the two payload fairing halves separated exposing the X-37B to space.

“This launch is a prime example of integrated operations between the Air Force, Space Force, and government-industry partnerships,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein stated on Thursday. “The X-37B continues to break barriers in advancing reusable space vehicle technologies and is a significant investment in advancing future space capabilities.”

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The Atlas V main stage separates from the Centaur upper stage four minutes after launch on Sunday. (ULA)

The two spacecraft are owned by the U.S. Air Force. The U.S. Space Force is in charge of the launch, on-orbit operations, and landing.

“This sixth mission is a big step for the X-37B program,” Randy Walden, Director and Program Executive Officer for the Department of the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, said on Friday. “This will be the first X-37B mission to use a service module to host experiments.”

The addition of a service module will allow the space plane to include more research experiments. A satellite deployment is scheduled later in the flight.

The winged spacecraft will likely stay aloft for over one year, and may break the last mission’s endurance record. At the flight’s conclusion, the X-37B will return home and land at the Kennedy Space Center.

ULA dedicated Sunday’s launch to healthcare professionals, first responders, and the military working across the frontlines of COVID-19. “We join the U.S. Air and Space Forces in honoring those affected by the virus,” the commercial space company added.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Pilots Get Rare Chance To Land At Nation’s Busiest Airports

Avgeekery
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Pilots Get Rare Chance To Land At Nation’s Busiest Airports

COVID-19 pandemic opens up busy airports to private and military flyers

Airlines are flying significantly less flights due to the massive drop in air travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although travel is beginning to recover, daily traveler numbers are still down around 90% from the same period last year. This news is devastating for the aviation industry, but it has allowed a very unique opportunity for some aviators.

Over the past couple of weeks we’ve seen sporadic YouTube videos of same brave general aviation pilots pop up on the web who have flown into some of the largest commercial airports in the country.

Prior to the pandemic, it would be extremely difficult to fly into an airport like New York LaGuardia or Chicago O’Hare in a single engine Cessna or RV-8. Impossible in some cases due to the sheer volume of traffic. Many of these airports these days are like ghost towns enabling some very creative cross countries.

Still, it isn’t easy just to hop in a plane and fly

With ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions in full force in some areas of the country, it isn’t always easy to rent a plane or find an instructor to fly in challenging class B airspace. If you own your own plane, or have access to one, it is possible though. We’ve even seen one pilot who made a cross-country flight between New York’s three major airports. We’ll show you the videos on the next few pages.

Tour de New York in an RV-8

Our first video that peaked our interest in this concept comes from YouTuber Life in the FL. He owns an RV-8 and has some great general aviation content of his flying adventures. In this episode, he filed a triangle route between New Jersey’s Newark airport to LaGuardia and then New York’s Kennedy airport. On a normal day, he would have been cussed out by a New York controller. In this video though, the controller just makes a slight chuckle, scoffs at him a bit, and then provides clearance for his requested route.

It is interesting to note that in this video, he only requests a low approach. It’s about as low as you can go when flying a plane, but we love the creativity to avoid a full stop and the fees that would most likely result in a landing at three of the most busy airports in the nation.

Next up: A KC-10 Does a Touch and Go at New York LaGuardia

Thunderbirds Salute Covid19 Responders Across Southern California

Charles Atkeison
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Thunderbirds Salute Covid19 Responders Across Southern California

LOS ANGELES — The Air Force Thunderbirds returned to the skies over California on Friday to perform a series of flyovers as they continue to salute the medical workers and employees on the frontlines of Covid19.

America’s Ambassadors in Blue performed flights across several medical facilities and hospitals over San Diego and north to Carlsbad. The squadron then aerial refueled before continuing on to flyover Los Angeles.

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The six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets departed their home near Las Vegas at 11 a.m. PDT, to begin the short trip to southern California. A seventh F-16 also took-off with the team to provide ATC support and aerial photography.

“It is an honor for our team to salute the countless Californians who have committed to keeping the communities safe during this difficult time in our nation,” Thunderbirds flight leader Lt Col John Caldwell said on Thursday. “We hope to give onlookers a touching display of American resolve that honors those serving on the frontline our fight against COVID-19.”

