USA VI 2023
This tour focused on the Oceana Air Show where the Navy opened its gates, and a week later the Marines Corps did the same with the Miramar Air Show. In between there was plenty of time to visit various other interesting locations. Ultimately, we were able to see all branches of American military aviation. We operated with a small group which made us very agile and flexible. The results were accordingly. The weather almost always cooperated so that the photographers had every opportunity for beautiful photo results.
Here you can enjoy the report of this very varied tour.
On Friday, 15 September 2023, we flew with a relatively small group via London-Heathrow to Dulles International Airport, near Washington. In the UK our last travelling companion joined us, completing the group. Without delays we arrived at Dulles (East Coast USA) where we picked up our minivan. This was followed by a 3-hour drive to our hotel in Newport News, where we would stay for the next three nights.
On Saturday, 16 September 2023, after a very short night’s sleep, we left early for Oceana Naval Air Station where the annual Navy air show took place. We were one of the first to park the car near the show grounds and after a short security check we were released at the Naval Air Station. A modest static display was set up here. On the other hand, we were presented with a beautiful and spectacular air display. Initially, the flight line was not allowed to be photographed, but after the crowd increased, this became an untenable measure. Finally, we returned to the hotel satisfied. On the way we visited the Air Power Park in Hampton, although already closed to the public. Here is a small but attractive collection that is clearly visible from the road.
On Sunday, 17 September 2023, the program of the previous day was repeated. Because we positioned ourselves differently, we had a different, varied view of the air show. Unfortunately, the Navy had removed all its Hornets from the platforms, and they were parked in a far corner. Far away and inaccessible to us, that was a bit frustrating. Still, we left the airfield completely satisfied. Meanwhile, the sky clouded over and the first rain fell during the evening.
On Monday (18 September), we were able to enjoy our night’s sleep a little longer. The weather forecast with light rain was such that we decided to first visit Norfolk with its Hawkeyes and Sea Dragons. To our surprise, it was the old C-2A Greyhounds that flew the most. Even though the weather had not yet improved, we were happy with this catch. In the distance we saw that Langley was flying from the wrong runway end, but given the weather forecast that would not change. A bit of a disappointment. That is why the course was shifted south where the US Coast Guard is located at Elisabeth City Regional Airport. In the meantime, the sun broke through, but we turned out to be just too late for an incoming HC-130. In addition to several HC-130s, there were also an MH-60 and MH-65 on the ramp. Then we set course for our last destination on the East Coast: Seymour Johnson AFB. Before we arrived at our hotel in Goldsboro, we saw several locally based F-15E landing with beautiful evening light conditions. After looking up some local W&R we arrived at our hotel.
Tuesday, 19 September 2023, started with the forecast of a clear blue sky. In anticipation of what was to come, we positioned ourselves along the runway at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The field houses the 4th Fighter Wing with 4 squadrons of F-15Es. The Strike Eagles flew well and two local KC-46s from the 77th ARS also flew. Unfortunately, we had to leave around 2:00 PM to catch our flight to the West Coast. After returning our minivan, we flew from Raleigh-Durham Airport to Phoenix Sky Harbor via Charlotte. At Charlotte, the C-17s of the North Carolina ANG glittered in the setting sun. After we had our rental car again, we drove to the hotel in Scottsdale.
On Wednesday, 20 September 2023, we stationed ourselves early in the morning at the Luke AFB landing. The F-35 flew reasonably well, which displaced most F-16s from the air base. Recently some of the F-16 airframes swapped with Vipers from Holloman, resulting in several HO coded F-16s flying and some Mirage F.1s also flew well. Because the sun wouldn’t break through but the temperature rose to 40 degrees, we drove to Yuma via both Voodoos in Gila Bend during the afternoon. In Yuma we parked at the Fairgrounds and saw another Osprey and 2 F-35Bs come in. On the full ramp, a bunch of CH-53K King Stallions stood shining in the afternoon sun. All in all, we had a very satisfying day.
On Thursday, 21 September 2023, our goal was MCAS Yuma. Our hotel in Yuma was close to the Marines Corps Air Station and we heard the first planes leaving at 8:00 am. We quickly packed our things and drove to base to witness two F-5s landing just in time. Because three fatal flying accidents had occurred in the Marines in the last six weeks, all flying activities were suspended for at least two days. So the question was whether there would be any flying. Fortunately, that turned out to be the case. Perhaps not very exuberant, but what flew was very varied. We even witnessed 4 Harriers fluttering in from Cherry Point (East Coast) ahead of the upcoming WTI. The sun set over the runway, which was the moment for us to continue our trip to the West. We drove on to San Diego via Imperial and El Centro, where we met a few more visitors (MH-60, T-44). Before arriving at the hotel, we took a tour around Gillespie Field where we visited the High Performance Aircraft Inc. tarmac. Worth mentioning were a modified civilian Blackhawk and Sky Crane.
On Friday, 22 September, we made a tour from El Cayon to the local fields. Initially we had no success at the USCG in San Diego but we returned here later in the day. Just then an MH-60 went airborne. The biggest surprise awaited us at Brown Field, a civilian field near the Mexican border. In an hour we saw several aircraft of the US Marines: two Sea Stallions, more than a handful of F/A-18C/Ds and a UC-35 were a lot more than we expected. We then set course for NOLF Imperial Beach where we unfortunately saw the last MH-60s leave the circuit for a lunch at North Island. Because there was no further activity, we then drove to the approach of NAS North Island. There was moderate flying although the highlight was the arrival of 2 F-35Cs. We had not seen this type at NAS Oceana earlier in the week. Tired but satisfied we returned to our hotel.
On Saturday, 23 September 2023, we visited the middle day of the three-day Miramar Air Show. By chance we were one of the first to enter the field. After all, there was no indication anywhere for visitors to the air show. In the meantime, the clouds cleared, and a beautiful day awaited us on the air station. After a strict security check (photos, fingerprints, transparent bags i.e.), especially for all foreigners, we were able to enter the ramps. After this we did not experience any interference from security. An extensive static with representation from all branches of the US military characterised the show. The demo of the F-35B and the demonstration of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) were very impressive. The field closed at 5:00 PM and after photographing another line of CH-53s near the parked van, we left for our hotel very satisfied.
On Sunday (24 September), the end of this tour was rapidly approaching. Because we didn’t fly back to Europe from LAX until the evening, we still had time to first visit the small but special branch of the San Diego Air & Space Museum at Gillespie Field. We then left for Los Angeles via Hemet Ryan. At Hemet, our timing was perfect. A Sky Crane just came in and a Bronco followed shortly afterwards. A Cal Fire unit is stationed on this modest field. We started talking with the crews and soon we were invited to explore the tarmac with our cameras and proud accompaniment. Happily, we continued our way to the airport, but not before making a stop at the Proud Bird restaurant. This restaurant is beautifully located in the landing of the huge LAX. The rental car was quickly returned and checked in for our flights.
On Monday, 25 September 2023, we arrived safely at London Heathrow where we said goodbye to our first companion. This wonderful tour came to an end with the landing in Amsterdam.