The Thunderbirds skirted along the U.S.-Mexico boarder before turning north toward San Diego at 12 p.m. Beautiful weather around San Diego greeted the flight squadron.

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The Thunderbirds fly in formation over the USS Midway Museum on Friday. (U.S. Navy/ MC2 R. Breeden)

Flying away from northern San Diego, the Thunderbirds grabbed some jet fuel out over the Pacific waters. A KC-10 Extender from Travis AFB provided the aerial refueling for the seven aircraft.

The Thunderbirds later resumed their America Strong flyover as the entered Los Angeles airspace at 1:35 p.m. Flying north over the City of Angels, they made an aerial loop flying west and then south down the coastline before heading east.

As the six jets and chase aircraft flew over Long Beach at 1:52 p.m., something unusual happened. Thunderbird 6 Capt. Kyle Oliver was forced to break right and away from the tight delta formation for a few seconds. He then rejoined with no issue.

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The Air Force Thunderbirds prepare to takeoff for an America Strong flyover across southern California at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, on May 15, 2020. (U.S.A.F./SSgt. C. Bush)

Video from Los Angeles ABC7 showed the jets flutter a second prior to Capt. Oliver’s break away. The effect forced the team’s route to change slightly.

“Due to the unexpected high concentration of air traffic, the (Thunderbirds) pilots had to modify the flight path during the flyover to ensure operational and public safety,” Thunderbirds public affairs officer Capt. Remoshay Nelson told AvGeekery.com. “It was because of unexpected traffic.”

After aerial refueling with the KC-10 for a third time within four hours, the KC-10 returned to Travis AFB. The Thunderbirds, meanwhile, continued to for one final five minute flyover — from Thousand Oaks to Santa Clara.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Blue Angels Flyover Nashville, Little Rock to Honor Healthcare Workers

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Flyover Nashville, Little Rock to Honor Healthcare Workers

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The six blue and gold jets of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels honored the healthcare professionals and first responders with extended flyovers across Nashville and Little Rock on Thursday.

Flying across sunny skies, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron continued their flights over medical facilities across the eastern United States. Government support for their America Strong flights are tied into money already appropriated for their air show season.
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“The America Strong initiative is a way for the Blue Angels to show appreciation to the thousands of nurses, doctors, firefighters, grocery store employees, military personnel, and many others who are at the front line of the pandemic response,” Blue Angels Boss Cmdr. Brian Kesselring said on Wednesday. “This is our opportunity to salute each American in the fight against COVID-19.”

The Blue Angels departed their home base at NAS Pensacola at 10:23 a.m. CDT, soaring into partly cloudy skies over the Emerald Coast. In an unprecedented move, the Blue Angels provided a unique view of their taxi and take-off.

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the Blue Angels flyover Nashville, including Nissan Stadium, on May 14, 2020. (US Navy/ MC2 C. Hendrix)

As the Blue Angels powered up their aircraft and began their move on the Florida runway, the team broadcast live video from inside the cockpit of an F/A-18D Hornet. A live microphone helped capture the feel of being inside the cockpit of the military jet.

The Blue Angels arrival over south central Tennessee was met by two KC-10 Extenders from JB McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. The two Air Force aircraft began refueling the Navy jets at 11:35 a.m., as they flew in multiple oval patterns of the area.

The Blue Angels first flyover began east of Smyrna, Tennessee, and moved in a V-shape track to the south and then west of the city. The squadron’s delta formation then flew west to Franklin, and then northward to Nashville.

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The Navy’s flight demonstration squadron approach Little Rock on Thursday. (U.S. Navy/ MC2 C. Hendrix)

Cars along Nashville’s interstates and local roads slowed and pedestrians stopped to look toward the city’s skyline at the jets performed several passes beginning at 12:09 p.m. The six jets and one chase plane flew over the skyline, smoke-on, as they thanked the local healthcare employees.

The Blue Angels then raced west toward Memphis to rejoin with the twin KC-10s to refuel again. Two larger jets with three smaller jets following behind.

The Navy’s jet team arrived over western Little Rock at about to perform a flyover along the Arkansas River. The brief five minute flyover circled the capital city’s downtown district before heading off to the east.

As the sun set over the Pensacola Naval Training Facility, no new set of flyover locations have been announced by the team. The probability that the team’s Covid-19 flyovers have concluded looms on the horizon, or will they fly one final set of cities in a few days.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Blue Angels Flyovers Salute First Responders in Jacksonville, Miami

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Flyovers Salute First Responders in Jacksonville, Miami

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron soared into the blue skies over Florida on Friday to perform a series of extended flyovers to salute healthcare professionals and essential personnel.

The Blue Angels are performing a series of flights every few days to thank the medical facilities and hospital staff. The squadron is performing a series of flights over the eastern United States during May.
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“The America Strong initiative is a way for the Blue Angels to show appreciation to the thousands of nurses, doctors, firefighters, grocery store employees, military personnel, and others who are at the front line of the pandemic response,” Blue Angels Boss and flight leader Cmdr. Brian Kesselring said on Thursday. “This is our opportunity to salute each American in the fight against COVID-19.”

The Blue Angels departed their home base at NAS Pensacola to begin the short hop over to the skies above Jacksonville. Flying in a six-aircraft delta formation, the squadron flew smoke-on over the Atlantic coastline starting at 11:39 a.m. EDT.

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New Jersey’s 305th Air Refueling Wing refuel the Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets on May 8, 2020. (MC1 Jess Gray)

As the squadron left Jacksonville airspace en route to Miami they were met by an Air Force aircraft. Two KC-10 Extenders from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst’s 305th Air Refueling Wing, refueled the Blues’ F/A-18 Hornets twice on Friday.

The KC-10s refueled the jets over the St. Augustine prior to the Jacksonville flyovers. They again rejoined with the Navy squadron east of Lake Okeechobee prior to Miami.

The Blue Angels arrived over north Miami at 1 p.m. to first flyover Boca Raton Medical Center. They flew over several more hospital facilities as they flew as far south as Homestead.

Six Sun-lite blue and gold jets then turned north to flyover medical facilities across western Miami. They concluded over West Boca Medical Center at 1:26 p.m.

The Blue Angels will likely announce a new schedule of location flyovers on or before Monday. With their air show season delayed until at least July, the Blue Angels are focused on America Strong flights.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

WATCH: Nothing Could Stop This Tomcat-Including the Crew Ejecting

Bill Walton
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WATCH: Nothing Could Stop This Tomcat-Including the Crew Ejecting

The Crew Punched Out Just in Time, But the Jet Flew On Without Them

The 8th of March 2002 dawned over the ships of Carrier Group 7 in the northern Arabian Gulf like so many had before. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) was on her third deployment and her second with Carrier Air Wing NINE (CVW-9) embarked in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) at the time. Fighter Squadron TWO ONE ONE (VF-211) Fighting Checkmates were the only fighter squadron operating Grumman F-14A Tomcat fighters from the deck of the “Johnny Reb.” The maintenance troops were doing a great job with those old birds though-on 8 March 2002 VF-211 had 8 of its 10 jets available for sorties.

F-14A Tomcat fighters flying formation.
Section shot of VF-211 F-14A tomcats. image via us navy

Low at the Start, Right for Lineup

When it came time to recover the airborne jets, at 1821 local time F-14A Tomcat BuNo 158618 wearing modex 104, approached the JCS for recovery. The crew of the jet, pilot Lieutenant Robert “Mornin'” Woods and RIO Commander Douglas “Ogre” McGowan (a CVW-9 staffer) using callsign Nickel 104, started low but corrected and flew a fair pass over the ramp, engaging a cross-deck pendant with their tailhook. Normally the pilot of the jet throttles up to ensure that if a hook skip or cross-deck pendant failure occurs, the jet will retain enough energy to motor off the angle and back into the sky. But that’s not how things went for Nickel 104.

USS John C. Stennis Aircraft Carrier with F-14 Tomcat fighters on deck.
USS John C Stennis (CVN-74) with CVW-9 embarked in 2003. Image via US Navy

Split-Second Decision

The jet snagged a wire and the engines throttled up alright, but the tailhook separated from the aircraft not far from the end of the normal runout- which is to say not far from the forward edge of the angle deck. The crew of the jet (reportedly the RIO Ogre), believing they did not have enough energy to remain airborne after flying off the angle, initiated the ejection sequence before running off the angle. However, as Ogre and Mornin’ rocketed out of the now-doomed Turkey, the jet only then appeared to go to full zone 5 afterburner. Shed of the weight of the canopy, crew, and their seats, the Tomcat turned skyward and continued to fly right out of the camera frame after the crew departed the aircraft-more or less straight up! We’re told the jet flew up through the stack and then did a hammerhead, coming back down and hitting the water a few hundred yards from the JCS.

A single Tomcat in flight.
Nickel 105 in flight. image via national naval aviation museum

Dude, Where’s My Jet?

Thankfully, both Mornin’ and Ogre ejected successfully from the Turkey without incident (no Goose scenario) and were fished out of the Gulf by an HS-8 Eightballers HH-60H Rescue Hawk helo. Neither crew member sustained serious injury, although they were both probably about an inch shorter after their rides up the rails. Below are two video angles of the mishap, the first showing the PLAT camera view and the second the deck camera view-both uploaded to YouTube by ilikechinesefood. More about Nickel 104 after the videos.

PLAT Camera Shot of the Approach

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Deck view as F-14 Tomcat flies off the angle

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F-14A Tomcat with VX-4.
F-14A with VX-4. image via national archives

The Tomcat Was More Than 30 Years Old

Built in 1972, Nickel 104 was a Grumman F-14A-60-GR Tomcat assigned the Bureau number 158618. As the 19th Tomcat off the line, 618 was one of the oldest remaining operational Tomcats in service. The jet went into service first as a manufacturer’s test airframe before going to VX-4 Evaluators in 1976 where the jet wore side number 30. After serving with VX-4, 618 was stored at the AMARG boneyard in 1982.

Tomcat stationed at NAS Dallas.
158618 while serving with VF-201 hunters out of NAS Dallas. image via NZAV8A

Texas Tomcat Time

When the Naval Air Station (NAS) Dallas-based Naval Reserve fighter squadrons transitioned from F-4N Phantom IIs to F-14A Tomcats, 618 was refurbished along with BuNos 158613 through 158617, 158620, 158624, 158626, and 158637 and modified to block 130 standards for service with VF-201 Hunters and VF-202 Superheats. After wearing side number 112 while serving with VF-201, 618 was transferred to VF-41 in February of 1999 after VF-201 transitioned to F/A-18A Hornets (becoming VFA-201) in January of 1999. The jet then went to VF-211 in April of 2001, initially wearing side number 104. Sometime before 8 March 2002 618 also probably wore modex 105. F-14A 158618 was the last F-14A model (and next to last overall) operational accident resulting in the total loss of a Tomcat.

Time-lapse image of a takeoff from the John C. Stennis.
Ops aboard the stennis. image via us navy

It Takes a Carrier Air Wing

During their 11 November 2001-28 May 2002 OEF OSW deployment aboard the Stennis, CVW-9 consisted of VF-211 Fighting Checkmates flying the Grumman F-14A Tomcat, VMFA-314 Black Knights, VFA-146 Blue Diamonds, and VFA-147 Argonauts flying the McDonnell Douglas (Boeing) F/A-18C Hornet, VAQ-138 Yellow Jackets flying the Grumman EA-6B Prowler, VAW-112 Golden Hawks flying the Grumman E-2C Hawkeye, VS-33 Screwbirds flying the Lockheed S-3B Viking, HS-8 Eightballers flying the Sikorsky HH-60H Rescue Hawk and SH-60F Seahawk helicopters, and a deployment from VRC-30 Providers flying the Grumman C-1A Greyhound COD.

F-14 producing a vapor trail while in flight.
VF-211 F-14A Tomcat vaping. image via us navy

Definitely a Combat Cruise for the Tomcat

CVW-9 flew 10,600 combat sorties, logged 54,390 hours, and dropped 275,000 pounds of ordnance during the 107 days of combat flight operations during this deployment. The flight deck crew recovered 9,600 arrested landings. Well, make that 9,599. VF-211 directly supported the three-week-long battle Operation Anaconda, flying 1250 combat sorties, logging 4200 combat hours and dropping 100,000 lbs of ordnance resulting in the 2002 VADM “Sweetpea” Allen Precision Strike Award for the Fighting Checkmates. On their return to CONUS VF-211 transitioned to CVW-1 aboard the Big E. After their next two deployments, VF-211 became VFA-211 upon their transition to the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2004.

F-14 banking right.
VF-211 F-14A tomcat

Supporting Cast

During this deployment, Carrier Group 7 consisted of the Stennis, the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS Port Royal (CG 73), the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), the Spruance-class destroyer USS Elliot (DD 967), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Jarrett (FFG 33), the Supply-class fast combat support ship USS Bridge (AOE 10), the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines USS Jefferson City (SSN 759) and USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716), and the Canadian Halifax-class frigate HMCS Vancouver (FFH 331).

Tomcat on the flight deck of the Stennis.
VF-211 F-14A aboard the Stennis. image via us navy

Answers Still Missing-Your Help Needed!

As to the cause of the tailhook failure, there is no publicly available accident investigation report for the mishap. However, there are those who claim corrosion control in the tailhook mount was to blame. Others say the hook assembly itself failed near the mount. There was also conflicting data regarding the modex worn by 618- some sources indicated 104 but most indicated 105. Also missing is 158618’s modex while with VF-41. Any additional information about Woods or McGowen would be appreciated. If anyone was there and can shed light on the event, please contact me so I can update the story. We will fully credit any reliable source!

UPDATE: Thanks to readers Scott Eanes for providing the information about the jet’s flight path post-ejection, Scott Miller for LT Woods’ perfect callsign, and Ron Vaught for Ogre’s given name. Reader TheRaider Brad gave me some pretty solid clues as to the modex 158618 was assigned on 8 March 2002 and Ogre’s rank. Reader Ed Galvin provided Ogre’s status as a CVW-9 staffer. Thanks to all who provided information!

Tomcat taking off from the Stennis.
VF-211 Tomcat rockets off the deck of the JCS. image via us navy

Blue Angels Honor Texas, Louisiana Healthcare Workers

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels Honor Texas, Louisiana Healthcare Workers

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Navy’s Blue Angels honored the healthcare professionals fighting on the frontlines of Covid-19 on Wednesday during a series of flyover salutes in Texas and Louisiana.

The flights across four major U.S. cities were flown on National Nurses Day. The squadron also recognized first responders, local military, and other essential personnel working to improve life during the crisis.

Six blue and gold F/A-18 Hornets performed flyovers of healthcare facilities in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston before concluding the day over New Orleans. This was their third day of Operation America Strong, and their first without the Air Force Thunderbirds alongside.

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the Blue Angels concluded Wednesday with several low flyovers of New Orleans. (US Navy/ Eric Garst)

The Thunderbirds had departed Naval Air Station Pensacola on Monday to return home to Nellis AFB in Nevada. They plan to announce a new set of flyover salutes this week over several western cities.

“America Strong is about showing how much we, as a nation, count on our frontline responders and that we have their back just like they have had ours,” Blue Angels Boss Cmdr. Brian Kesselring expressed on Tuesday. “They have always been there for us all, holding our nation together, even more so during this pandemic.”

Southern Flyovers Salute Frontline Covid-19 Employees

Flying at 400 m.p.h. across each city, the Blue Angels aligned in a six plane delta formation — smoke-on. The popular flyovers were greeted in each location by cheers and applause under sunny skies.

The flyovers began at 11:00 a.m. CDT, as the Blue Angels delta approached Dallas from the north. Leading a six column smoke trail, the jets began to zig-zag with a series of left and right banks.
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Sixteen minutes later, the Blue Angels began their approach over Fort Worth to the west. A huge S-turn maneuver aligned the squadron to flyover AT&T Stadium in Arlington before moving into downtown.

“This one hits closer to home, as we will be flying directly over the hospital area in Dallas where I was born, and the area where I lived until age 4 just southwest of Dallas,” Blue Angels left wing pilot Major Frank Zastoupil said on Tuesday. “Thank-you Texas and all the frontline COVID responders there, this one is for y’all and everyone whose lives have changed during this challenging time.”

The Blues then flew south to conduct a series of Houston flyovers. The squadron concluded with a smoke-on salute over NASA’s Johnson Space Center at 1 p.m.

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The Blue Angels delta formation performs above Houston on May 6. (Nathan Moeller/Astro95Media.com)

The Blue Angels turned their jets eastward toward New Orleans for the final flyover of the day. Crowds lined streets across the Crescent City and around southern Lake Pontchartrain.

The jets departed eastern New Orleans at 2:05 p.m. to return home to NAS Pensacola. The Blue Angels had logged nearly 1900 miles roundtrip.

“Make sure to look to those around you in your communities and realize how incredibly strong we can be when we come together,” Maj. Zastoupil added.

The Blue Angels will fly again on Friday as they perform America Strong flights over Miami and Jacksonville. The squadron will likely make a special pass above the Kennedy Space Center.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

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smoke on! the blue angels captured above the woodlands headed south toward houston. image via john walton
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a fantastic day for a fly over in houston. image via john walton

Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing Red Tails Salute Healthcare Workers

Charles Atkeison
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Alabama’s 187th Fighter Wing Red Tails Salute Healthcare Workers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Six F-16 Fighting Falcons performed a series of flyovers across Alabama on Tuesday as the Air Force continues their salute of Covid-19 frontline medical employees.

The Red Tails of the 187th Fighter Wing based at Dannelly Field near Montgomery began the flyovers at noon. Three sets of two F-16s flew across the cities of Auburn, Tuskegee, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Decatur, Mobile, and Dothan.
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Weather kept the jets from flying near a few locations forcing pilots to shift their flight plans. The squadron announced late Tuesday they plan to make it up to those who missed the flyovers due to weather.

“It is a distinct honor to express our gratitude and that of our fellow Alabamians for the heroes on the frontlines of COVID19 with this showcase of American airpower,” 187th Fighter Wing commander Col. Ed Casey said on Monday. “It’s our hope that these F-16 flyovers offer residents and workers in these communities pride in our state, hope for our country, and resolve in our fight against the coronavirus.”

Several F-16s have an all-red paint scheme on their vertical stabilizer in honor of the World War II heroes of the Tuskegee Airman. The Red Tails’ pilots of yesteryear paved the way for minority representation in today’s Air Force.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Alan Shepard Became NASA’s First Astronaut in 1961

Charles Atkeison
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Alan Shepard Became NASA’s First Astronaut in 1961

America took her first steps into space in May 1961, led by anaval aviator Alan Shepard beginning a new voyage of exploration upon the ocean of space.

On the heels of Russia’s successful launch of the first human into Earth orbit, NASA sped up work to launch the United States first astronaut.

Strapped inside the cone-shaped Mercury spacecraft atop the Redstone rocket was Alan B. Shepard, Jr. A naval aviator since 1947, Shepard had been selected to ride the rocket first five moths prior to launch.

Roger, liftoff and the clock has started!

Liftoff!

At 9:34 a.m. EDT on May 5, 1961, Shepard rocketed from Launch Complex 5 at Cape Canaveral aboard the Mercury spacecraft Freedom 7. The candlestick rocket soared into the blue skies powered by 78,000 pounds of thrust.

“Roger, liftoff and the clock has started,” Shepard radioed Mercury Control at the Cape.

His Redstone rocket separated 144 seconds after lift-off, and immediately Shepard began to pilot the Mercury spaceship. He fired the thruster jets on all axes which allowed the commander to change the ship’s attitude.

To view the Earth below, America’s first astronaut used a periscope which was deployed after booster separation. No other American had flown as high.

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Shepard photographed the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Canaveral about 110 miles high. (NASA)

Alan Shepard Saw a Beautiful View of Space

“On the periscope, what a beautiful view,” Shepard radioed to the controllers at the Cape. “Cloud cover over Florida, 3 to 4 tenths near the eastern coast. Obscured up to (Cape) Hatteras.”

Five minutes into the flight, Freedom 7 reached its apogee of 116.5 miles altitude. Ten seconds later, three retro rockets fired on schedule to orientate the craft for its brief reentry.

Suddenly, like a cannonball, his small craft came back down toward the Atlantic Ocean. Freedom 7 splashed down 303 statue miles east of the Cape 15 minutes, 22 seconds after leaving Cape Canaveral.

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Spacecraft recovery 302 miles east of Cape Canaveral. The green trail is a location dye marker. (NASA)

Shepard’s successful flight is outlined in an official NASA document first published in 1961.

Shepard would walk on the moon during Apollo 14 in February 1971, before retiring from NASA and the Navy in 1974. He had logged nine days of spaceflight.

Our Conversation with Alan Shepard

During an exclusive interview with Alan Shepard in 1995, I asked him how the space program of today differs from what he experienced during the 1960s and into the 1970s? His words from 25 years ago remain true today as we turn the corner with flights to the moon.

Alan Shepard: “I think as far as NASA’s concerned, yes. The difference as far as the general public’s concerned is that the pure excitement of the early days is gone because, “so we’ve done that. What do we do tomorrow?”, kind of routine. The fact that the public in general is excited about exploration made the lunar missions a very well recognized, well appreciated phase.”

“The folks that are flying today are just as dedicated as we were even knowing ahead of time that they are not going to receive the same kind of appreciation and recognition that those of us did in the early days.”

Alan Shepard: A humble leader

Charles A Atkeison: Do you consider yourself the Christopher Columbus of the modern age?

Alan: “I really don’t. I consider myself very fortunate to have been allowed to make a couple of space flights for the United States. I recognize a few of us get a lot of attention, but literally hundreds of our close associates are the ones that did all the work.”

“I remember saying in May of 1961 at the White House, when I received a medal from President Kennedy acknowledging that these hundreds, yes thousands of dedicated individuals on the ground are the ones to whom the accolades of the day should go. And I still feel that very strongly.”

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Naval aviator and NASA astronaut Alan B. Shepard and Charles A Atkeison at the Kennedy Space Center.

Charles: I remember the scene, Kennedy drops your medal during the presentation. What went through your head right then?

Alan: “Well, we almost banged heads ’cause both of us (Shepard laughs) … it was kind of cute. ‘Cause Jack said, “Here”, and Jackie (Kennedy) said, ‘No. No, Jack, pin it on.’ So then he recovered and pinned it on. So we had a lot of fun with that.”

His favorite flight

Charles: Do you consider both of your flights equal, as the first American in space and going to the moon?

Alan: “The only thing that is common to those two flights as I’m concerned was a certain round of personal pride and satisfaction. Not only to have been chosen to make these two missions, but also to be able to relatively, ah, expertly complete both of them.”

One year earlier, Shepard co-authored the book Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Race to the Moon. The best selling book later became a made-for-TV mini-series.

Today, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex, guests are greeted by a towering bronze statue of America’s first astronaut. It serves as a reminder for future generations of a man who did so much to propel this country into the final frontier.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Salute Maryland, D.C., Georgia First Responders

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels, Thunderbirds Salute Maryland, D.C., Georgia First Responders

ATLANTA — The Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds returned to the skies in joint formations on Saturday to conduct a second series of flyovers to thank professionals on the frontlines of Covid-19.

Crowds on the ground cheered and applauded as the two military flight squadrons flew over Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are flying to salute America’s nurses, doctors, first responders, and the other essential employees.

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The Thunderbirds six F-16 Fighting Falcon jets and the Blue Angels six F/A-18 Hornets flew in precision formation and stayed on schedule. Their non-stop, six-hour roundtrip flight covered nearly 2,400 miles.

“We are honored to fly over these cities in a display of national unity and support for the men and women keeping our communities safe.” Thunderbirds commander and pilot Lt. Col. John Caldwell said on Friday. “These flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COIVD-19 pandemic.”

Military Jet Teams Begin America Strong Flyovers

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds departed Pensacola at 9:21 a.m. EDT, for their first flyover in Baltimore. Moments later, the teams were met over south of Atlanta by four KC-10 Extender aircraft for the first aerial refueling of the flight.

Keeping on a tight schedule, the jets arrived over historic Fort McHenry to begin their first flyover at 11:29 a.m. The two squadrons of 14 jets then flew over Baltimore, making a series of loops over local hospitals.

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The Thunderbirds and Blue Angels fly over the Pentagon near Washington D.C., on May 2, 2020. (USAF)

“It was really awesome as I’d never seen a flyover before, and so it was very exciting to see for the first time,” Minnie Wilson, a physician’s assistant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, said. “It’s really flattering that they appreciate us that much because I feel like they do so much for our country. It makes the job a little more special.”

“The teams next flew the short route to Washington, D.C., flying over the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol building. Their route also took them over northern Virginia just west of the Nation’s Capital.

In a patriotic salute, the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels flew shoulder-to-shoulder past the Washington Monument. They then flew easterly down the Mall to more cheers from spectators.

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The Thunderbirds prepare to take off for a series of flyovers on Saturday. (USAF/ Maj. R. Geoffroy)

The jets were then fed more fuel during aerial refueling from four KC-10s. The two teams and a chase aircraft pilots also took a short break for a snack.

Sunny skies greeted the flight teams over metro Atlanta as they arrived at 1:34 p.m. Crowds gathered in downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park to witness the rare joint flyovers.

The two squadrons will perform more flyovers next week, however the two teams maybe flying separately. The cover more ground, the teams could fly over separately locations in the southeast.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to Flyover Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta on Saturday

Charles Atkeison
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Blue Angels, Thunderbirds to Flyover Baltimore, D.C., Atlanta on Saturday

PENSACOLA, Fla. — The Nation’s Capitol, Baltimore, and Georgia will greet the Navy’s Blue Angels and Air Force Thunderbirds on Saturday as they continue their flyover salute of America’s healthcare professionals.

America’s two military flight demonstration teams completed a marathon set of flyovers across the northeast on Tuesday. They now turn their attention to a series of smoke-blazing joint flights in new regions of the country.

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The flight tracks for May 2, 2020, America Strong flyovers. Click on each to expand the map. (DoD)

“We are honored to fly over these cities in a display of national unity and support for the men and women keeping our communities safe.” Thunderbirds commander Lt. Col. John Caldwell said. “These flyovers are a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the entire Department of Defense to the heroes of the COIVD-19 pandemic.”

Fourteen military jets will fly smoke-on during the first planned flyover beginning in Baltimore, Maryland. They are scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. EDT, and last around 15 minutes

The two squadrons will then fly the short route to Washington D.C. to begin a 20 minute flight formation at 11:45 a.m. Expect to see several awe inspiring photographs as they fly across the White House, Capitol Building, and the National Mall.

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The fourteen formation jets and a chase jet will then aerial refuel as they track southwest toward north Georgia. The flyovers in Atlanta will begin at about 1:35 p.m. and last for 25 minutes.

“America Strong is a way for both teams to show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders, and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out,” Blue Angels Boss Brian Kesselring said on Thursday. “This is an extraordinary and unprecedented time but we will get through this. We are all in this together.”

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Applause and cheers will greet the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds across D.C., Baltimore, Atlanta on May 2. (USAF/ SSgt. Cory Bush)

The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds will then return back to NAS Pensacola, and prepare for their next set of flyovers as early as Monday.

The Thunderbirds remain on track to perform during the Wings Over North Georgia airshow near Atlanta in October. The two-day event will be one of the few air shows in which the Air Force squadron publicly performs.

“The past several weeks have been filled with changes most of us have never seen in our lives,” Airshow President John Cowman stated on Thursday. “As we look to the future, careful consideration has been given to incorporating procedures and guidelines to host a safe and exciting event. We will continue to make adjustments to our plans as new guidelines are issued by local, state, and national authorities.”

Editor’s Note: The military will release their aerial track maps on Friday. We will update this story once they are released.

(Charles A. Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)

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